Html code here! Replace this with any non empty raw html code and that's it.
spot_img

MEGACON ORLANDO – Tips from a Local

Published:

Share this

Comic Conventions have become incredibly popular in recent years. Megacon Orlando is no exception. While the increase of fans into nerdy culture is definitely a plus, navigating Disney crowds at a con can get overwhelming fast. So here’s some tips and info to better help you maximize your con experience, as Megacon Orlando kicks off this weekend!

Come see us at Megacon Orlando 2025.

Parking

If you’re staying within walking distance, then you’re all set. That’s the best way to go. However, if you’re not, you’re going to want to figure out parking ahead of time. You can pay for it on their website. This year it is $40 a day. If you’re not in the first parking lot, there will be busses doing loops to pick and drop people off. You will want to factor this into your time in the morning if there are any panels you want to make it to. There can be traffic as well, so you may want to leave earlier than you think, no matter where you park.

If you’re not too far from the Orange County Convention Center, then an Uber or a Lyft may be more affordable. However, whatever you decide, have a plan beforehand.

Mickey, Star Wars Cosplay at Megacon Orlando.
Groot and Starlord Cosplay at Megacon Orlando.
While the wait and the trek to the con may seem like a lot, the amazing Cosplay starts before you get inside. Make sure to look around, and enjoy the scenery.

Food at Megacon Orlando & Nearby

There are plenty of food courts around the convention center with different options. However, if you want to escape the con scene for a bit, the convention center is surrounded by restaurants. Many of which are offering discounts to anyone with a Megacon badge. Just head to the Megacon Orlando website to see who all partnered with them this year. If you’re looking for some good geek themed coffee, Comics on Coffee will be at Booth 3077.

On a sidenote, in the past I have always brought snacks and water. There are water refilling stations around the convention center. If you’re a fan of of craft beer, Half Barrel Beer Project is right by the convention center as well. They recently added a delicious food menu to their already amazing beer list.

A stout at Half Barrel Beer Project, posed with a couple toys bought at Megacon Orlando.
A stout at Half Barrel Beer Project, posed with a couple toys bought at Megacon Orlando.

Check out Nerd Initiative Con Coverage for NYCC this past October.

Use the Megacon Orlando App

You can download the Megacon Orlando app for free. On the schedule you can save any and everything you want to check out. If you turn on notifications, you will get alerts beforehand. You can also see a list of all the guests, and check out the map of the convention center. I highly recommend seeing where panels are beforehand, as the convention center is large and sometimes requires going through the show room floor to get where you need to go.

The Megacon Orlando app.
The schedule in the app for Megacon Orlando.

While many people are eager to check out all the big celebrity panels (which are incredibly fun), don’t overlook the smaller panels. From comic book creators, to podcasts, trivia, gaming, and more. There is so much to do at Megacon Orlando, and it’s not all about big celebrities.

Check out the Ghost Machine Panel at Megacon Orlando 2024.

Photos at Megacon Orlando

While there are plenty of professional photos to buy beforehand, some guests will offer selfies at their booths for a much cheaper price. This is never guaranteed and generally not advertised beforehand, but always worth checking out. It’s not only a cheaper option, but it also tends to allow for more time with the guest. If you head to the celebrity area, they will have prices for selfies and autographs at their individual tables, if they do those. Every celebrity is different.

Felicia Day photo op at her booth at Megacon Orlando 2024.
Felicia Day photo op at her booth at Megacon Orlando 2024.

In addition to celebrity photos, you can also hit up the comic creators for pictures and autographs. Or just enjoy some geek filled conversation. The best part about meeting comic creators is they’re just as big of nerds as us, and they love talking comics.

Benjamin Percy at Megacon Orlando 2023. He will be there again this year.
Benjamin Percy at Megacon Orlando 2023. He will be there again this year.
Rob Leigh from GHOST MACHINE at Image Comics at Megacon Orlando 2024.
Rob Leigh from GHOST MACHINE at Image Comics at Megacon Orlando 2024.

There are also so many fun photo ops all over the con. From different cars, such as Baby from Supernatural (they will be back this year), to a Tardis, to the 501st creating a Star Wars galaxy filled with cosplay and beautiful set ups. You never know what you’ll find around the next corner.

A 'Baby' replica at Megacon Orlando 2024.
A ‘Baby’ replica at Megacon Orlando 2024.
Cosplayers from the 501st at Megacon Orlando 2023.
Cosplayers from the 501st at Megacon Orlando 2023.

Final Thoughts & Tips

If you see something you love, buy it. It may not be there when you go back. However, buy responsibly, of course. For those who still have energy after the con, there are plenty of Megacon after parties, and others, such as Mosh Eisley, to check out. If you find yourself a bit overwhelmed with crowds, stick to the panels on Saturday and do your shopping another day.

For my last tip, I just want to remind everyone to have fun. Don’t try to overdo it. If you’re hitting a wall, grab a coffee, soda, beer, or tea and relax. The people watching and comradery are like no other at comic conventions. If you see us, say hi, and grab a sticker!

If you want some more tips on what to bring, check out the video below. CHEERS!

Our schedule for Megacon Orlando .

When Lauren can’t be found writing articles and comic reviews on Nerd Initiative you can find her on Hops GEEK News. A podcast that discusses all things geek over a craft beer.

LaurenHoppyGeek
LaurenHoppyGeek
Lauren is half of the podcast: Hops GEEK News. It’s a weekly podcast that discusses all things geek pop culture, while enjoying a craft beer of the week. They also interview many different people from the comic book world and beyond.

Related articles

Recent articles