As Dragon Con 2021 approaches, we thought we’d offer up some tips and tricks on how to navigate this large, eventful convention.
We first attended Dragon Con in 2007. The convention was still small-ish (comparatively) at the time. It was still in only 3 hotels and the attendance had not quite reached 35,000. Though 35k sounds like a ton of people, it is nothing compared to the estimated 85,000 attendees in 2019.
Though the convention had been around for 20 years at this point (the first one being in 1987), and was only 50 miles from home in Atlanta, GA, neither of us had ever heard of it. It’s fair to say that the advertising for the event had not quite reached the levels of today, where you will hear about it on the radio, TV, and all over the web. We actually have the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Mallory’s love of James Marsters, to thank for our first trip to the con.
Thanks to a high school class project, Mallory had discovered James Marsters’ website where he listed all upcoming events he would be attending. When we found out he would be in Atlanta at something called Dragon Con, we had to know more about it. Once discovering James and Oliver Phelps would also be in attendance (Courtney being a huge Potterhead), we knew we had to go. But our minimal research on the event could not prepare us for what was in store. Our eyes were opened to a whole new world of fandoms and cosplay, and we never looked back.
Flash forward to now. We’ve been to the con every year since (including 2020’s virtual Dragon Con) and have definitely learned a lot. So if you’re a con newbie, or even just new to this particular con (they are all different), read on!
Also, as a side note, there are extra measures in place for Dragon Con 2021 so make sure you check out their website to get the most up-to-date information.
Tip 1: Plan to spend money
One of the things we learned pretty quickly at our first con was that we did not bring enough money. We were both broke college kids at the time so our lack of funds was not a surprise, but we greatly underestimated how much we would need. We planned for our entry tickets and one autograph, but that was as far as it went. Now, the good thing about Dragon Con compared to other, smaller cons we’ve been to is that your entry ticket/badge will get you into almost everything. You can attend most panels, get into all hotels and vendor halls, and all dances and parties. However, it does not include autographs or photo ops, not to mention if you actually want to purchase anything from the vendors. We were fortunate our first year because entry and autographs were not as expensive as they are now, but keep in mind that was almost 15 years ago. It is always good to have plenty of money with you if you want to purchase any of the aforementioned items. Also, don’t forget you have to feed yourself!
We pretty much all have debit and credit cards these days, but taking actual cash is a must. Most of the autograph tables do not take cards and the photo op pay-with-cash line is almost always shorter than the credit card line. The hotels do have ATMs, but they will charge you a fee and usually have pretty long lines. Paying with cash may change in 2021, largely due to potential COVID guidelines, but in the past having cash has helped us immensely.
Tip 2 : Buy your tickets in advance
Speaking of purchasing tickets, we highly recommended buying them in advance. This goes for entry, photo ops and autographs (plus any other panels, classes or events that might require one). Though there never has been one before, and may not be after this year, Dragon Con 2021 will have capped attendance. You must purchase your tickets online before the event. They will not be selling entry tickets onsite. Additionally, you will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to pick up your badge for 2021. If things go back to “normal”, they may resume onsite sales in the future, but keep in mind that tickets are always cheaper in advance than they are at the door.
If there is a certain autograph or photo op you definitely want, we would recommend purchasing those ahead of time just in case. This especially goes for popular guests as those sessions do and have sold out. If you don’t expect a guest to be incredibly popular, waiting to purchase photo ops can be beneficial. Most of the celebrity guests set up shop in the Walk of Fame and will take selfies with you at their tables for much cheaper than the professional photo.
Tip 3 : Book a room ASAP
On a somewhat related note, if you are planning to stay in Atlanta the weekend of the con, which runs from Thursday to Monday, you will most definitely want to reserve a room in advance. And we’re talking like a year in advance. Now that the con is so huge, hotels and Airbnb’s fill up before you can even blink. This includes the entire downtown area, along with Midtown and Buckhead (which are a few MARTA stops away.) We keep our rooms booked two years in advance. The Dragon Con host hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Westin and Sheraton) are typically filled by returning guests. The hotels give priority to those who have booked before. However, sometimes rooms will be released to the general public to book and when they are you have to be on your toes. Keep a check on the Dragon Con website for more details on host and overflow hotels.
Tip 4: Hydrate
This is a big one. Days at the con will likely be spent waiting in any number of lines, probably outdoors. And for those who have not been to Atlanta, it can get HOT in August/September. Drinking water regularly is a good practice in general, but especially in hot weather. And trust us, you will be spending plenty of time outside. Additionally, if you drink alcohol, offsetting that with water is also a good plan. After all, you want to be able to function the entire weekend. In the past, we have taken reusable water bottles because there have been lots of water stations throughout the con. This may change with COVID but, if things ever get back to normal, you can rely on these and your trusty bottle to keep you hydrated.
Tip 5: Carry a backpack
We have found, over the years, that there are a few essentials we have to have during our long con days. We always bring snacks and a water bottle with us, along with things like portable battery chargers and our wallets. It can sometimes be difficult to carry everything in a small bag or purse, so we typically carry backpacks. Mallory- I also like to carry a jacket or cardigan with me because even though it is warm outside, it can get cold in those panel rooms. And, if you get creative, you can also turn a backpack into part of your cosplay (see above photo… the Bowser shell is in fact a backpack).
Tip 6: Wear comfortable shoes
Now this is a tough one, especially for cosplayers, but having comfortable footwear is a must for us. We spend most of our time on our feet, walking up and down hills and stairs, standing on concrete and dancing the night away, so we value comfy shoes. Tennis shoes, sneakers, and walking sandals are our go-tos, though we have ventured into the realm of flats and boots. If you do have slightly uncomfortable footwear, but need to be in character, you may want to grab some gel inserts or plan your day accordingly.
Tip 7: Take hygiene seriously
Even in the days before COVID, having good hygiene was important to us. We always washed our hands and sanitized frequently, and always wore and carried extra deodorant at cons. In the past at least, we’ve been right up close to a ton of strangers, some of whom did not smell great. Though we’re not sure how future cons will be in regards to social distancing, it is always a good idea to shower everyday. Please. We beg you.
Dragon Con has recently put additional health and safety guidelines in place, such as you must wear a face mask (even if it’s not part of your cosplay) inside at all times. Once again we remind you to check their website for more updates.
Really just make sure to be as safe and sanitary as possible. There are people of all ages and health conditions who attend cons, so always think about others as well as yourself. You are one of 85,000.
Tip 8: Judge not lest ye be judged
This is a good rule for life in general, but especially at cons. You are going to see a lot of things at Dragon Con that will likely be outside your “normal” life. When we first went, we were surprised to see a few costumes made of nothing but paint, people proudly displaying large portions of their bodies, and the wonderful melting pot of people that comprise Dragon Con. If you cannot appreciate all different kinds of people, you should stay at home. Maybe in general, but especially at Dragon Con. This is an environment of inclusivity and positivity, and negativity has no place. We wish the world were more like Dragon Con.
Tip 9: Have fun!
Cons always have their ups and downs (trust us, we’ve had our share of issues), but it’s good to remember to have a good time and don’t let stress get you down. We always recommend planning ahead, and the Dragon Con app is a great way to do that. It helps you keep track of panels, photo ops and more. The app is usually updated a few weeks before the con each year with guest and panel information and can be downloaded from the Apple App and Google Play stores.
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