Jan 08 2009
Convention Profile: Megacon 2009
For the record, I have attended a handful of Megacons over the years. I’ve attended as a regular con goer for at least two, and as “the press” for two more. The first year I attended as a member of the press, I wrote a not-so-pleasant review of the convention. It was so negative in fact, that it was actually passed around the organizers of the con, who were concerned it might hurt their image. Fortunately, when I returned the following year, there had been some major improvements, which I also documented in a review. I mention all this because I feel I cannot be entirely impartial with this particular convention profile, and want to make my experience with it known.
To sum up: Megacon used to be a very poorly organized and crowded con that I didn’t enjoy attending (much less paying for), and is now a better organized (but still crowded) convention I would at least consider attending.
That being said, here are the details for Florida’s upcoming Megacon 2009 convention, which is behind held February 27 - March 1st at the Orlando Convention Center (Hall D).
This convention does offer a wide variety of guests, and this year is no exception. Here is a quick run down of some of those who are scheduled to attend: Beau Bridges (Stargate), James Callis (Battlestar Galactica - new version), Dirk Benedict (Battlestar Galactica - original version), Herbert Jefferson, Jr. (Battlestar Galactica - original
version), Phillip Morris (Smallville), Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), Peter Mayhew (Star Wars), Margot Kidder (Superman movies), Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist), George Perez (The New Teen Titans artist), a ton of Playboy models, and other various media and comic book guests.
As a side note: is there a single convention that Peter Mayhew and Vic Mignogna (pictured) don’t try to attend? I swear, they are on the guest list for every major con I profile.
In addition to the large guest list, this convention also provides a sizable vendor/exhibition hall, filled with rows and rows of wonderful merchandise. You can pretty much find anything you would possibly want. Just note that it IS packed and can get quite crowded. I’m looking at you, people with large costumes - stay out of the cramped vendor hall.
In terms of programming and gaming, Megacon has a ton of that too. This convention is definitely one that lives up to its name. Some of the planned events for 2009 include: The Megacon Indie Film Expo, The SciFi Robot Invasion, Robot Battles, Skiffytown Kids Costume Panel, Star Wars Miniatures constructed DCI tournament, Vampire: The Masquerade LARP, Hot Wheels Racing Rally, Greater Florida LEGO Users Group displays, an anime music video (AMV) contest, and much much more.
Given that the convention is so large and has so much to offer, it’s no surprise that the price is a little steeper than some of the other conventions I’ve profiled. If you pre-order your ticket, it’ll cost you $52.19 for the weekend, or $22.37 for one-day admission. If you wait to buy tix at the door (and I STRONGLY recommend against doing so - see the photo for the reason why), it will cost you $55 and $24 respectively. There are special deals for groups of 10 or more, and for children. Check out the website for more info.
If you are traveling to Orlando and need a place to stay, you can score a room at the nearby Doubletree Hotel for the special convention rate of $149.00 a night (that’s for a single - quad). There will even be a shuttle to take you to and from the convention.
A few tips about this convention, since it’s one I’ve attended a few times:
1. Bring your own food/snacks if you can. The convention center does have some food courts, but they are very expensive and get overwhelmed at traditional meal times. You definitely won’t find a place to sit. There are restaurants sort of near the Orlando Convention Center, but they are a bit of a hike to get to (especially if you’re in costume).
2. Be there early to get decent parking, and be sure you have some cash. Parking is available nearby, but costly (hey, it is Orlando).
3. Be there even earlier to avoid long ticket lines.
4. Have fun! Megacon does have a lot to offer, so take advantage of it and get your money’s worth!
As always, if you attend, feel free to post feedback and pictures in a comment!
I went last year and this year.It was waaay better this year since we didnt have to wait in that loooong line last year for tickets.Seriously peole reserve.