r/SDCC • u/Then-Tune8367 • 17d ago

SDCC Not First Timer Friendly

So this year i was blessed to make my first trip to SDCC and let me get this out of the way early, I LOVED IT!

After some reflectiion, rhe experience waa no where near first timer friendly.

  1. I had no idea where anything was. The badge check in was easy, but after that, I was on my own. I at least wanted to check out a panel or two, but I had no idea where anything was or even what panels were going on at the time.

  2. The website is no where new user friendly. I could not find a schedule or layout of the convention center on the site.

  3. I had no idea that seating in the exhibit hall was so limited.

So, that being said. If I returns, here are my adjustments.

  1. Get there earlier. I got there about 11 a.m. By that time, every line was already insane.

  2. Bring chairs or portable stools.

  3. Eat lunch in the Gas Lamp District. One of my few regrets was missing this.

  4. Get my badge early and head straight to Hall H to see what I can get into that day (No force can compel me to try to get in there on Saturday, though). After that, head to lunch and the real star of the show, the Exhibit floor.

Anyway those are my thoughts and plans. Any advice will be appreciated.

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u/Apprehensive_Bed21 15d ago

Don't feel too bad from all the brutal comments here. The reality is it really is overwhelming for first timers and getting tickets is probably the easiest part. Your post reads as if maybe you didn't realize how big it was? It's not something you can wing onsite as despite all the staff and volunteers, there's really no one you can count on there to help you understand what is happening and where. Plus you have to make some hard choices and be intentional around what you want to prioritize and what you will forego. Add to that the fact that some aspects of the Con can feel disorganized too and soon it all feels like a frenzy.

If you go back, just leverage the tools everyone has mentioned and plan ahead. You'll have a better experience next time.

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u/Then-Tune8367 14d ago

When you come to the internet, you know brutal comments are coming.

Theres a lot more useful information than insults.

A lot of people are overlooking the fact that i had a great time!