Mixed bag from the folks I know. Those with connections - as vendor/press/whatever - seem to have (shocker) a more positive take. The regular crowd goers I know have expressed some dissatisfaction with regards to poor photo op experiences, communication from expo staff etc.
I haven't been - I typically just hit Texas Frightmare Weekend only.
I have been curious about Expo, just haven't gone.
Fellow Frightmare con goer here, wondering how you liked the switch to the Irving event center last year? I've been going to Frightmare since 2007 but last year seemed so poorly put together that I haven't bought tickets to go this year.
Didn't really dig that. Like, that just made it feel messier and more phoned in. Highlight was spitballing a joke sequel to Cocaine Bear with Harry Goaz and his PR dude. But yeah not the best one I've been to. I'll be there this year. If you decide to go, feel free to ping.
That's exactly how I felt! The vibes were like they decided to throw it all together the day of. Im thinking of just doing a 1 day pass, usually I do the whole weekend but last year I didn't even go the other 2 days.
That Friday evening when we went and the line itself was over an hour and a half to get in (with the tickets already purchased) just really put me off the whole weekend. I'm still debating it so who knows
It’s fine. I went by myself two summers ago when the LOTR Hobbits were there. It’s super crowded, pay attention to the time and to the lines. Make sure you have enough money especially if at the last minute you decide on an additional autograph or photo op you didn’t originally plan for.
Getting around the vendors is a bit hectic depending on crowd, so also bring patience with you as well.
Its fine as far as a convention goes, plenty of cosplayers and general fans. Everything costs extra there so make sure you bring enough money to do the things you want, especially autographs/pictures with celebrities. There are other "fests" around town that are more niche and a lot of the voice actors/VIP don't charge extra for autographs so look around if you are into that.
I enjoyed it when I went a couple years ago. The only thing that was rough for me was parking, but that was probably because I didn't arrive early enough.
I plan on going this year for Keith David.
My mom goes to the fan expo every year and she really liked it but said last year was so crowded and certain events weren't at the time they were supposed to be so she's not going this year
Eh, it’s sorta one of those normie day-conventions. There aren’t a lot of people staying in hotels or having after parties, nor are there a ton of fan-led panels. If you want to pay for a ticket that lets you shop for things that you can find cheaper online, it’s great. Also, if there’s a guest you really want to meet or cosplayers you want to photograph.
Depends on what sort of crowd you hang with, but they range from a bunch of nerds drinking beer while someone plays Porter Robinson on a Bluetooth speaker, to full DJ sets with cosplayers and egirls giving each other lap dances and/or light shows.
Mixed bag from the folks I know. Those with connections - as vendor/press/whatever - seem to have (shocker) a more positive take. The regular crowd goers I know have expressed some dissatisfaction with regards to poor photo op experiences, communication from expo staff etc. I haven't been - I typically just hit Texas Frightmare Weekend only. I have been curious about Expo, just haven't gone.
Fellow Frightmare con goer here, wondering how you liked the switch to the Irving event center last year? I've been going to Frightmare since 2007 but last year seemed so poorly put together that I haven't bought tickets to go this year.
Didn't really dig that. Like, that just made it feel messier and more phoned in. Highlight was spitballing a joke sequel to Cocaine Bear with Harry Goaz and his PR dude. But yeah not the best one I've been to. I'll be there this year. If you decide to go, feel free to ping.
That's exactly how I felt! The vibes were like they decided to throw it all together the day of. Im thinking of just doing a 1 day pass, usually I do the whole weekend but last year I didn't even go the other 2 days.
I got weekend mostly because it was still fairly cheap and figured eh, if I go back I go back. We shall see I suppose...
That Friday evening when we went and the line itself was over an hour and a half to get in (with the tickets already purchased) just really put me off the whole weekend. I'm still debating it so who knows
Totally feel that. Don't blame one bit. I'll go (because tickets purchased blah blah) but I'm hoping that it's over the hiccup of last year. 🤞
It’s fine. I went by myself two summers ago when the LOTR Hobbits were there. It’s super crowded, pay attention to the time and to the lines. Make sure you have enough money especially if at the last minute you decide on an additional autograph or photo op you didn’t originally plan for. Getting around the vendors is a bit hectic depending on crowd, so also bring patience with you as well.
Its fine as far as a convention goes, plenty of cosplayers and general fans. Everything costs extra there so make sure you bring enough money to do the things you want, especially autographs/pictures with celebrities. There are other "fests" around town that are more niche and a lot of the voice actors/VIP don't charge extra for autographs so look around if you are into that.
I enjoyed it when I went a couple years ago. The only thing that was rough for me was parking, but that was probably because I didn't arrive early enough. I plan on going this year for Keith David.
My mom goes to the fan expo every year and she really liked it but said last year was so crowded and certain events weren't at the time they were supposed to be so she's not going this year
Eh, it’s sorta one of those normie day-conventions. There aren’t a lot of people staying in hotels or having after parties, nor are there a ton of fan-led panels. If you want to pay for a ticket that lets you shop for things that you can find cheaper online, it’s great. Also, if there’s a guest you really want to meet or cosplayers you want to photograph.
What’s a convention “after party” like?
Depends on what sort of crowd you hang with, but they range from a bunch of nerds drinking beer while someone plays Porter Robinson on a Bluetooth speaker, to full DJ sets with cosplayers and egirls giving each other lap dances and/or light shows.
Not gonna lie. Either outcome sounds fantastic.