Are you prepared? Here’s what attendees need to know to survive BlizzCon 2018

Heading out to BlizzCon can be intimidating, whether you’re a convention newbie or an old hat. So to help you out, we’ve compiled our best tips on getting ready to head to BlizzCon — and surviving the experience after you arrive.

Be ready to pick up your BlizzCon ticket

Though you have to pick up your tickets at the convention, you’ll need the barcode Blizzard emailed you back in April. It should be in an email titled “Your BlizzCon® 2018 Ticket Barcode and Virtual Ticket Code Are Here!,” but if you can’t find it you can log on to Universe, click on your name in the upper right and select “Your Tickets” from the drop-down.  Select your BlizzCon ticket, then download and print it. If you’ve forgotten to print it in advance, download the Universe app to access your ticket from your phone or see if your hotel has a business center so you can print your ticket.

Remember that you’ll also need an ID matching the name on the ticket in order to pick it up, and if you’ve bought tickets for other people — that is, tickets that are in their names — they’ll have to pick them up themselves. Badge pickup starts on Thursday at 9AM and runs until 9PM. If you aren’t there early enough to snag your badge on Thursday, you can pick it up on Friday or Saturday from 8AM to 10PM.

P.s.: Don’t lose your badge. Blizzard will not print you a new one.

Be ready to fly

Most of us will probably take a plane to BlizzCon, which means navigating airports and dealing with airlines. There are a few things you can do that can make your flying experience just a bit easier.

• Don’t forget your ID. You’ll need it to get in the airport and you’ll need it to pick up your BlizzCon badge, so be sure you have it in hand before you head to the airport. (I have been in security lines behind a person trying to use a photocopied ID. Take a lesson from that unnamed gentleman and don’t forget or lose your ID.)
• Print (or download) your boarding pass. Instead of waiting until you get to the airport, you can print your boarding pass at home (or download a digital boarding pass to your phone if your airline and airport support it), which can save you a little time. If you aren’t checking bags, having your boarding pass will let you jump right into the security line, saving a lot of time and hassle.
• Know the rules. Before you start packing, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the airline’s rules (and that of the TSA or your local regulatory body) for what you can and can’t carry on a plane. Bringing prohibited items, which may seem harmless to you, can slow you trip through security — not to mention majorly stress you out. And speaking of rules, when you’re going through security, make sure to follow any instructions on signs or given by workers.
• Be sure you have a way to and from the airport. Having transportation lined up to take you to your hotel when you land can also be a big help. The most economical option is a shared ride van that will take a number of people headed in the same direction to their destinations. While you can grab a shuttle from the airport, you can also book them in advance (usually for a little less). Super Shuttle serves both Los Angeles (LAX) and Orange County (SNA) airports. Uber and Lyft — and even taxis — are more convenient in that they’ll take you directly where you want to go, but all can be pricy depending on surge pricing and how far you’re going.

Pack right

If you’re a frequent flier, you probably have a good idea of what to toss in your suitcase, but if you aren’t you may be at a loss as to what you need and what you can leave at home. We’re not going to cover absolutely everything you need to bring — we assume you know you’ll have to pack clean clothes and toiletries — but we will hit some items we think are particularly key for BlizzCon.

• Comfortable shoes. An absolute must. You’ll be spending a lot of time walking, waiting in line, and generally on your feet — good shoes will make that experience much less of a misery. (Good socks — like athletic socks — can also help on this count.)
• Hand sanitizer. With this many people in a small space, germs are going to be everywhere. If you don’t want to catch con plague, hand sanitizer is a must. You should be sure to wash your hands frequently, too — it’s the number one way to keep yourself from picking up a cold — but hand sanitizer will fill in for those times there’s no sink nearby.
• Snacks. Though it may seem silly to pack food on a trip to a civilized place like southern California, which does have restaurants, convenience stores, and fast food — trust me on this one. You’re likely to spend a lot of your day running around without a lot of time to stop and wait in line to grab food. Having something to munch on-hand can help keep you from running out of energy — or just getting grumpy — because you haven’t eaten. The best bet is something that won’t be ruined by being squished in the bottom of your bag. I’m a fan of soft granola bars.
• A water bottle. Dehydration is serious, especially when you’re running around all day. Sure, you can buy water at the convention center, but it’s expensive and there will be a line. Save the effort by packing a refillable water bottle.
• A light jacket or hoodie. Yes, Anaheim is going to be in the 80s during BlizzCon, but it can be chilly inside the convention center and in the evenings. Having an extra layer in case you get cold will do a lot to combat misery. Of course, you can also use being cold as an excuse to buy a hoodie if you need to justify it to yourself.
• A portable battery pack. Being able to charge your phone or other gadgets on the go can be a lifesaver. Because, trust us, you’re going to run out of battery power at some point. If you have a battery pack, bring it along, and if you don’t, buy one — they’re cheap and they’re useful beyond just BlizzCon.
• Earplugs and/or a sleep mask. If you’re bothered by light or noise when trying to sleep — especially if you have roommates who keep different hours than you do — both of these will come in handy.

When it comes to actually packing, make sure to avoid packing anything valuable or fragile in checked bags, where they could be broken (or turn up missing). It’s also a good idea to carry any essentials — like medication — with you in a carryon, as luggage can and does get lost. And don’t forget to leave space in your bag to bring stuff  back (your goodie bag, at least) — anything you pick up at the convention will have to make it back home somehow. (However, if you don’t have room in your bag for all your goodies, there are FedEx locations in both the Hilton and the Marriott next to the convention center.)

Coping with BlizzCon lines

Before you set foot in the convention center, it’s important to manage your expectations. There will be a lot happening over BlizzCon weekend, and you just won’t be able to see everything. Make sure to prioritize the stuff you want to see most, plan to spend a lot of time in line (because you will), and make sure to set aside time to eat, sleep, and take breaks. Because BlizzCon can involve a lot of “hurry up and wait,” it’s a good idea to pack some entertainment, whether that’s a book, a portable game system, or a group of friends to talk to.  (And if you’re planning to meet friends, be sure to set a meeting place in advance — it’s dark in the convention center and cell service is notoriously unreliable.)

Lines not your cup of tea? You can avoid them… or at least some of them. Lines are short to non-existent during big events, like the opening ceremonies, the contests, and the closing ceremonies — plus, from most locations in the convention center you’ll be able to catch these events on overhead screens. If you’re worried about long lines to get into the con, our advice is to hang back — though crowds will start lining up early to stampede through the door on opening, once they’re in, you’ll be able to follow without spending any time in line. (Remember, too, that bags are checked on entry, and carrying less — or nothing — can get you in the door faster.) Sure, you won’t get a front row seat, but the views are good everywhere thanks to overhead screens. However, there’s a caveat: if you’re interested in esports tournaments, which are often at (relatively) smaller stages, they can fill up fast. Be sure to take time to arrive early to get a seat.

Finding food, drinks, and anything else you need

If you’re in need of food or other supplies, you’ve got a couple of good, nearby options where you can pick up snacks, drinks, and anything you might have forgotten to pack:

• CVS Pharmacy, 1803 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• Walgreens, 1802 S Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• 7-Eleven, 611 W. Katella Ave. Open 24 hours.

If you’re in need of food, we really can’t recommend anything inside the convention center, where you’ll find long lines and high prices. There are typically food trucks outside the convention center that offer delicious eats, though you should expect lines there, too. (Our favorite is Viking. Yum!)

But if you want to skip the food truck lines, you’ll find a lot of fast food staples within easy walking distance:

• A food court inside the Hilton has a Baja Fresh, Sbarro, and others,  777 W. Convention Way. Most open 10AM – 8PM.
• Carl’s Jr., 2119 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• Jack in the Box, 2210 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 6AM – 3AM.
• McDonald’s, 1500 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• Panera Bread, 1480 Harbor Blvd. Open 5AM – 12AM.
• Subway and several others fast food joints, 1770 S. Harbor Blvd. Subway is open 24 hours.
• Taco Bell, 2144 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 7AM – 1AM.

Want to sit down for something to eat without breaking the bank? There’s more than one IHOP and Denny’s nearby (though expect morning crowds at the ones closest to the convention center), plus plenty of other eateries. Here’s a non-comprehensive list:

• Denny’s, 1168 W. Katella Ave. Open 24 hours.
• Denny’s, 1610 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• IHOP, 1560 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• IHOP, 1840 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 24 hours.
• Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (an LA institution!), 2110 S Harbor Blvd. Open 8AM – 11PM.
• Tiffy’s Family Restaurant, 1060 W Katella Ave. Open 6AM – 11PM.

Need coffee? Beyond what you can find at local convenience stores, you have a few choices:

• Starbucks, 777 W. Convention Way. (Inside the Hilton.) 6AM – 4PM.
• Starbucks, 700 W. Convention Way. (Inside the Marriott.) Open 6AM – 6PM. (Typically less crowded than the Hilton.)
• Starbucks, 1800 Harbor Blvd. Open 5AM – 10PM.
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 1801 S. Harbor Blvd. Open 6AM – 9:30PM.

Take care of yourself

Sure, you may be tempted to spend every hour of the day at BlizzCon running around, catching panels, and talking to friends, but if you don’t take time to look after yourself, you’ll be tired, miserable, and likely to come home with a cold. To skip that misery, be sure to eat regular meals, drink plenty of water, get some sleep, and take breaks now and then to get off your feet. No matter what you do you aren’t going to be able to see everything, so it’s best not to push yourself to the point where you’ll be miserable.

Want to avoid the dreaded con plague? The absolute best thing to do is wash your hands regularly — and, when you can’t do that, use hand sanitizer. Trust me, you’ll be grateful when you’re the only one of your friends who doesn’t wind up with the flu.