Everything You Need to Know About San Diego Comic Con

You finally have your badge, managed to score a hotel room close to the convention center and have perfected your costume so it is go-time for the San Diego Comic-Con. What’s your move? Upon your first peek at the crowd inside of the convention center and even around the outdoor festivities, you realize this event is mind-blowing. There is so much to see and do, it is overwhelming to consider where to begin. Luckily, you have us. The following is a guide of everything you need to know about San Diego Comic-Con 2019 so you can traverse the property like a pro.

Planning is Critical

Understand that the second you step foot outside of the hotel, you will never not be in a crowd. Plan to jostle and be jostled by others. From the second you walk in the doors, your nose will be pressed against the guy who hasn’t washed his costume since 1990. Make sure to utilize the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System trolley to get to the convention center since driving will be a nightmare. The Metropolitan Transit System increases the number of trains during the convention so it is best to purchase a multi-day pass. As part of your planning exercise, make sure to plot the days carefully. Even the most casual con-er will learn that this is much more to do than time allows so review the exhibit hall map to find the best SWAG. Always remember that there will be a sea of people so even short distances will take time.

Dress like a Con-er

While you should certainly wear your favorite costume, we mean that you will be walking significantly more than usual and the temperature in each hall varies so wear comfortable shoes and clothing that can withstand blistering heat or pouring rain outside and cool air-conditioning in the conference center. As you are packing accordingly, make sure to bring a portable device charger as outlets are in short supply. Also, pack water and snacks since the food and beverage lines are daunting.

Logistical Gobbledygook

The San Diego Comic Con begins on Thursday, July 18th and ends on Sunday, July 21st. San Diego Comic-Con tickets were available for purchase online but are now sold out. If you attend Comic Con 2019 as a paid visitor, you could be eligible to partake in Comic Con 2020 Returning Registration. For more information on San Diego Comic-Con registration, follow the official blog as well as the event on Facebook, Toucan, and Twitter.

Comic Con Special Guests

Throughout the event, there will be a variety of special guests to grace the presence of the attendees. #1 New York Times bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo, will be making an appearance. Also, don't miss five-time consecutive Eisner Award winner Jon B. Cooke at the event. Cooke is a writer, editor, comic book artist, and creator; best known for authoring The Book of Weirdo. Other prominent writers and artists include; Rock Geary, cartoonist, and illustrator at MAD, National Lampoon, Disney Adventure and many other publications; Gene Ha, comic book artists from Lion Forge Comics; Arvell Jones, comic artists for Marvel Comics; and many others.

Accommodation

As the San Diego Convention Center is conveniently located downtown, there are a number of hotels within walking distance including, the Marriot Marquis San Diego Marina, the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown, and the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter. To save money, stay further north near the Santa Fe Depot and take the tram to the convention center. Close hotels include the Sofia Hotel, the Westin Hotel, and the Bristol Hotel.

Other Attractions

While in the city, do not simply limit your time to Comic Con as there are a variety of things to do in San Diego. Not far from the convention center in Balboa Park is the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Natural History Museum, the Fleet Science Center with IMAX, the San Diego History Center, the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Automotive Museum and the Air and Space Museum. Within the Gaslamp Quarter, those with the Go San Diego pass will have access to the New Children’s Museum, the Gaslamp Museum, a PETCO Park Tour, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, so don't delay - get yours today.