I didn’t have this website until this year (2017), but I wanted a place to collect my Comic-Con memories, something I could look back on and enjoy. This post has been backdated to 2014.
San Diego, Wednesday, July 23, 2014 – Sunday, July 27, 2014 — This was my first time attending Preview Night—I finally got lucky with badge registration! I flew in late Wednesday morning and spent some time walking around outside the Convention Center. I was a bit early, though, since some areas were still being set up. It was also my first year staying at the Hard Rock, and I lucked out with a great hotel deal. SDCC 2014 is off to a great start!
What I saw on the Con floor during Preview Night:
Exploring the sights outside the Convention Center
The Game of Thrones “Survive the Realm” Exhibit
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this exhibit was an absolute dream. Some of the swag included a green screen photo‑op of an animated GIF of one of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons on a rock, complete with my hair blowing in the wind, a photo on the Iron Throne, temporary GOT tattoos, and a limited edition Game of Thrones T‑shirt designed by artist Robert Ball. Each day featured a unique design, and only about 2,000 of each were made, making them some of the most exclusive swag at the event.
The experiences were just as amazing. There was a 4D Oculus Rift virtual reality simulation that let you “ascend The Wall” and feel what it’s like to climb Castle Black’s elevator as a member of the Night’s Watch, which was a little scary but in the best way. You could also explore authentic costumes and props from the show. Basically, it was everything a Game of Thrones fan could want. Very cool!
More shenanigans outside the Con
MTV Fan Fest Party
And then there was the MTV Fan Fest Party, which was an absolute blast! There was a silent disco, carnival rides, and so many A-list celebrities wandering around. They even had a concert— I caught part of G-Eazy’s set, but left before Linkin Park took the stage because, well, I’m old and needed some sleep. Looking back, I definitely regret that decision. RIP Chester.
When I got back to my hotel room, my window looked out over the Sin City 2 burlesque show at the Hard Rock (see the blurry photo below). It was quite the view, but I was too tired to watch.
The absolute best part of SDCC 2014 was visiting AMC’s The Walking Dead BBQ: Those Who Arrive, Imbibe outside the Con and then being completely surprised when the cast showed up! It was one big happy zombie BBQ.
To get in, fans had to take part in AMC’s #TweetToEat social challenge. You had to snap a selfie with the Terminus map, either at The Walking Dead booth inside the Convention Center or outside the terrace entrance at the Hilton Gaslamp Hotel (I did the latter), and post it on Twitter with the hashtag #TweetToEat. The first 200 people each day, Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, could pick up a wristband between 9–11 am that gave them access to that night’s BBQ.
I woke up at 5:30 am to be first in line, nervously waiting for my SIL and her (now ex) boyfriend to show up. He didn’t want to rush, and honestly, the whole thing nearly gave me an ulcer because you can’t do Con without making a mad dash for everything.
At the BBQ, we finished our food early and were about to leave around 6 pm, even though the event was scheduled to go until 8. My SIL’s bf wanted to leave early to sell our wristbands for $20, which I was definitely not on board with. Luckily, one of the staff members noticed us heading for the exit and told us to hang out for another 30 minutes. I am so thankful she did because the entire cast showed up shortly after. Totally worth the wait!
Steven Yeun took my SIL’s GoPro and filmed him and the cast while standing on the trailer. So cool!
Later that evening, we ended up sleeping overnight on the marina sidewalk so we could get into Hall H the next morning. By 8 pm, the line already stretched all the way down to Harbor Island. At that point, we walked the line to the midpoint between the front and the end, hoping to find a familiar face we could camp out with. Lucky for us we did, and we all took turns holding our spot while others went back to their hotel to shower and get ready.
Just a few yards down, Dan Bilzerian was partying on his yacht with his entourage of ladies, while we were trying to catch some sleep on the concrete by the water. It really sucked. For us, at least. Hall H didn’t open until 9:30 am the next morning, and we were aiming to see the Marvel panel at 5:30 pm.
After that Hall H experience, I was completely wiped out. I could barely stay awake for the Marvel panel. There has to be a better way to experience Hall H than staying up all night only to nod off right when your panel comes up.
On the bright side, staying at the Hard Rock was a total win. It was close to everything, which made our time at SDCC way more enjoyable. Our room was amazing and overlooked the pool area, so we spied on the Entertainment Weekly party and spotted some celebrities. I’m not sure I got any good photos, though. Honestly, I can’t tell who’s who in most of them.
SDCC 2014 was one of the best Cons! Can’t wait for 2015!
