DRAGON*CON IS 11 DAYS AWAY. ARE YOU READY?!?!?

[slave_to_anime]

Dragon*Con is a mere couple of weekends away. It's creeping up close. Given just how many So Cal'ers are coming to this year's Dragon*Con, this is probably a good time to pick up a few pointers. While I haven't been to too many of these yet myself (this is only my 4th Dragon*Con upcoming), there are a few things I've at least picked up in basic terms that should help you folks who haven't been out there. Also will encourage those who have been out there a few times to give all of us some other hints they've picked up.

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Before we start, this was the last time I posted on Dragon*Con, last October. The map link is broken, but that's okay, I'll put that down later. Much of this is basically reiterated from that. Also, read the First-Timer FAQs on the Dragon*Con Wiki as well. Might as well get most of that committed to memory.

Things to Remember Before You Pack

Besides your usual travel supplies and things you would normally bring on a flying trip away from home (credit cards, IDs, clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, electronic devices, and whatever cosplay stuff you're packing), don't forget the following things that are more specific to travelling to Dragon*Con and Atlanta in the summer:

• Your registration post card. Reg will probably still be fast even if you forget it, but it'll be faster if you don't. You should've gotten this in the mail already if you pre-registered.
• A bottle or somesuch to hold water in. If this is going in your checked bag, remember to bring this bottle empty. Atlanta in late summer is a muggy hot mess. Even if you stay indoors most of the time, you'll need to travel outside at least a bit. This will liekly be helpful
• Consider a small bottle of sunblock if you think you might head outside, such as to watch the parade. Again, summer in Atlanta.
• Even though a camera should be on the normal set of things, this is doubly so for Dragon*Con. Do not forget your camera; you'll regret it if you do.
• Money would also be on the normal list of things. For most of the higher end guests, expect that you may have to pay to get an autograph or pic, though, so factor that into your budget. Since I don't normally go for autographs, I can't tell you specifics about prices. Hopefully others can give hints about that.

Airport to Convention

• We're assuming of course that you manage to take care of the flight and hotels. If you haven't, well, it's probably a bit too late for ya. Bookmark this for next year and just look at the previous post to see details about how to deal with the hotel planning.
• Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL) is big. Don't worry too much about it for now. The layout is relatively sane. When you get there, find the underground shuttle to take you to the baggage claim terminal. Don't forget your bags!
• When you arrive at ATL, you have a couple of methods of getting to the convention center. If you prefer something like a shuttle or taxi, check ATL's Ground Transportation page. Expect to pay about $16 each way for a shuttle, or about $30 each way for a taxi. If you can deal with the train, the round trip will be $6 ($2.50 for the fare, $1 for a reloadable Breeze Card, buyable right at the station, which you must buy to use the train, unfortunately). The train trip is relatively easy: after getting your baggage from baggage claim, walk right to the MARTA station right inside the airport terminal, buy your card + fare(s), and then tap the card on the marker at the gate to enter (similar when you exit at the other end). You can take either line (Red or Gold) that departs the station. Stay on the train until you get to Peachtree Center. It's the first stop on the train past Five Points, which is the major transfer point of the whole train system in Atlanta.

General Layout of Things

• Start with that map (bigger copy). Things to note: if you come in by train, you'll basically be coming in to Peachtree Center, and you'll be exiting the station near the left-hand middle side of Peachtree Center on the map (western side, 1/2 block north of Westin Peachtree), though you'll be likely exiting INTO the center.
• Connecting hotels and buildings: The Hyatt, Marriott, and Peachtree Center are all connected via bridges in an effective triangle. The connection between Peachtree Center and the Marriott Marquis (diagonal) actually cuts through a set of office buildings, but this should be no problem. The connections are on the lobby level for the Hyatt, the main level for Peachtree Center, and the Atrium level on the Marriott (one level up from the main lobby level). There is also a connection between the Hilton and the Marriott. This is on the Marquis Level in the Marriott (one level below lobby) to the 2nd floor of the Hilton. If you want to avoid the heat, get used to those connections. However, note that these accesses will also likely be busy during the con, so if you're in a rush, either head outside or plan accordingly
• You should get a copy of the pocket program guide book at reg. This is the one booklet that really matters. It has all the schedules and the locations of the various programming rooms. You'll want to keep this handy as with 5 hotels where programming can be scattered, you can be running around a lot.
• Registration, if it's like the last few years, is in the Sheraton. You'll note that I did not mention any bridges to the Sheraton. Yup, you'll have to walk outside to this. Hopefully, though, if it's like last year, it'll move fast. This bar code system really works! Don't panic about getting there too early, unless you have an early panel to hit right after you need to get your badge.
• Dealers: Again, assuming it's like last year: Main Dealers Halls are in the Marriott, on the Marquis Level (one below lobby) as well as the International Level, one level down below that. Artists are in the Hyatt, somewhere downstairs. It's a sizable artists presence at Dragon*Con, and usually with quite interesting stuff, so make time to visit there.
• If the layout stays the same as last year, Walk of Fame will be in the Hilton. If you want to get autographs from the stars, you'll possibly need to go there. It's also fun to just walk around in there to say "OMG I WAS 15 FEET AWAY FROM (::insert celebrity here::)!!!! OMG!!!!" Otherwise, you'll likely not end up in the Hilton very often unless you're staying there, like gaming (non-video variety), or like the programming tracks that are tied to the real world rather than the Sci-Fi/Fantasy world. Yes, I'll be there more than average.
• Food: two food courts most easily accessible. The main one is inside Peachtree Center. There's also one apparently connected to the Peachtree office buildings (next to the Marriott). I saw them last year, but didn't eat in that section. If you want to travel out to eat, there are some places in Downtown Atlanta, but remember the heat. If you picked up something like an unlimited rail pass rather than the normal pass, or are willing to walk a mile or pay $5, Underground Atlanta is eminently reachable, and there are plenty of places between the con hotels and there. Also, keep in mind that the hotels have their share of restaurants.
• PS: Sorry, there are no Zaxbys within easy train or walking distance of Dragon*Con. Which means mymerrilymemory will probably never go to Dragon*Con. Ever. Or at least not without renting a car. Unfortunately, Pancake House isn't nearby either. Apparently, there is a Waffle House at Underground Atlanta. Hmmm...

General Programming and Planning

• Most of the program tracks have a main room or rooms that handles most of the normal/fan panels for the track. Also, the tracks will expand into the major programming rooms (ballrooms) for things such as big guests. Check your guide for details. If you want to hit a major guest's panel, plan to spend the 60-90 minutes before that panel waiting in line most likely. Also keep in mind that the normal blocking times for Dragon*Con are 90 minutes, not 60 minutes, so expect fewer panels per day.
• Yes, there is an anime programming track: one programming room plus video room. It's still a relatively young track and so not particularly interesting. If you're a big anime fan and ONLY a big anime fan, you probably would be better off planning your Atlanta trip for the end of September rather than the beginning, when AWA is in town.
• Easiest place to find costumers will be in the Marriott (see, aren't you thankful I gave you all that encouragement to try for hotel rooms from there now?). Typically they'll flood the Atrium level, especially from afternoon until god knows what unholy hour. :P Be ready for anything, mostly awesome, though.
• Try not to get out of West Coast time. The ability to stay up late and wake up late during Dragon*Con will be useful. Unless you need to hit morning panels, of course. The con tends to operate on night-owl favored hours for most of the fun.
• You will not hit all the panels. Don't try. Figure out which panels you must hit and give yourself lots of time around them. Also figure out which panels you might want to hit. The topics really do reach all over the place. Or just run around and cosplay and gawk at everyone's costumes while having a drink. That's pretty fun, too.

Other Key Things

• Parade day is Saturday, in the morning. If you feel up to watching it, prepare for a big street crowd. The parade is popular. If the route hasn't changed, the route crosses north on Peachtree St (runs to the left/west of the Hyatt, basically on the street between the Hyatt & Peachtree Center on one side, and the Westin on the other), then turns right around the Hyatt and down the back way to end between the Marriott and the Hilton. Or watch it later in the day on Dragon*Con TV.
• Oh yes, Dragon*Con TV. Keep that in mind. If you're staying at one of the main con hotels, you'll be getting that on the TV. Many of the really popular panels and major events will be shown on Dragon*Con TV, so if you can't get into a popular panel, check the schedule. You may find it refreshing to be able to enjoy the best programming right from the comfort of your own hotel room, or a friend's hotel room.
• From the old post: if you're not one of the people protesting eating at Chik-Fil-A right now, remember that they're not open on Sundays. So that's not a food option that day. If you drink booze and prefer to buy your own bottles of booze rather than buy at the bars, the alcohol stores (yes, this is an ABC state) aren't open on Sunday. DO NOT FORGET THAT IF YOU NEED TO STOCK BOOZE FOR SUNDAY. BUY ON SATURDAY INSTEAD.


• Con Suite has been in the Hyatt the last few years. I'll assume for now it's there again. If you need a snack or a non-alcoholic drink, it's a good place to start. Get used to using the stairs to get there; you will not want to try to get there by hopping an elevator. :P
• Like most cons, expect elevators to be hellish to use late in the evening and on checkout day. If you're in the Hyatt in the main tower, you have my sympathies ahead of time.

Going Home

Hopefully, you'll have had a good few days at the con. Made new friends. Maybe worn a costume or 8. Seen cool and crazy stuff. Maybe had a few drinks. But all good things must end.

• Getting back is just a matter of reversing how you got there. Give yourself plenty of time to get around the airport, though. Running like a madman through the terminals at the airports out here are bad enough. Doing that in Atlanta is sheer madness because of the size of the place.
• Remember that Monday is Labor Day if you're returning that day. That means the post office is closed, including the one in terminal IIRC, though I think you can still buy packing supplies from the store. If you need to ship things back, keep this in mind and plan ahead accordingly.
• There is plenty of food in the airport. One Flew South in the International Terminal is unusually good for airport fare if you have the budget and time to hit it (it's a bit pricey).

Hopefully that should give you guys a good enough boot camp basics for Dragon*Con. Most importantly, though, have fun. These upcoming 4 days can either be dullsville and utter confusion at just everything that goes on, or the most fun you'll ever have at a con. The big difference is in staying a bit open-minded and being a bit more spontaneous with things. Go with the flow. The con is extraordinarily geeky, and you will likely not get a number of the fandoms there on first sighting. Just take it easy though and have fun with it, and breathe in the culture (hopefully without too much fanboy funk).

Good luck, and welcome to the adventure!