Whether it’s small-town conventions or massive ones like San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), being well-prepared is key. So, here’s what you need to maximize your Comic-Con enjoyment. We’ve compiled a list to help you prepare for traveling to SDCC:
What to pack for traveling to San Diego Comic-Con
Packing appropriately for SDCC makes life a lot easier. Unless you’re cosplaying, there’s no need to overpack. Pro tip: Pack fewer clothes and more money. Stick to travel basics, and don’t overpack toiletries. Take only essential makeup products. Most hotels provide basic toiletries like shampoo and body wash.
For other items, pack TSA-approved travel-size versions of your essentials:
- Makeup wipe/remover
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair gel/spray
- Brush/comb
Most hotels provide a blow dryer. Only pack hair tools you plan to use. Additionally, if you have long hair, pack hair ties – summer weather makes people want to pull their hair up.
Create a Comic-Con capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that create many outfits. The goal is versatility without bringing too much. Trust me, you’ll be too busy running around to worry about what you’re wearing. For example, reuse shoes, jackets, and bottoms like denim jeans or shorts and mix and match them with different tops. Figure out how many days’ worth of clothes you’ll need and then reuse some items. SDCC runs Wednesday through Sunday, so factor in travel days.
At a minimum, pack:
- Undergarments and hosiery for each day
- A top/dress for each day
- 2-3 pairs of bottoms to mix and match
- Optional: Something dressier for after-parties (most people wear their con clothes)
- A purse or backpack to carry your stuff
Remember, you don’t need much. The typical SDCC style is jeans and your favorite fandom t-shirt.
Comfortable shoes are essential
The San Diego Convention Center is massive, and SDCC also takes over the Gaslamp Quarter. You’ll be walking a lot, so gel or support inserts are recommended if your feet get tired easily. Take care of your feet! Wear the best socks you can and supportive shoes. If cosplaying, modify your footwear for comfort.
Optional: Lightweight and Sunblocking Clothing
You’ll likely be in the sun while waiting in lines. Wear lightweight, sun-protective clothing. San Diego’s July weather is usually in the high 75°F (24°C) range with about 10 hours of sunshine daily. Evenings are cooler, and panel rooms can be chilly, so pack a lightweight jacket or sweater.
Prepare for Travel
If flying, check with airlines and train/bus lines about luggage size. Checking in advance saves stress and money.
Luggage and Travel Cubes
Travel cubes help organize and fit more into your luggage. They come in various sets. With a well-planned capsule wardrobe, you might only need a small travel backpack.
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Don’t forget chargers and backup batteries
You’ll need battery life. Bring your phone charger (plug-in brick and cable) and a backup battery. SDCC is sure to drain your battery with all the recording and filming you’ll do.
Easy access to flight/ticket/travel documents
Download airline apps and sign up before arriving at the airport.
Hotels for SDCC
Hotel reservations for Comic-Con 2024 are now open to the public. As the event draws closer, cancellations may occur, freeing up additional rooms. The booking website displays real-time hotel room inventory, and availability fluctuates regularly. All rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so fans are encouraged to book promptly if they still need accommodations. If you haven’t booked by this point, you may have to look for hotels through external booking sites. And that could be very expensive.
Download your hotel’s app
If your hotel is mid to high occupancy, it will likely have an app. Download it before arriving and use it to pre-check in and stay in contact.
Stock your hotel room
Save money by stocking your room with groceries from a local store. Most hotels have mini-fridges for drinks and food. It’s nice to have snacks waiting after a long day. While restaurants are a plenty at SDCC, lines and wait times can be long. To avoid getting hangry, pack snacks like protein bars and water to hold you over until you can get a proper meal. Alternatively, you can also use apps like Doordash, PostMates, and Instacart for grocery delivery.
Plan how to ship swag and merch home
Bring an empty suitcase for shopping. Ensure anything you bring home is safely stored and won’t break. There’s a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center inside the convention center, but check their website or call to confirm their hours during the convention. There’s also a nearby FedEx Authorized ShipCenter. The closest Post Office is a short drive or walk from the convention center and offers flat-rate package pricing.
What you need to know before arriving
Make sure you have a badge!
SDCC is now completely sold-out! If you do not have a badge, do not try to attend until next year. There are no onsite sales. If you do have a badge, do not forget it at home. The main Registration area is located upstairs in the Sails Pavilion of the San Diego Convention Center (111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). Please bring a valid photo ID and your badge confirmation email to pick up your badge.
Sails Pavilion
- Attendee Badge Pick-Up: This is for attendees, retailers, vendors, industry professionals via code registration, and purchased studio guests. Follow the red signage and lines.
- Badge Solutions Desk
- Professionals Desk (Blue): For industry professionals.
- Program Participants Desk (Green): For program participants.
- Studio Relations Desk (Yellow): For studio relations.
- Staff Desk (Pink)
- Press Desk (Orange): For press members.
Lobby D
- Exhibitor Registration Desk: Exhibitors should refer to their Comic-Con 2024 Exhibitor Newswire for badge pick-up instructions.
Industry Note: Professionals, program participants, and members of the press can pick up their badges at either Attendee Badge Pick-Up or their designated industry desk.
Badge Pick-Up Hours
- Tuesday, July 23 (Badge pick-up only): 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
- Wednesday, July 24: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28: 8:30 AM–7:00 PM (Sunday until 5:00 PM)
Pick-up hours are subject to change, so please check back before your arrival.
Badge Sales
The first step to securing a Comic-Con badge is to sign up for a Member ID. This is essential because anyone who wishes to register or purchase a badge must have a valid and confirmed Comic-Con Member ID. Next, it’s important to understand that Comic-Con badges for attendees are sold during two separate events: Returning Registration and Open Registration. However, keep in mind that due to high demand, you are not guaranteed a badge purchase during either sale, regardless of when you enter the virtual waiting room. Therefore, to maximize your chances, it’s crucial to stay informed.
Following each badge sale date announcement, the Comic-Con website provides detailed instructions on how to participate. This includes accessing the virtual waiting room and, if randomly selected for a registration session, how to purchase badges! Ultimately, to attend Comic-Con, you’ll need to participate in one (or both, if eligible!) of the attendee badge sale events. To determine your eligibility and learn more about the process, visit the Badges page on the Comic-Con website.
Parking & Road Closures
SDCC attendees, plan your transportation ahead of time! Street closures and limited parking will impact your arrival. ACE Parking offers convenient parking permits near the San Diego Convention Center. Enter their lottery system now before June 9, 2024 for a chance to reserve your spot. For details and to contact them, visit ACE’s Comic-Con Parking Info page. Remember: SDCC doesn’t manage or profit from this parking service, it’s simply a resource for attendees.
For safety and security during Comic-Con 2024, Harbor Drive in front of the convention center will have temporary access restrictions. The affected area is between First Avenue and Park Boulevard. All vehicles (including cars, bikes, scooters, and skateboards) will be prohibited, except for emergency vehicles, ADA mobility devices, and those with Ace Parking garage passes.
Only badged members (Comic-Con 2024 attendees) can access the front drive, stairs, and sidewalks of the convention center. A valid badge or registration is required for entry to any part of the building or grounds, including the Ace Parking garage. Stay informed about pedestrian and vehicular access routes, restrictions, and detours throughout the event by visiting the San Diego Convention Center website.
Shuttles
Comic-Con attendees can enjoy a free shuttle service with stops in downtown, Mission Valley, and hotels near the airport on Shelter Island and Harbor Island. Coordinated by SEAT Planners LLC, the service kicks off on Wednesday, July 24th, from 3:00 PM until 12:00 AM for Comic-Con’s Preview Night.
Subsequently, the shuttle service runs from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Thursday, July 25th, Friday, July 26th, and Saturday, July 27th. Furthermore, on Sunday, July 28th, the service is available from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with varying frequency throughout the day. Attendees can select the most convenient shuttle route and simply present their Comic-Con badge upon boarding. However, please note that there is no shuttle service between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM each day, and the Comic-Con shuttles do not operate to the Convention Center driveway at night.
Check the Comic-Con Schedule & Floor Map
Avoid missing out on things you wanted to see. Most conventions post schedules and floor layouts online beforehand. Pay attention to emails from the convention for valuable information. Reviewing the layout helps you plan and prioritize exhibits, especially if you want to see specific vendors. Photo ops and autograph sessions can usually be scheduled in advance. Be prepared, you’ll likely have to wait in long lines for popular events.
San Diego Comic-Con is packed with exciting activities for fans of all ages. Explore the vast Exhibit Hall, where you’ll find the latest from Artists’ Alley, a wide array of Exhibitors, unique treasures in Small Press, and passionate creators at Fan Tables. Don’t miss out on exclusive collectibles and merchandise from Exhibitor Products. Stay tuned for the Programming Schedule to plan your days filled with panels and presentations across Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
SDCC will feature Special Guests for Autographs, as well as a vibrant showcase of Anime, an inspiring Art Show, a delightful Children’s Film Festival, an engaging Film Festival, screenings of exciting Films, interactive Games, the captivating Masquerade, and a valuable Portfolio Review.
Deaf & Disabled Services department, located in Lobby A
Comic-Con International prioritizes accessibility for all attendees. Moreover, their hours of operation are tailored to meet attendee needs throughout the event, with extended hours on peak days.
Furthermore, the department offers a comprehensive suite of services, from expedited badge pick-up and mobility aid rentals to ASL interpreters and special seating areas. In addition, they also provide a dedicated rest area, private comfort rooms, and even assistance with retrieving giveaways for those with mobility issues. For any inquiries, attendees can visit the Deaf & Disabled Services booth in Lobby A or consult the FAQ. Additionally, attendees can seek further assistance from staff wearing specific attire, such as light blue vests for seating assistance and lime green shirts for line inquiries.
Additionally, attendees are encouraged to plan and arrive early for events, as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, it’s also important to be prepared for outdoor lines and consider strategies for securing limited autograph signings. Finally, attendees should note that information may not always be available in advance, and the convention cannot accommodate refrigeration requests.
Check the SDCC website for full details.
Hospitality Suites at Comic-Con
For All Attendees: Need a break from the hustle and bustle? The Hospitality Suite at the Marriott Marquis offers Comic-Con badge holders a place to relax and refuel with light snacks and beverages. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2:00 PM to midnight.
For Professionals: The Pro Suite on the upper level of the Convention Center is the perfect spot for professionals to take a break or wait between panels. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and lemonade while you recharge. Open Thursday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Don’t forget your valid Comic-Con Professional badge or Guest ribbon!
Note: This information is subject to change, so be sure to check back for updates as Comic-Con approaches!
An Open Mind at Comic-Con
Being a geek is broad, and no two are alike. Be prepared to see extremely cool or strange things at Comic-Con. It’s a safe place for nerds and geeks to express their love for their fandoms. Keeping an open mind opens you up to new worlds, from gaming and art to cosplay. Try new things, and you’ll enjoy your experience even more. You never know what you may like until you try it.
Use common decency. Conventions can be overwhelming, with over 100,000 attendees and warm temperatures, long lines, it can be easy for people to get grumpy. Remember your manners and be aware of those around you. Cosplay is not consent. Cosplayers are ordinary attendees who dress up for fun. Respect their space and ask before taking pictures. The same applies to celebrity interactions. Respect boundaries set by convention staff and special guests.
Finally, channel your excitement into being daring and trying new things. Meet new people, have fun, and be a geek!
For more San Diego Comic-Con Coverage check out:
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Neopets Celebrate 25 Years of Fandom at San Diego Comic Con
All the Cosplay Meet-Ups at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) 2024
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