First Time At NYCC? Here Are Tips From A New York Comic-Con Pro
I have been going to New York Comic Con for ten years and have watched it evolve from the SDCC wanna-be to THE convention you have to attend if you live on the East Coast and are a part of any fandom.
I've noticed a significant increase in attendance over the past few years at NYCC. I've also seen the organizers experiment with new things, some of which didn't quite work out (I'm looking at you, Anime Fest @ NYCC).
As a seasoned NYCC attendee who knows the layout of the Javits Center like the back of my hand, I'd like to offer some tips for first-timers or those returning after a few years.
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Secret Bathrooms
Javits Center
The bathrooms on the convention floor are typically very cramped and busy, leading to long lines, particularly for the women's restroom. Instead, consider heading to the areas where panels are held, the autographing section, or even the tabletop gaming area. These areas are generally less crowded, so you may find shorter or no lines for the restroom.
Additional bathrooms are located on the same floor as the lower-level Starbucks. When facing the escalators, you can find bathrooms on the far right and left. If those are crowded, you can go down the next set of escalators to find even more bathrooms on the far right and left.
My personal favorite restrooms are in the new section of the Javits. They are so much nicer and have more stalls, but if you really need to go and know you won’t last during the walk to the new section, find one of the bathrooms I shared above.
get your Starbucks fix outside the con
These Starbucks are SUPER expensive. They raise the prices because most people are under the impression that they can't leave and come back or that this is the only one in the area. I have paid these outrageous prices for drinks multiple times, and it is not worth it.
In the last couple of years, a Starbucks location opened outside the Javits Center at 35 Hudson Yards. It's huge in there, and the service is quick and efficient. The prices are average for NYC.
Pro Tip: Place the order before you walk out of the Javits. Your order could be ready when you arrive, depending on how busy they are and what you ordered.
Do Not Eat At Javitis
This was $18 back in 2021. Probably almost $25 now.
Unless there are panels or signings you don’t want to miss and you don't have time to leave and come back, it's best not to eat at the convention. While the food choices have improved over the years, they are still very expensive.
The food trucks have good food, but the lines are long, and the pricing robs people. I like to go to Hudson Yards to eat.
Eater NY
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards opened in March 2019. It is an upscale shopping mall with a variety of food options. These range from fast food spots like Shake Shack to sit-down restaurants such as Ana Bar & Eatery and snacks like Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (try the vegan ice cream - it's delicious). My personal favorites are Shake Shack, Pret A Manager, and Sweetgreen. I usually order Shake Shack before leaving the Javits, and by the time I arrive, it's ready. Also, don't forget to check for any offers on free fries or shakes.
The Shelby Report
Additionally, there is a Whole Foods if you want even more variety. It’s a little further than The Shops at Hudson Yards, but there is much more variety. The last time I went there, they had made-to-order stir fry and gave you a nice hearty portion.
The Business Journals
Fresh and Co. is my go-to for breakfast if Whole Foods is not serving breakfast sandwiches. I used to go there for breakfast every time I went to work. They offer an all-natural and local menu. They also have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options and made-to-order salads and sandwiches.
Fun Things to Do Outside the Con
edge NYC
If you are from out of town, make sure to do other fun things while in NYC. My favorite is edge NYC.
Edge is an observation deck 1,100 feet above Hudson Yards. It takes its visitors out of their comfort zone to experience New York as it has never been seen before. It is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and extends almost 80 feet out from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards.
edge NYC
I've visited this place three times now, and the incredible 360-degree views of New York City's skyline and Western New Jersey never get old. I think this would be an amazing place to take photos of yourself in cosplay. Of course, you can't do a whole photoshoot without asking for permission, so buy a ticket, bring a friend, and take fun photos on your phone. There's even a portion with a glass bottom where you can see 100 stories down to the NYC streets.
edge NYC
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Check The Game Schedule at MSG
Photo Credit: Wiki
Additionally, Madison Square Garden is nearby. Check the schedule to see if a basketball game or concert is happening. You can go to the convention during the day and then head to MSG for an event at night. You can also book a tour of the worlds most famous arena.
Use my Viator affiliate link below to book your tickets for a tour of MSG!
Enter the convention center faster
MASSIVE crowd before doors opened in 2023
To enter the convention center quickly, try arriving up to an hour before it opens or 30 minutes to an hour after it opens. By doing this, you can avoid the rush of the crowd, and the security lines will be shorter. Additionally, if you can, choose the left lane when going through security, as most people are right-handed and instinctively head toward the right lanes.
Cash Is Still King
This was a must-buy
It's a good idea to carry some cash with you. After 2020, many places have gone cashless, and more and more artists in Artist Alley are accepting card payments, Apple Pay, and even PayPal or Venmo. Still, it's a good idea to have some cash in case the wifi goes down and artists and vendors can't process card payments. I've been in situations where this happened. It's also good to have cash for tipping. I know tipping culture can be strange, but you never know if you'll want to tip an artist. It's not required, but some people like to do it.
Avoiding Crowds Is Not Easy
In the past, people used to recommend avoiding Saturdays to steer clear of crowds and going on Thursdays, Fridays, or Sundays instead. However, this advice is no longer entirely accurate. To truly avoid crowds, it is best to visit on Thursday or early Friday. While Fridays can still be busy, it is not as bad as Saturdays. Additionally, Sundays tend to be busier due to the special Sunday Kids tickets, so there are more families.
Autographing Tips
If you want an autograph, ensure you arrive at the location at least 45 minutes early.
I've attended signings at NYCC three times and here are my experiences in more detail.
2021- Adam Cole
After the AEW panel, there was a signing event. Many people who didn't attend the panel were already lined up for the signing, and almost everyone from the panel also went to the signing afterward. I waited for over an hour, but it was okay because I was surrounded by friendly people in line. Adam Cole was very kind and even took photos with fans, which was cool.
2022- Robbie Daymond
I arrived at NYCC as soon as it opened at 10 am. The signing was scheduled for 11 am, and I ended up being the third person in line. Robbie was super nice and even recited a line in Hubert's voice from Fire Emblem Three Houses. I fangirled so hard, lol.
2023- Rhys Darby
I made a mistake when I didn't realize how popular the autograph session for Rhys Darby from Our Flag Means Death would be. I arrived 30 to 45 minutes early, but there was already a long line. I was in line with some unfriendly people, and after an hour, Rhys had to leave, and they announced he would return in two hours. Fortunately, I was able to transfer my autograph session to the next day after speaking with the help desk, but the next day I once again underestimated the wait time and had to wait for almost an hour, again with some unfriendly people. It was a disappointing experience, but Rhys was really nice.
The moral of the story is to get to your time at least one hour before.
Pack The Essentials & Wear comfortable shoes
Idk how I dragged myself to this panel. I was exhausted but I HAD to see Gwendoline Christie she is one of my faves
You can easily walk a couple of miles each day, so wear shoes that are already broken in and comfortable. As for essentials, make sure to pack the following:
Battery Charger
These are my two favorite chargers: the Anker 10,000 mAh Battery Pack and the Anker 26,800 mAh Battery Pack
Typically, I only travel with the 10,00 mAh as it is slimmer and lighter, but if I know I am going to be using my phone or other devices more than usual, I will pack the heavier 26,800 mAh battery as it can charge my phone 6 to 7 times.
Deodorant
I don’t need to explain this one.
I pack these Coconut Milk and Essential Oil Underarm Deodorant Wipes along with deodorant. I like to use them before reapplying deodorant.
Top Loaders
To keep your art prints safe from unexpected rain, spills, and creasing.
Portable Seat
For times when you can find a seat or are waiting in line for a panel or autograph.
Refillable Water Bottle
Bring a refillable water bottle. There are water fill-ups throughout the convention center, so you won’t have to pay $4 or more for water.
Walk Around Artist Alley/ Exhibit Hall Once Without Purchasing Anything
Not me cheering obnoxiously loud when he mentioned how he would love to work with Cate Blanchett
This is a rule I like to follow whenever I go to conventions. It's too easy to impulse-spend, so I like to walk around Artist Alley/The Exhibit Hall once without buying anything, pick up business cards, and note what I like. Then I come back and purchase it. This helps curb impulsive spending and buyer's remorse if you see the same thing at a lower price.
REST!!!
My last tip is to make sure to take the time to slow down and relax. Conventions can take a toll on the body and will be exhausting no matter how physically fit you are. Be sure to take breaks to sit down and eat and drink or to enjoy the new merchandise you just purchased. There are also quiet rooms available if you need a moment to decompress from overstimulation.
During my ten years attending NYCC, I never visited the quiet room. However, I did so last year, and it was terrific. You may not realize how overwhelming the convention environment can be until you take a break in a quiet space. It's essential to pay attention to your body and its needs.
Pro Tip: If you take medication, stick to your regular schedule. I understand it can be challenging to maintain a routine during conventions, but consider setting an alarm on your phone or using the medication reminders feature in the health app if you have an iPhone.
Hi! I’m Andrea, the creator of Cinematic Excursions.
I am a socially anxious girl who loves to travel, write about travel, attend various comic cons and events, write movie analyses, and yap about all things fandom.
I am a video editor, photographer, and travel content creator from New York City, and I have a useless film degree.