I have been going to San Diego Comic Con (AKA Comic-Con International) since 1987, when I was 14 years old, but have until this year always stayed in Downtown San Diego apart from one time I stayed at Humphrey’s By The Bay on Shelter Island. Planning my travel and accommodations for 2015 was actually the first time that not only did I not get my first choice with the Travel Planners “lottery” style system for reservations and special rates for booking rooms, I did not get any room with them at all. As registered press, it has always been convenient for me to stay at the adjacent San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, which is where I’ve stayed in the previous four years. With not a lot of options, I ended up booking a room at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort on Coronado Island (see my review here). While I was disappointed with the service of the hotel, and the distance to Ferry Landing (which offers a short five minute boat ride directly from Coronado Island to the Convention Center), I did find that not only is staying on Coronado feasible, but there are some significant benefits as well. So I thought I would share my findings with those who might consider staying on Coronado in future years. [Read more…]
San Diego Comic-Con 2015: Photography Journal & Photos of The Convention, Cosplay, Exhibit Hall (#SDCC)
This is part of my ongoing coverage of San Diego Comic-Con 2015. As in past years, this is a photo journal showcasing photographs of the exhibit hall, around the convention center and the Gaslamp District, and some of the popular cosplay participants. Images are from Wednesday (Preview Night), Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. [Read more…]
San Diego Comic-Con 2015: HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Exhibit “Experience The Realm” (#SDCC #ExperienceTheRealm)
This is part of my ongoing coverage of San Diego Comic-Con 2015. 2015 marks the second consecutive year that HBO is hosting a Game of Thrones exhibit. This year it is called, “Experience The Realm” (you can see my coverage of last year’s “Survive The Realm”). Again, it was held offsite at the Omni Hotel in the Gaslamp District, a short walk to the Convention Center. “Experience” is a good moniker, as they evolved more toward having a primary focus on popular and fun experiences. While there were some costumes on display again, it was a smaller grouping compared with last year. Also not making a return was the tattoo shop, though they still provided a free t-shirt to participants on the way out. [Read more…]
San Diego Comic-Con 2014: Game of Thrones Exhibit “Survive The Realm” (#SDCC)
The Game of Thrones “Survive the Realm” interactive experience and exhibit was held across from the Omni Hotel in the Gaslamp District during Comic-Con this week, and featured a number of original costumes from the popular HBO cable television series based on the George R.R. Martin novels. Also featured were green screen opportunities to have animated photos taken with one of the dragons (Drogon) was well (see mine here) as a “Climbing the Wall” virtual reality experience and a photo op chance to sit in the Iron Throne. For the true fan, there were also professional tattoo artists on site giving GOT-inspired tattoos. [Read more…]