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Comic-Con International => WonderCon => Topic started by: rabbitwarren on February 19, 2013, 11:38:18 AM

Title: WonderCon Tips
Post by: rabbitwarren on February 19, 2013, 11:38:18 AM
I have a meeting in Los Angeles and decided to check out WonderCon.  I've been to SDCC before and some smaller cons, but never to WonderCon.  I was wondering what to expect in terms of lines. I want to see the Superman animated feature  Do I have to line up 3 hours in advance to see it?  If there is some entertainment production there like I saw community and Ridley Scott were last year, what are the lines for those? 

is the Swag any good at WonderCon? 
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: oneroomdisco on February 19, 2013, 12:25:36 PM
Swag last year was very lacking.  Marvel gave out two different kind of Avengers posters and Viz was giving out the bags they give out at SDCC as well as lanyards for various series (they had a Blue Exorcist one, which made me super happy as it's one of my all time favorite series).  HBO also had a Game of Thrones photo booth where you head would appear on a pike.  The Sound of My Voice was also giving out buttons/pins, but the panel was super weird, so I didn't go after those.  I actually got more/better swag from the Saturday movie panels, where we got lenticular Prometheus and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter posters, Battleship sketch posters, and Weyland Industries cards.

Last year, Saturday was movie day (all done in the main ballroom, which has a capacity somewhere near Ballroom 20)--The Sound of My Voice, Prometheus (which what Ridley Scott was there for), Snow White and the Huntsmen, Battleship, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Lockout, and The Amazing Spider-Man (which, along with Prometheus, was the bigest draw of the day).  I got in line around 8:30 a.m. and ended up six or seven rows from the front (which was awesome).  From what I remember, you didn't absolutely need to line up early if you got there just before/during The Sound of My Voice (which was the first panel of the day).  As it got closer to Prometheus the room started to really fill up and there did end up being a substantial line of people who couldn't get in for it.  A fair amount of people left after Prometheus/during some of the other panels and more people did manage to get in, but by the time the Amazing Spider-Man rolled around, the room was once again packed and people were being asked to identify where empty seats were (since there were tons of people outside).

This is very specific to last year and the way things were scheduled (the two most popular panels being on opposite ends of the day), but in general, I would recommend looking at the schedule and trying to gauge how popular certain things are + how close you want to be (which, if you want to be close, close, requires effort, but a lot less than at Comic Con).  Also, it's worth noting, that if you want to be right in the front, you'll probably need to be there well before the hall opens irregardless of what you're interested in.  From my experience at WonderCon and SDCC, the vast majority of people in the very closest section camp the room for the entire day.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on February 19, 2013, 04:21:31 PM
Yes, last years WC swag was kind of lacking. Hopefully since this is WC second year in Anaheim the swag will be better. With the rumors of CCI possibly moving SDCC and their desire to  have a spring con, you would think CCI would ask for the vendors to break out the swag. Bring the swag and the nerds will come.   
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: perc2100 on February 19, 2013, 04:44:37 PM
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Yes, last years WC swag was kind of lacking. Hopefully since this is WC second year in Anaheim the swag will be better. With the rumors of CCI possibly moving SDCC and their desire to  have a spring con, you would think CCI would ask for the vendors to break out the swag. Bring the swag and the nerds will come.

I don't know; it seems logical that the vendors (many of the big ones who give out free stuff also go to Comic-Con) save their stuff for the higher-profile San Diego Comic-Con. 
I wasn't expecting a lot of swag, but the Game of Throwns thing was pretty damn cool, the Marvel posters were awesome (as were the "take a pic with Captain America's shield + Thor's Mjölnir), DC & Marvel were giving out a ton of comics like Comic-Con (including first print New 52 No. 1's), and I snagged a pretty rad Amazing Spider-Man t-shirt as well.  I missed that panel, but they were handing them out outside of the convention center.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: perc2100 on February 19, 2013, 04:50:53 PM
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I have a meeting in Los Angeles and decided to check out WonderCon.  I've been to SDCC before and some smaller cons, but never to WonderCon.  I was wondering what to expect in terms of lines. I want to see the Superman animated feature  Do I have to line up 3 hours in advance to see it?  If there is some entertainment production there like I saw community and Ridley Scott were last year, what are the lines for those? 

is the Swag any good at WonderCon?

I attended Wonder-Con last year for the first last year and it was a blast.  The crowds were no where near as huge as Comic-Con.  The programming was fun: it reminded me of what the programming was like in the really early 00's when I first started going to SD Comic-Con.  There were some good movie panels (LOVED the Prometheus panel + footage), there were some new/intriguing film panels (the SOUND OF MY VOICE panel was weirdish, but the movie is pretty great), there were some great comic panels, etc.  The vendors were OK: no where near as massive as Comic-Con but much more respectable than most smaller/local conventions I've attended. 

I really enjoyed myself last year, and I look forward to attending next month!
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 19, 2013, 05:34:24 PM
DC usually hands out buttons and comics first thing in the morning. DC should always be your first stop when you enter the show!

With WonderCon, if you follow the 'get there 1 or 2 panels in advance' rule, you will get in and probably get a pretty good seat. For the movie premiere, I don't think you need to line up 3 hours in advance. If the room has been cleared beforehand (i.e. if it's not immediately after a panel) then an hour should be plenty! I'm betting the room won't even be full.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: kappolo on February 19, 2013, 08:13:12 PM
Last year at WonderCon I entered all the panels, movies, ... I wanted couple of minutes before they started. In some of them I didn't get great seats, but good seats nonetheless.
It was way more relaxing than comic con!
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Hidajunshin on February 20, 2013, 03:40:01 PM
I only went on Saturday last year but it was so easy to get into a panel room.  I mean, I just walked into the ballroom for the Prometheus panel, the way you used to be able to at SDCC many many moons ago.  And we got a really close seat for the Masquerade, too.  As far as the swag goes, it's pretty light, much like the same way SDCC used to be back in the day.
Title: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on February 20, 2013, 04:13:25 PM
The longest lines last year seemed to be for the HBO/GOT photo of your head on a spike and the one to get your picture with Captain America's shield and Mjolnir.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: perc2100 on February 20, 2013, 05:02:09 PM
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I only went on Saturday last year but it was so easy to get into a panel room.  I mean, I just walked into the ballroom for the Prometheus panel, the way you used to be able to at SDCC many many moons ago.

Last year Wonder-Con really seemed to have that old-school Comic-Con vibe from the late 90's/early 00's when I first started going.  I think that might be why I liked it so much: if the weather wasn't so crummy I think it would've been perfect
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: rabbitwarren on February 20, 2013, 06:51:53 PM
Thanks for all the tips.  I'm already looking forward to a leisurely stroll through the exhibition area without having to worry about crowds or trying to get into this panel or that. 
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Hidajunshin on February 21, 2013, 04:49:54 PM
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Last year Wonder-Con really seemed to have that old-school Comic-Con vibe from the late 90's/early 00's when I first started going.  I think that might be why I liked it so much: if the weather wasn't so crummy I think it would've been perfect

Exactly! 
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: theresamather on February 22, 2013, 10:27:39 AM
I was an exhibitor at WC last year. Some of the reasons swag may have been extra scarce: there was very little time to plan for the con. The location was secured pretty late in the game, and people didn't even know if there would be a WC until pretty late. You had to put in an exhibitor interest form with no dates or locations, and it wasn't a commitment- when everything was finalized, you decided to apply officially or not. Secondly, no one knew how turnout would be. When Gencon tried to start up in the same location, it drew very few people compared to Gencon Indy, and perhaps it made vendors who had experienced that a little cautious. For this year, the convention center arena has been secured in addition to a larger exhibit area, I'm not sure if that will be used for the masquerade or as a "hall H", the map of the exhibit hall hasn't even been posted for exhibitors yet and layouts for "major" booths are only due now so it may yet be awhile.  :)
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 22, 2013, 11:33:09 AM
Thanks for the background info, Theresa! That's really interesting. I didn't realize it was such a 'last minute rush' for the exhibitors! And knowing that this year they've booked out more space gives me high hopes for this event.
Title: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on February 22, 2013, 01:00:27 PM
Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Sprzout on February 26, 2013, 10:01:23 AM
Panels didn't seem to be a problem at all. I got into the Geek & Sundry panel without a problem, and was sitting about 4 rows from the front to see Wil Wheaton talk about Tabletop.

When I went to the Spotlight on Ernest Cline panel, there were (sadly) only about 25 people in the room, and no lines.

Don't get me wrong, there were still lots of people around on the exhibit hall floor and in the panels, but they weren't SDCC crowded...I kinda liked it, and I think my wife will enjoy it this year when she goes for the first time.
Title: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on February 26, 2013, 10:06:48 AM
Lets hope it stays the same this year.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: beadrbop on February 27, 2013, 10:01:56 AM
I had friends that flew in to see the Battleship panel with Alexander Skarsgard so we lined up at 6 am. Yes we were pretty much the first ones on line and did great great seats (front row). Definitely not the camping out experience like Comic Con. Saw all the panels on Saturday from great seats.

Don't remember a lot of swag but there were a lot of great vendors for buying art supplies like Copic Markers (at a great discount). Good poster vendor as well with a nice selection and they also had poster tubes that had a strap making it easy to carry.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Hidajunshin on March 05, 2013, 12:33:42 PM
Some good news: it would appear that WonderCon is the only thing happening at the Anaheim Convention Center that weekend.  No volleyball tournament! So at the very least, there should be more parking available.  I recall last year that the garage for the convention center was full with mostly those folks attending the tournament.
Title: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on March 05, 2013, 12:53:52 PM
 It will be nice that nothing else is planned at the convention center this year.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Kevin Rutan on March 05, 2013, 01:09:24 PM
With nothing else planned that weekend at least there will be full access to all of the parking stuctures unlike last year. Very welcome news.
Title: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on March 05, 2013, 02:06:24 PM
True. But the parking was still much better than at SDCC
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: beadrbop on March 24, 2013, 09:44:09 PM
Parking was a mess last year! I kept the car at the hotel and just grabbed a taxi or a ride from friends. Had some that could not get any parking and did do the shuttle. Hopefully they will have something available again if parking gets to be a mess. The cheer competition made it pretty crowded. I keep hearing the WonderCon commercial on the local radio station.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: dolphina on February 14, 2014, 12:08:58 PM
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Bring the swag and the nerds will come.
That will certainly bring me. In fact, for Dean Koontz he gave away one of his paperback books, which was nice to have while waiting in other lines.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: lexiatcci on February 25, 2014, 09:09:31 PM
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That will certainly bring me. In fact, for Dean Koontz he gave away one of his paperback books, which was nice to have while waiting in other lines.
Did you know that ODD THOMAS (the movie) is available on Amazon for rental with good ratings. Might want to check it out.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Jim Watari on February 26, 2014, 06:19:30 AM
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Did you know that ODD THOMAS (the movie) is available on Amazon for rental with good ratings. Might want to check it out.

They did a pretty good job with the movie and having Anton Yelchin as Odd helps a lot
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: BadWolf on February 26, 2014, 07:39:58 AM
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Parking was a mess last year! I kept the car at the hotel and just grabbed a taxi or a ride from friends. Had some that could not get any parking and did do the shuttle. Hopefully they will have something available again if parking gets to be a mess. The cheer competition made it pretty crowded. I keep hearing the WonderCon commercial on the local radio station.

Can you walk from Harbor and Katella to the convention center?
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: lexiatcci on February 26, 2014, 09:21:16 AM
I live about 30 minutes away and just drove in every day and parked across the street from the convention center in the Disneyland parking for $16/day, much cheaper than parking at th Garden Walk parking structure for $25/day and further away.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 26, 2014, 09:40:07 AM
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Can you walk from Harbor and Katella to the convention center?

Yes.

Here's a map:

(https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi129.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp206%2Ftransmutejun%2Fmap-1.jpg&hash=df55554016e7802cf14b0661190045f42c125165) (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/transmutejun/media/map-1.jpg.html)

You can walk east along Katella and to the Convention center from the Arena side. Or you can walk down Harbor and go in the 'main entrance'. Either way, you're looking at about 5 minutes (especially if you're doing your 'fast Disney walk').

We stay at the Paradise Pier (up West Dr./Disneyland Dr., just barely above the upper left corner of this map) and it takes us about 7 minutes to walk to the Convention Center, coming in on the arena side.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Jim Watari on February 26, 2014, 10:01:00 AM

What I found the last two years was that there was parking really close that most people don't know about. Look at the map posted in the previous reply. Find the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, the building south of the hotel is Morton's steak house and you can enter off of Harbor just before Convention way. Drive in like you are going to Morton's Steak house, drive past it (going west) and you will see an entrance for Sheraton Park Hotel parking. It's $20 per day, but it's right next to the Hilton. Every time I've gone in the morning, there are always spaces available because the entrance is only visible from the Morton's Steak house parking lot. The signs around the convention center will direct you only the convention center parking lots and those fill up fast.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: BadWolf on February 26, 2014, 11:24:40 AM
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Yes.

Here's a map:

(https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi129.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp206%2Ftransmutejun%2Fmap-1.jpg&hash=df55554016e7802cf14b0661190045f42c125165) (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/transmutejun/media/map-1.jpg.html)

You can walk east along Katella and to the Convention center from the Arena side. Or you can walk down Harbor and go in the 'main entrance'. Either way, you're looking at about 5 minutes (especially if you're doing your 'fast Disney walk').

We stay at the Paradise Pier (up West Dr./Disneyland Dr., just barely above the upper left corner of this map) and it takes us about 7 minutes to walk to the Convention Center, coming in on the arena side.

Sorry for the LMGTFY, Transmute. I guess I could have looked that up myself!

Nice to know the Paradise Pier is close. I can't frickin wait!
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on February 26, 2014, 11:49:33 AM
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Nice to know the Paradise Pier is close. I can't frickin wait!

it's quite close and very convenient to the convention center! Even better, the walk is along a relatively 'empty' stretch of road, so you don't get the big crowds/homeless people/narrow stretches of sidewalk that you do walking along Harbor.

In 2012 it poured rain all weekend so we actually bought ART passes and took ART to the convention center. We did the walk from the parks down Harbor once, and it was okay (especially in that it passed by convenience stores which made it easy to grab some cheap drinks). But last year, when the weather was good, we discovered that the walk from the park through the Grand Californian and down Disneyland Dr./West Dr. was actually a bit faster and more convenient.

From the Paradise Pier, here's a map. Google says it's a 10 minute walk, but we're faster than the average walker, which is why it was about 7 minutes for us.

(https://www.friendsofcc.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi129.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp206%2Ftransmutejun%2Fwalkingmap.jpg&hash=2ec2b62541d2e1782935cb09eadede510fa2f00f) (http://s129.photobucket.com/user/transmutejun/media/walkingmap.jpg.html)
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: BadWolf on February 27, 2014, 08:14:02 AM
Thanks for the info! Walking seems to be the way to go.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on March 17, 2014, 05:58:34 PM
Off topic...  But are there any get togethers planned during Wondercon?

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Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on March 17, 2014, 06:06:55 PM
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Off topic...  But are there any get togethers planned during Wondercon?

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I think there were some random ones last year. We never really were able to set a time in advance, because everyone had a totally different schedule. In my case, we're at Disneyland when we're not at the Con, so meeting outside of the con is more difficult for us. That being said, we have an 'early morning lineup at Disneyland tentative meetup planned. ;)
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on March 17, 2014, 06:09:30 PM
Thanks TJ.  It's a month away, but I'm still hoping to meet some of the folks here at Wondercon!

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Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on March 17, 2014, 06:10:41 PM
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Thanks TJ.  It's a month away, but I'm still hoping to meet some of the folks here at Wondercon!

Why not suggest a place/time that's good for you and see if anyone else can make it?
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on March 17, 2014, 06:11:18 PM
Ok

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Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Jim Watari on March 17, 2014, 06:44:53 PM
Well we could always meet up at the food trucks out in front of the convention center.

Wonder Con has more space to actually meet people than SDCC  ;D

There is also a food court inside the Hilton which is right next to the convention center
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on March 17, 2014, 08:03:08 PM
Very cool Jim.  I'm staying at the Marriott so I am flexible on time.

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Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Jim Watari on March 18, 2014, 06:32:14 AM
Planning meetups can be tricky , everyone usually has a tight schedule, so early morning or after the con is over for the day is usually best. We will probably have a better idea once the schedule comes out
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on March 18, 2014, 11:38:15 AM
Ok, here are a couple of real tips while at Wondercon.

The Anaheim Convention Center is very close to Little Saigon in the OC.  This is the largest community of Vietnamese in the USA.  Not walkable, but if you have a car, it is perhaps a 10 minute drive.

First up is Tebo Tebo Tea Lounge.  The specialty here is bubble tea.  A sweet concoction of tea, tapioca and fruit mixed together in a smoothie like treat. 

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tebo-tebo-tea-lounge-westminster

light food is also sold here so you can get things like popcorn chicken and fried tofu.  There is a large parking lot but it may be crowded over the weekend.

Next is the Almond Haus which specializes in coffee drinks and smoothies.  It's a small fast food take-away kinda place.  During my first visit to Wondercon two years ago, I'd buy a coffee drink, pour it into a cold drink carry container I'd bought at Starbucks and sipped it while at the panels.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/almond-haus-garden-grove

Parking here is tough.  The lot is small so it may be a challenge to find a spot.  They do open at 9 AM so this will probably be the best time to visit.

The last is the Tea Party Lounge.  This is another place for diet busting smoothies and light sandwiches.  Another fast food kinda place, it's a bit farther away as it is on Brookhurst near Edinger across from Mile Square park.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/tea-party-lounge-fountain-valley

In addition to these places (I've visited the Almond Haus and the Tea Party Lounge) there are many Pho noodle soup restaurants nearby. 

http://www.pho79.com/articles.html  was recommended to me and it is a very popular place with the local Vietnamese who enjoy Pho even at breakfast time.  I enjoyed the chicken pho although I was admonished by my friend for not trying the beef pho.





Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: dolphina on March 18, 2014, 11:40:14 AM
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Off topic...  But are there any get togethers planned during Wondercon?

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Hey I'll be there too. We will have to meet up
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on March 18, 2014, 12:49:24 PM
Very cool.   
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: jujubaSD on March 18, 2014, 07:16:53 PM
So who's planning the meetup ;) lol ... I'll try to be there if our schedule fits. I like the food trucks idea. Cause...food


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Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Bert Su on March 19, 2014, 12:31:35 AM
For the last two years, I took the bus everyday from my house to Wondercon. It's an excersize to walk from the Metro 460 bus stop to Wondercon everyday. The bus going from Dland to LA is closer to the convention center but I forget where it is
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on March 26, 2014, 02:52:00 PM
For those who have never been, hopefully this will help. Yes, it's the D23 program, but page 56-57 lists the different food locations and other items (ATM/Lost and Found) in the conventions center. If your traveling to WCA on page 58, it lists the different Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) stops, fees, and hours. Sorry it's the entire program, but it also gives you the layout of the convention center.
https://cdn.d23.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/D23-Expo-2013-Guide-Book-0901.pdf
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: alyssa on April 04, 2014, 06:50:00 AM
great layout of WC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY6TPoJGWF0&utm_content=buffer312e4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: frgx on April 09, 2014, 05:34:05 PM
This will be my first time at Wondercon  :) I'm picking up my badge on Thursday, so I'll be all set for Friday when the doors open. I want to attend the first panel in Room 300AB at 12 PM on Friday.

I'm assuming it will be similar to SDCC-- there will be one line that forms outside the Convention Center for "everything else", panels, autographs, exhibit hall, etc. and when the doors open the line splits off.

My questions--
When do the doors open for Wondercon?
Are there any differences that I should expect concerning lines? I've had a few bad experiences at SDCC with lines, so any info and guidance will be greatly appreciated.  :)
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 09, 2014, 05:56:00 PM
They opened about 30 minutes early last year. So maybe sometime between 11:30 and 12:00. Like with SDCC, ask what the line is for. Last year the line started outside then was taken inside to fill up the barricades. Then when the doors opened, they let in sections one at a time.  Just look for the big line on Friday morning.


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: frgx on April 09, 2014, 06:25:43 PM
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They opened about 30 minutes early last year. So maybe sometime between 11:30 and 12:00. Like with SDCC, ask what the line is for. Last year the line started outside then was taken inside to fill up the barricades. Then when the doors opened, they let in sections one at a time.  Just look for the big line on Friday morning.


Stay golden Ponyboy.

Is the line at the barricades just for those who want to enter the exhibit hall? Or do they make everyone line up there? I thought that once they opened the doors,  they would let us go upstairs to wait in line for panels.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 09, 2014, 08:41:06 PM
The corrals was for the exhibit hall  don't remember seeing where the line for the rooms were. They would only let you enter the class doors if you were going up stairs last year. I only found that out after I exited the exhibit hall to meet some friends and was told I would have to wait in the line again. One of the staff pro told me you didn't have to wait in the main line if you were heading up stairs. The Arena line area Was in the same place as the staging area to enter the exhibit hall.


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: frgx on April 10, 2014, 11:00:46 PM
Thanks Yzrfan for the info.

As long as I avoid the Arena line, the line for badges, and the exhibit hall line, I think I'll be OK.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 11, 2014, 07:33:25 AM
You won't get in the wrong line


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Tipsister on April 15, 2014, 07:45:12 PM
Hi all.  This is my first con and I was wondering how early to line up on Friday.  I want to hit a panel right off the bat at 12:00 and from reading previous postings I see they open the doors about a half hour early.  I'm good with lining up early but if it's not worth it, I'd rather be comfortable in my hotel room. 

I'm so excited!
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 15, 2014, 08:16:43 PM
How close to the front do you want to be for the panel? You can always walk down a little early and check things out. If the crowd isn't too bad then grab something to eat or drink.


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Mel on April 15, 2014, 10:38:55 PM
Any advice on how early to arrive on Friday? I'm coming from San Diego and will be by myself. Trying to figure out how to time it so that I get some Convention Center parking, which I hear sells out pretty quick.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 16, 2014, 05:52:09 AM
You're going to have some traffic coming into the great OC.  If you can leave early do it, that way you won't be stressed.  Take your time stop by Krispy Kreme get a cup and a doughnut.


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Zero on April 16, 2014, 06:03:16 AM
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Any advice on how early to arrive on Friday? I'm coming from San Diego and will be by myself. Trying to figure out how to time it so that I get some Convention Center parking, which I hear sells out pretty quick.

Rush hour is usually 6:00 am to 10:00 am in the morning on weekdays, so take that into account when driving up from San Diego to Anaheim.  Every time I go from San Diego to Anaheim or Los Angeles, there's almost always traffic in the Irvine area during the day.  (The only time I haven't encountered a lot of traffic in Irvine is when it's after 10:00 pm to the early morning hours... >__<)

Traffic shouldn't too bad on the weekend, for the most part.

You can also check Sigalert.com for traffic updates in San Diego and then in Orange County on the day of to see which freeways to use or avoid.

San Diego area: http://www.sigalert.com/Map.asp?region=San+Diego
Orange County area: http://www.sigalert.com/Map.asp?region=Orange+County

They have an app too, so you can look that up on whatever app store you normally use.

Hope that helps! ^__^/
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 16, 2014, 07:02:56 AM
On Friday you will hit traffic from from San Clemente up during the morning rush hours.


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Godolphin on April 16, 2014, 07:52:21 PM
Anyone know how the autograph tickets work?
For example on Friday at noon there is an autograph signing for both Revolution and Salem.
It says at the Wondercon booth and it's limited and winners randomly selected.

Also how early do people start lining up on Friday to be towards the front of the line.

Thanks
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Yzrfan on April 16, 2014, 08:22:47 PM
Usually when the doors open, you have to go to the booth associated with the signing (WB, DC...) and get either a wristband or ticket for a lottery.   


Stay golden Ponyboy.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: darkron9 on April 20, 2014, 02:09:47 PM
Really enjoyed my stay at the Anaheim Marriott.  Checkout on Sunday is 3:00PM.  Marriott Parking is good until Monday morning.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: geargirl on April 08, 2016, 07:03:49 AM
So if you could only go to one, would Wondercon be a good one to try instead of San Diego? It is so hard to get badges and hotels for San Diego.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Transmute Jun on April 08, 2016, 07:33:17 AM
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So if you could only go to one, would Wondercon be a good one to try instead of San Diego? It is so hard to get badges and hotels for San Diego.

I think most people here agree that if you can only go to one, SDCC is *the* one. That being said, if you can't get badges to SDCC, then WonderCon is certainly a fun alternative. But it is nowhere near as big, as fun or as crazy as SDCC.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: sinester_1 on March 06, 2017, 10:43:58 PM
gear girl they are both great cons but SDCC is the ideal. It leaves the standard,(which isn't bad), miles and miles away. There is a reason why SDCC sells out every year. there is a seriously different vibe in San Diego. It is part of the city where as other conventions are in the convention center for a few days. SDCC is part of the culture in San Diego to compare it to other cons is unfair to the other cons. I haven't been to NYCC but that is suppose to be the next best con to go to. Wondercon (which I also attend every year) is a fun con but proportionately smaller. Will you have fun? Yes. All cons that survive have to have good points in order for them to survive. I'm sorry it's not a fair choice.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: acmtres5 on March 19, 2017, 12:12:23 PM
I have a question, does anyone know how the big movie panel & cast signing for the arena works? Like say last year at WonderCon 2016, they had Stephen Amell & Megan Fox for a signing for TNMT: Out of the shadows, but no where on there schedule did it say that they were there nor was there a raffle for the signing, just a listing of the panel with the producers. So in those cases, how does one get into the signing? Thank you, truly appreciate it. Same for like the SDCC panels, those big ones for like the DCEU or MCU, they don't list it on their signing schedule.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: cabler30 on January 07, 2018, 04:45:23 PM
Alot of mixed comments, and guessing alot of tips. SDCC and WonderCon are owned or run by the same company or people as far as i know. i not sure how WonderCon is run, but can say from what i know is SDCC is widespread inside and out. the news of SDCC starts online do to con goers being aware and postings like this forum and any others. the hype train here is pretty quiet but is slowly going online since alot has been done sooner then or compared to last year. i know cons happen all year since i read about or told about by diffrent sites or groups. they start to post banners or signs around San Diego about -im guessing since i dont ask or check really- maybe a month or 2 before the con goes into play with offsite setups start weeks before con even happens. and places close by get their shops setup if any around the same time and get discounts on eats or whatever as the con is going on at time. so the city gets ready and banks alot for the 1 week event over time as every possible needs is met and checkd before the doors open i guess the nite before everyone possible goes and see what is going on who got a badge.
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: vickyhope on March 12, 2019, 10:32:24 AM
Hey guys, it will be my first time at Wondercon! Are there foodtruck options there? Are they expensive? Are there cheaper options outside? I'm asking because I come from overseas!
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: Mel on March 12, 2019, 10:55:07 AM
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Hey guys, it will be my first time at Wondercon! Are there foodtruck options there? Are they expensive? Are there cheaper options outside? I'm asking because I come from overseas!
Yes, there will be several food trucks, but imo, they are expensive and I never eat at them. There is an excellent and low-priced taco shop on the NE corner of Harbor & Katella that I really like a lot. The strip mall it's in houses several affordable restaurants.

Marriott has a really nice dinner buffet that is around $25 and I think worth it as it's very nice food, not a typical buffet

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: WonderCon Tips
Post by: vickyhope on March 12, 2019, 11:02:53 AM
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Yes, there will be several food trucks, but imo, they are expensive and I never eat at them. There is an excellent and low-priced taco shop on the NE corner of Harbor & Katella that I really like a lot. The strip mall it's in houses several affordable restaurants.

Marriott has a really nice dinner buffet that is around $25 and I think worth it as it's very nice food, not a typical buffet

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Thank you very much <3 Fortunatelly, my best friend lives there, so I'll stay at her home the whole week and I'll try to have lunch there as well, so this way I can save a lil more money for the con itself *-* I'll definitely try the Tacos!
Title: Re: WonderCon Tips - Parking
Post by: pyxidis on March 20, 2019, 09:40:35 AM
Not sure if this is asked elsewhere...

Any tips on parking?

If I'm driving in, what are my chances of parking at the convention itself (the parking lot that is part of the convention center)?

What's a optimal time to arrive?

Thank you :)