Help me plan for Comic Con!

[Memnoch]

Ok gang, need some advice and info here for my first Comic Con trip AND my first cross country, no family around to keep me in check trip.

Flight: Booked on Delta, leaving on 7/24 return on 7/30
Hotel: Ramada Gaslamp Con Center/Historic St James Hotel
Passes: Paid for with preview night included

Now my issues:
For you CA residents who can judge this, for spending money between both the Con and a trip out to the San Diego Zoo would $600 cut it? More? Less?

Anyone name some good places to eat within the area that I am staying?

Does the Convention Center allow bags or packs? I am trying to figure out how to carry around all the stuff I pick up.

If there be a Freaks party, are we allowed a plus one or anything? I am bringing a friend who, while she collects the LOTR stuff despises the internet and would feel bad if I had to leave her behind.

For you travelers, what's the story on computers on flights? Does it depend on the airline? Should I even bother BRINING my laptop?

Aside from seeing the Zoo and the Con, Ill be landing at about noon-ish on the 24... what is there to do in San Diego? I'm hoping to do the Zoo during the morning/afternoon of the 25th.

I may come up with some more questions but right now that's all thats in the front of my mind. Thanks ahead of time Can everyone tell that Im fairly excited for this?

 

[PosterBoyKelly]

I went last year, first time, and THOUGHT I'd find Zoo time among other things, buuuuuuuuut that didn't happen. Go to Tijuana man!

 

[Memnoch]

It's tempting, but I can't actually rent a car without the insane fees for being under 25. Damn insurance risks! But actually I got passes for the Zoo already and showing up a day early should help in getting to the Zoo.

 

[user 1190]

Ok gang, need some advice and info here for my first Comic Con trip AND my first cross country, no family around to keep me in check trip.

Flight: Booked on Delta, leaving on 7/24 return on 7/30
Hotel: Ramada Gaslamp Con Center/Historic St James Hotel
Passes: Paid for with preview night included

Now my issues:
For you CA residents who can judge this, for spending money between both the Con and a trip out to the San Diego Zoo would $600 cut it? More? Less?

That will depend on how much you want to buy. If you are worried about money set yourself a couple budgets, one for food, one for fun stuff , and one for collectibles.

Anyone name some good places to eat within the area that I am staying?

Does the Convention Center allow bags or packs? I am trying to figure out how to carry around all the stuff I pick up.

Yes they do they just don't allow wheeled carts if I remember correct.

If there be a Freaks party, are we allowed a plus one or anything? I am bringing a friend who, while she collects the LOTR stuff despises the internet and would feel bad if I had to leave her behind.

For you travelers, what's the story on computers on flights? Does it depend on the airline? Should I even bother BRINING my laptop?

Laptops are ok on all airlines, just make sure you carry it on, don't check that bag, trust me.

Aside from seeing the Zoo and the Con, Ill be landing at about noon-ish on the 24... what is there to do in San Diego? I'm hoping to do the Zoo during the morning/afternoon of the 25th.
You got the beach, but without the a rental car getting around to a lot of things could be trickey. Also you can hit Coranado , tourists seem to like that place. The Wild Animal Park but thats a lil ways away but they may have buses that go there, ohh yeah Seaworld too.
I may come up with some more questions but right now that's all thats in the front of my mind. Thanks ahead of time Can everyone tell that Im fairly excited for this?

 

[TOE]

Ok gang, need some advice and info here for my first Comic Con trip AND my first cross country, no family around to keep me in check trip.

Cool

Flight: Booked on Delta, leaving on 7/24 return on 7/30
Hotel: Ramada Gaslamp Con Center/Historic St James Hotel
Passes: Paid for with preview night included

Cool

Now my issues:
For you CA residents who can judge this, for spending money between both the Con and a trip out to the San Diego Zoo would $600 cut it? More? Less?

It really depends on what you like to spend your money on. What do you expect to buy over at the con. Do you like original artist drawings, collecting various statues and figures, and / or collecting comics??? If you answered yes to all of those, then no, $600 is not enough for both event. Let me know what you are looing forward to buying and maybe I can give you my opinion more in depth.

Anyone name some good places to eat within the area that I am staying?

There's a lot within walking distance, but just to let you know ahead of time, everything in Downtown is pretty expensive compared to the places not in Downtown.

Does the Convention Center allow bags or packs? I am trying to figure out how to carry around all the stuff I pick up.

Yes, They allow bags and / or packs. I recommend bring in a poster tube to put your posters in.

If there be a Freaks party, are we allowed a plus one or anything? I am bringing a friend who, while she collects the LOTR stuff despises the internet and would feel bad if I had to leave her behind.

I believe you are allowed to bring a friend or two. Ask Dave

For you travelers, what's the story on computers on flights? Does it depend on the airline? Should I even bother BRINING my laptop?

Can't help you on the airline laptop thing but I believe you can connect to the internet while at the convention or hotel but you have to pay a fee.

Aside from seeing the Zoo and the Con, Ill be landing at about noon-ish on the 24... what is there to do in San Diego? I'm hoping to do the Zoo during the morning/afternoon of the 25th.

There's a lot. I recommend going to Mission beach and check out the area. Also, if you have a bit more time, I also recommend La Jolla Beach. There's a lot of malls to walk around at. Also, downtown is full of clubs and bar, if you are into the whole socializing thing.

I may come up with some more questions but right now that's all thats in the front of my mind. Thanks ahead of time Can everyone tell that Im fairly excited for this?

yes

 

[Buttmunch]

Last year was my first time and here is what I learned.

Bring cash - and lots of it. Most of the vendors will only accept cash, but some do accept credit cards. Better be safe than sorry. I'd say bring $1000 if possible, but $600 should be fine. Like said above, it depends on how much you want to spend. There are lots of dealers there that carry Sideshow and other items so you may find a deal on a product you are looking for.

Definately bring a back pack. Pack a lunch (the food at the convention is so-so/bad and WAY overpriced. Plus having food with you at all times allows you to eat when convienent (ie in line, during a panel, etc.) Bring a poster tube if you want posters.

Definately bring the lap top. I brought mine last year, but our hotel didn't have internet. I felt so lost without it. Definately make sure your hotel has Internet, not just "access" like ours did (had to provide own service ).

You probably don't want to plan on going anywhere else. My family and I thought we would too, but we spend everday opening to close at SDCC. There is just so much to take it. My mom, who really isn't into this sort of thing, even had a ball spending a lot of time in panels for upcoming movies and events.

I can recommend eating at In-N-Out Burger though. If you have never eaten at one, you are in for a treat!

So in condenced form:

Bring lots of cash
Bring Backpack
Bring Poster Tube
Bring food
Bring Lap Top
Don't expect to go to other events (ie Zoo) unless you are somehow bored with SDCC
Bring good walking shoes and a strong deoderant
Have fun and spend lots of time at Sideshow's booth - they were always giving something away for free!

 

[The ill Jedi]

For you CA residents who can judge this, for spending money between both the Con and a trip out to the San Diego Zoo would $600 cut it? More? Less?

$600 would be good, but $1,000 (just in case) would be better. I always budget myself a certain amount, but I always end up wanting to spend more.

Anyone name some good places to eat within the area that I am staying?

Dicks' Last Resort is good and the prices are good, it's a rowdy place and you need a sense of humor to eat there.

Tin Fish - I hear all sorts of good things about this place and it's located directly across from the Convention Center.

There's also a Hard Rock Cafe, Hooters and a few other local restaurants in the area, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a good place to eat.

 

[Memnoch]

Thanks for the help guys.

On the money aspect I think about $850 should do me better as I go for toys mostly. Maybe if any of the artists from the new season 8 of Buffy are there Ill get them to draw the Scoobies for me.

Buttmunch - thanks the advice about "living" basically at the Con, I have an extra day and a half in CA really though so Ill do something. I really want to move out there after school and so I wanna get a feel for the place.

When do they announce the panels and stuff... please say beforehand.

 

[user 1190]

When do they announce the panels and stuff... please say beforehand.

Watch the SDCC site they are update stuff there and dont say anything.

 

[Memnoch]

Yea I have it on my live feed and check it every so often. Ahhh I'm probably getting a new camera just to go too so I'll end up dumping all my pictures every day.

Also can someone give me the lowdown on the Freaks party? Or a recap of last year? I assume there are no free drinks or anything Just want to know what to prepare myself for.

 

[The Josh]

Obviously when you get there go to your hotel and drop stuff off. I take my backpack with me to carry some stuff in plus I carry some kind of bag I pick up at the show to carry more in. See if you and any Freaks can meet up and do some things. We usually eat at the Tin Fish a couple of times which is the best place around. Us Freaks head to SS first of course and BS with them then we'll hit up GG. On Saturday we do usually see a few panels which if they're like the last two years should be good.

 

[Wetanut]

Along with Sea World and the San Diego Zoo (one of the finest in the US), tere's is also a huge tourist mecca there right on the docks for those interested in ships and navy things -- believe there's a full-masted old schooner (?) as well as a navy ship open for tours. As for transportation, I wouldn't worry about a rental car. Where you're situated in the Gaslamp District, nearly everything -- restaurants, shops, con -- is within a short walking distance. Also, there is a trolly and busses for those of you who get pooped out. Check the Comic Con site for routes, etc. Very few (if any) Gaslamp District hotels have hotel shuttles to/from the airport, so be prepared to pay $12-$18 for one way. I'd also consider using a taxi or bus/trolly for the Zoo or Sea World.

I never bothered to take my laptop. Didn't want to go thru security hassle at airports. Thought I would regret it, but by the time I got to the hotel each night, I was too fried to do anything but sleep.

I try to pre-order as much as I can for Con pickup. That way, I don't have to worry about carrying too much cash on me. I usually bring $500-$600 cash, my credit card, and my checkbook. And I use a zippered fanny pack. Not attractive, but always gives me piece of mind when I'm in the crowd crush. Huge plastic bags with handles are available everywhere in case you can't fit everything in your backpack. Wear jeans/shorts and t-shirts. Comfortable tenny-runners is a MUST -- you will be walking and standing a lot. A light windbreaker might be worth bringing just in case the off-shore breezes are a bit chilly at night.

Tin Fish -- has become a tradition for lunch for many of the Freaks. Across from the Con, it's a nice place to sit in an outdoor setting with trees and a one-man band playing. Costs about the same as the dreck they sell at the Con premises, but better ambience and a chance to unwind from the crowds a bit. As for dinner, there's a TON of eateries throughout the Gaslamp. Most hotels also have restaurants on their premises so it's just a matter of what your tastes (and wallet) dictate. And how long you're willing to wait for a seat. After the Con, the Gaslamp district becomes almost a huge block party. Con attendees are wandering everywhere. Atmosphere is pretty electric. I normally budget myself for $25-$30/day for meals.

also, try to ride a bicycle rickshaw back to your hotel at least once. Fun!

 

[Memnoch]

Apparently the Ramada Im at has a shuttle and a resturant so Im good there. How do I find the shuttle from the airport for my hotel though? I feel so foolish asking that but like I said, this is my first independant trip.

 

[The Josh]

Right outside the main baggage area are where you can get one shuttles and all. I take my laptop but with help covering the show for Sandtroopers it's a must.

 

[user 1190]

Apparently the Ramada Im at has a shuttle and a resturant so Im good there. How do I find the shuttle from the airport for my hotel though? I feel so foolish asking that but like I said, this is my first independant trip.

Check when you get to the airport. A lot of hotels you have to call to have the shuttle come. There is normally a big hotel kiosk that has phones that call the hotels direct. You can also check with the hotel ahead of time.

 

[automaton]

minutes away form the Convention Center is Coronado Island... lots of food... lots of scenery... i go to the con, my gal goes to the beach...

https://www.coronado.ca.us/