Comic-Con by way of Amtrak ~ Amtrak.com
By the sea-by-the sea, by the beautiful sea, what a great way to view the beautiful California coast line. We started in San Juan Capistrano Depot (SNC) heading southbound to San Diego, Old Town (OLT). (The first and last time I was on the train to San Diego was at the age of about 7, been trying to do it for years, so excited) The Old San Juan historic train depot is worth taking the time to walk around, just up the street from the Old Mission San Juan. There's a parking structure adjacent to the depot for parking your vehicle.
websites : San Juan Capistrano | Old San Juan train depot | Mission San Juan
The Pacific Surfliner, "coaster", (limited stop express train) stops at a few depots along the route, San Clemente, Oceanside and Solano Beach. Similar to an airplane, but with more leg room, you have your window and aisle seats, drop down seat tray. They serve good food and drinks in their Cafe car, you get it yourself, the menu is in the front seat pocket. Bathrooms just like airplanes only bigger. Bi-level seating. You can bring your bike, surfboard, stroller. Clean and modern. Our trip took less than 1 hr 30 min. It's an inexpensive little trip. Check out their website for routes and pricing. Once we were off the train we hopped onto the yellow line trolley to the Convention Center, (4.00 all day tickets pp)
Amtrak Guest Rewards Program
websites : San Juan Capistrano | Old San Juan train depot | Mission San Juan
The Pacific Surfliner, "coaster", (limited stop express train) stops at a few depots along the route, San Clemente, Oceanside and Solano Beach. Similar to an airplane, but with more leg room, you have your window and aisle seats, drop down seat tray. They serve good food and drinks in their Cafe car, you get it yourself, the menu is in the front seat pocket. Bathrooms just like airplanes only bigger. Bi-level seating. You can bring your bike, surfboard, stroller. Clean and modern. Our trip took less than 1 hr 30 min. It's an inexpensive little trip. Check out their website for routes and pricing. Once we were off the train we hopped onto the yellow line trolley to the Convention Center, (4.00 all day tickets pp)
Amtrak Guest Rewards Program
Destination, Comic-con, San Diego. Let me tell you, you need at least 3 days to take it ALL in! My husband has been a few times, this was a first for me and my kids and grand.daughter!
What is Comic-con you ask?
MISSION STATEMENT:
Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
The San Diego Convention Center (located downtown along majestic San Diego Bay with the vibrant Gaslamp District) 3 floors, filled with all things movies, tv shows, Disney, Fox, WB, Yo Gaba-Gaba, every cartoon character, comic book characters (Marvel and DC comics), authors, actors, artists... Starwars, trekky! it's all there! And all the toys you can imagine for viewing or buying... limited editions! Everything you want to know and more in detail is on their website, (from exhibitors, maps, show schedules, images, videos, other conventions around the world). One floor is solely for classroom type meet, question and answers about shows, authors, movies, how to draw, how to costume etc ... Sunday is family/kid day, special giveaways. *Tip: DO NOT BRING A STROLLER!! ... just don't, unless you want to get nowhere fast.
Everyone entering gets this huge bag imprinted with comic book imagery for shopping and a catalogue for all the info you can need about the convention. They have Fan Tables, areas just for autographs, you can bring your portfolio and get great info and critiques on how to become an artist, Independent and Childrens film festival areas, special guest appearances. Some of the cast of Glee was there, the actor who plays, Castle was there walking around. They have food areas with healthy options, so you don't have to leave to get a bite or drink. At the end of the day booths were giving away t-shirts, poster containers and misc things. Check out the website for Exhibitor list, artist list, guest appearances, it changes each year.
I was there for mermaids and sirens, sea things and to view the newest Disney movie, Fish Tails... (never made it!!!) and for people watching, especially the ones who DRESS up!!! Now that's a SHOW!, it's worth going just to check out all the costumes.
The coolest part for us, (my daughter is an artist and we appreciate art) is ARTISTS' ALLEY[ About the Artists' Alley Artists' Alley gives Comic-Con attendees the chance to meet and greet some of their favorite creators, many of whom sell original art, sketches, and exclusive limited-edition prints and sketchbooks.] We got to meet and talk with artists behind all the animation and illustrations. My daughter walked around with a sketch book, you get artists autographs and if they are kind and have the time they draw quick sketches for you, some just sign their autographs.
My husband enetered a trivia contest at the G4 booth and won a prize! My oldest daughter was walking around and got high-fived by Danny Divito! I swear I saw actor Seth Green walking in front of me in one of the hallways. We also spotted Wayne Brady and his wife exiting at the end of the day. I am sure there are plenty of celebs all around Comic-Con, but really it's a hit or miss spotting them, with all the things and people to look at it's a blurrr! Being a first timer can be a bit OVERWHELMING to say the least.
What is Comic-con you ask?
MISSION STATEMENT:
Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
The San Diego Convention Center (located downtown along majestic San Diego Bay with the vibrant Gaslamp District) 3 floors, filled with all things movies, tv shows, Disney, Fox, WB, Yo Gaba-Gaba, every cartoon character, comic book characters (Marvel and DC comics), authors, actors, artists... Starwars, trekky! it's all there! And all the toys you can imagine for viewing or buying... limited editions! Everything you want to know and more in detail is on their website, (from exhibitors, maps, show schedules, images, videos, other conventions around the world). One floor is solely for classroom type meet, question and answers about shows, authors, movies, how to draw, how to costume etc ... Sunday is family/kid day, special giveaways. *Tip: DO NOT BRING A STROLLER!! ... just don't, unless you want to get nowhere fast.
Everyone entering gets this huge bag imprinted with comic book imagery for shopping and a catalogue for all the info you can need about the convention. They have Fan Tables, areas just for autographs, you can bring your portfolio and get great info and critiques on how to become an artist, Independent and Childrens film festival areas, special guest appearances. Some of the cast of Glee was there, the actor who plays, Castle was there walking around. They have food areas with healthy options, so you don't have to leave to get a bite or drink. At the end of the day booths were giving away t-shirts, poster containers and misc things. Check out the website for Exhibitor list, artist list, guest appearances, it changes each year.
I was there for mermaids and sirens, sea things and to view the newest Disney movie, Fish Tails... (never made it!!!) and for people watching, especially the ones who DRESS up!!! Now that's a SHOW!, it's worth going just to check out all the costumes.
The coolest part for us, (my daughter is an artist and we appreciate art) is ARTISTS' ALLEY[ About the Artists' Alley Artists' Alley gives Comic-Con attendees the chance to meet and greet some of their favorite creators, many of whom sell original art, sketches, and exclusive limited-edition prints and sketchbooks.] We got to meet and talk with artists behind all the animation and illustrations. My daughter walked around with a sketch book, you get artists autographs and if they are kind and have the time they draw quick sketches for you, some just sign their autographs.
My husband enetered a trivia contest at the G4 booth and won a prize! My oldest daughter was walking around and got high-fived by Danny Divito! I swear I saw actor Seth Green walking in front of me in one of the hallways. We also spotted Wayne Brady and his wife exiting at the end of the day. I am sure there are plenty of celebs all around Comic-Con, but really it's a hit or miss spotting them, with all the things and people to look at it's a blurrr! Being a first timer can be a bit OVERWHELMING to say the least.
My Highlight! ~ Di by the Sea Cartoon Caricature!
We are definately attending next year and DRESSING UP! Staying a few days in San Diego, their are plenty of hotels near the convention center, from low cost Holiday Inn waterfront, Hilton Bayfront, W hotel to the Boutiquey Sofia. I was really disappointed that I didn't have time to walk around the waterfront or the Gas lamp District, my favorite thing to do in downtown San Diego. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into with Comic-Con, the tickets are a bit hefty and they sell out, but it's well worth it!!
Turns out quite a few of our friends attend each year, next years gonna be even better!
Comic-Con facebook | website | twitter
Turns out quite a few of our friends attend each year, next years gonna be even better!
Comic-Con facebook | website | twitter
We ended our long day with dinner in Old San Juan Capistrano at the El Adobe de Capistrano, Mexican Restaurant, just up the road from the train depot. This restaurant has been here forever and the food is still delicious. I love it when the guacamole is made fresh right in front of you, I ordered mine spicy! Great service! website
http://captainamerica.marvel.com, in Theatres now!
My Ode to Comic Con | Captain America ~ a comic book style mani
(I went w/ a red polish with the black shatter on top)
OPI "shatter" crackle, nail lacquer, quick dying!
My Ode to Comic Con | Captain America ~ a comic book style mani
(I went w/ a red polish with the black shatter on top)
OPI "shatter" crackle, nail lacquer, quick dying!
color choice: white, red, silver and black 27.00
I just found this mani online, maybe I'll try this one next year!
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