We put this post together last year and have decided to update it for Dragon*Con 2010. I’ve also added a few more tips that I picked up last year at DragonCon 2009.
When I first attended DragonCon last year – it was incredibly overwhelming. So overwhelming that I was not able to make the most of the trip.
In the year since, I’ve had a chance to reflect upon last year and figure out some ways to make this year’s convention go a lot smoother.
The Official Anglotopia DragonCon Survival Guide
Get Your Badge on Thursday
The con doesn’t officially start until Friday – but if you’re in Atlanta on Thursday night – that’s the time to register and pick up your badge. You’ll still be waiting in a long line but at least you won’t miss any events. If you put it off until Friday, you’ll more than likely miss a lot of events as you wait in the long registration line.
Quick tip: If you bought your ticket via Ticketmaster – you’re line will be much shorter – it’s separate from everyone else.
Get a Pocket Program
After you’ve registered – don’t leave the room without picking up a pocket program. Most people already printed it off at home – but the official printed version is small and will fit in your pocket. Makes it much easier to check on things while you’re on the go.
Buy a Lanyard
Find the DragonCon Store and immediately spend the money on a lanyard to keep your pass around your neck. You have to show it quite a bit and it’s easier to not lose it if you’ve invested in a lanyard.
Book your Hotel for Next Year NOW
Face it, if you waited until now to book you’re hotel for this year’s con, you’re SOL. There is not a vacant room in the Atlanta area at this point. If you plan to attend next year – book your room now. It doesn’t cost anything up front and you are guaranteed accommodation for next year.
Wear Deodorant
Seriously. There will be 50,000 people at this event, all standing in lines, cramming into restaurants, pushing through the dealer rooms. Put on some deodorant on so we don’t all sweat and kill each other with the stink. It’s Atlanta in September. You will sweat.
Wear Decent Shoes
I can’t stress this enough – wear the most comfortable shoes you own. People at DragonCon don’t care about fashion (unless you’re in a costume). You’re feet will thank you.
Learn to Love Lines
We ALL have to wait in the lines. Deal with it. Don’t complain. We’ve all experienced it, we’ve all been there. Don’t express surprise that the line for the Battlestar Panel stretches around the block. Just carry something to read to keep you occupied. And remember – if it’s a major panel – it’s smart to get in line an hour or so before unless you care if you get stuck way in the back.
Elevators
Elevators work great except when there is 50,000 people all trying to use them at the same time. The stairs are really your best bet as are the escalators. I’d rather spend time having fun than waiting for the elevator.
Con Girls
All right, this one is for the boys. Yes, boys, there are thousands of hot scantily clad girls at Dragon*Con. However, be respectful. They are getting A LOT of attention and don’t need you drooling or harassing them. If you want to take their picture JUST ASK. Do not do it secretly or be weird shy. And just because they consent to a picture does not mean they want to go on a date. Chances are they are there with their boyfriend/husband/whatever.
Collectibles
It’s always a good idea to hit the merchandise room right when they open the door – which this year will be 1:00pm on Friday. If you see a rare collectible that you want, buy it immediately. Do not wait to buy it later. I guarantee you there is someone amongst the 50,000 people there who wants the same thing and they will buy it. I missed out on some great collectibles last year because I wanted to shop around.
And damn, I really wanted that “Master” action figure.
Pace Yourself
It’s a four day con and for most people it’s a vacation, so don’t fill your days to the point of exhaustion. Be sure to leave ample time to relax, drink plenty of water and be sure to eat. There are many places to eat in and around the con. The Official Con Suite will also have ample snacks and goodies to tide you over between meals.
After Dark
DragonCon changes quite a bit after dark. The skimpier costumes come out. The drinking parties start and the concerts begin. If it’s not your thing, stay in your room – especially if you have kids and you don’t want them to see anything they shouldn’t. If you want to have some fun and enjoy everything Dragon*Con has to offer – venture out after dark. I’m particularly fond of the Drum Circles. They’re a blast.
Pictures
If you want to take a picture of someone in costume – just ask. And chances are it’s not a good idea to ask someone who ISN’T in costume for a picture. Also, learn to use your camera and make sure you know how to take pictures in low light. Don’t annoy your subject by taking ten pictures to get the right one and holding them up. Be sure to add your pictures to the public DragonCon Flickr pool so that everyone can see your work.
DragonCon TV
If you missed the big panel you wanted to go to because of scheduling conflict – check and see if it will be broadcast on DragonCon TV – the internal convention television network. DCTV is also a great way to kill time in your room as they show parody commercials, short films and old panels.
Watch out for Schedule Changes
Despite their thorough planning – there are always last minute changes to the schedule which can lead to a lot of disappointment when you arrive at a panel and find out it’s been cancelled. There have already been TrekTrak schedule changes for this year. Keep up with the latest schedule changes during the con by picking up the Daily Dragon at location throughout the con – it will list schedule/room/panel changes.
Don’t Bother With Atlanta
You’re there for the con – you’re not really a tourist. There isn’t anything to do in Downtown Atlanta and frankly, it’s not that nice. The Olympic park is filled with homeless people and garbage. The streets are wide and empty of people on the weekends. There’s a couple museums within walking distance (like the Coke Museum) but who’s really going to have time? Don’t feel bad for giving Atlanta the cold shoulder.
Carry Cash
Carry plenty of cash with you for the dealer rooms and for autographs. Some places take Credit Cards, but cash speeds up the process. Stars on the Walk of Fame DON’T take credit cards, so have plenty of cash ready as prices can vary depending on the stature of the star.
Getting an Autograph
Many people wait in really long lines to get the autograph of their choice. I’ve often found it’s better to come near when the star will be ending their session – the line will be shorter. Last year I pretty much walked in the room and got Patrick Stewart’s autograph in five minutes.
Wear Shorts!
It’s going to be a hot one this year in Atlanta – so be sure to wear shorts and sandals to stay cool. Even though you’ll be inside for most things – it’s going to get HOT everywhere. Dress for comfort. Save uncomfortableness for when you’re in costume.
Do you have any tips for Surviving DragonCon?
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dream of living in the UK a reality.