Tips for Taking Teens to ComicCon

For fantasy-loving teens, a chance to meet their favorite comics, voice actors, comic artists, and science fiction and fantasy stars is a dream come true. And a day of cosplaying and mingling with other costumed fans, while scoring autographs and selfies with stars, can be fun for all family travelers. But ComicCons can be a bewildering place for first-timers, so here are some tips for you and your teenagers.

Plan Ahead
Get tickets online and reserve spots for autographs and photos with favorite stars. Keep checking the website for schedule updates, right up until you arrive at the venue. Be prepared to change plans and reservations. Things may not happen as you expect and, even with reservations, you may spend an hour or more in line. As a maximum, don’t reserve more than two A-list stars on one day or more than four B-list. Don’t try to pack too much into one day and expect to spend a lot of time standing in line.

Cosplaying
If you plan to wear costumes of your favorite characters, keep it simple and comfortable. Expect the venue to be hot and crowded, so avoid heavy or hot materials (the same is true of make-up —  you don’t want it running down your face in the selfies). Consider renting a locker in case anyone wants to shed costumes or change shoes, and to avoid carrying purchases.

Shoes
Wear the most comfortable shoes you have. Nobody will see your shoes, and you will be on your feet all day. However pretty your daughter’s costume may be, this is not the place for those cute matching shoes. Or, if she insists, bring a pair of comfortable ones as a back-up.

Photo Ops or Selfies
If you must get a picture with a very popular guest, the only way you can be sure is to use the professional photo op. Lines at the tables for selfies are long and stars are not there all the time. That said, professional photos are expensive and you will have only a few seconds before being moved along, so you can’t relish the moment. For a chance to at least say hello and actually meet the star, choose the selfie option.

Autographs
Most autograph tables provide an 8-by-10 glossy photo for the star to sign, so bring a cardboard backing and envelope to protect it (or you can buy a plastic sleeve). You can bring an autograph book, but many stars charge extra for that (don’t blame your hero — it’s the management that sets the rates). Or you can go to Artists Alley and buy artwork of one of the characters and have the actor sign it.

Cash
Bring a lot; nearly everything here is cash only, and ATMs charge exorbitant fees (and often run out of money by mid-afternoon). Of course, be sure your teens have a secure place to carry it and are aware crowds are a pick-pocket’s best friend.

Water
Drink a lot of it. Most venues forbid bringing food or drink, but you can bring empty water bottles and fill them at fountains. Bring packets of Crystal Light to cover the taste of city water. Avoid having to buy drinks, which are outrageously expensive.