My SDCC 2016 Experience - Part 1
Although I had fun this year at SD Comic-Con, I didn't get to do as much compared to last year, even though I had a few things planned ahead of time. One major downside for this year was my lodging situation. I had to relocate 3 times, starting with a friend's time share, then to a hotel with other friends, then to another friend's condo, and then finally to a friend's house outside of downtown. It was exhausting! Because of that, I didn't have enough energy to check off much of my to-do list. Still, I tried to make the best out of my 5 days at the convention.
Preview Night was what made it a 5 day convention for me instead of the common 4 that most attendees have, that is, if they're lucky enough to get all days. It gives attendees the chance to see exclusive merchandise and walk the exhibit hall before it opens to the public the following day. For me, this was my opportunity to get most of my shopping done early. I also attended my first event for the week afterwards, and it was the only one I actually paid for. I had never done that in all the years I've attended SDCC until now (FYI, this was my 8th year here). Goes to show there's still a first time for everything. I didn't leave empty handed either. At the party, appetizers were constantly passed around, and I also got 2 free drink tickets which were happily used. Plus they gave out a bag full of free stuff and raffled off several giveaways. Didn't win anything from the latter (would have loved to have gotten that Hasbro booth VIP pass, oh well), but it was still a fun way to kick off Comic-Con.
Speaking of friends, I saw a bunch of them on this day. Met up with a few for lunch at Union and then at the Petco Interactive Zone. One of them happened to see the Game of Thrones panel that afternoon and got me an extra fulfillment room ticket. Score! Before heading to the Hyatt to claim our swag, we made a stopover at the Marriott. This was THE place to see familiar faces. Every few minutes, I'd either see someone I knew or they'd call me as they were walking by. I even saw Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons) pass through the lobby. Cah-razy! One of the friends I ran into told me about the Con Suite, which was located in one of the hotel's conference rooms. Attendees were able to go here to unwind, and they served free snacks and beverages here. How have I not heard of this before?! I made a mental note of that for future reference. After spending a good hour or so in between the Marriott and Hyatt, our group of 3 finally made our way back to the Convention Center to meet with some more people and take the shuttle back to my friend's condo. I still had to back track to the Sheraton later to pick up the things I had with me this morning, plus my luggage. The remainder of my Friday Night was a blur and by far the most tiring out of my Con weekend. So glad I didn't have to move again until after SDCC was over.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
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| San Diego International Airport decked out in Conan. |
Day 0 - Wednesday/Preview Night
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| My little buddies and I are ready for SDCC! |
Preview Night was what made it a 5 day convention for me instead of the common 4 that most attendees have, that is, if they're lucky enough to get all days. It gives attendees the chance to see exclusive merchandise and walk the exhibit hall before it opens to the public the following day. For me, this was my opportunity to get most of my shopping done early. I also attended my first event for the week afterwards, and it was the only one I actually paid for. I had never done that in all the years I've attended SDCC until now (FYI, this was my 8th year here). Goes to show there's still a first time for everything. I didn't leave empty handed either. At the party, appetizers were constantly passed around, and I also got 2 free drink tickets which were happily used. Plus they gave out a bag full of free stuff and raffled off several giveaways. Didn't win anything from the latter (would have loved to have gotten that Hasbro booth VIP pass, oh well), but it was still a fun way to kick off Comic-Con.
Day 1
In addition to Preview Night, this was the only other day during the convention where I had to arrive early to line up. And by early I mean before 6:00 am. For anyone interested in exclusives from popular booths such as Hasbro, Bandai, and Funko (newly added for the ticketing system this year), this was the place to be. It was also line central for the LEGO giveaway raffle and various autograph signings, both of which varied daily. As soon as I got my ticket for Hasbro, some of my friends and I headed towards Spreckels Theatre to pick up tickets for Conan. Yep, another taping for me! This one had stars from the WB shows Supergirl, Arrow, and The Flash. Additional guests included Nick Kroll from The League and a performance by Weird Al Yankovich. Pretty entertaining. Like last year, all attendees received a Conan Funko Pop! figure after each taping. I ended up trading the one I got (Ghostbusters) with a friend for theirs from Friday's taping (Stormtrooper).
After the taping, some of the group headed back to the Convention Center to drop off stuff and roam the exhibit hall while myself and 3 others checked out the MTV Fandom Awards event at Petco Park. This was my 3rd year attending, and just like past years, it was fun. Plus they have free food and drink, so what's not to like? The live performances this year included Kent Jones, Pierce the Veil, and Krewella. Sadly, I only saw Kent Jones. I really wanted to stay for Krewella, but time was of the essence ad my group and I (me especially) had to had to get moving. The Sheraton SD and Marina was my HQ for the night. The room was a bit snug for 5 people, but it had a nice view and the shuttle line from there for the convention only had 3 stops. Sweet.
Day 2
Off to another early start, but no lining up this time. I wanted to see some new additions for the convention. Walked over to the Marriott Marquis to look at the extension of the hotel, and also locate where to pick up the items I pre-ordered from Mattel. Since there was no line when I arrived, I went ahead and got my stuff, took the shuttle back to the hotel to drop them off, and then headed back toward the Convention Center. There I made some more pre-order pick ups, and also bought a few things for friends. I even got a photo-op with Snoopy at the Peanuts booth, which I haven't done in several years. It was one of many highlights for the day. Who doesn't love a beagle hug?!
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| Loved toddland's Bob's Burgers setup. |
Speaking of friends, I saw a bunch of them on this day. Met up with a few for lunch at Union and then at the Petco Interactive Zone. One of them happened to see the Game of Thrones panel that afternoon and got me an extra fulfillment room ticket. Score! Before heading to the Hyatt to claim our swag, we made a stopover at the Marriott. This was THE place to see familiar faces. Every few minutes, I'd either see someone I knew or they'd call me as they were walking by. I even saw Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons) pass through the lobby. Cah-razy! One of the friends I ran into told me about the Con Suite, which was located in one of the hotel's conference rooms. Attendees were able to go here to unwind, and they served free snacks and beverages here. How have I not heard of this before?! I made a mental note of that for future reference. After spending a good hour or so in between the Marriott and Hyatt, our group of 3 finally made our way back to the Convention Center to meet with some more people and take the shuttle back to my friend's condo. I still had to back track to the Sheraton later to pick up the things I had with me this morning, plus my luggage. The remainder of my Friday Night was a blur and by far the most tiring out of my Con weekend. So glad I didn't have to move again until after SDCC was over.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
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