Dragon*Con FAQ
Frequently asked questions...and their answers! Many yoinked with permission from Dementia's Dragon*Con Guide.
This is a work in progress. Feel free to add/condense/reorganize however you please within reason. It's a wiki, have you not used a wiki before?
Autographs and Guests
How much do autographs of the various guests cost? Will they sign my <blank>?
The movie and television guests will likely charge for their autograph. Rates vary but $20-$40 is typical. Authors will sign their work for free. Celebrities will typically sign any photographs, autograph books or their related works. They may (for unknown reasons) refuse to sign a certain piece, but that is rare.
Be polite and don't be too shy to ask rates if they are not posted. Be reasonable with the amount of items to have signed, being respectful both of the guests time and of the people behind you in line.
Authors and celebrities. How much and who charges for autographs?
Yes, many charge. The prices vary. If you have a moral problem with paying for a signature, don't get anything signed.
Can somebody get [my favorite band/celebrity] to be a guest?
I don't know the answer to this one. Try contacting the celeb/band/ artist. Likewise, reach out to Regina Kirby or the director of the programming area that seems to fit their genre - contact info and names are on the D*C website.
Why did [my favorite guest] cancel? I bought a ticket just to see [him/her]! How can Dragon*con do this to me?
There are quite literally an infinite number of reasons why someone cancels, from last minute emergencies, to illness, to jobs, to moral crisis about the con, to dying very shortly before the con. Shit happens and there is nothing you can do about it, so try to enjoy yourself anyway. DC had nothing to do with the decision. If you were really coming out just to see him/her, remember that you can transfer your paid membership to someone else, though you will pay a $20 change fee to do it. Still, if you paid $90, recouping $70 isn't too horrible.
Hotels, Travel, and other Logistics
Where is there to eat?
There is food all over the place, from in the hotels, to the food court in between the Hyatt and Marriott, to restaurants within a few blocks. Also, most of Metro Atlanta is available through MARTA. See also: Food and Restaurants
Ohs nooesss!!11!!1 It's three days before the con, and I didn't book a hotel room! What do I dooooo???
Suck it up, and get a room in an overflow hotel, or ask friends if they have available bed or floorspace. Also, plan ahead for next year. See also: Hotels
What's going on with the hotel construction?
It's happening. Nothing you can do about it. Follow the detour signs, and listen to anyone in a hardhat if they tell you to get away.
Where is there to park instead of paying the hotel parking fee?
For about the same price, there are downtown parking lots and garages. Also, some MARTA stations have parking available. Finally there is the airport.
Con suite? Free food, you say? How have I never noticed that? Where is it?
Hyatt, second floor. Follow the signs. And if you have two feet and can walk? TAKE THE STAIRS. They are sticky, please do not ask why as no one will know.
Yes, they do have Mtn. Dew and coffee at all hours. Food is sometimes questionable, but not always
How much money should I bring?
As much as you are comfortable spending. Hotel, food, gas, drinks, money for purchases, and don't forget money for parking. Make a budget that won't break the bank.
When are hotel room codes out?
They're usually posted on the website.
How soon do I need to book my room?
Book asap. They fill up fast.
Where will (event/registration/gaming/art/whatever)be this year? Having a map for these would also be handy for people who've never been to the con before.
Links in the community info
How do I keep the fanboys away from me?
Your sexy costume can attract unwanted attention. Be firm with your NOs and travel with friends. You should never feel harassed or unsafe.
Costumes
What should I dress up as?
I don't know. Steampunk Klingon?
How many costumes should I bring?
As many as you feel comfortable packing. Just don't bitch if they are a pain to move around. No one has any sympathy for you.
Do people wear the same costume all day or what?
Some do, others don't. It's all in your preference as to what to do.
Just remember to take breaks and drink a lot of water if you are in a hot costume. stay hydrated.
Security and Weapons
I have a realistic gun/real blade prop that I want to carry! What do I have to do to make it acceptable?
Peace tie it into its sheath or holster. If it looks too realistic and cannot be peace tied, don't bring it
What kind of rules are there about weapons?
Make sure it's peace tied. Or if it is obviously fake, it can be ok. If you think it's really questionable, but can't put some safety measures on it, don't bring it.
What is this "peace bonding" you speak of!?
Tied into a sheath, scabbard, or holster so it cannot be drawn. More info can be found here
Why is security always so mean and stupid and never let me [do whatever thing it is you think you should be allowed to do]?
Many of these rules are because of safety issues. Remember, just because you know how to swing a sword and not hit anyone doesn't mean people are always smart enough to not step into the swing. The security staff are overworked, so don't give them a hard time. Like police, they don't make the rules, just enforce them.
Parties
More detailed information on Parties.
Do I need to pay to get into concerts/parties/bands at the Con?
No. Parties and concerts on the programming schedule are all included in the cost of the membership. Private room parties may "pass the hat" or have other requirements for admission.
Where are all the parties?
All over, all the time. Many are, however, invitation only, so don't get upset if you can't get in.
Tracks and Schedules
When is the schedule track coming out? I NEED IT NOW!
Being as this is run by volunteers, the track is "finalized" not too far before the con. That being said, there has never been a year that I attended that one track or another did not change day of because of last minute changes. Other than that, look on the official webpage.
Do I have to pick just one track and stay there the whole time? How can I choose?!
No. Do whatever you want. You can attend one panel and then go to a separate event that is in a completely different track. Some events fill up fast, though, and you may have to attend events prior to the one you really want to go to so you have a seat.
Photography
What's the rule about photography in the Hyatt lobby?
Read the signs, listen to the staff and security, and listen to the person you are trying to photograph. Also, never argue with the fire marshal about anything.
When will the official picture galleries be out?
(official galleries-wait a few years. No, really, it takes years.). the official galleries are kind of silly. You'd think they would go up faster, but nope. See link below pertaining to photos.
Does anybody have a picture of me dressed as X?
After the convention, there is a picture craze, though DC has nothing to do with the fan galleries. They get posted as they will, and you may have to wait.
Registration
More detailed Registration FAQs
Two of the most common questions are:
Can I get my money back? I can't go/got stuck with an extra ticket/
No, you can't get your money back for any known reason. You can transfer your membership to someone else.
My postcard never came. What do I do?/ Oh crapskis, I lost my postcard. Am I screwed?
No. This is not needed for registration, just make sure you bring your photo ID.
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