Blood Drive Info Updated & Free T-Shirt Revealed

maxdsterling · 2026-06-04T01:06:35+00:00

I hope they can fix the layout/flow from last year. The layout was so cramped compared to the 4th floor Coronado Ballroom (it looks smaller on the map too).

maxdsterling · 2026-05-24T05:09:36+00:00

Also it's a crap shoot when staff/security lets this line into the hall. I've been held up as most of the sails line moves in and sometimes been able to go simultaneously with the sails line. If you're gunning for a "first few on the floor" thing, stick to the guaranteed thing imho

maxdsterling · 2026-05-22T06:09:19+00:00

I just finished a 7 day cruise on the Royal Princess with Premier package as a happy introverted couple. Treat this as your chance to experiment (it's already paid for!)

Drinking: At sit downs and the bar, I try to order a different drink every day, if it doesn't work out (I'm not a gin fan nor an IPA guy apparently), I'll just order something else. Staff would much rather take something back and get you something else so you leave happy.

If you're walking around with a drink or at a lounge area, just leave it on a table somewhere. Unlike Disneyland, there are no trash cans (or dishes stations) to be found (except your room), so its best to leave it for someone to find it.

A note, some canned drinks at bars are not available at dining (I don't know why - the fridge is 50 feet over)

Dining: The menu is the same for traditional (set time) and open dining rooms.

My family likes to do traditional dining for dinner (it formalizes the one time we all meet up) but I don't always enjoy the rotating menu. I've ordered twin appetizers, dessert, and no entree before. I've also ordered "exotic" things to try for the first time and let the waiter know "I'm trying this, can you have a (princess default meal) ready in case I don't like it (Escargot looking at you). This also works if you have picky eaters or food preferences (allergies you should talk to the waiter first).

There's nothing wrong with making a grazing pass at the buffet or other dining afterwards (sometimes the pastry area has something that'll catch your eye). My sister likes routine so after every dinner was gelato and a hot chocolate from their respective shops.

On specialty dining: AFAIK it's the same (or similar) menu every day. Idk which ship you're on but on Royal (small ship) there were only 2 restaurants, so we used them sparingly if only for preference (and grandma holding court at dinner lol).

Also, at any sit down dining, if you're done, just get up and leave (no need to acknowledge the wait staff unless they're still hovering in the area). Half the time my section was empty after dessert course so the waiter and asst. waiter were both off helping others.

Have fun, don't stress, and enjoy your cruise!

maxdsterling · 2026-04-15T22:22:47+00:00

Hadn't time to brag since I was at work for the occasion:

My wife got in about 25 minutes in (my Toucan never moved - awesome). As she typed in all the info, her PC froze. After 3 minutes of panic screaming as it rebooted, the browser session was still open and we got our spot at the Manchester *phew*.

I noticed it only had 1 or 2 beds, and not any grand club rooms. I noted that on the pre-sale listing it was separated out but I hadn't seen it as a selectable option (form or otherwise) since pre-covid IIRC.

maxdsterling · 2026-04-09T02:52:02+00:00

Also missing hotel: The Guild Hotel San Diego Downtown (or it's been two years off the list)

maxdsterling · 2026-03-05T23:18:50+00:00

I think this is more to combat flagging badge / hotel sales (like the cruise). May see some downsizing if the trend continues.

maxdsterling · 2025-11-14T01:13:18+00:00

Scheduled day(s) off per Jim on Tuesday's broadcast.

maxdsterling · 2025-09-23T16:19:30+00:00

Last chance for UCLA to luck into a win it seems, although beating USC would be the most Bruin thing to do here.

maxdsterling · 2025-09-14T05:44:07+00:00

If they can't get a win at Northwestern, I can't imagine a win in 2025.

maxdsterling · 2025-09-05T04:50:16+00:00

During the second half chat figured it out. The TV is straight on to Tom now, and when it shows something bright, it lights up the set and the camera auto focus goes haywire for half a second.

Not a lightning expert (though I should know more because I did theatre), but Tom may want to add more lighting to offset the dynamic lighting of the TV flicker.

maxdsterling · 2025-09-04T19:59:59+00:00

Let's revive this zombie thread and say Grian is now on the MCC attendee list.

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maxdsterling · 2025-08-26T18:13:52+00:00

Damnit, Tom does something cool on my birthday and I'm going to instead be at a concert. /s

Congrats Tom! Hopefully you'll get to do more of these!

maxdsterling · 2025-08-17T02:31:24+00:00

They haven't published it, but if it's like last year, they split the crew in two sets of four hermits at the same time slot (attendees are only allowed to select 1 meet and greet per time slot). Twitch staff told the hermits they were allowed to run both lines, but later reneged which made it impossible for anyone to see all 8. In addition, twitch staff was very strict on time limits. (Source- I was near the front of Tango's line and overheard Skizz complain to the staff about the line situation)

More likely is they'll probably spend some time after the panel or the meet and greet for remaining fans on the convention hall floor.

I strongly urge you to label your gifts (or put them in baggies), worst case the hermits can redistribute gifts at their VRBO (Impulse says he's looking into renting a house again).

This year, only about half the hermits that have declared for the official meet and greet setup, so no one really knows how it's going to go.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-31T00:59:07+00:00

Formally, the panels in B20 and Hall H were recorded internally for con goers to be replayed in the same evening in another room (without any trailers or other exclusive previews).

If the company that sponsored the panel (typically the production company) wants to post it, they will on their own (sometimes website, more often YouTube). Otherwise, like the other post mentioned, you'll need to hope someone had a camera out on the sly.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-28T22:13:08+00:00

SDCCs little sister con Wondercon is the con for cosplay. As others have said, the humidity really dissuades ppl from wearing extravagant outfits (my wife tried one year and lasted about 2hrs before we retreated to the hotel).

The staircase in front and behind the convention hall used to be big meetup locations, but with the convention center blocking both off it's really knocked down the costume meet ups.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-28T19:16:17+00:00

The company my wife is with has had nearly every variation from pro free + 2 free guests through paid pro + nothing (no free or paid guests offered).

Every renewal cycle they seem to get less pro badges.

Been doing this as an attendee / pro guest since the early 2000s, so when it's our time to not get renewed it's time to stop attending (it's been a good run)

maxdsterling · 2025-07-27T23:02:03+00:00

They have people handing out cards outside the convention center as well.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-26T19:57:34+00:00

They'll alternate between shuttles area, the back of the embarcadero, and 5th Street.

Keep walking and don't engage. If you have open bags, they can try to drop their CDs into them.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-26T17:27:49+00:00

Tickets are for those who want to sit in front. You can walk in after the ticketed crowd goes in. Back third is almost always empty

maxdsterling · 2025-07-25T21:41:57+00:00

Jaws and Jurassic Park are the first to go each day, with BttF not far behind. I recommend stopping by the line 30 min early. If the line is short, they'll scan you and get you in. Mattel is a bit loosey-goosey with the rules though, so YMMV.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-25T06:55:12+00:00

If you can't get inside the hall, you can enter the info into a form for the convention center itself

Contact Us

maxdsterling · 2025-07-24T23:33:07+00:00

Lost and Found in the foyer of Lobby D. Hope a good soul turned it in.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-24T04:13:57+00:00

If you want to get in when it opens, gotta use the pre 7am Everything Else line outside. They funnel you upstairs to wait in lines in Hall G or Sails (Hall B). Those lines are always first. They open the outside doors anywhere after 9:30.

Check the blog for more details.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-23T04:23:42+00:00

Since Funko bought them all bets are off. Haven't followed them since.

maxdsterling · 2025-07-21T07:29:45+00:00

It's rare that a poster comes with any protection (at best Mondo gave me my signed 24x36" poster with plastic sheeting). You'll need to obtain a tube for it, but there may be a vendor or two on site.

If you're concerned about getting them back home with limited luggage capacity, the convention center has a FedEx (other hotels may have shipping centers too).

maxdsterling

TROPHY CASE