Time has only made my heart grow fonder

[zombiash.livejournal.com]

Hey guys and gals! I am so excited to be going this year after a three year absence. I've been unemployed for just as long and was getting pretty depressed, especially since my mom died in November. So I re-enrolled in college and am waiting to hear if I was accepted into the program I applied to. As a sort of reward and a gift from my father, he bought me a ticket to this year's convention.
 
So I have a few questions since some things have changed since I last attended. The registration line has been moved correct? And is no longer at the Hyatt? Was it different last year and how did everyone find that experience?
 
I had surgery on my knee a few months ago and I am doing much better, but it still hurts if I sit at certain angles for too long. Standing doesn't really bother me too much. Would it be a bother to make an inquiry to Disability Services about seating on an end seat so I can shift my leg if I need to? Sitting in the middle of a row sometimes locks up my legs and they can become very painful. I don't want to bother them for something that might not seem to be a big deal. I would even be fine with sitting in the back, but I know that they usually try to push everyone as close to the front, which squashes us all together.
 
Also, when I went there was a vendor that sold Lovecraft inspired items, such as books, toys, games, and art. Does anyone remember what their name is and if they are going to be there again?
 
Finally, I noticed Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (BPAL) is going to be there as a vendor! Did anyone from this community visit their booth last year and did you notice if they were selling any of their shirts that they usually sell through the Trading Post?
 
Thanks for any replies! Also if I don't answer right away, it's because I have a test in the morning (which I should be studying for), but I will be back in the afternoon.
 
-Ash

Comments

[werewulf.livejournal.com]

Yep, registration is over in the Sheraton now and, after a couple of years of using the bar codes, it runs MUCH more smoothly than it used to. Don't forget your postcard with your bar code and your picture ID though!

Disability Services is the greatest fan run group at con. They will even stand in line to get your badge if you're getting to tired to do it yourself. I *think* they have an "end of row" sticker, but I'm not positive. Contact them at disabilityservices@dragoncon.org or look at their page at http://www.dragoncon.org/?q=disability_services. Volunteer run, remember, so have patience if they don't answer your questions right away.

Can't help you with your vendor questions. Hope someone else chimes in.

Welcome Back (and good luck on your exam!)


*edited to fix a dreaded autocorrect mistake*

[ladytalker13.livejournal.com]

This year we are back, too, after missing the first time in 13 years last year, so welcome back to you, too!

I was reluctant to use them for a few years because I really didn't feel I HAD a disability, even with my ruptured disk, but after standing in registration outside for hours one year, and being having to miss most of the next day's con, I decided to do it. There are many, many "hidden" disabilities, and they are as discrete as they can be when asking you questions about what you need. I don't have trouble walking, but standing in line kills my back and legs. So my sticker lets me sit in the chairs outside the large ballrooms, rather than stand in line, and lets me get in when the line started to move. It helped me enjoy the con!

I do have to say that I give lots of kudos to the volunteer staff - for a few years before this, they let me grab a chair from the ballrooms to sit in in the line, and move as the line moved... after the first year of asking, when a few of the "regular" volunteers would see me and bring me a chair with a smile. I love this con!

[ickletarakins.livejournal.com]

I'm the same way in regards to walking vs. standing (I have excess cartilage in my kneecaps and standing for long periods of time causes severe pain) and am probably going to have to visit disability services this year. I missed most of Friday as well as a couple bigger panels that I wanted to see on Saturday and Sunday because of it, and I really don't want that to happen this year :-/

[cheriedcds.livejournal.com]

As long as you verify you have a disability, we can serve you. Under the Americans with Disabilties Act of 1990, A disability is legally defined as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. [...] To rise to the level of a disability, an impairment must significantly restrict an individual's major life activities. Impairments that result in only mild limitations are not disabilities."

cherie

[zombiash.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your reply. I do have a question. How do I verify it? I've told my doctor and he has said it is because I am not extending the angle in my leg if I sit in a certain position for too long and I should try to lift my leg or move it side to side. Should I bring paperwork from my doctor? I'm unable to drive, because when I do, I have to pull over several times to get out and move my leg outwards. The same thing for when I go to an event or sit somewhere that I cannot extend my knee. Again, thank you for your answers.

[cheriedcds.livejournal.com]

You will simple verify to us, verbally, that you have a disability.

[obscuranox.livejournal.com]

Hi :)

I bought a ton of BPAL last year but I don't remember seeing the shirts. You could always send them and email or message over FB and ask :) Maybe they will bring them this year? I plan on throwing a bunch of money at them again.. it's so nice to be able to smell everything.

[danabren.livejournal.com]

This.

They had protos, a large selection of GCs, current LEs including the DC exclusives, a small inventory of hair gloss, pens, imps, and a huge crowd around their booth :)

[delle.livejournal.com]

I don't remember seeing them. Do you remember which vendor room they were in (not that that will help, if they end up moving the dealer rooms...)

[zombiash.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I did email them about it and they replied they don't normally bring them. If you don't mind answering, do they bring a lot of the scents that are in their catalogue? I'm looking for more Zombi, since I have run out.

Edit -I just saw that danabren answered this question.

[obscuranox.livejournal.com]

Just to add, I definitely saw Zombi there last year :)

[zombiash.livejournal.com]

Yay! Thank you! And just to add, it has nothing to do with my name, lol. I just love the smell of the roses with a hint of freshly turned earth. It reminds me of when I was little, but I cannot recall exactly why.

[obscuranox.livejournal.com]

I feel that way about a lot of their scents :) My current favorites are Nosferatu and Forest Reverie. My best friend loves Zombi so that's why I know it was there.

[comix-geek.livejournal.com]

That would be Steve Jackson Games for all your Cthulu needs. They are usually in their same old place against the side wall in the exhibitor hall in the Marriott.