It's my first time!

[Seonaid]

I found out that I was going too late to preregister so I have no schedule. I was hoping to get some tips from all you regulars. I've been to Origins (and had an absolute blast), but it was many moons ago. Is it hard to find pick-up games? What must I see (both at the con and in town)? What should I avoid? How much cash-o-la should I bring? What else should I bring? Where are the good/fast/cheap/close restaurants? If it matters, I'm female and of age and won't have access to a car. I'll be traveling with some people, but I doubt I'll see much of them during the weekend.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

It'll be my first trip to GenCon, too. I'll second those questions and add another: what's the easiest way to get from the airport to downtown?

 

[Crothian]

Glad to hear you re coming. This is my 4th year of basically no schedule. You can alwauys get generic tokens to play in games or find pick up games. There are pick up games being organized here so you might have luck with them. Also, I imagine more will be orgnaized at the con so stop by our little ENnie booth, that's usually were we have info posted. There is a McDonalds and Subway close by near the mall. There are plenty of other places like Hard Times Cafe and The Ram. Money relaly depends on if you like to shop in the dealer room. Parking can be expensive as of courese can be the hotel bill and food.

 

[Meloncov]

It'll be my first trip to GenCon, too. I'll second those questions and add another: what's the easiest way to get from the airport to downtown?

Our group is planning on taking a taxi. I imagine that that is the easiest way, but I could be wrong.

 

[Matchstick]

I did the taxi last year. It's probably not the cheapest way, but I think it's probably the best. I think I figured it was around 20-25 bucks, but I just don't remember for sure.

As far as an empty schedule, I'll echo what was said above. Check with the ENWorld booth, I'm sure there will be pick up games. Play in demo games on the dealer floor. Get some generic tokens and try and get in games. Attend things like the ENnies, the Canadiana suite, the picnic, and the Gentlemen/TB's group. Those don't require tickets.

 

[Seonaid]

The other thing, which I forgot to mention, is that I'd like to watch some football Thursday night . . . Are there any good sports bars within walking distance?

 

[Crothian]

The other thing, which I forgot to mention, is that I'd like to watch some football Thursday night . . . Are there any good sports bars within walking distance?

I imagine there are as the Colt's stadium is right there. I also imagine all of them will have on the Colt Rams game over the Browns Eagles. So, depending on what game you want you might have good or bad luck.

 

[Seonaid]

Welll . . . I was hoping that any decent bar would have all the games, as I definitely don't care about the Colts or the Rams . . . at least, on that particular night.

 

[Zelgar]

If you haven't got your tickets, I'd strongly advise getting to the Convention Center on Wednesday afternoon as 2006 Badge/Event Registration Hours begin onsite at Wednesday 5pm-9pm August 9th . This will keep you from having to waste most of Thursday morning getting your Badge. If the event line isn't too long, plan to get Generic tickets if you have no idea what you want to play (and you can look through the event catalog that night) or look through the event catalog to see what you might want to play during your time in line. Plan to have 2 - 5 different items per time period, as they may already be filled up.

You might not want to have too many events one after another, as you need to plan to have a little bit of time to get to the different events. Also, strange as it may seem, you actually do need a little bit of a break between games

Zelgar

 

[John Crichton]

Some of this will echo previous posters...

I found out that I was going too late to preregister so I have no schedule. I was hoping to get some tips from all you regulars. I've been to Origins (and had an absolute blast), but it was many moons ago.

No worries. Others have already said a mouthful about having no schedule. Also, are you staying near the convention center? That can make a huge difference for plans...

Is it hard to find pick-up games?

Nope. For my non-money, pickup games are the way to go. Any time of day, in a hotel, hallway or Con room there are almost always extra seats for any kind of game. This is my first year where I actually have plans and that cuz I want to hook up with some of the ENworld RPG games.

What must I see (both at the con and in town)?

Go to the GenCon site, pick out a few events you want to check out and do those. As for stuff in town - don't worry about it. Just make sure to eat at The Ram at least once. They have a whole Con-themed menu and the food is awesome, not to mention movie showings of genre mainstays.

What should I avoid?

People that suck. And LARPers.

How much cash-o-la should I bring?

My first year I brought between $300-400 in travellers checks. That covered stuff in the dealer room plus all food and booze. I like that amount because it leaves room for a little overspending in spots while not blowing a huge amount on any one thing. But I'd just say go with a budget and stick with it. Stay within your means.

What else should I bring?

Changes of clothes, one heavy jacket/sweater just in case, some dice and *maybe* an RPG book or two if you are looking for a game.

Where are the good/fast/cheap/close restaurants?

There are plenty. The Circle Center Mall is connected by Skywalk and has the usual fast food joints. And I'll just say it again: eat at the Ram at least once. Oh, and to recount a mini adventure a good friend and I had on our second night: there is a White Castle within close walking distance for the late-night cravings.

If it matters, I'm female and of age and won't have access to a car. I'll be traveling with some people, but I doubt I'll see much of them during the weekend.

I rented a car my first year and it sat in the friggin garage the entire time. Only used it to get back and forth from the airport! Worst money I ever spent. We got a few good jokes out of it sitting there the whole time on the way home, tho.

If you are staying within walking distance of the convention center then there is really no reason to leave the area. Don't sweat the car, just take a cab from the airport - cheap with buds and very low-hassle.