What to See at D*C

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

This year will be my first Dragon*Con.   Obviously I would like it to be memberable and tons of fun.   What do you veterens recommend I see and do at Dragon*Con '09?   I know that specific panels change year to year, but there are events held every year, correct?

Thanks,
Kristine

Comments

[wolfchylde.livejournal.com]

Definitely see the Parade on Saturday (it IS on Saturday, right?), you can spend the ENTIRE convention just people-watching (I have done that various years). :)

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

The Parade is definately on the top of my list. People watching is a favorite past time of mine and there seems to be so many to watch. Thanks.

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

The Buffy Horror Picture Show, and Dr Horrible Live!

/plug.

(=

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

Buffy Horror Picture Show? I've never heard of that. I loved Dr. Horrible (and most things Joss), so I will add that to my list.

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they're both done Rocky Horror Picture Show style, with the episode playing on a screen behind people acting it out. Lot of audience participation, singing along, and fun!

[faeriedancer.livejournal.com]

I second this!!

/plug

[neovenom.livejournal.com]

It'll be memorable regardless of what you do. Just make sure you plan ahead of time for waiting in line for things, and to take care of yourself so you're not sick during the weekend. Aside from that, you'll enjoy the experience. Last year was my first time, and I didn't even take part in a variety of things, yet it was still the best highlight of my already amazing year.

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

Awesome. I think I will have to bring some Aireborne to keep my immune system up...and a water bottle. Got to remember to hydrate. It's about eight months away, but I am so excited to go...it's like Christmas. ;)

[truexena.livejournal.com]

I'd def recommend seeing at least one of each of the Buffy Horror Picture Show & Dr. Horrible Live performances, if not every performance. ;o)

The Parade is def something to partake in (either walking in it, or watching it go by), even if I can never seem to wake up in time to catch it, or remember which morning it happens. ;o)

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

I'll have to remember to set my alarm to see the parade. The pictures I've seen of previous years are so cool. I'll want to see everything. I'll also have to make sure my photo card is big enough. I have a feeling that I will be taking lots of picutres.

What is the Buffy Horror Picture Show? Is it the Buffy musical episode? Truely one of my favorite Joss moments.

[truexena.livejournal.com]

Have ya ever been to a Rocky Horror Picture Show airing? Where the audience yells at the screen at appropriate moments. Some shows actually have stages where fans get up and act out the performances.

Well it's basicly the same deal for the Buffy Horror Picture Show, while the Musical episode is being shown on a big screen, there are fans up on a stage performing the episode live. ;o)

It's def a must see.

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

This I definately will have to see.

[xenaclone.livejournal.com]

Yes. It'll be the 'Once more with feeling' episode with fans out in front, on stage [suitably dressed] singing and acting along. Hopefully I'm going to be in #2 performance.

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the parade is something that has gotten canceled for sleep / costume prep for me since the first year.

[h0stile17.livejournal.com]

What if you had to march in it....nudge...nudge....

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

You know, I tried to rally up the BHPS to march in the parade last year, but Ziggy talked me out of it. Something about sleeping, and/or vampires dying in the sun....

[h0stile17.livejournal.com]

That's what blankets are for!!! We'll leave Ziggy behind to make us coffee and breakfast while we march in the parade.

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

lol, but it would be so hilarious to have her march in a ratty old blanket.

[h0stile17.livejournal.com]

We did it in 2007...I'll find some pics and send you link in your email.

[elsabroso.livejournal.com]

Um, jumping on 'dis thread to say that I say your Vamps in the parade of 07 (a Spike and an Angel, maybe?) walking with the blankets. That was BRILLIANT. I loved them for that detail!

[faeriedancer.livejournal.com]

Seriously. I can never seem to get myself up early enough to get dressed for the parade. They should make it start later or something!

[bantiarna.livejournal.com]

Every year that I miss the parade (this past year it was because we slept in) I regret it. I love the parade.

[h0stile17.livejournal.com]

There are some good suggestions here. Let me also recommend another few.

BSG Colonial Party - BSG celebs are always there.
Firefly Shindig
Masquerade
Celebrity Q & A's( bring a book or some other form of entertainment...long line to get in)
LobbyCon - this is the 24/7 costume parade in the hotel lobbies...wicked fun people watching
Robot Battles
Gaming
Parade
Walk of Fame
Dealers Room
Card Crack
Live Bands in the Hyatt Concourse


You'll never get to see it all in one trip....trust me on that one.

-Wayne

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

I also recommend the Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring the group Lips Down on Dixie. They are FANTASTIC.

Though I seem to skip this in recent years, because it's prime people-watching time. The best costumes come out at night, you know.

[tofunugget.livejournal.com]

You mean the best LACK of costumes ;)

[numbereleven.livejournal.com]

I keep commenting up this post.

Also, if there's any celebrities you think you *might* want a professional picture with, I'd get to Froggy's photos the first day to check out their schedule. I've missed good celebs by being lazy, and assuming they'd have sunday spots!

[alexdelarge78.livejournal.com]

Basically, I look at the con booklet ahead of time to get an idea of things. Reg and pick up the info and basically mark in it what you'd love to see what you'd like to see and what is disposable. I favour the Q@A's and audiences with. There are things that you will have to sacrifice, for me eating and sleeping are the most time consuming ; ) If in doubt people watch and use the camera : ) Thr parade is fun but you have to be there early to get a good position. Getting up early required denial that you are not the dead walking and you are going to make it : D Welcome to geek heaven.

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

Yay, Geek Heaven! I've always wondered if it existed. Now I know it's in Atlanta. *tee hee*

eating and sleeping are the most time consuming

I need to drop a few pounds anyway and I usually only sleep 5 hrs a night anyway...so I'll sleep when it's over. haha

[crazeyal.livejournal.com]

Get some friends, some "supplies", hit a balcony or garb a corner that you can get comfortable in, and PEOPLEWATCH!!! Seriously, the levels of costuming and cosplay at this con can be BEYOND professional. I've seen ladies wearing just feathers (and only threeof them, at that) (...plus she was shaped pleasantly enough that you'd WANT to see her in such an outfit!!) and movie grade Iron men SUITS!!! (Mk 1, 1.5, 2 and even the unseen WAR MACHINE!!)

Seriously, the amount of ingenuitey, comedy, and outrageousness is topped EVERY YEAR!!! Some people roam, some people stay in one spot, but take some time and look!

Lines & Q&A panels

[tialessa.livejournal.com]

h0stile17 mentioned "Celebrity Q & A's( bring a book or some other form of entertainment...long line to get in)"

Lines have started forming (sometimes hours in advance) for some Q&As. The majority of the big genre related Q&As (Firefly, Stargate, Dr. Who, etc) are on each day - or at least two of the four days (depending on actor availability).

If you don't have to see EVERY panel for X actor/actress & HAVE to be as close as possible, then it's entirely possible you won't have to stand in line at all. Once the line goes into the room then anyone not in line can go into the room (providing there are still seats). If you miss the Friday panel because it was packed, then try for the Saturday panel.

If you have to be as close as possible, then you'll have to line up for the big panels. Security tends to try to limit lines & only start them an hour before the panel, but there are lines that start at 8AM for a 4PM panel (nope, not kidding).

The largest rooms (Marriott Atrium / Sheraton A/B/C/D ballroom / Centennial II/III / Regency VI/VII) generally have screens to help viewers in the back of the room still see what's going on.

Re: Lines & Q&A panels

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

Definately good to know. Thank you.

Re: Lines & Q&A panels

[eidolon-bird.livejournal.com]

Furthering the "you won't have to stand in line at all if..." thought, if you have a room in one of the four host hotels, many of the big panels are broadcast on the D*Con channel in your hotel room.  There's something to be said for eating in bed and being able to see your most-wanted panel at the same time.

One little warning though: last year, there were issues with the sound in many of the hotel rooms.  They should have it fixed before everything gets started this year, but it might be worth turning on the TV some time before the first panel you want to see - if it doesn't work, call the front desk and ask them to send someone up to fix it.

Re: Lines & Q&A panels

[truexena.livejournal.com]

ahh yes good point.

Though make sure you read the 'Dragon*ConTV Guide Schedule' in your Program Bible, as some of the panels are broadcast live, and some are 'taped' and rebroadcast at a later time during the weekend.

Oh how I LOVED this new bit of Dragon*Con TV though, there where a few panels I was not able to stand in line for due to scheduling conflicts, but was able to watch the following morning as I got dressed for the day. It rocked!

*EJO panels where the best to just lay in bed watching, that husky voice, that... err*

[palmerwriter.livejournal.com]

The Atlanta Radio Theater Company is not to be missed. If you like art, the Iron Artist competition is fun. It really just depends on what you're into.

I usually skip the parade and hit the dealers room because it's less crowded during that time.

[k-smithington.livejournal.com]

People keep suggesting People Watching. Sure it's good for a laugh or two, but I would just kill myself if that's all I did.
Just, don't follow me, unless you're into Steampunk grouping and goth concerts.
That's usually what I go for, the music and friends.
FYI- it's real easy to make friends with 'famous' musicians, and if for any reason WHATSOEVER you need a hug, Talk to Rogue from the Cruxshadows.** I counted 5 hugs from him- 1 when I got my cd signed, 1 after I got my picture taken with him, 1 when my mother went to talk with him and came along he hugged us all, 1 when I wanted to ask him a question about his music, and 1 when I asked him to sign my badge. And that wasn't special treatment.
Don't worry about the 'way he looks' cuz he usually smells real nice, too. :)
(Also, I saw him sign a box of chicken for a guy lol)
So, just do things! Whatever looks like fun!


**He's hard to miss once you know what he looks like-
best pic I took last year (http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/64/l_86a4f19da6aa4119bbcf4d98a545c931.jpg)

[tranquilmayhem.livejournal.com]

It is great getting hugs from Rogue. :D

[stigmund.livejournal.com]

I second the Iron Artist competition. It's lagged a bit in attendance the past few years and I definitely think it deserves a larger crowd.

It's really quite entertaining to not only watch some of the best artists in their field create something from scratch, but gives the audience a chance to get some more impromptu, hands-on interaction with some of the D*C guests who are invited to MC the event (like Harlan Ellison, Richard Hatch, Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy, to name a few). Add to this the fact that the pieces are auctioned off for charity proceeds, and you've got an event worth dragging your butt outta bed for!

[wicked0witch.livejournal.com]

What fandoms do you like? are you doing any costuming?

There are a bunch of different official parties over the weekend.

Firefly Shindig
Yule Ball
Pirate Party
Mad scientist ball
etc.

Most of them fit into fandoms, so if there's a party for someone you love, definitely go to them. I went to the Shindig and the Yule ball last year and they were so much fun to do.

Also, I will say that If you decide to go in costume, make sure to leave time for pictures. If the costume is well made or unique you'll get a lot of people stopping you to ask you for a photo. That's a lot of fun too. ^.^

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

I'm definately bringing at least two costumes. At first I felt kind of weird about it, but then I said "what the hey, why not? This is your one oportunity to dress up as what ever you want." So I'm trying for an Amy (Soul Calibur) and a Victoria inspired Supergirl. I've got the designs worked out so now I just have to start working on it.

I'm a big Joss fan so I'll have to add the Firefly Shindig to my list.

Thanks.

[h0stile17.livejournal.com]

Then you'll definitely want to check out the Whedon Universe track. I heard its pretty good. ;-)

www.whedonuniverse.com

-Wayne

[faeriedancer.livejournal.com]

I have to say that my favorite thing about Dragon Con is usually people watching and costumes. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, people are out in the lobbys until all hours of the morning in their very best costumes, posing for and taking pictures. Sometimes I feel like I spend all day waiting for it to be late enough for this to happen, and using Q&As and other things as time fillers. It's really amazing to see the time and effort people put into costumes.

[genesis222.livejournal.com]

From the pictures I've seen I'm surprised most of the costumers aren't working for Hollywood or theater...or maybe they are and I just don't know it. The creativity is amazing.

[crazeyal.livejournal.com]

Try this link http://gaming.dragoncon.net/ (http://gaming.dragoncon.net/) There's some regular board games, some Minature gaming and some REAL weird homemade modules if you roleplay.

[senselessviolnz.livejournal.com]

The Skeptic track has really been gaining steam over the last couple years. Highly recommended.