San Diego Comic-Con can be an overwhelming experience. Not just for first-timers, mind you; but for experienced veterans of the convention as well. From our experience, we aren’t joking when we say it takes a couple of repeat visits to really get your bearings on what to do, when to do, and how to do it like a pro.
If you read us daily, you’re likely up to date on the big panels, exclusives and offsites you’ll be seeing in San Diego this year. But there’s lots more to learn, from where to pick up badges to where to eat well (and cheaply), to getting all that swag and exclusive merchandise home, and more.
But that’s why we’re here to help. We’ve covered all that and more essential information to make the best of your visit to SDCC, and to make it easy for you we’ve started this page of tips, guides, recommendations and other great stuff our team has gathered over the years. So sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and get ready to soak up the knowledge. You’ll be thanking us after SDCC is over, we assure you.
Where to Start
- San Diego Comic-Con Frequently Asked Questions – A great resource for those who are new to the scene
- One of the best ways to stay up-to-date during Comic-Con is to watch Twitter for info, news and announcements as it happens. Not only should you keep any eye on us (@SD_Comic_Con) and the #SDCC hashtag, but there are some key accounts to follow as well. We have them documented below, along with a handy-dandy list for each to follow with a single click.
- San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Open Registration Visual Guide – Before you plan what to do at SDCC, you need to know how to get a badge. We walk you through the process of Open Registration for 2019.
- SDCC FAQ – What is Group Buying? – We explain the most prominent “tool” in your arsenal to trying to score a badge.
- Where to Line Up For… – You’ve made the decision to get in line early at Comic-Con (and good choice!). But which line do you need to be in?
- San Diego Comic-Con Room Capacities – A guide to just how many people each room can hold.
- How to Make The Best of SDCC, Solo Style – Going to SDCC by yourself? Don’t worry, you’re not really alone, and you’ll have a blast.
- Setting Your SDCC Budget – It’s never too late to start saving your pennies for Comic-Con. Read this, start prepping your budget and figure out where you will be spending your money for the weekend.
- Packing List for San Diego Comic-Con – Packing for San Diego Comic-Con, or any convention, can seem like a daunting task. Here are our suggestions.
- What (And How) to Pack for San Diego Comic-Con – We look at not only what items you should bring, but also how to make it fit, get it home, and maybe even have room left over.
- Have kids at the con? We’ve got some tips.
- Thinking of cosplaying at SDCC this year? Get some tips from the pros.
- Do you want to shoot photos of your favorite stars like a professional? Well here are some tips from our in-house professional, GeekShot Photography‘s (and SDConCast co-host) James Riley.
- SDCC Prep: Schedules & Spreadsheets – How do you stay organized during Comic-Con? Spreadsheets are your friend.
- Useful Apps During San Diego Comic-Con 2023 – Social media is incredibly important during the con, but these apps will also make your life easier.
- Need a map to the exhibit floor? We’ve got that!
Hotels & Getting Around
- San Diego Comic-Con 2024 Shuttle Schedule – The free San Diego Comic-Con shuttle is one of your best tools, and if you’re staying on the shuttle route, you definitely should check it out.
- Guide to Parking at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 – Ace Parking holds an annual sale – and here’s what you need to know.
- Options for Getting From the San Diego Airport to the Gaslamp – Ride-sharing apps can be expensive. Kim at Outside Comic-Con goes over some cheaper alternatives.
- San Diego Comic-Con Hotel Sales Simplified: Early Bird vs General: We explain the difference between the two kinds of hotel sales.
- Hotel Guide By Amount of Rooms – Just how many rooms does each hotel in the SDCC Hotelpocalypse have?
- Food Options — Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt: Dole whip. Need we say more?
Volunteering
Being a volunteer at San Diego Comic-Con is a great deal. Not only are you able to play a part in making SDCC go off without a hitch for your fellow geeks attending the convention, but you also get some great perks, like a free exclusive t-shirt available only to volunteers. Not to mention, a free badge for that day.
So many people ask us how to prepare for volunteering, and we have a great guest post from a couple of years back that gives a first-hand account on being a volunteer. Check it out, and thanks for your contribution to Comic-Con!
The Big Panel Rooms
The biggest panels are held in Hall H and Ballroom 20. If your new to SDCC or never stepped foot in these famous rooms, here’s what you can expect in each:
- San Diego Comic-Con Room Capacities – A guide to just how many people each room can hold.
- I Am Hall H: A Guide To The Biggest Stage At Comic-Con
- Dancing With The Stars: A Guide To Comic-Con’s Ballroom 20
Videos
Are you more of a visual person? Then don’t worry, because we have the best for that, too. Take a look at some of our videos to help prepare you for Comic-Con:
- SDCC 2024 Guide to Quick Food: Parks & Cons takes you through some fan-favorite food options in the Gaslamp.
- SDCC 2024 Backpack Essentials: Here’s what you should have in your backpack.
- Beginner’s Guide to SDCC: New to the con? No problem.
- SDCC 2024: Autograph Prep: Ever wondered how autographs work at the con?
- SDCC 2024 Exhibit Floor Guide & Tips: Parks and Cons has tips and tricks to help you score both exclusives and swag on the show floor.
- SDCC 2024: Expanding Your Con: Parks & Cons takes a look at how to extend the Comic-Con week with a visit to the Comic-Con Museum.
- SDCC 2023 Guide to Outside: There’s a lot more to Comic-Con than what’s on the show floor. Parks and Cons is here to talk about the SDCC “campus”.