If you’re in Orlando and you have a passion for all things nerdy, you’ve probably heard of MEGACON Orlando. This massive fandom convention is a haven for sci-fi, comics, anime, gaming, and more.
Over 100,000 fans flock to the Orange County Convention Center annually for this epic four-day event. MEGACON Orlando takes place on February 6-9, 2025.
Attending MEGACON Orlando is like going to Disney World. It requires a ton of walking, you can choose from endless activities, and you’re surrounded by costumed characters. If you’re a MEGACON newbie, it can be a little overwhelming.
But I’m here to help. I’ve been going to MEGACON for years, and I’m happy to give you a crash course on what to expect.
So welcome to the fray, first-timer! Here’s your survival guide to MEGACON Orlando.
How do I buy MEGACON Orlando tickets?
You can buy advance tickets on the convention website.
They offer single-day and multi-day passes, as well as family passes. Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekend tickets. Grab your tickets early, because ticket prices go up after January 22.
If you decide to buy tickets at the door, you can purchase them at the Main Ticketing Hall in South Hall B.
Where do I park at MEGACON Orlando?
The con takes place at the convention center’s North/South Concourse (9899 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819).
MEGACON sells parking passes for nearby garages, and I recommend adding that on to your ticket. It saves you the stress of hunting for parking on the day of the con.
Another option is to park further away on International Drive and catch the I-RIDE Trolley or an Uber to the convention center.
What is there to do at MEGACON Orlando?
There’s so much to do at MEGACON Orlando that even four days isn’t enough to experience it all. MEGACON offers a variety of main events across many categories, including:
- Celebrity Q&As
- Photo ops
- Autographs
- Panels, demos, and workshops
- Anime
- Comics
- Cosplay
- Gaming
- Horror
- Sci-fi & fantasy
- Family
- Community groups
Some of the activities you can enjoy at MEGACON Orlando include:
- Attending celebrity Q&A sessions
- Attending panels and workshops on fandom-related topics, from deep dives into your favorite TV shows to panel discussions with anime voice actors
- Watching comic book artists battle it out in a “sketch duel”
- Joining a cosplay meetup for your favorite fandom
- Hanging out and doing crafts
- Participating in tabletop gaming sessions
- Browsing the artwork for sale in Artist Alley
There are also after-hours events you can attend, although most of these cost extra.
I want to call out a few specific activities below. These are among the most popular things to do at MEGACON Orlando.
Photo Ops
There are two ways to meet celebrity guests at MEGACON Orlando: photo ops and autograph sessions. Both can be pre-purchased online before the con.
You can split the cost of a photo op by having up to three other people in one photo. So if you and your friends are all fans of a celebrity, consider pooling your resources for the photo (and purchasing extra prints so everyone gets one).
You’ll be notified in advance of when to get in line for your photo op. If your celebrity is a big name, the line can get extremely long. However, it usually moves quickly once the event starts.
At the front of the line, you present your photo op ticket. Then, you set aside any items that you don’t want in the photo (such as props and purses). Next, you get your picture taken with the celebrity. Finally, you’re directed to the photo pickup spot to receive your 8×10 print.
Just be aware, the photo ops are fast. You barely have time to say hi and pose before they snap your picture. So if you’re looking for a little more one-on-one time, you might try an autograph session instead.
Autographs
During the autograph session, the celebrity will sign one item of your choice. You won’t be able to take a selfie with them, although some celebrities offer selfies as an add-on.
Merch Tables/Artist Alley
MEGACON Orlando is a great spot to score all kinds of merch. From action figures to stuffed animals, T-shirts to steampunk clothes, you can find it all for sale on the convention floor.
One of the best parts of MEGACON is Artist Alley, a section of the floor where artists of all levels sell their work. Whether your preferred art style is cute and whimsical or dark and edgy, you’ll find all kinds of art styles here.
TIP: If you like someone’s work but aren’t quite ready to make a purchase, chances are they’ll have a QA code or business card with their website. This way, you can buy from them later when you’re back home.
What are some tips for attending MEGACON Orlando?
If you’ve been to Disney World, you’ll find that much of the same travel advice applies to MEGACON Orlando. Here are some tips for making the most of your MEGACON experience.
Skip Saturday.
Saturdays are the busiest day at MEGACON Orlando. Many locals have the day off work, and the schedule boasts the biggest celebrity guests.
The con floor gets pretty gridlocked as the day wears on. Unless there’s a celebrity you really want to see, I suggest attending on another day.
(Of course, this depends on your personal preference. If you don’t mind dealing with the packed floor, go for it!)
Check the schedule and plan ahead.
MEGACON Orlando posts its schedule online before the convention. Take a look and jot down the activities that interest you the most. Which panels do you want to attend? Which celebrities do you want to meet?
Be sure to budget your time wisely. Some events—typically the celebrity Q&As—fill up fast. You might have to line up an hour or more in advance to secure a spot.
Consider how much time you’re willing to spend waiting in line. If an event is worth it to you, go for it. But if not, it’s okay to skip it and do something else.
Arrive early.
Navigating I-4 can be a nightmare, especially on a Saturday. Not only are you dealing with MEGACON traffic, you’re dealing with theme park traffic. One year, a friend and I left for the con in the late morning—and what should’ve been a half-hour drive took about 2.5 hours.
Ever since then, I try to arrive around 9-9:30am. It’s worth waking up earlier to spend less time in traffic.
Note: When planning your arrival time, keep in mind that it might be a long walk from your parking lot to the concourse. And you’ll need to factor in some time to get your wristband at the ticket hall.
Be mindful of con etiquette.
It’s considered polite to ask first if you want to take someone’s photo. And please, please don’t touch anyone without their consent. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable at the con.
Dress up if you can.
Cosplay isn’t required, but it definitely enhances the experience and adds to the fun. I’ve had some entertaining and unexpected moments while cosplaying at MEGACON Orlando.
(Leave the real weapons at home, though. They have a Props Policy that prohibits certain items.)
Wear comfortable shoes.
As I mentioned, MEGACON Orlando requires a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes that won’t leave you limping after 8 hours on your feet.
Bring snacks and water.
Convention center food and drinks are pricey, so bring along some snacks (such as protein bars) and a bottle of water to save cash. Plus, you’ll feel better if you stay hydrated and fueled up while you’re exploring the convention.
Bring a portable charger.
You’ll likely be using your phone all day to snap pics and keep track of the schedule. It’s smart to bring a portable charger in case your battery runs low.
Bring a bag if you’re planning to buy stuff.
Vendors may or may not have bags. If you’re planning to buy things, especially artwork, bring a bag to carry and protect your purchases.
Designate a meeting place for members of your party.
It’s a good idea to choose a meeting place and time in case your group decides to split up or gets separated and can’t reach each other by phone.
The convention is crowded, with many people all trying to use their phones at once. Phone reception has improved in recent years but might still be spotty at times. (I learned this lesson the hard way once.)
Take care of your health.
Even before Covid, it was common for folks to get sick at conventions. Bring hand sanitizer, wash your hands often, wear a mask if you prefer, and pop an immunity supplement if you take them. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
Take breaks when needed.
MEGACON Orlando can be tiring, so be sure to take breaks when needed. Step outside for some fresh air, or find a quiet spot to rest. This year, the convention has a quiet room called the Zen Den where you can relax and recharge.
Conclusion – MEGACON Orlando: A Survival Guide
If you’ve decided to attend MEGACON Orlando for the first time, congratulations! It’s a lot of fun.
Although MEGACON may seem intimidating at first, it’s the best place in Orlando to immerse yourself in geek culture. You can connect with other fans, make great memories, and even gain some knowledge along the way. Have a great time!