Love, exciting and new
Come aboard, we’re expecting you
Love, life’s sweetest reward
Let it flow, it floats back to you

Captain Steubing may not have been there to greet me when I stepped on board, and Isaac sure wasn’t mixing the drinks behind the bar, but the IMDboat at San Diego comic-Con 2024 promised something for everyone.

While her upper decks were reserved for studios and talent, her lower decks (LOWER DECKS! LOWER DECKS!) hosted fan experiences, photo ops, a trivia contest, and most importantly, refreshments. From line management to activities, IMDb’s floating lounge moored behind the convention center gave fans an interactive respite from the hustle and bustle of San Diego Comic-Con.

Every good sailor requests permission to step aboard a vessel, and the IMDboat was no exception. My Emotional Support Human… er, I mean wife and I checked the panel schedule, signings, etc. to see what talent was expected to be there and when and chose Saturday morning for our short tour. We got there a little more than an hour before the boat opened her brow to the public. The IMDb staff was busy setting up their tables, but plenty of friendly, patient security was on-hand to direct fans and answer questions. An RSVP was required to be able to climb aboard, and IMDb staff and security was ready with a QR code that took fans directly to the form. We watched the line grow and extend down the marina toward the Hilton Bayfront, but there wasn’t a sad face to be found.

While we were waiting to board, the cast of Tubi’s Wynonna Earp: Vengeance happened to be on their way to the upper decks prior to their SDCC panel. The cast and showrunner of the revived Wynonna Earp series were clearly happy to be back at San Diego Comic-Con.

At precisely 10am PT, the line opened, and the IMDb staff handed us our official passport to fun. As in previous years, those coveted IMDboat captain’s hats were on display in all their glory as soon as we walked through the doors into the glorious air-conditioned lounge. Unlike previous years, however, we had to earn those hats by completing the stamps in our passports first. Not that this was a hardship, mind you, because the stamps led us to fun and delicious activities.

The Lounge

The Relax and Recharge lounge was exactly as advertised. Climate control at SDCC itself is always a luxury, and even when the crowd arrived, the air and the vibe both remained chill. There were brightly-colored, comfy Mid-Century Modern-inspired couches, chairs, stools, and tables for visitors to rest their feet and enjoy some of the boat’s amenities, including WiFi.

The Food

Fans were treated to hot and fresh complimentary DiGiorno pizzas inspired by Deadpool & Wolverine along with complimentary snacks, including popcorn, trail mix, and some sweet, delicious ice cream treats. Later, we washed down our delicious food with complimentary refreshments from the bar. 

The Activities

“I will take the Ring”, he said, “though I do not know the way.”

The lounge was relaxed, but it sure wasn’t boring. As usual, there was a trivia competition for fans to flex their TV and movie knowledge (let’s just say I had an off day). The highlight was The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Prime Video photo booth, where fans were able to choose from a variety of pointy ears, wigs, and props as well as one of four backgrounds to go with them. 

The Swag

The IMDboat comes to San Diego Comic-Con with some of the best swag every year (we still speak of the “SDCC-exclusive” Conair Nose Hair Trimmer to this day). This year’s swag may not have been quite as unique, but it was no less epic. IMDb also partnered with Disney’s Lorcana Trading Card Game to introduce fans to the immersive game and sent them home with a pack of cards. 

Not only was DiGiorno sending guests home with full tummies, they also had Deadpool & Wolverine kitchen aprons and oven mitts for fans to choose from. Which “Sexiest Man Alive” would you represent in the kitchen?

 

If you were camera-shy or just didn’t want to have your picture taken, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power still didn’t let you leave empty-handed. Fans went home with posters from the Prime Video series as well as a “precious” ring pop. It’s mine! It came to me!

The Experience

This was, by far, my best experience at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. From the time we got to the check-in desks to the time we disembarked, our experience was relaxed, pleasant, and a lot of fun. IMDb was a more-than-gracious host who provided an immensely enjoyable fan experience for everyone. 

And of course we got our sailor’s hat.