If you’ve got a Star Wars fan in your family you might have heard something about a little event happening at the Orange County Convention Center this weekend. And when I say a little event I mean a huge giant event that’s going to bring in thousands of people from around the world. Star Wars Celebration 2017 is the Star Wars event of the year. Starting Thursday and continuing through Sunday afternoon, a myriad of Star Wars fans from across the universe will descend upon the Sunshine State to celebration all things from a galaxy far far away.
If you’ve never been to a Con before (that’s “Convention” for all you non-geeks out there) there’s definitely a few things you should know before you go, especially if you’re going to take your kids. Tickets are not cheap ($75 per person plus parking) so you’re going to want to do a little studying before you take the nerd plunge. Never fear, I’m here to help. Everyone’s experience will be a little different, but after attending a few Star Wars Celebrations myself as well as an assortment of other Cons including THE one- Comic Con International in San Diego, I have learned a few things that hopefully will help you have a better idea of what to expect.
- Usually Thursday and Sunday are the slowest days. But know that slow does NOT mean Publix on a Tuesday morning slow. There are going to be a LOT of people there. It will be crowded no matter what day you go. (Like shoulder to shoulder)
- I don’t recommend taking small children. Because of the crowds, it can be easy to lose them, not to mention for little toes to get stepped on. Also, there will be lots of Cosplayers (People dressed up) and some of the costumes can be a little scary for itty bitties. You know your own kid so there are certainly exceptions, but I personally would think carefully about bringing anyone under 8.
- Go early. Or pack your traffic patience. There are only so many entrances into the convention center and traffic WILL back-up. Just be prepared for the likelihood that you’re going to sit in traffic. Don’t let it ruin your mood. Give yourself enough time that it won’t make a difference.
- By the time you read this there’s a good chance that tickets won’t be available online anymore. Even if they are you are still going to have to pick them up once you arrive. There will be a line. It will take some time. Again- Pack your patience.
- Make a plan for the possibility of getting separated. Talk to your kids before you ever walk in the door (Look for someone with a name tag, go to an employee at an entry, etc.). But once you get inside talk again. On the exhibit floor there are always huge signs hanging from the ceiling, making easy markers for anyone who gets separated from your herd.
- Do. Your. Research. I can’t stress this enough. The info I give you here will be a good start but don’t let this be your only guide. Go to the event’s web page and check out the schedules, the guests, everything. Know before you go.
- Now that you’ve looked at the schedule here’s an unfortunate dose of reality- People camp out for some of these panels. Like literally camp out. Overnight. Outside. A good rule of thumb is that the bigger the celebrity the harder it’s going to be to get into. I’m not saying you shouldn’t do it. Just don’t expect to walk in at show time. Camping out can actually be a super fun communal experience and a chance for some family bonding.
- If you are looking for autographs and photo opportunities know that a lot of them are already sold out. At this point your best bet is to go to the autograph and photo areas as soon as you arrive and see what’s available. Pro-Tip- Photo Ops are super expensive but many of the celebrities will offer a photo at their autograph tables with your own camera. These are often much cheaper, and frankly they are better interactions. In the photo ops everyone is shoved through as quickly as possible. In the autograph lines you still must move quickly but there is usually at least the opportunity to say hello.
- Star Wars Celebrities are super kind, especially to kids. I’ve personally met many of them and they are genuinely some of the nicest, most genuine people you will ever meet. (There are exceptions to every rule, but the majority rules here and the majority are awesome.) If you do go in for an autograph session encourage your kids to ask them questions or tell them what they love about Star Wars. Chances are the interaction will be all the more special.
- The Expo floor, oh how I love the Expo floor. Seriously it might be my favorite part. This is the place that has the more trade show feel. Vendors set up booths with tons of different things all related to the Star Wars Universe. There will be video games and costume companies, toys for sale and artwork. Be prepared for a lot of “Mom can I get that?” from your kids. I’ve made a rule for myself that I suggest you use to prepare your clan- I never make a purchase on the first time through. If they see something they really like make a note of where it is (There will be map in the event guide. You can mark it so you can find things later). This way you can help your little Stormtrooper decide what they REALLY want and avoid heartbreak when you let them get something from row 1 but they find something they can’t live without in row 14.
- Pack snacks and water. You’re going to have a long day and the lines for food can be really long (not to mention healthy options are slim to none, oh and expensive… Hello $4 waters). Pro tip: Maximize your time by having a big breakfast, snacking while you are there, and doing dinner away from the convention center when you’re done. You’ll save money AND have more time to look around, not to mention avoid hangry kids and, most importantly, hangry you.
- Ok one exception to the food thing… You HAVE to find the Her Universe booth and the Salacious Crumb Bake Shop and get yourself a cupcake. They are actually made by Jillycakes, a local Orlando bakery that is owned by the Season 6 winner of Cupcake Wars. They are geekified with Star Wars decorations and they are delicious. Treat yourself. Maybe twice.
- Speaking of Her Universe, this is a clothing line made especially for women. If you love Star Wars you will find some awesome themed clothes here. And if your kids love Star Wars and you’re still learning you will find some awesome themed clothes here that will make you the coolest mom on the block in the eyes of your little Jedi.
- If you or your kids have Star Wars costumes, wear them. You’ll have a blast and your kids will feel like stars. Don’t be surprised if people ask for pictures. It’s common at these types of things especially if your kid’s costume is especially awesome. Feel free to say no if it makes you uncomfortable.
- I’ve saved the most important piece of advice for last. If this is your first Star Wars Celebration, or your first convention period, I highly recommend that you go with no expectations. I’m an organizer by nature and before my first convention I meticulously studied the schedule. I made a plan with everything I wanted to do and see… I’m not admitting that I made a spreadsheet but… That might have happened. But when I got there it pretty much all went out the window. You can’t see everything you want to. It’s just too difficult, especially when you consider having to wait in lines for panels and autographs and so on. I recommend talking with your kid and picking the top one or two things that they want to do or see and make those you’re focus. Anything else that happens around that is icing on the cake. Study ahead and have a plan, but be ready to adjust that plan on the fly based on the crowd, the flow, and what is realistic. If you have this in mind already you will be far less likely to get stressed out and therefore can just have a good time.
And that brings us to the most important piece of advice that I have- Just have a good time. I know this is a lot of information and it can be a little overwhelming. But I promise that you and your kids will have a blast and you will be all the more prepared the next time something like this rolls around. (Which is MegaCon in May, by the way.)
Star Wars Celebration 2017
Orange County Convention Center
April 13th-16th
