5 tips that will really make your SDCC 2018 enjoyable

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 24: (L-R) Writer/producer Andrew Dabb, actors Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles attend the “Supernatural” Special Video Presentation And Q&A during Comic-Con International 2016 at San Diego Convention Center on July 24, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /

Supernatural is at SDCC 2018 and you may be lucky enough to be going to it. Take care of yourself there with these five top tips to make the world’s biggest Comic-Con enjoyable.

San Diego Comic-Con is the biggest convention around the world. It brings movies and TV together, showing sneak peeks, extended and exclusive trailers, and even advance previews of some shows. Supernatural will be at SDCC 2018, which means you may be going. If you’re one of those attending, here are five top tips to make sure it’s enjoyable.

It’s easy to find yourself dehydrated, stressed with the amount of people, and tired from the events. While the normal tips for a convention will still stand, this con is on a much bigger scale. You’ll need to scale-up your methods to enjoy every little element of the four-day event.

5. Go in with a plan

Make your plan before you even get to SDCC 2018. This isn’t just about setting a budget (although it will be important) but it’s also about looking through the schedule and getting yourself in order before you step foot through the door.

4. Plan in your rest breaks

It’s easy to spend hours on your feet at SDCC 2018. You’ll feel it by the end of the day and this can take out the fun by the end of the whole weekend. Make sure you plan in plenty of breaks throughout the course of the single days so you’re refreshed and ready for whatever the con throws at you.

Make a plan for the main meal times. Will you go when everyone else is planning lunch? That’s a bad idea! Rather than breakfast, lunch, and dinner, why not consider smaller meals throughout the day. Take a break a little before lunch and then around 3-4 p.m. You’ll find the queues at the food stands are shorter and you get what you want.

You’ll also need to plan other breaks in throughout the day. SDCC 2018 can become overwhelming at times. The breaks give you a chance to get some water, rest your feet, and take another look at your schedule so you know where you need to be. If you’ve decided on a change, you can look at the backup panel ideas.

Look out for a quiet room. There should be one. This is a good place to sit down away from the bustle of the con, so you can reflect and regroup.

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 23: Actors Misha Collins (L) and Jensen Ackles at the “Supernatural” panel during Comic-Con International 2017 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /

3. Have a meeting point with friends

You’re likely going to San Diego Comic-Con with friends or family members. It’s fun to cosplay together and spend time geeking out at some of the same things. This doesn’t mean you have to spend the whole day with each other. You’ll all have different interests and want to see different panels.

Don’t sacrifice one panel over another if none of you want to. Try not to let this turn into an argument. Instead, decide on a meeting place. Keep it simple, such as at the entrance to the panel or next to the elevators between floors; somewhere everyone can find and not get confused.

When you go off to do your own things, set a time and get back to the meeting point for that time. Now this will rely on everyone following the time and rules when meeting back up. There may be something interesting happening that you think you want to see, but you’ve agreed to meet at a set time. If you’re not going to be at the meeting point, send a text or make a call. This will at least give your friends a heads up.

Try not to cancel on the meetup point too often throughout the event. After all, you’ve gone to spend time with them!

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 23: Singer Ronnie Platt (R) and drummer Phil Ehart of Kansas perform onstage at the “Supernatural” panel during Comic-Con International 2017 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /

2. Get to panels super early–or get a wristband

Panels fill up fast, especially panels in Hall H. If you want to get to that Supernatural panel on Sunday morning, you need to make sure you’re there early. You don’t get kicked out of the rooms, according to Collider. That means once you’re in, you’re in.

The good news about Supernatural‘s panel is that it’s the first of the day. Hall H will be cleared out before the end of the previous day, so you’ll not have to deal with the people already in the room waiting for the panel. However, you’ll still want to get there early. Like 3 a.m. early in some cases!

As for the other panels, you may want to sit through panels you’re not exactly interested in. Others will do the same and since they don’t get kicked out of the room, they make sure they have a seat for the panel they really want. You never know; you might find out something interesting about the panels you happen to be in.

You’ll need to get in a few hours before the panel you want. Make sure you take a drink and snacks to see you through.

There is also a wristband system this year, which is excellent for those looking for the Supernatural panel. If you get a wristband the day before, you can guarantee a seat in the panel as long as you’re in the queue for 7:30 a.m. the morning of the panel. That means getting a band on the Saturday night. You can wait in line overnight if you want or even have a friend hold your place in line and keep switching (as long as you all got your bands at the same time) or you can even go to your hotel and sleep and turn up the next morning. Just make sure you’re there before 7:30 a.m. PT!

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 23: (L-R) Actors Misha Collins, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki at the “Supernatural” panel during Comic-Con International 2017 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) /

1. Don’t get your heart set on one particular panel

Honestly, I wouldn’t get my heart set on a particular panel at any con. You just never know what will happen. I’ve been disappointed by guests not being able to make it or panels getting switched around without much warning. It’s all part of being at a con.

SDCC 2018 is mostly a little more organized in terms of schedule. The changes are always going to be noted online, so you can keep checking in throughout the day. However, the people there can’t control the queues. Businesses will sell out of stock and you will find autograph and photo lines are packed.

Try not to get yourself to set on one particular panel or event at SDCC 2018. This will help to avoid too much disappointment, so the whole event is a success. It’s one of the reasons why I have backup plans.

Plus, don’t be afraid to change your plan slightly through the day. There’s nothing wrong with deciding the 7 p.m. panel isn’t for you anymore. You can go out for dinner or enjoy a cozy night in bed with the TV if you really want. Listen to your head and not your heart.

Don’t worry about being in line for ages if it’s really something you do want to do, though. Don’t fret about other things you’re missing. I know that sounds like the opposite of what I’ve said about getting your heart set on a panel but if there’s one big thing you want to do then you’re going to wait for it, right? Take this time to chat to others in the line. We don’t need to be anti-social!

Next: 5 things we want to see from the Supernatural SDCC 2018 panel

Are you going to SDCC 2018 this weekend? What are you planning to do other than the Supernatural panel? Share in the comments below.

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5 tips to make SDCC 2018 enjoyable

By Alexandria Ingham | Jul 19, 2018