Today’s question is…
Will you be at San Diego Comic Con this year?
I’ve kinda touched on this in the past, but I get this question a lot so I thought I’d dedicate a post to it.
The basic answer is no, sadly, I will not be at San Diego Comic Con this year, or probably at any point ever again.
We went from 2004-2006, which seems like so long ago, now. After 2006 we decided not to go anymore. I have nothing against SDCC – I’d actually love to still go, but I’d have to win some sort of all-expenses paid trip to go again. Here’s the reasons I no longer go:
1. Flights are too expensive for us
I just priced flights for myself and my husband to San Diego. $489 a piece – before taxes, luggage, etc. That’s $1000 in just airfare. And it’s always that way for us, because out airport sucks. Ridiculous.
2. 2006 was a disaster
Our last year going, we had missed flights on the way home thanks to Travelocity booking us an impossible-to-make plane change, plus the hotel (Marriott Gaslamp) did NOT treat us well. Besides those things it was just so crowded, and it all left a sour taste in my mouth for the whole experience.
3. Too hard to get in
I mean it’s like the freaking Hunger Games or something. Will you get a ticket? Who knows! So you got a ticket? Now will you get a hotel room?! Who knows! What if you don’t need a hotel room, well, spin the wheel and see if you can get a parking space.
That’s more stress than I need. It’s too big of a trip, too expensive of a trip, to not have assurances on simple things like con entry and a nearby hotel.
4. DragonCon
DragonCon was my first love. For 3 years, SDCC divided my attention over the summer. Since I stopped going to SDCC, it’s easier to focus on DragonCon. Plus, with DragonCon getting more and more popular and having to jump through hurdles for it as well, I don’t need to have BOTH on my plate. Too stressful, man.
I watch my friends go through all kinda of craziness and stress every year over SDCC tickets and hotels. I don’t envy them. But the thing is, this SDCC madness is only going to continue to get worse until something gives. I’m glad I got out of it when I did, personally.