BlizzCon Survival Guide for Attendees

By Wowhead Updated: 2018/04/17

Anaheim Convention CenterWowhead Partyan RSVP pageyou still can attend to the party without RSPVingBasic Links

BlizzCon Homepage

BlizzCon Overview

Anaheim Convention Center

BlizzCon 2017 Appunofficial BlizzCon 2017 guideJoe MaizBlizzCon Week Event GuideBlizzCon Packing ListBlizzCon Guide to FoodTravel BlizzCon 101 Flying Tips

Get your cab from the airport organized before you land so you're not waiting around at LAX/SNA.

Make sure you are well in advance for security lines at airports since it will be a busy weekend!

Phones, etc. don't get great reception/data in the Convention hall so plan your friend meet ups ahead. There are numbers and letters marking the poles around the hall floor if you need to meet up!

Wearing Blizzard swag on your travels is a sure fire way to meet fellow con goers!

Int'l travelers: make sure you have your phone set up for international travel so you don't rack up a huge bill tweeting about games!

Transportation to the Con

Taxis/Carpool: 8004MY-TAXI, Uber, or Lyft.

Airport: You are likely flying into SNA or LAX. LAX is a very large airport, but is generally considered to be inconvenient because it is the farthest, spread out, and is prone to traffic delays. SNA in contrast is only a few miles away. See about sharing a taxi with other friends arriving for BlizzCon.

Shuttles: SNA has a SuperShuttle which only costs $10

Parking: The best parking lot is the Toy Story Lot near the convention center.

Airport Preparationread more hererestrictions on liquids in your carry-onTSA-Approved Laptop BagsInternational Travel

Passport

Identification and credit card. Notify your credit card company that you will be traveling so it is not frozen. You might be buying a lot of stuff in California!

US money, and read up on the exchange rate to know you're getting a fair rate.

http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/international-travel-tipsWhat to Wear and BringWhat To Pack

Toiletries: soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush

Clothes for every day, and something dressier if you're meeting up with friends for dinner. The convention center is packed, do not try to repeatedly wear the same shirt, it will start to smell.

Sunglasses and sunblock.

Chapstick, moisturizer, and allergy meds

Painkillers--you might get headaches when adjusting to the climate changes.

Phone, phone charger, extra batteries. For any other electronic devices you bring (laptop, camera, iPad), remember to bring charging devices. Bring portable battery charger sticks that places like 7/11 or Best Buy sell, in case your phone battery dies and you're not by a power outlet.

Leave space for Blizzard Gear Shop items and the 2017 Goody Bag (or make sure you can bring it as a separate carry on). If you are thinking of buying posters, bring spare poster tubes in case they sell out.

Bring spare cash--lines for ATMs will be long. You'll need money for transportation, con goodies, meals, and drinks.

Have identification tags on all your bags, especially if you are bringing a popular bag like the 2015 Overwatch backpack--you don't want your bag to be taken by someone else.

What To Bring to Con

Wear something you'll be comfortable in all day - comfy shoes are a must. Bring slippers for the hotel so you are not barefoot.

Put all the items you'll be carrying in a bag that is smaller than 20 inches x 10 inches.

To pick up your badge, you will need to bring a printed bar code, which was emailed to you after purchasing your ticket, as well as a valid photo ID that matches the name on your bar code email. More information on picking up badges in the next section.

Bring an extra piece of clothing - despite the hot California sun, it can get chilly inside the convention center! It is expected to be around 70F/20C during BlizzCon weekend.

If you are cosplaying, be ready for a day of pictures and compliments but also make sure you are comfortable since the days are long!

A camera to take pictures of all the convention attractions. Bring extra memory cards for your camera, as they can run out quickly without a power source. A backup camera is also a good idea.

If you want to bring something to do while waiting in lines at the convention, make sure you can keep track of it easily--3DS, phone games, a book etc. Also make sure it isn't heavy as you will be carrying it around throughout the day.

Bring your favorite lanyard and display your pin collection on it. (Blizzard does provide a basic lanyard with your BlizzCon badge.)

Your art badge if you've gotten a special commission of your character, so you're more easily recognizable.

Crisp dollar bills or coins if you are using vending machines for snacks/drinks.

Bring a waterbottle that can be filled up in the convention center, and snacks.

FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (Hilton Lobby area)
700 W Convention Way
Anaheim, CA 92802

Badges and Security

General Attendee Pickup, Hall E, Anaheim Convention Center

Thursday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, November 4 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Con Itself

Don't forget to review the schedule so you don't miss your favourite panels! Using the BlizzCon phone app helps a lot!

Get there early - seats fill up fast for popular panels like the Opening Ceremonies

The BlizzCon store line up is very long and they do run out of items so be prepared and head there early and with lots of patience!

If you buy merch at the Con, make sure you have room in your suitcase to take it home

Convention Layout

Darkmoon Faire

Pin Purchase

Pet Adoption

Legendary Stage

Epic Stage

Toy Capsule Depot

Hearthstone Demo

Hearthstone Tavern

Hearthstone Tournament Stage

Heroic Stage

Overwatch Arena

Starcraft II Tournament Stage

Starcraft Demos

Joeyray's Bar

Overwatch Demo

Heroes of the Storm Tournament Stage

Diablo III Demo

Hall C

World of Warcraft Tournament Stage

World of Warcraft Exhibit

World of Warcraft Demo -- HUGE Demo Area

Art Gallery and Charity Auction

Mythic Stage - where all the big panels and Opening / Closing ceremony take place

BlizzCon Registration

Blizzard Careers

Blizzard Shop

Thursday, November 3 – 9am to 9pm

Friday, November 4 – 8am to 10pm

Saturday, November 5 – 8am to 10pm

Blizzard Gear ShopDarkmoon Faire

Azeroth's famous traveling Darkmoon Faire is returning to Blizzcon 2017! Venture inside for lots of good fun, including:

Timewalker's Trading Post: Acquire collectibles from past BlizzCons that are no longer for sale. You can even get a chance to spin a special prize wheel to win upcoming merchandise that isn't yet released.
Blizzard Pin Trading Booth - Buy, trade, and collect Blizzard pins--look for chances to snag special pins all around the show floor.
Publisher's Row: Meet and greet some of the authors of new Blizzard Books, like the World of Warcraft Cookbook.
Blizzard Toy Capsule Depot - Try your luck! Buy a random Blizzard capsule toy from our machines, then trade with fellow convention-goers to fill out your collection. The Toy capsule coin this year will be Overwatch-themed, and the series will include Pepe and Mei.
Adopt a Pet Booth - On the lookout for a Blizzard plushie to call your own? Visit this booth and adopt a new family member today!
Temporary Tattoos and Face Painting - Represent your favorite faction, character, or game with Blizzard-themed tattoos and face painting.
Animated GIF Booths - It's like a photo booth--leveled up! Snap a series of pictures with your friends, and turn them into an animated GIF to share on social media.
Heroic Stage - This is the stage that show cases all different skills and arts from the the Blizzard Universe!
Epic Stage - This is the stage that show cases the base of the all the games-- The Community!

official scheduleOfficial BlizzCon 2017 AppIn-Person Attractions

Blizzard Art Gallery - Peruse an epic collection of art discovered within the Blizzard Vault.
Fan Art Display - Check out the awe-inspiring winners and honorable mentions from the BlizzCon Art Contest.
Signing Areas - Meet and chat with Blizzard developers, and get your gear and collectibles autographed--see the on-site schedule for more details.
Recruiting Booth - Want to help us make epic games? Talk to recruiters about job opportunities with Blizzard.
Graffiti Wall - Let the world know you were at BlizzCon by leaving your mark on our giant graffiti wall.
Customer Service Booth - Run into a game issue while at the show? Have your ticket resolved by our Customer Service team on the spot!
Charity Auction - Bid on epic artwork and other items from the Blizzard Vault, all to support Children's Hospital of Orange County.
BlizzCon Store - Buy your BlizzCon merchandise beginning Thursday before the show begins this year--now located in the Registration area in Hall E.
Food Trucks & More - In between activities, head outside into the Grand Plaza to enjoy delicious food trucks and grab a drink.
Cospitality Lounge - Coming to BlizzCon in costume? Visit this respite to take a load off or attend to some repairs. Cosplayers only!
Hearthstone Tavern - Play a game of Hearthstone or two with your friends or enjoy a drink at this special Fireside Gathering.

BlizzCon Floor PlanCharacter Statues

Overwatch: Winston, Tracer, Junkrat

Warcraft: Sylvanas (new!), Grommash, Dwarf, Orc and Wolf, Azeroth Choppers, Illidan

Diablo: Tyrael

StarCraft: Kerrigan, Raynor

DemosPanelsfull Fridayfull SaturdayFood and Drink

You cannot bring outside food or drink into the convention center but there is food for sale inside, as well as food trucks outside the convention center.

Bring cash for food, it's faster and accepted more than cards!

You CAN bring an empty water bottle that you can fill up with water - do so! Staying hydrated is important on long days!

7-Eleven, 611 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 -- this is also a good place to buy bottled water in bulk.

As for meals with friends, the Hilton Anaheim brunch is considered to be a good meeting place with a great selection of food, although a bit on the pricey side. For dinners with friends, make reservations in advance as you'll have a very long wait time otherwise. If you're looking for restaurant recommendations, use ZAGAT or Yelp to find a type of cuisine and price range that you like.

Finally, there are gourmet food trucks (some of these visit Blizzard once a month, you know they're good) located immediately outside the convention center, and a food court with fast food inside the Hilton Anaheim.

Outside-Of-Con-EventsDisneylandfamous attractionsMad Tea PartySleeping Beauty's Castle$95 for a one-day passDowntown Disneyland

Make sure to plan ahead to know what is happening where so you don't miss your favorite parties (like the Wowhead party!)

Ensure you have tickets beforehand if you need them

Be ready and patient about waiting in lines for parties!

BlizzCon Week Events GuideCommon Courtesy

BlizzCon is crowded and busy - be patient! Do not get upset at BlizzCon staff or try to cut lines.

Respect others' space. Ask first before giving someone you don't know a hug.

Shower and wear deoderant...the convention is crowded and you don't want to smell bad. Also avoid heavy perfume.

Ask before you take a photo of someone's cosplay, and do not touch costumes and props.

Don't drink too much--you don't want to be hungover/sick and miss part of the Con.

It's ok to take breaks to recharge in your room--most of us spend lots of times playing video games quietly at home, and the convention is very busy and loud! Your friends will be understanding.

There is a BlizzCon Code of Conduct, if you witness or experience any activity that puts someone’s safety or enjoyment of the show at risk, inform a security guard or Blizzard employee (BlizzCon staff will be wearing “BlizzCon Crew" shirts at this year’s show) and let them know.

Most important tip: HAVE FUN!

See you at BlizzCon 2017!

Comments

Comment by angelzhizni

This is a much better guide than howiblizzcon.com, which didn't even have the right dates for blizzcon...

Comment by Darkbander

Chapstick, moisturizer, and allergy meds recommended. Its been VERY DRY and breezy here the last two days.

Comment by solitha

Two points:

Downtown Disney is not gated behind the park admission. That's not really clear from the way it's listed. It's a shopping center, with retail stores, food, and entertainment. It's free to visit, you just pay for what you purchase or consume like any other shopping center.

Also, there are carry-ons which allow you to carry a laptop and not have to actually separate it out for security. Google something like "TSA friendly laptop bag". I used mine earlier this week for the first time and it sure was nice to have.

Comment by Kniprose

If you plan to use vending machines in the hotels and convention centre, us coins and crisp us dollar bills that will go into the machines.

Bring a Bottle for water with built in filter or go buy bottled water in bulk from a drugstore or the 7-11 nearby.

Comment by dantemn

How strict on the bag size are they? My 1st time attending. This is one I usually have. very slim and light.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mobile-Edge-MEBSP6-Secure-Pack-BACKPACK-Camo-Multi-color-Nylon-LAPTOP-/301758443891?hash=item4642347173:g:MLEAAOSw2s1U0raO

Mobile Edge MEBSP6 Secure Pack BACKPACK
21.5" Height x 15.5" Width x 8.5" Depth

Added bonus, can't be opened while being worn -- sorry, pick pockets.

Comment by MissVern

So is it cash only for the Blizzstore?

Comment by Aralnda

Extra memory cards for cameras. They can run out fast if your not close to your pc to upload them! Also, 2 cameras just in case one stops working or is full during an event. That way you can whip it out and not miss a beat rather than struggle with your camera during the event or not having your memories captured!

Also there is like a portable battery charger stick that some 7/11 and bestbuys sell. If your phone dies and you arent near a place with a charger or outlet, this device can charge your phone (as long as you charge the stick first, before using).

Extra cash or a route to a atm, ones around the area will sure to run out fast.

Comment by GamerYubi

Wonder if the Anaheim Convention Center allows open or concealed carry permits.

Comment by dumenc

Really, an excellent guide. Unfortunately, I'm too far away (or I'm too poor) to attend. But I will follow it from the comfort of my home

Comment by Taraezor

In Australia we can pretty much get around without using "old fashioned" cash. From McDonalds/KFC to 7/11 to supermarkets to cinemas to taxis to hotels to convention centre kiosks.

I get the feeling that we really need to be carrying cash?

Also my cards use a "PIN". Do I need a signed card or do the EFTPOS machines take a PIN?

Comment by Kozzie

Nothing beats being there! - headed to the airport - BlizzCon 2015! - Thanks Perc and Panser, the guide is well done.

Comment by Aralnda

I would like to add protection against bed bugs since traveling and in hotels.
Put dryer sheets in suitcases (they don't like smell, especially lavender). Take off hotel sheets and use spare blanket hotel provides. Inspect what you are sleeping on or if you are using drawers.
When going home, make sure you wash clothes in hot water and dryer (unless clothes can shrink). Check crevices in toys and figurines. Check suitcase.

Also, ask if hotel can provide mini fridge and microwave for a couple extra dollars, to save on food and put snacks in fridge. Make quick, easy, cheap meals.

And if you have portable devices like gameboys, psp, or DS. This can help make waiting in line more tolerable. Worried your not interacting with others? DS has a mii system where you can pass people and collect miis to play games or talk with others and get achievements for collecting states and other countries.

Comment by 1396416

Then you get at blizzcon and blizzard kills you with a heart ataco blecaute of awesome news ! OMG what a blizzcon !

Comment by 1190964

hope i can go to the con some year
And this guide OMG!, it will be very useful when it happens

Tks alot XD

Comment by harpuiablade

My guild usually gets a stay in a short term rental house, the last few years we've been able to get a place within a mile of the convention. We have enough space for 20 of us for a lot cheaper than hotel prices. I did not make it out this year but looking at these rental properties early enough should definitely be on the too do list of any guild able to collectively cover the cost when blizzcon dates are announced during the summer.

Comment by Pr0bability

Great guide, if I manage to make it one day. Thank you for the great work!

Comment by Gamecraze

Blizzcon food guide:
Ok priced:
straight then left from the convention center across from the 7-11 has
Subway (normal priced free refills). Chinese food (10$ minimum with card no refills)
Pizza (reasonable with cheap refills)
The cvs at the corner has a impressive selection of food you find in a gas station as well
Straight then right has:
Carl Jr., Taco Bell at about 2 blocks and 4 blocks down is a del taco
2 other gas stations here as well with similar to 7-11 prices
Delivery
Pizza Hut has pretty good delivery times as it is nearby.

Kind of pricy
Convention food, food trucks, Hilton food court all have very expensive drinks
IHOP is about 50-100% pricier than normal
Red robin is straight and right a ways 3+ blocks

Comment by Kelsaki

That dwarf on that poster looks huge.

Comment by drizzt117989

You keep saying you have to print your pass, but if you can bring up the email on your mobile device they will accept it as well. I had to double check from their website, because you were making me nervous lol.

BlizzCon Survival Guide for Attendees

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