Have you always wanted to attend San Diego Comic-Con, but never been able to secure a badge? Well, there may be an easier way in for you.

For the first time, Comic-Con International is offering fans a new way to improve their chances of attending San Diego Comic-Con in 2027… by attending WonderCon 2026 and staying at an official WonderCon hotel. Guests who both attend WonderCon and book a stay at an official convention hotel (available here) will be eligible to participate in Comic-Con 2027 Returning Registration.

Returning Registration is typically held in the fall, and allows eligible fans the opportunity to purchase Comic-Con badges ahead of the general public. Traditionally, this sale has only been open to those who attended San Diego Comic-Con the year before, and it’s one of the major perks of attending the con, because the odds in Returning Registration are significantly better than in the second, general public sale, known as Open Registration.

To qualify, fans must attend WonderCon 2026 and stay a minimum of two nights at an official WonderCon hotel during the March 27–29 event. After checking in to their hotel, attendees can bring proof of stay to the WonderCon 2026 Hotel Desk in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center, where they will be added to the eligibility list for Comic-Con 2027 Returning Registration.

This marks a pretty major shift.