I had a great time this year, though I was frustrated by the crowds on Saturday. Getting from the elevators across the Marriott in the direction of the Hyatt and food court was the most frustrating for me - eventually I realized that just going outside and walking on the sidewalks (during the day) was much easier and less stressful.
We started hanging around outside the Atrium Ballroom an hour before the panel we wanted to see there was "allowed" to line up, just to see how things would progress. It wasn't too crazy when they let the people who'd been standing around (only about 50 of us) line up, though one lady working that position was needlessly jerky about it (and I remember her being this way in previous years...). Gillian's Sunday panel was my only 'big' one that I attended and the experience was relatively painless. We tried to watch an LOTR one on TV on Friday and it wasn't being shown, despite being on the DCTV schedule.
Speaking of DCTV - I've never liked the janitors or bumpers very much, but I loved the random featurettes with puppets that they showed this year (Milanos, Kelly McFarling), that was super cute.
So so so happy to hear that the Marriott is taking a deposit upon reservation this year. We've always wanted them to do that to cut down on the number of people who hoard a room at each hotel or end up canceling. Passkey experience actually wasn't bad for us last year, but I'm always nervous. Also happy to hear that the dealer's room is moving to Americas Mart. It was wayyy too cramped to enjoy (and people need to not pose for pictures in front of booths or in the middle of narrow passageways, please.)
I had a great time this year with no major problems. Never waited for an elevator for more than 5 minutes, badge pickup was easy for us and our friend who was attending for the first time. Saturday badge pick up was apparently still a four hour wait for a day pass, however.
Looking forward to our 10th year at Dragoncon in 2013...
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We started hanging around outside the Atrium Ballroom an hour before the panel we wanted to see there was "allowed" to line up, just to see how things would progress. It wasn't too crazy when they let the people who'd been standing around (only about 50 of us) line up, though one lady working that position was needlessly jerky about it (and I remember her being this way in previous years...). Gillian's Sunday panel was my only 'big' one that I attended and the experience was relatively painless. We tried to watch an LOTR one on TV on Friday and it wasn't being shown, despite being on the DCTV schedule.
Speaking of DCTV - I've never liked the janitors or bumpers very much, but I loved the random featurettes with puppets that they showed this year (Milanos, Kelly McFarling), that was super cute.
So so so happy to hear that the Marriott is taking a deposit upon reservation this year. We've always wanted them to do that to cut down on the number of people who hoard a room at each hotel or end up canceling. Passkey experience actually wasn't bad for us last year, but I'm always nervous. Also happy to hear that the dealer's room is moving to Americas Mart. It was wayyy too cramped to enjoy (and people need to not pose for pictures in front of booths or in the middle of narrow passageways, please.)
I had a great time this year with no major problems. Never waited for an elevator for more than 5 minutes, badge pickup was easy for us and our friend who was attending for the first time. Saturday badge pick up was apparently still a four hour wait for a day pass, however.
Looking forward to our 10th year at Dragoncon in 2013...