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1
Bathroom
If the ATM lines are bad, you can only expect the bathrooms to be much much worse. Beyond long lines, you also will have to prepare for them to get increasingly dirtier and grosser as the week goes on. Always use the bathroom at your hotel before walking to the convention center. You'll thank me later.
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2
Avoid ATMs
Hall H isn't the only place where you will find outrageous lines. Something as simple as the ATM could potentially end up being a half hour of standing around. On your walk to the Convention center you should try to find a bank ATM and just bring cash with you to the center. You don't want to miss a chance on a SDCC exclusive because you were standing in an ATM line.
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3
The Floor or The Door?
The Convention Floor can be very intimidating. You'll find that you'll be on one side of the floor and something you want is on a completely different end. Don't attempt to get there on the convention floor, instead go into the lobby and walk to whatever part of the floor you need to be near. It might sounds like extra work, but I promise you it's not.
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4
Plan Your Schedule In Advance
When you check in at Comic Con you will receive a book full of everything. Events, Panels, Special Sales, etc. It's easy to get overwhelmed and start running around trying to see everything. You'll get much more done if you take the time to sit down and plan out your days on paper.
It's also really helpful if you create a plan B. Sometimes Panels get filled up or Events sell out. Always have a back up party or panel to attend.
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5
Load Up On Vitamins And Sleep
When you're at an event like Comic Con; it's very easy to get overly excited. The event is basically Geek Mardi Gras. It's easy to find so much to do that you end up not actually sleeping for days at a time. Remember to pace yourself. Sleep and Vitamins are key in a successful con experience. You don't want to wake up Saturday and feel so sick and tired that you end up sleeping through the last two days. Less is always More.
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6
Hall H Nightmares
The most exciting stuff at Comic Con typically occurs in Hall H. If you're interested in one of these panels, just be prepared to stand in a long line throughout the day. There's only so many people allowed in the room at a time. Good advice is not to allow this time in line to be completely wasted, talk to the people around you. Don't make a big fuss about minor issues like someone holding a spot for their friend. You'll find that Comic Con Karma exists and kindness to something small will come back tenfold this particular week.
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7
iAnything
If you want to hit up some of those panels in Hall H that I spoke of earlier then this is crucial. As you've seen, even without Hall H, you'll be waiting in many lines throughout the week. iPods, iPads, iPhones, Blackberries, these will all be your best friends in these situations. They'll specifically help you pass the time if you have no friends to talk to.
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8
CosPlay Photographs
Throughout the convention you're going to see thousands of people dressed up like movie, video game and comic book characters. You're going to want to ask them for a picture. That is completely acceptable. That's one of the points of Cos-Playing in the first place. Just politely approach them and say "excuse me, can I have a picture?" If they say no they're either bad cos-players or booth babes... which leads us to.
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9
Booth Babes
As you walk the floor you're going to see these beautiful cos-playing girls hanging out in booths throughout the convention center. Do not be fooled. Most of these people aren't real cos-players but actually Booth Babes. Sometimes they can pretend be geeky; but others can't hide their disgust of you and the convention. Don't be made a fool; they're strictly there to draw you into their booth and take your money. Beware!
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10
Bags And Swags
You're going to say to yourself. Okay, I'm going to go and spend a bunch of money; so I better bring a bag to put all my stuff in. This is poor planning. For starters, as soon as you enter the convention center you'll receive a giant bag which is perfect for your purchases. But even if you plan to not buy anything the entire week (why are you even there whoever you are!?) you're going to get so much free swag that trust me; these giant free bag will get plenty of use.
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11
Extra Batteries
We've already discussed CosPlaying. You're going to want as many back up batteries as possible. Video Cameras, Photo Cameras, Laptops and Cell Phones. You're going to find your batteries get used up much more quickly than you're used too. It never hurts to be prepared with some back ups for these things.
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12
Hand Sanitizer
Throughout your Con, you're going to be meeting people and shaking hands. Trust me, hand sanitizer will be a life saver. Well, not so much a life saver as it will help keep you from being sick the following week. Also you'll be shocked how many celebrities will talk to you and even maybe ask you for some if they see you have it. It is a great CONversation starter.
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13
Don't Buy Food At The Convention Center
Food in the convention center is over priced. The only thing more over priced of course... is water. You know that free stuff you get out of a sink and can buy 24 bottles of for $3 at most stores. So if you want to make sure you have some money to get that Star Wart Christmas Special bootleg, then I recommend you have plenty of bottled water and snacks to get your through the long day on a budget.
*This also applies for your breakfast and dinner. It's much cheaper to go to a grocery store or a fast food place near your hotel.
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14
Proper Footwear
While at comic con, you can expect to walk... ALOT. In your mind you're going to think "man, it's pretty hot out, I'll just wear flip-flops". This is a terrible idea. You're going to spend the next 10 hours either standing around or walking. What you want is something with a nice cushion on your heel. I strongly stand by Converse but really any shoe will do you good.
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