Preparing for BlizzCon: Money -- you're going to need it
by Robin Torres 
Jun 26th 2009 at 6:00PM
If you have the resources to pick up some extra cash or the space in your budget to save some more over the next couple months, I recommend that you do. The ticket is paid for, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. You already know you need money for lodging and getting there, but here are a few more things for which you are probably going to want to have extra cash in the bank:
- Food: It really isn't practical to bring your own and in some cases, not allowed by Blizzard. For example, anything in glass, large containers or cans are a no go for the convention. Many hotels consider a tiny box of cereal or a couple slices of toast a "free breakfast", so don't count on them either. The food in the Anaheim Convention Center is convenient but overpriced, as is normal for conventions. In the evenings, most people will be dining at one of the many delicious Downtown Disney eateries, which are great fun and usually pretty expensive. All in all, your food bills will likely be far greater than your normal food budget.
- Drinks: If you are 21 or older, you will probably want to join in on the many alcohol-infused gatherings that will be going on after convention hours. Our WoW.com meetup will be at an all ages location this year, but there will still be drinking going on if you are old enough. If you can and do drink, leave room in your con budget for joining the parties.
- Souvenirs: Historically speaking, the goodies available at BlizzCon will be highly desirable and quickly sold out. Thankfully, this year Blizzard will be opening up their store online for ticketholders at some point before BlizzCon -- theoretically offering the same loot that will be at the con. The online store will be open for 48 hours and the merchandise will be shipped to you. Whether you take advantage of their online offerings or not, you will probably want some money for impulse purchases.
- Disneyland: You're in Anaheim. It's right there. How can you not go? Ok, ok, it is expensive and you're going to be exhausted. But if you can possibly afford it, I highly recommend checking out the local Disney parks.
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kingfox Jun 26th 2009 6:08PM
Make sure to hit the Hilton bar if over 21. Plenty of con goers seem to end up there every year, as it's conveniently close to the convention hall and isn't too terrible.
Manatank Jun 26th 2009 6:15PM
This might be the worst series of articles I've ever seen. Robin, please find something interesting to write about.
pyratus Jun 26th 2009 6:32PM
Crazy idea I know, but there are people in the world who actually /do things that you don't./ I KNOW! Who'd thunk it huh?
If you don't care, why bother reading AND COMMENTING on the article?
I for one am not going to Blizzcon but the information is still interesting for possible future events, if not envy-inducing.
FantomRedux Jun 26th 2009 6:35PM
How is this a bad topic to talk about? Imagine this was your first convention ever and you underestimated your cash needs. If you're a WoW.com reader you're probably gonna read this, especially if you're going to BlizzCon.
tl;dr: Stop bitching, no-one's got a gun to your head making you read this, is there?
Wulf Jun 26th 2009 10:24PM
Sounds like someone's a bit sore that mommy won't pay for BlizzCon tickets, much less the flight and lodging... Considering the level of nerdrage, I'd lay odds that she's not even willing to fork out for the stream.
Retropally Jun 27th 2009 10:33AM
Wow, someone really is a bit sour. Just wait till they see all the blizzcon news when blizzcon is actually on.
Topics like this are great, not only because it lets new people know what to do but in the comments people share experiences and give various locations on where to meet up and things.
ringthree Jun 29th 2009 11:20AM
I know that there are a lot of younger people going, but for the older generation (like myself) there are several excellent restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel/convention center.
I prefer Ruth Chris, and there is also a Morton's.
The real tragedy is that the closest In N' Out Burger is almost to Fullerton.
Also, I hate to contradict Kingfox, but I would avoid the Hilton Bar if cost is an issue. Yes, I am sure there will be lots of Blizzcon attendees there, but the drinks are horribly overpriced and never really striked me as being good enough to justify the cost. There are several bars and restaurants and fine dining establishments in the area that offer better alcohol/cost ratios. :) If you are looking to meet people from Blizzcon though, this is probably the best place to hang out though.
Kar On E Jun 26th 2009 7:00PM
Does Blizzcon have a con suite or something like? If so, that's usually a good source of food as well.
DArcMatter Jun 26th 2009 7:04PM
I live in the area, and there's a good range of fast food businesses within walking distance of the convention center--but, there are not enough to handle the surge of convention goers. I made the mistake of going to the nearby Taco Bell and Carl's Jr. for lunch on the 2 days of the convention, and it was nearly a half an hour wait to get my food. I should have walked a little bit farther to my apartment and eaten there.
If you really can't handle the wait, and are living on a budget, it's possible to go to the Target down the road a bit to stock up on food to eat in your hotel room.
idedontknow Jun 26th 2009 7:10PM
if you're Looking for a good meal, the La Palma Chicken Pie Shop in Anaheim is amazing! I'd suggest getting a meal there. I loved it when i used to live down the street, and ate there often.
The decor is a bit dated (the place is at least as old as disney land), but the food is amazing, a couple years ago you could get dinner for 10 bucks or less.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/la-palma-chicken-pie-shop-anaheim
Averna Jun 26th 2009 7:22PM
6 total Blizzcon tickets: $750
Hotel for a week: $675
Spending the week with my husband and best guildie friend: Absolutely priceless
We're counting down the days and it can't come fast enough! This year we're taking more people and planning on hitting up a few meetups and the after party; there is just way too much to look forward to.
Stebo Jun 26th 2009 7:23PM
I'm ripping this for help preparing for Quakecon this summer. Keep it up - maybe go a little more in depth if possible :D
greenthumbs Jun 26th 2009 7:41PM
i'll need money for food!? aren't there gonna be any mages around to conjure me tables?
Ian R. (Orkchop) Jun 26th 2009 8:01PM
wait, I can't pay in WoW gold?
Ian R. (Orkchop) Jun 26th 2009 8:03PM
btw, I DO like this series of posts. My brother and I are going down there and I want to know where the hot spots will be and how to meet up with the wow.com people
Swampsquatch Jun 26th 2009 8:09PM
I would appreciate any answer from someone who went last year, what are the convention hours?
Urluve Jun 26th 2009 8:57PM
For some us, this is going to be our first Blizzcon and we like to know what to expect.
Keep up the columns Robin!
Urluve Jun 26th 2009 8:58PM
Wow... fail reply -.-
Josh Bashara Jun 26th 2009 8:23PM
Oh cmon enough with the "Preparing for Blizzcon" columns...they're getting ridiculous.
mibluvr13 Jun 26th 2009 8:27PM
Ooooh, there's a Downtown Disney in California? Here's to hoping it has better food than Orlando's. There are two restaurants in the West Side, both pretty terrible, and a boring selection of sandwich shops (and Rainforest Cafe, if you can count that) in the Marketplace.