View Full Version : San Diego Comic-Con 2009
esophagus
08-15-2008, 10:15 PM
Registration is now open (http://www.comic-con.org/cci/cci_reg.php).
Who else is going, or planning on going? I'm buying my badge in hopes that I'll be able to make it work.
I will go one year, but that year is not 2009.
Going to try and make it to NYCC in Feb though
esophagus
08-15-2008, 10:41 PM
I am registered as Dr. Cass Wall.
cenquist
08-16-2008, 01:01 AM
I hope I can make it to SDCC....
esophagus
08-16-2008, 02:23 AM
I was worried about selling out/prices going up so I bought my badge, but I'm not even sure I can go. They can be refunded if things don't work out.
deadspace
08-16-2008, 02:49 AM
I'd love to! Obviously money is a big factor since I'm in the UK but I'd love to go over and make a wee holiday out of it. I've already talked a friend into going with me but whether I'll be able to afford it... I dunno.
valoharth
08-16-2008, 08:33 AM
I will go one year, but that year is not 2009.
Going to try and make it to NYCC in Feb though
Damn it Gobo, Carpe Dem... or however you spell it... 2009 is the year to do it... however I'm thinking NYCC this year as well. I might try that next year.
I'll Carpe my Diem as much as I like but it won't magically make money appear in my bank account :)
cammyknoxville
08-16-2008, 02:48 PM
Hopefully my paperwork for a Press Pass will go through for next year.
hank41
08-16-2008, 03:53 PM
Damn it Gobo, Carpe Dem... or however you spell it... 2009 is the year to do it... however I'm thinking NYCC this year as well. I might try that next year.
see you guys in NYCC next year. it was great last time
casually-drowned
08-16-2008, 09:53 PM
I would go, but I think that NYCC would be more likely to happen and I am past due for a family visit anyway. I also have that trip coming up to Norway/Finland, and SDCC would be right after so I am not sure how much money I will have.
esophagus
08-16-2008, 10:08 PM
I think I'd love to do NYCC, but it is right before my birthday/during school, so I don't know if I can make it happen. I definitely intend to try.
deadspace
08-18-2008, 04:48 AM
which is the biggest/best con then?
esophagus
08-18-2008, 04:59 AM
San Diego is the biggest. Best? Thats probably objective, and I've only been to SDCC.
deadspace
08-18-2008, 06:29 AM
Are either of them geared towards a certain type of entertainment? I mean, I know Lost had a thing at the San Diego one this year... but San Diego would have been the best timing anyway since it was at the end of the season.
Is one more geared towards comics or tv or film or action figures than the other, or are both pretty much similar and just on opposite sides of the country?
esophagus
08-18-2008, 06:35 AM
New York is still a fairly pure convention, if I recall. Mostly comics.
San Diego on the other hand has a lot of TV, and film involved. Its still big enough, though, that there is enough room for plenty of comics talk.
deadspace
08-18-2008, 06:50 AM
New York is still a fairly pure convention, if I recall. Mostly comics.
San Diego on the other hand has a lot of TV, and film involved. Its still big enough, though, that there is enough room for plenty of comics talk.
Cool thanks. I like the sound of San Diego :)
dharmabum
08-18-2008, 06:09 PM
I understand that the con sold out in advance this year.
How soon will it sell out this year?
How long do we have to book hotels?
If it's anything like the society for neuroscience conference in SD you should book as far in advance as possible.
luthor
08-18-2008, 07:35 PM
I'm hoping to make it out there but I don't know if it's going to happen...which blows goats.
scoobydiesel
08-18-2008, 11:15 PM
I loved this years so as soon as im out of debut i will be buying my ticket for next years :D
i would also like to go to NYCC also but thats kinda way out of reach and during school and stuff
six-gun
08-18-2008, 11:47 PM
Are the Ifanboys going to Heroes this year?
If not I think I'll cry ;)
brandeezy
08-21-2008, 01:39 AM
I look forward to seeing you guys in SD next year! Surely we'll all meet up at the IFanboy Gaslamp invasion?
jaflanagan
08-21-2008, 03:58 AM
Oh god....seriously?
It JUST ended.
dave-accampo
08-21-2008, 11:44 PM
I understand that the con sold out in advance this year.
How soon will it sell out this year?
How long do we have to book hotels?
Yeah, the con pretty much sells out every year now. So, as soon as tickets come available online, you should plan on purchasing passes. Booking hotels happens a tad later (was it February?), and they open online registration on a certain day. This year it was a mad dash to get connected and through before hotels booked up.
That said, there are hotels just outside of SD that are cheaper and only a train ride away. I've done both. I was in the Gas Lamp this year (blocks from the convention center) and it was great. But staying outside of SD it totally manageable.
deadspace
08-22-2008, 11:36 AM
How much does it cost? As in, how much do you budget for the entire con, hotel, food, everything. Once I know that I can add my flight to it so I know how much it'll cost me roughly.
gungadin
08-22-2008, 04:46 PM
How much does it cost? As in, how much do you budget for the entire con, hotel, food, everything. Once I know that I can add my flight to it so I know how much it'll cost me roughly.
That's so in the air. Four day pass is seventy five. Hotel will be... Shrug? 150-200 a night? So Wednesday-Sunday or Monday, food assume is thirty to forty a day (minimum) and then whatever you wanna spend on the floor, which, no matter how much you bring, will never be enough. If you're a comic fan and you've never been to a Con before... anywhere from $300-$500 works for me...
But this is all entirely subjective.
deadspace
08-22-2008, 07:49 PM
That's so in the air. Four day pass is seventy five. Hotel will be... Shrug? 150-200 a night? So Wednesday-Sunday or Monday, food assume is thirty to forty a day (minimum) and then whatever you wanna spend on the floor, which, no matter how much you bring, will never be enough. If you're a comic fan and you've never been to a Con before... anywhere from $300-$500 works for me...
But this is all entirely subjective.
$150-200 a night? a NIGHT?
wow.
seriously?
dave-accampo
08-22-2008, 07:52 PM
$150-200 a night? a NIGHT?
wow.
seriously?
Yeah, I'd even say that might be a tad low. (I think I paid a little over $200/night for my room which was 3 blocks from the convention ctr.)
However, that said -- if you go a little outside of SD, you can probably get a room for about $100/night.
This is NOT an inexpensive endeavor. If you're gonna go, start planning now. :)
Probably cheaper if you stay outside of San Diego.
Also you could try to arrange splitting a room with iFanbase member or something.
But yeah Deadspace, this is why I'm not going to SDCC anytime soon. It would be about $2k for me for a 4-5 day trip.
NYCC I would try to crash on a friends couch and drive down so it's WAY cheaper.
gungadin
08-22-2008, 07:58 PM
Oh I was right? Sw33t. I was guessing. I haven't bought a hotel room in... ever...
deadspace
08-22-2008, 08:18 PM
I would never ever ever pay that sort of money for a hotel room. Not for anywhere. No way. Nuh uh.
I mean, are you guys talking about per room or per person? Cos if it was $200 for 2 people I could just about accept it.
gungadin
08-22-2008, 08:32 PM
I would never ever ever pay that sort of money for a hotel room. Not for anywhere. No way. Nuh uh.
I mean, are you guys talking about per room or per person? Cos if it was $200 for 2 people I could just about accept it.
Well that's your issue. You can team up with someone and split the room cost.
They should move SDCC to Montreal so I don't have to shell out the airfare
deadspace
08-22-2008, 08:40 PM
Well that's your issue. You can team up with someone and split the room cost.
Ah ok. Cos over here prices are different depending on whether one or two people are staying.
That's ok then. Phew!
gungadin
08-22-2008, 08:41 PM
Ah ok. Cos over here prices are different depending on whether one or two people are staying.
That's ok then. Phew!
Yeah. The U.S. is based on a flat rate. They give you a room and that's how much it costs. You can cram six people in there if you want.
That's actually not true.
I rented a room in Burlington, VT and there was an additional person fee. It's not like double the price but I think it was an extra amount.
I've also been places that don't do that but it varies from hotel to hotel. (Plus you could just say you're one person and have other people crash there, you just risk getting caught)
conorkilpatrick
08-22-2008, 08:51 PM
That's actually not true.
It's true for most rooms in the US in general, and definitely for the con.
Our room in San Diego was the same when there were three of us in the room, and for the one night I was by myself when my flight got canceled - flat rate.
dave-accampo
08-22-2008, 09:01 PM
It's true for most rooms in the US in general, and definitely for the con.
Our room in San Diego was the same when there were three of us in the room, and for the one night I was by myself when my flight got canceled - flat rate.
Yeah -- and honestly -- outside of a Best Western or Motel 6 or whatever... $200/night is pretty average for a hotel in an area like that... at least when I've traveled for conferences, etc.
It's true for most rooms in the US in general, and definitely for the con.
Our room in San Diego was the same when there were three of us in the room, and for the one night I was by myself when my flight got canceled - flat rate.
Good to know, anyone want to split a room for SDCC 2011?
deadspace
08-22-2008, 09:35 PM
Yeah -- and honestly -- outside of a Best Western or Motel 6 or whatever... $200/night is pretty average for a hotel in an area like that... at least when I've traveled for conferences, etc.
$200 would be average here for 2 people, so it's good to know that the room can be shared with as many people as you like for that $200. You can't do that here. If you book a double room for 2 people and you have 3 people stay - you're screwed if you get caught.
dave-accampo
08-22-2008, 10:14 PM
$200 would be average here for 2 people, so it's good to know that the room can be shared with as many people as you like for that $200. You can't do that here. If you book a double room for 2 people and you have 3 people stay - you're screwed if you get caught. Wow, interesting. Didn't know that. Flat rate, FTW!
Where are you from DeadSpace?
deadspace
08-22-2008, 11:47 PM
Where are you from DeadSpace?
Scotland. So stop moanin about being in Montreal :p
paper
08-22-2008, 11:59 PM
I will be sharing a tent with Dave for SDCC '09.
I've purchased a canteen and what I believe to be a 'skillet'.
cenquist
08-23-2008, 01:22 AM
I was just going to say I will bring a tent and find a park....but it looks like I can just crash in the park paper is tenting! :)
paper
08-23-2008, 01:30 AM
We're not camping in a park.
cenquist
08-23-2008, 03:23 AM
We're not camping in a park.
Just in the parking lot then?
gungadin
08-23-2008, 03:44 AM
Just in the parking lot then?
It's more of an underground parking structure. Most parking lots are far away and charge something like three dollars an hour...
cenquist
08-23-2008, 03:10 PM
It's more of an underground parking structure. Most parking lots are far away and charge something like three dollars an hour...
So they charge you by the hour? You pay roughly $75 a day or do you pack your shit up and move it so you only get charged for the time you sleep? Also if you do that do you lose your spot or is it "reserved".
brandeezy
08-24-2008, 04:18 AM
The thing about getting a hotel outside of the Gaslamp is that all the after hours events happen in the downtown hotels or the bars in the surrounding area. While San Diego does have busses and a trolley system like most of California its very car based and you would probably need to rent a car or take a cab, which can be very expensive.
Of course you can just hop on a trolley and party in Tijuana...
jaflanagan
08-24-2008, 05:22 AM
You won't end up saving any money by staying out of town and driving in. You'll pay out the nose for parking. Some took the trolley in, and did that, but honestly, it's worth the extra $50 a day to be within parking distance. That place will wipe you the hell out, and adding an extra 30-60 minutes travel after the show would just suck.
Especially if you're carrying the camera.
valoharth
08-24-2008, 05:50 AM
If you're thinking about staying outside of the GL District and wanting to take a trolly here's a heads up, the trolly doesn't go all night. I think 11:30 is when the last trolly leaves the Convention Center Area. Taxi can be expensive, from Bar Basic to my hotel it cost me 40 bucks. It was worth it though.
esophagus
08-24-2008, 08:04 AM
My hotel was about 20 minutes away from the Convention Center, but was along the Shuttle route. So, it was a bit cheaper but I still had free transportation to and from the center all day and fairly late at night (I think until 2am).
esophagus
02-13-2009, 05:17 AM
Looks like hotels through the con are officially going on sale on March 19. Tried looking around to see if I could beat the rush since buying through the con last year was absolutely painful. Looks like a lot of the hotels are charging like $450 a night to buy on your own. I had heard they jacked prices but didn't realize just how bad it was! Hope to make it out this year but things are very much still in the planning stages. There are a few things that are going to need to work out to get me there.
gabeja
02-13-2009, 06:14 AM
So, I am going this year, but I'm not sure how to go about this. I havn't been to a con before, but I am going to wondercon in a few weeks. From what I've seen and heard of San Diego, it looks rediculous, and somewhat indimidating. What excactly do you do? How long are sketch lines typically, how packed are panels? I'd love some tips, thanks.
esophagus
02-13-2009, 07:49 AM
So, I am going this year, but I'm not sure how to go about this. I havn't been to a con before, but I am going to wondercon in a few weeks. From what I've seen and heard of San Diego, it looks rediculous, and somewhat indimidating. What excactly do you do? How long are sketch lines typically, how packed are panels? I'd love some tips, thanks.
iFanboy has done some (http://www.ifanboy.com/content/articles/The_Beginning_of_the_End) articles (http://www.ifanboy.com/content/articles/Convention_Season_is_Upon_Us_Once_More) and videos (I can't find the video specifically of con tips, but I'm sure I remember it. Even still, search for the episodes they taped in San Diego to get a bit of a feel for it.) relating to this in the past, and there's actually a thread about it here (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3918). Plenty (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13783) of (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8509) threads (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23768) for (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13711&highlight=diego+comic) cons (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7644) past (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7217&highlight=diego+comic) have similar questions in them too. Haha. Just a little light reading.
cammyknoxville
02-13-2009, 09:09 AM
After going through the thread again and seeing all the frantic hotel and accommodations planning, it makes me very thankful to be a San Diego native and not have to worry about this stuff.
I'm just sayin'.
miyamotofreak
03-05-2009, 03:20 AM
The big daddy has registration going on right now.
Two questions:
1. When do the tickets typically sell out? I'm going to buy tickets definitely but I'm broke as can be right now.
2. Why are tickets so pricey? $70?! Jesus christ. I may have to get a Youth pass.
missconstrue
03-07-2009, 03:37 AM
This will be my first Con. I've got my ticket and my room, and I'm waiting to see if airfare price drops.
So, I feel silly, but how late into the night does the Con stay open? And do people usually hit the town afterwards?
conorkilpatrick
03-07-2009, 10:41 PM
So, I feel silly, but how late into the night does the Con stay open?
Depends on teh night. The con floor closes at a certain time (I think 7pm?) but there are events - screenings and such - in the panel rooms well into the night.
And do people usually hit the town afterwards?
Of course! That's half the reason for going to San Diego! There's always the get togethers at the hotel bars and we usually throw a party (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ifanboy/sets/72157606443976475/).
gabeja
03-07-2009, 11:20 PM
I'd love to see an ifanboy con guide show.
conorkilpatrick
03-07-2009, 11:27 PM
I'd love to see an ifanboy con guide show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZXktd6aRn4
I would definitely like to go to SDCC one year, not this year for sure but when I somehow end up with a couple grand to blow or if a friend of mine move to SD I'll go down.
What the hell is up with the housing at San Diego Comic Con... I tried booking a room at a hotel near the convention center in late January with the actual hotel itself, and was told that was not going to happen. I was also told that I should follow the instructions at the Comic-Con official website which stated room bookings would take place March 19th at 12pm EDT. I was at the site at 12pm EDT. on the dot and waited and hour and a half to book a room. Which is 7 miles away and provides no shuttle service to the convention center. WTF? I understand that demand exceeded supply but again; WTF?
esophagus
03-20-2009, 04:25 AM
Its always that way. At 12PM EDT there were tens of thousands of people trying to access that website.
conorkilpatrick
03-20-2009, 04:26 AM
What the hell is up with the housing at San Diego Comic Con... I tried booking a room at a hotel near the convention center in late January with the actual hotel itself, and was told that was not going to happen. I was also told that I should follow the instructions at the Comic-Con official website which stated room bookings would take place March 19th at 12pm EDT. I was at the site at 12pm EDT. on the dot and waited and hour and a half to book a room. Which is 7 miles away and provides no shuttle service to the convention center. WTF? I understand that demand exceeded supply but again; WTF?
Welcome to San Diego Comic-Con. 250,000 attendees, 16,000 hotel rooms. It's like this every year.
but come on how is it even humanly possible that the only hotel I can get is 7 miles away (one of the farthest) and one of the few that don't provide shuttle service. Come on karma I've been good... ish.
May I ask how you obtained housing, because clearly circumventing the Comic-con grip on the hotels surrounding the convention center is for nothing.
conorkilpatrick
03-20-2009, 04:41 AM
May I ask how you obtained housing, because clearly circumventing the Comic-con grip on the hotels surrounding the convention center is for nothing.
I logged onto the website at noon and after about 15 minutes I got through and reserved a room.
I logged onto the website at noon and after about 15 minutes I got through and reserved a room.
Did you get your first choice or did you have to settle for the bottom of the barrel like me (by the way this will be that last self indulgent statement I make about this topic... promise)
conorkilpatrick
03-20-2009, 04:57 AM
Did you get your first choice or did you have to settle for the bottom of the barrel like me (by the way this will be that last self indulgent statement I make about this topic... promise)
First choice, yes. The hotel sold out like right after Ron and I booked rooms.
naveenm
03-20-2009, 09:40 PM
Wow, rooms aren't cheap! This will be my first year and I guess I still don't have a scope of how big SDCC really is. It's gonna fill all the hotels in the city. Sheesh. I guess a rental car will become a necessity if you get a room far from the convention center.
naveenm
03-27-2009, 11:48 PM
So I got a ticket for Saturday (which is almost sold out now). I'm looking to add one more day, but I'm not sure which is best, Friday or Sunday. Any suggestions?
valoharth
03-28-2009, 06:53 AM
Sunday is generally the wind down day, most people use it for searching back issues and trades, most people who bring stuff to the con to sell discount it a lot just so they don't take it back with them. Also Sunday serves as Kids day, a lot of activities set up for parents and children to do.
Friday is going to see more action and con type events, better panels and what not. I'd recommend Friday over Sunday unless you're bring a child along or have an urge for looking through back issues.
naveenm
03-28-2009, 03:11 PM
Thanks Valoharth. Friday it is!
cammyknoxville
03-29-2009, 04:32 PM
Did no one mention that the 4-day passes and Saturday passes are all sold-out?
naveenm
03-29-2009, 05:27 PM
[QUOTE=CammyKnoxville;506677]Did no one mention that the 4-day passes and Saturday passes are all sold-out?[/QUOTE
That's why I got the Saturday ticket. Now adding one more day.
infernorhythm
03-29-2009, 05:37 PM
This will be my fourth year going (wow, I'm a bit surprised by that), and I can't wait. The hotel thing was a bit trickier this year, but that hasn't deterred me.
Here's hoping there will be another TRS/iFanboy party. It's been one of the highlights of the past two SDCCs.
miyamotofreak
03-29-2009, 07:29 PM
I couldn't get the 4-day in time but got a Saturday. I need to get a part-time job soon.
esophagus
06-12-2009, 12:56 AM
I made other plans for this same week so I'm not going to go to the con. I am going to get rid of my pass but I thought I'd give the iFanbase first crack. Its for all 4 days + preview night. Send me a PM if you're interested.
rchapoteau
07-13-2009, 04:56 PM
Hey all, the people I was planning on staying with at the comic con are no longer going. I just wanted to see if anyone had space in a room they were willing to share. I could get my own room, but I don't want to waste $200 a night if I don't have to.
chlop
07-13-2009, 07:17 PM
http://www.couchsurfing.org/ - There ya go, sunny. Check the FAQ and other crap to make sure it goes well, if you're not scared about crashing on stranger's couches.
cammyknoxville
07-14-2009, 07:01 PM
YES!!!
I just snagged my friend a 4-day pass from Comic-Con's ebay auctions. I've been trying for days, and this time I was finally quick enough.
Now he'll have to follow me around and film me interviewing creators throughout the entire Con :D
cammyknoxville
07-20-2009, 02:26 AM
My schedule (with conflicts):
Thursday
*11:00-12:00 IDW Publishing: The Evolution of Comics
*12:00-1:00 LongBox Digital Comics
*1:00-2:00 Mondo Marvel
*3:00-4:00 Robot Chicken with Titan Maximum
*4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Gail Simone
*5:30-6:30 All-Stars of Comics Podcasting
Friday
*10:00-12:30 Warner Bros.
*1:00-2:00 The Big Bang Theory Screening and Q&A
*2:30-3:30 Focus Features: 9
*4:45-5:45 The Mighty Boosh
*6:00-7:00 Goon, This Is Your Life!
*7:15-9:15 The Totally Rad Show Live!
Saturday
*11:00-12:00 Lost: The Final Season Begins, with Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse
*1:00-2:00 Spotlight on James Jean
*2:15-3:15 DC: Green Lantern: Blackest Night
*4:00-5:00 Paramount Pictures and Marvel Entertainment: Iron Man 2
*5:15-6:45 Kevin Smith
*6:00-7:15 Adult Swim Development/The Venture Bros Panel
*7:30-10:00 Torchwood/Doctor Who Screenings
Sunday
*10:00-11:00 Dr. Who
*12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham
*2:15-3:45 BBC America: Being Human/Torchwood
*4:00-5:00 Buffy the Musical
I'm bummed that I'll be missing the TrueBlood panel on Saturday :(
bob8779
07-25-2009, 01:24 AM
Hi Guys
If you have a chance could we get some footage of the figure booths. Would love to see some of the painted figures and models upclose and in HD.
gabeja
07-26-2009, 05:49 AM
A few con sketches. Girl from the first issue of the new phonogram (forget the name) by Jamie Mckelvie, Ben Urich by David Mack, John Constantine by David Lloyd, Daredevil by Bill Sienkevitch, and the Joker by Neal Adams.
http://www.twitpic.com/photos/GabeJa
gabeja
07-29-2009, 06:31 AM
Anyone have any good con stories?
siraim
07-30-2009, 04:23 AM
Upgraded my Flickr account this night so all my photos were visible.. here are my Con pics from Thursday and Sunday. I go my Con tickets late, so I wasn't able to get tickets for Friday/Saturday so I wasn't able to make the TRS/iFanboy meetup.. howerver there is one pic in the stream of me and Ron (I caught up to him on the floor of the Con).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/siraim/sets/72157621764346511/