First Time At Anime NYC? Here Are Some Tips From A NYC Comic-Con Pro And Anime NYC Veteran
I attended the first-ever day of Anime NYC on November 17, 2017. It is insane to see how the convention has grown from 20,000 attendees in 2017 to 63,000 attendees in 2023. Remember when it was always the same weekend as a dog convention?
I miss seeing those puppies.
Clip from the first ever day of Anime NYC on November 17, 2017 - This looks like it was filmed on a potato omg
I have been attending events at the Jacob Javits Center for about a decade and have watched this convention center become one of the most well-known places on the East Coast. Some cons I have attended include Anime NYC, New York Comic Con, KCON NY, and the Travel Adventure Show.
The need for an anime convention at the Javits Center intensified during the 2010s due to NYCC disregarding anime more and more each year. If you remember Anime Fest @ NYCC, I’m so sorry.
As a seasoned NYC congoer and Anime NYC veteran 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.
Secret Bathrooms
Javitis Center
The Expo Floor and Artist Alley bathrooms 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 or the tabletop gaming area. These areas are generally less crowded, and you may find shorter or no restroom lines.
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 favorite restrooms are in the new section of the Javits, but Anime NYC is not using this part of the convention center yet. I believe that in the coming years, they will expand to use this section. The restrooms 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.
I have never eaten at the Japanese Food Hall at Anime NYC because the lines are always super long. the food smells delicious, but 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
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.
Enter the convention center faster
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
Expo Hall in 2021
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.
Pack The Essentials & Wear comfortable shoes
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:
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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
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 conventions, 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.
I'm Andrea, a travel content creator from NYC. If you are considering visiting the world's most sought-after travel destinations and need tips and recommendations or are looking for the latest film reviews, you are in the right place. Join me as I share my passion for cinema and exploration.