Last-Minute San Diego Comic-Con Tips and Tricks

Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 5:15 PM ET, Wed July 20, 2016

It's time once again to unfurl the capes, don the cosplay and power up the portable phone chargers, because San Diego Comic-Con has arrived, and we are like kids about to enjoy some amalgamation of Christmas and Halloween.

Only, the weather in this case will be on the good side of ridiculous.

As we have done in previous years, we will give you a few hints, tips and tricks to enjoying the major tourism draw that is SDCC.

First, some quick fire tips to adhere to for first timers:

-Save Power Where You Can: There will be activations here and there that offer free power stations. Still, you are mostly on your own to conserve smartphone power by turning off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or camera functions. (Pokemon Go players make note of camera consumption.) If you have portable chargers, bring them and keep them nicely fed throughout the weekend.

-The Same Goes For You: Water and Snacks...I can't stress enough how important both are for a geek carnival such as this that mandates being on your feet in the glow of summer.

-Don't Linger: There are so many remarkably cool marketing campaigns, exhibitions, art installations and restaurant deals to devour. Simply meandering can be the best way to enjoy it all.

-RSVP: We will get to some cool events for people who haven't yet made their firm plans as of yet, but we encourage you to scour the Internet and RSVP to the ones that haven't yet been sold out.

-Leave the Backpack: Attendees will get a nice bag the usually has straps to wear on your back, so an extra bag will become superfluous unless you are bringing cameras, GoPros and paraphernalia to get signed.

-Wear It Proud: This is one of the rare places in the world where walking the street dressed like Ripley will garner absolutely no attention from those around you. Those who do notice will absolutely love your effort. You can blend into the beautiful mess, so go big before you go home. You will be glad you did.

[READMORE] READ MORE: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Debuts Massive Venue Expansion [/READMORE]

-Social Media: The best up-to-the-minute guides are on social media. Here are a few to note.

Tony B. Kim: A Con guru who will have all the info you need from the ground at San Diego.

San Diego Comic-Con: Great for official announcements and like news items.

SDCC Unofficial Blog: Exclusives, exhibitor information and various tidbits from around the con.

When Nerds Attack: Loads of tips and tricks for the best time of the year.

Comic Con Blog: Another source for what's happening from parties to convention announcements.

NerdFu: Come for the great Twitter handle but stay for the nice information.

@Gabezal: I will be in San Diego again this year, tweeting and Instagramming the madness. Feel free to drop by and say hello.

App: SDCC Official App: Honestly, San Diego Comic-Con does an excellent job with its app, providing a brilliant resource to locations, events, activations and convention exclusives.

Events:

Unless you are on the guest list or have secured tickets to some popular events you are probably scrounging at the moment for things to do outside panels and exhibitions.

Here are things to consider.

Game of Thrones Scavenger Hunt: Scour the area for all of the nerdiest references in all of Westeros.

SDCC Pokémon Go Bar Crawl: One of the best things at the con used to be the zombie walk. In some ways, that is about to be replaced by people mindlessly walking the area looking for Pokemon. We are once again satisfied.

Rumba Lounge: It seems there are still openings for the Rumba Lounge, which will now accept your cosplay attire.

Mission Brewery: The brew house will welcome you hunger and thirst, both of which mean enjoying a bar that throws one heck of a weekend.

Adult Swim Carnival: Adult Swim will again be on the green with carnival like games based on your favorite characters.

That is just a sampling of the possibilities afforded you San Diego denizens who possibly haven't yet figured out the itinerary.

Yes, even procrastinators can have fun at SDCC.


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Gabe Zaldivar

Gabe Zaldivar

Born on the rough streets of suburban West Covina, I learned a great many things, some of which has proved useful: knowing the tell-tale sounds of an ice cream truck and crafting a world-class burrito come to mind. You have seen my work on Bleacher Report and possibly my mug on CNN. Perhaps, if you are into archaic modes of entertainment, you have also heard me on the radio. Pop culture is my beat. If it has to do with the intersection of travel, entertainment and pop culture, I'm your guy.

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