Survival Guide to DragonCon
Well, DragonCon is over. I didn't go down today because a) walking=OW and b) with Gustav, it just didn't feel right...
I hope everyone in the Gulf Coast is okay!
So, Survival Guide to Dragon Con... there will be pictures later including the greatest picture ever!
DragonCon is HUGE. Probably 45-60k people total over the weekend. It takes up four hotels. Seriously big.
First and foremost, if there is someone you really want to see, a panel you really want to be in, ect. get there EARLY. For safety's sake (and if a good seat is important) I'd say show up when the previous panel starts.
Second, plan carefully. Try to cluster locations. Also, if you're in a hurry, it's quicker to walk on the street, since you don't have to get through the crowds. There's also a bridge from Peachtree center to a parking deck next to the Hilton and that's not generally crowded. The hotels (in order) are the Hyatt (where you pick up your badge), the Marriott, the Hilton, and on the left and a block down the street, the Sheraton. There are buses, but I've never seen them. Expect to do a LOT of walking.
Third, the Food Court in Peachtree Center is decent but the hotel food is expensive. Sear at the Marriott is quite good, as is Trader Vics, but both will cost you a pretty penny. And if you want to go, reservations are your friends.
Fourth, there is a liquor store catacorner from the Hyatt, on the same street as the registration. But remember, it will be closed on Sunday. The hotels and restaurants can and will sell you a drink on Sunday, but they are not cheap. So plan ahead for room parties...
Fifth, book hotel rooms early. There is also at least one DragonCon LJ comm, and people will look for roommates, try to unload rooms, ect.
And while I'm on the subject of rooms... MARTA does run directly to the con (more or less) so staying elsewhere in the city is an option. Just be aware that the trains stop at 12:30 on the weekend.
Sixth, parking. Good luck. It is possible, but it will cost you. The earlier you get there, the better, and possibly the cheaper (I parked on Friday morning at around 9 for 10 bucks, and when I left that night, it had gone up to 15). If money is a big concern, then I'd say either park far away and walk, or use one of the MARTA station parking lots (and I'm not sure which stations have them, so you might want to check)
Oh, and last but not least, memberships. The earlier you buy them, the cheaper they are, and a one-day pass at the con is almost as much as a 4 day membership bought enough in advance.
Things to check out...
the Parade is a blast.
Gareth David Lloyd is hysterical (I was in a panel with him and the guy who played Spike, and just hysterically funny the entire time)
the costumes (but do other con-goers a favor and do NOT block pathways, escalators, stairwells, or entrances with picture taking)
the music
I hope everyone in the Gulf Coast is okay!
So, Survival Guide to Dragon Con... there will be pictures later including the greatest picture ever!
DragonCon is HUGE. Probably 45-60k people total over the weekend. It takes up four hotels. Seriously big.
First and foremost, if there is someone you really want to see, a panel you really want to be in, ect. get there EARLY. For safety's sake (and if a good seat is important) I'd say show up when the previous panel starts.
Second, plan carefully. Try to cluster locations. Also, if you're in a hurry, it's quicker to walk on the street, since you don't have to get through the crowds. There's also a bridge from Peachtree center to a parking deck next to the Hilton and that's not generally crowded. The hotels (in order) are the Hyatt (where you pick up your badge), the Marriott, the Hilton, and on the left and a block down the street, the Sheraton. There are buses, but I've never seen them. Expect to do a LOT of walking.
Third, the Food Court in Peachtree Center is decent but the hotel food is expensive. Sear at the Marriott is quite good, as is Trader Vics, but both will cost you a pretty penny. And if you want to go, reservations are your friends.
Fourth, there is a liquor store catacorner from the Hyatt, on the same street as the registration. But remember, it will be closed on Sunday. The hotels and restaurants can and will sell you a drink on Sunday, but they are not cheap. So plan ahead for room parties...
Fifth, book hotel rooms early. There is also at least one DragonCon LJ comm, and people will look for roommates, try to unload rooms, ect.
And while I'm on the subject of rooms... MARTA does run directly to the con (more or less) so staying elsewhere in the city is an option. Just be aware that the trains stop at 12:30 on the weekend.
Sixth, parking. Good luck. It is possible, but it will cost you. The earlier you get there, the better, and possibly the cheaper (I parked on Friday morning at around 9 for 10 bucks, and when I left that night, it had gone up to 15). If money is a big concern, then I'd say either park far away and walk, or use one of the MARTA station parking lots (and I'm not sure which stations have them, so you might want to check)
Oh, and last but not least, memberships. The earlier you buy them, the cheaper they are, and a one-day pass at the con is almost as much as a 4 day membership bought enough in advance.
Things to check out...
the Parade is a blast.
Gareth David Lloyd is hysterical (I was in a panel with him and the guy who played Spike, and just hysterically funny the entire time)
the costumes (but do other con-goers a favor and do NOT block pathways, escalators, stairwells, or entrances with picture taking)
the music