I would like this forum to be more about helpful hints and tips than about who is going and who is excited about going, etc...

Well I know that it is only the day ofter DragonCon 2006 is over, but Ren just reminded me of something. If you want to go in 2007 because you had so much fun in 2006 the cheapest prices are available if preordered by Nov 15 (I think). After that the prices go up every 3 months normall $10.

In the past it has been $45 - Nov 15, $55 - Feb 15, $65 - May 15, $75 - July 15 (July is the exception to the 3 months)

For everyone who didn't know, you were able to check out using your TV and you were allowed to keep your key cards since they were printed for DragonCon. I managed to remember at the last minute and I was able to tell Ren about the TV checkout but not the key cards. (this is for the Hyatt, I don't know about the other hotels)

If you have any hints or tips you would like to share for people going next year or you want to encourage people to go since you had a blast post it here. I had a blast even though I didn't get to meet many people but the ones I did meet were awesome. This would also be a good place to post if you had a bad experience with a particular hotel and you want to encourage people to not use that hotel.

I am sure that eveyone will be greatful for the advice so please don't bog down this topic with "thank you".



I didn't think to mention this but please ask questions here for advice if you need some. There are so many people here that will be able to help.

The major tip I would give anyone is, doubly, if not more, secure your badge. I had to buy two this year ‘cause somewhere along the parade route I lost my first one. Get a lariat AND clip you badge to something. That way if one thing fails you still have your badge and don’t have to go spending $30-$85 on another one.

Oh and don't plan your day to a T. Leave some room for spontinaity and people watching. Its well worth it.

This is very true. Fore even though I missed out on a lot of stuff that I wanted to get or see, there's nothing like being able to play the show mostly by ear. Plan on doing the stuff you REALLY want to do but just kind of stay open to the things you didn't expect to when they happen to pass your way. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif)

Oy, I hate having to wait another 365 more day 'til the next one. I sure am looking forward to '07 already. And Man do I hope for another Shindig. I'm sooooo glad my girl and I went to that. 'Cause it ROCKED!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif)

My tip is to pay the extra dollars to stay at one of the con hotels or one very closeby. This was my first con, and I and the group I was with made the mistake of getting a cheaper hotel that was five miles away. It wasn't a very nice place, and I spent lots of money on cab rides because we were all doing our own thing. That money would have paid for the pricier rooms.

I agree about staying in one of the Con hotels. We stayed in the Sheraton three blocks away. The three block walk wasn't bad, except when we decided to go back to our hotel to change for the Shindig and the Buffy prom.

Another tip: bring cash or learn where the ATMs are, because Tom the bartender makes a fabulous rum and coke!

But I'd say my biggest tip would be to totally throw yourself into the Con. Dress up, participate in as much as you can, and meet lots of people! It was my first Con, and I can't wait to go next year because I know more about what it's like and can spend an entire year planning my costumes!

If you can't stay at the host hotels (Which I still always wanna do), I can recommend three that are very reasonable, very nice and are only about a maximum of 2-3 blocks walking distance at the absolute most (Though they seemed like less).

In 2004 I stayed at the Courtyard by Mariotte. It's one of the D*C overflows so they have a very nice con rate. Also, as soon as you come off of the I-75/85 ramp you are right next to the entrance for it and the Farefield Inn (Which is actually connected to the Courtyard. Same owners and all). The walk is not bad at all and it is well lit for traversing the walk at night.

In 2005 I stayed at the Fairfield Inn (The same one I just mentioned). It was an overflow just like the Courtyard, with a con rate as well. Same walk, same distance, same everything. It was basicly like staying at the same hotel two years in a row.

This year my girl and I stayed at the Hampton Inn. Though they are not a con overflow hotel and did not have the con rate, I made my reservations online and discovered they had what was called their "Peach of a Deal". And considering I waited until almost mid-July to make room reservations, it was one helluva deal. Only thing is you either have to ask about it yourself or place your reservations online. The person from Hampton Inns who takes your reservation will not verbally offer it themselves. So keep that in mind.

As for the hotel specs, it's a nice lil' place that appears to have been converted office building (It has a very 1930's "Daily Planet" feel to it). It really looks cool from the outside. The room we had wasn't that huge but the kingsize bed sure was (God I miss that bed). (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif) So it had all we needed. There's no pool but who has time to swim anyway? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif) And evidently there weren't many D*C guests staying there because check out was an absolute breeze (Not like the nightmare it was for my friends staying at the Hyatt). And the location, considering that you would have to walk a bit, was fantastic too. It's just about 50 yards from the Westin (Which you can see just up the way from the front of the Hyatt). So it's no epic trek. Again the walk was very nice (No mega-steep inclines) and it was very well lit. So I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that would ask. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif)

I do want to say I'm hoping that maybe my girl and I can stay at the Mariotte next year but if not I'd definitely be more than happy to stay at any of the places I just mentioned all over again. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif) Hope some of this info helps.

While we're on the topic of non-con hotels, we stayed at the Best Western which was literally like a block and a half from the Hyatt. Our room was really reasonable and they had a FREE breakfast. And I'm not talking bagels and orange juice - I mean a FREE HOT breakfast like eggs, biscuits, gravy, grits, sausage, waffles and of course bagels toast, fruit, juice and coffee. Loading down on a big breakfast each morning kept us going for quite a while, and then we carried trail mix, jerky, nuts, and other quick snack like things to get us through to dinner. This saved tons of money on food which of course means . . . more money for booze! LOL (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_razz.gif)

But really, it helped to economize the trip and save money for more important things.

I guess that's my D*C money saving tip!

Speaking of booze, if you can sneek some in, it saves mega money. I snuck a huge bottle of JD in and then used the canteen from my Stargate costume to carry the booze around all day. I shared it with loads of people and then gave the rest of the JD away when I realized that my luggage wouldnt close and something had to be sacrificed. My bottle costed like $30 and which would only buy a few drinks at the con prices and I got a lot more.

For all those beer drinkers out there, I had tremendous success with a backpack full of 12 oz. cans and a large bottle or container to drink out of (I personally used a large gatorade bottle that held about 5 beers). The cans are better than bottles becasue they cut down on weight and don't clank around in the backback, they also seemed to fizz less, I never sprayed myself or anything. It was great because I had plenty of beer for myself and I even handed out a few and made some friends. The best way to find a party at D*Con is to be a mobile bar, someone's room party is bound to run out, and nothing livens up those late night random panels in the bottom of the Hyatt like a bunch of booze (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif) .

Also on the food front, always check the Con Suite on the Second floor of the Hyatt (the stairs by the bar and restaurant take you right to it) is the best place to go. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served up there throughout the day and all for free for anyone with a Con badge. Even if there isn't any food up there there's still free soda and a place to sit and watch some random Sci-Fi. I watched a couple episodes of Farscape while I was up there. Also good if you need some free soda for mixed drinks or chasers.

Anyways, those are my best tips.
Cheers

Oh on the subject of sneaking stuff in. We are within driving distance so we brought a cooler of food. This year we ponied up the money to buy a cooler that plugs into the wall. The hubbin doesn't like anything but cereal for breakfast so we had cookie crisp. Then for one meal we would have turkey and cheese sandwiches with fresh lettuce, chip and PEPSI. When we would be eating outside the video rooms we had people walking by asking us where we got the sandwiches and the Pepsi from. Fast food can get old esp when you have to stand in long lines to attain it.

I was even walking around with a bag of candy handing out candy. Nothing like a sucker for that bad morning breath. The cleaning lady got some so she liked me a lot. I see no reason not to bribe the cleaning ladies. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_mrgreen.gif)

Another thing to know. After about 3am if you are not at a party there isn't a lot to do at the con. Two places you can check out are the video rooms and the con suite. I'm an earlier riser and I ran into some insomniacs who were in those two locations. I sat in the con suite one morning and watched some episodes of Firefly.

This post has been edited by Nimthiriel: Sep 6 2006, 11:04 PM

Last year I tried commuting from Kennesaw to the Con for sat and sun, the only 2 days I went. That didn't work out so well, and I'm sure I missed out on some great parties doing that. So, this year I booked at the Hyatt. I think next year I'll go for the Marriot. Already got my pre-reg, did that before I left monday, saved a bit that way.

And next year, I am DEFINATELY bringing my own booze. Jeez, I mean...$7 for a lowsy beer?? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_eek.gif) Thats very near highway robbery!

I was really really glad to have met all of you who were there! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif) It made the con so very much extra special like. And to those of you who actually talked to me without recoiling in horror...thanks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif)

Can't wait for next year! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_mrgreen.gif)

and maybe next year I'll even remember I've got my bloody camera hanging on my belt and take a few more pics! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_lol.gif)

Yep, good tip. I brought my sake, but forgot the thermos I usually keep it in in my bag....damm, I really could have used more booze this year! Fruit juice or soda bottles work well too when you drink half of it and pour vodka or rum in the rest. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_mrgreen.gif) Nobody's gotta know unless you suddenly run into things or fall down, then it gets a little suspicious... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_wink.gif)

There were a few people (you know who you are!) at the Shindig who had a veritable bar in a bag...which I was able to avail myself of (Buttershots...mmmmm, yummy!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_smile.gif)

The later you check-in in the day, the lower your floor 'tends' to be.

StaticGuy told me that if you joing the Hyatt VIP club you can stay in the Ivy tower and not have to deal with the long wait (but then again you don't get to hangover the balcony and stare at people).

If your teeth start hurting a couple of days before the con, don't put off going to the dentist until afterwards.

The Ivy Tower? Thats where I was, but I'm not a VIP member. Maybe thats where they put us smokers there too.

You can request the Ivy tower. From what I understand the Ivy Tower rooms are all one bed rooms. It is a much nicer place to stay since the elevators are not as packed and it is accessible only to people with a key card. For those who did not figure it out, there is another set of elevators in the back near the other set of escalators. You can't really get to the higher levels using those elevators but you can get to the parking garage level using the escalators. There was also restricted access to the lower levels. You had to have a badge to get down the main escalators. This as not true of the back elevators and escalators.

Zeph: If you reserve now what are the prices you were quoted? I'm going to be there next year and if there is a huge discount I'll go ahead and reserve. I completely agree about the close location commute. We lived in Acworth and now Woodstock. Even though we are close the commute is not worth the trouble. Having a room there gives you a Fortess of Solitude when the hustle and bussle becomes too much to handle.

Oh, that reminds me. I got there at 1pm on Friday and I was able to use the kioske check-in and got an 18th floor room in the Ivy Tower. Ren was in the main area, since she needed two beds, and there earlier than me but was told her room was not ready yet so was unable to check in until 3pm. I don't know if it was because of the different location or the fact she didn't use the kiosk or both but try using the kiosk to check in. I didn't have to wait in line and I didn't have to wait for my room. If you don't get a pretty DragonCon key card go to the desk when they aren't busy and ask for on. I was talking to a lady a couple of years ago at the desk about the key cards and she gave me a stack of them.

If you are flying in by plan take Marta to Peachtree station. I told people in the thread I posted for 2006 but I want to go ahead and post in this one early so people will know. There is an elevator that will take you to street level and if you are staying at the Hilton, Mariott or Hyatt the walk will be very short.

Oh, and just so everyone knows, DragonCon 2007 will be in all three hotels again next year. The plan is to have all three dealers room in the Hilton. The Marriott was renovating the middle level this year and will be renovating the lower level next year. I'll find out more once the meetings start for 2007. I'll be in the Hyatt since that is where my video rooms are and since I'm an Asst Director for the AMV contest and anime room scheduler I have to be close at hand.

Woodstock? You live in WOODSTOCK? Heck, I work up in Holly Springs! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_lol.gif) Used to live in Woodstock, too. I think my ex-wife is still there.

The lines for the panels... Let me remind folks that no one was turned away because the room was too full for the Q&A panels in the Centennial Ballroom. If you want to spend your day in line with other Browncoats - that's great & more power to you, but it's not necessary if you just want a seat in the room. Front row is normally for Disability Access though there were some front seats available.

of course, standing in line and talking to other Browncoats can be fun too. Met some really nice folk that way!

Zeph honey you should have found me if you wanted booze. I was giving away JD the entire con. I filled up Go's flask and carried around my canteen full of jack all day sunday.

When I was waiting in line for the Stargate panel I just passed the canteen around. I don't know a faster way to get people to warm up to you then handing out free booze. I had almost as much fun in line for the panels as I did in them. (But then again I can talk to anyone anytime, I see no point in being shy.)

And you are not scary. You are very sweet.

-quote from 2006 thread.

We have an official thread. We just have to make sure it gets updated with the latest DragonCon news. Like when can we start buying badgers.

Badgers have been on sale for about a week now. $45 for four days (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_mrgreen.gif)

D*C Store

ETA- I think they go up to $50 or $55 on November 15th.

I refuse to take the obvious opening here. It's just too easy.

You know, like shooting fish in a badger! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_lol.gif)

He who walks behind the rows,
TimR (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_cool.gif)

Badgers? Wee don' need no steenking Badgers!




umm, oh yeah........we do need them.


got mine before I even left the con! $40 when you bought them on monday. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_mrgreen.gif)

I am planning on going to D*con 2007 so how and when should I get my ticks. also I have never been so where is the best places to stay, I am prob going to need a few roomies but I am a nice guy ( ask around) and do not mind takinf the floor. I looks so fun I have to get my self there. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif)

best thing is to go directly to the dragoncon website. right now, 4-day tickets are $45. it goes up in ?december? I think to $55, then in feb or march to $65. the earlier you get them, the less it is.

DragonCon store

as for places to stay, I would recommend staying in one of the main 3 hotels, more convenient.

now as far as roomies go, I had a room all to my lonesome this past year, but possibly wouldn't mind sharing the room and costs next year. Might be fun! one warning, I smoke, so I'd be getting a smoking room.

thanks Kay I will check out the site as soon as I have more cash to spend right now all of is going to my "I need to see EE fund"

Just so long as no one starts in on the 'badger badger badger badger mushroom mushroom...' If you only knew the number of times I heard that including one that was most humorious "Badger badger badger badger Malcom malcom Jayne..." That was as far as they got because I don't think anyone else remembered the rest of the song anyhow.
So now, just a note to let folks know that come D*Con 07 time next year I'll be driveing down somehow and if anyone is looking for a non-smokeing floor-sleeping now 3 year Dragon Con Vet roomie just let me know.

-Jack
The fellow who dressed as Badger.

(IMG:http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1250/badger2sr4.gif)



figured we needed a dancing badger, given all the badger talk.....


(IMG:http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/8783/couchkc9.gif)

352 days 'til DragonCon! I 'm so excited!

Doan' badger me an' I won' badger U

BTW, Zeph, nice badger. Is that the one you got at D*C? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif)

Oh, yeah, this is supposed to be serious and about tips an' stuff!

All I can come up with is if you want tips about D*C you should see a sci-fi fan Moile! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_biggrin.gif)

(Regains composure) Ok, ok really now, pack light! and that's the truth!

Really tired from schlepping luggage,
TimR

^
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Man o' the Con....Seriously! All Hail the King of the Schleppers! (that's schleppers, not shippers...) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_razz.gif)

I think we need to outfit Tim with something like Ripley's CAT power suit next year so he can carry all the booth supplies and wade through D*C crowds easier...that's all we need; something that looks like a BDTransformer to draw even more crowds to the SEBC booth...! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_eek.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_mrgreen.gif)