Andrew Garfield will be back at Comic-Con 2013 in San Diego for the Spider-Man 2 Panel. Photo S. Valle
Comic-Con 2013 is but a scant two weeks away and the schedule just started to trickle out. Thursday’s line up caused a great disturbance in the force when it was announced this week. The rest of the schedule will be published (ever so slowly) over the next few days, so brace yourselves to jump on the web at light speed to plan for the biggest geek fest of the year when the full schedule comes online!
But even the epic proportions of the Con’s lengthy schedule doesn’t help much with the logistical nightmare (“Bates Motel” type imaginings) that attending panels in Ballroom 20 or Hall H (Hmm, ‘H’ for hell-of-a-lot-of-people?) entails. Whether you use paper grids, digital calendars, or Comic-Con’s own online scheduling system, there are some things you have to pre-plan on your own.
Hall H lines at San Diego Comic-Con. Photo S. Valle
To help you out with the super-human effort it takes to navigate the largest pop-culture convention in the world, take the following into consideration before you jump into your “Spider-Man 2” suit and head to San Diego.
1. If you’re traveling to the Con by train, from L.A. or even from San Diego North County, make sure you have your seats reserved on Amtrak. Leaving the car at home and taking the train has become very popular since parking is impossible downtown San Diego. If you must have your own vehicle, and didn’t buy a Comic-Con parking pass, try to park away from the fray — beyond Market or Broadway Streets — and hail one of the “Game of Thrones” or other supped up Pedi-cabs!
2. Get to the Convention Center EARLY to register and pick up your badge. FYI for terrestrials: Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, has to show up and exchange their paper ticket confirmation for a lanyard and badge. Make sure you have an ID with you, too! And don’t forget to collect your program, souvenir book, and humongous swag bag here!
The HUGE swag bags of San Diego Comic-Con.
3. Bring snacks and water to avoid “The Hunger Games.” The Con is not known for their gourmet food or ample water fountains. For years, we’ve opted to walk out of the SDCC to one of the many nearby eateries; seek a safe “Haven” to gather your thoughts and recharge. Hey, once I even ran into this celebrity walking into Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel on a food expedition.
Scott Wolf star of “V” outside Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel during San Diego Comic-Con. Photo S. Valle
4. Charge up your “Mortal Instruments,” er, devises. And don’t forget your charger in case you need to plug in (good luck finding an outlet, though). It would be great if there were power stations somewhere at the convention center, but as of this writing no info has surface about their availability. Power is a huge problem for everyone. I, like you, just can’t resist having my picture taken with/or of the amazing costumes (or lack thereof) some people create thus playing the “Ender’s Game” with my power and my photo memories.
Comic-Con Costume. Photo S. Valle
5. About hoarding the swag at Comic-Con, I have one word of advice: civility. Leave the brutish behavior to the “Vikings.” Please do NOT to push, shove, punch, or step on anyone/thing just to get a poster or plastic giveaway item, OK? Let’s be civil and gracious.
However, if say, someone in a Spider-Man costume is suspected of being Andrew Garfield walking around the convention floor like at SDCC 2011, you better get out my way. You’ve been warned!
Andrew Garfield surprised fans in Hall H showing up at Comic-Con San Diego wearing a cheap Spider Man costume. Photo S. Valle
Finally, try to keep your cool. Avoid “Divergent” personalities by taking a break outside and away from the craziness that can get the better of even the gentlest geek.
Keep Calm and Geek On!
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