Hey, this is my first time going to SDCC, but I'm not sure how to plan the trip. I have a few questions, and any answers, opinions or tips would be much appreciated.

First, where are the best places to stay? Is it worth it to pay extra to stay in a nearby hotel, or is it better to stay farther away and rent a car?

Second, what's the best way to get around? Rental car? Taxi? Bus that can't go less than 50 miles an hour or it will explode?

Third, what is the best way to score some exclusives? I'm a little concerned the lines, especially after reading about last year's fiasco at the Mattel booth.

Thanks for any and all comments. Even from the people who tell me I'm a doofus for waiting so long to plan the trip.

Staying close is definitely worth the extra $$$, but at this point I'm betting all close hotels are booked. Many of them sell out in February. If you somehow get a decent room in the Gaslamp, there are trolleys that run all the time, so you can come and go from the Con and dump stuff in your room.

The last time I went was on 2005, and things have only gotten crazier. The lines, the exclusives, the amount of people, all of it. Do you have tickets already? You may be able to find someone that will let you crash on the floor of their room. It sounds crazy, but I've slept on floors, in chairs, in beds with a few people...it's all part of the SDCC charm . Below are some great sites with other tips; some of the info may no longer be relevant, but I'm sure others will chime in with good info.

http://www.digthatbox.com/comic_con.html

http://droracle.wordpress.com/2008/06/2 ... ival-tips/

http://www.hoboes.com/pub/Comics/Conven ... al%20Guide

http://sdcc.evilgeniuses.org/Tips_and_Tricks.html

http://www.statueforum.com/showthread.p ... e5&t=52885

http://geekgirlsnetwork.wordpress.com/2 ... xperience/

http://www.mania.com/convention-maniacs ... 16455.html

http://sdccblog.com/10-must-read-exhibi ... dcc09/168/

http://sdccblog.com/20-tips-for-every-c ... dcc09/181/

http://www.wetacollectors.com/forum/sho ... 9f&t=32082

http://uglycouchshow.com/episodes/2009- ... guide_378/

GregNYC, check and see if the Coronado Marriot is booked. My wife and I stayed there several times over the last few years until some of our time shares opened up and it's awesome location. You can catch a ferry that takes you right across to the Marriot connected to the convention center and you can watch the fireworks from your room if you get a room by the water.

Thanks for the links Superfly. I started reading them and at least two of the first 3 or 4 I read had "shower daily" as one of their tips/suggestions. Not very encouraging.

Those links were very helpful, Superfly. Thanks very much. I was surprised at how many people called the convention food "gross." Overpriced, sure, but how bad could it be?

One thing I would have never thought of: a poster tube. I'm not a big collector of posters, but if I did see one that I liked, I sure would want to protect it.

And it sounds like between public transportation and taxis, I won't have to rent a car. Living in Manhattan, I'm very comfortable with mass transit, and I dread the thought of getting stuck in traffic while behind the wheel.

Donster, that Marriott sure seems sweet, but at $600 a night for the con, it's too rich for me. It looks like I'll be staying with the winos and hookers at the Downtown Fleabag.

Be prepared for a mob scene in many areas.

Be prepared to brush against a lot of strangers.

Don't bother buying lunch outside the con (lines way too long) or inside the con (crappy food that is ridiculously overprice and you won't be able to find an open table anyway).

Therefore pack your backpack with some food and water. Save your main meal for dinner (and try to eat some breakfast at your hotel), and try to leave the con about a half hour before it closes so you can avoid a good chunk of the dinner rush.

You might have a hard time finding a room at this late date. Don't be surprised if they are very expensive if you do.

Staying close is vital! You will be exhausted from standing/walking/waiting in line all day. Only having to walk a block or two in order to crash is a Godsend (especially after the 2nd day).

Ditch the car, you won't get close and will waste precious con time stick in traffic if you do. If you take a taxi, have them get you close, then bail (after you pay, of course) and walk the rest of the way.

Try to get a shuttle hotel if you can. Forget the mornings, they'll take forever unless you are WAY out there. Very nice in the evenings, though.

Sometimes, SOMETIMES, the toy lines are better in the afternoons, rather in the mornings. Use Preview Night to get the Lay of the Land and plot a course accordingly. Try to grab the little things on Preview night, as some dealers are selling exclusives on that Wed.

That's a start. I've been going for seven years.

Good advice all around.

Staying close is definitely ideal. Not having to worry about transportation and parking is so nice. But you definitely pay a premium for the luxury. I don't mind a bit of walking/trolley-taking but when you're carrying huge bags filled with swag it can get unpleasant.

Yeah, bring power bars and bags of trail mix and bottled water for the day. Its a pain to leave the center to go get food and you don't want to buy the crap they sell.

Lines. I attend Con with a spirit of resignation. I will not waste inordinate amounts of time standing in lines. Just too much else I'd rather see and do. But you gamble taking a stance like that. I have to resolve to be OK if I miss out on something.


Wow, I didn't realize it was that long ago. You need to get back down, brotha! Where else can you get that many shirtless man-hugs in one place?

Thanks to everyone for your advice.

I was able to find a cheaper hotel two trolley stops away from the convention center, which means I won't have to rent a car.

I'm really looking forward to my first Con. Hope to see some of you there!

Damn, I know! I can't believe it's been 5 years..ugh. I am planning right now for 2011, so keep your fingers crossed...