It’s geek Christmas Eve! That’s right, preview night of San Diego Comic Con! Rolling into the Gaslamp district on Wednesday afternoon has a very special feel to it. As each hour passes, the electricity in the air builds. The crowds become thicker, the anticipation is palpable and the lines begin to blossom.

Beginning in the Gaslamp

Our family has special traditions on preview night. We get settled in our room (which over looks Hall H this year), take a leisurely stroll around the Gaslamp District and grab a bite to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory before making our way into the convention center.

Preview night has a certain freshness about it. The crowds are a little lighter, the attendees seem to be fresh and the exhibitors are ready to greet you with a smile. It’s a short night in the convention center. You only have a few hours to navigate through the seemingly endless rows of exhibitors. It is best to take notes on the booths that you want to come back and visit but on the flip side, it’s also best to take advantage of the small lines for experiences in the exhibit hall.

Comic-Con: ACTIVATE!

Outside of the con most of the activations are still in build mode. Frantically trying to give both Comic Con attendees and non-badge holders an experience that they won’t forget. The Walking Dead activation looks promising and I can’t wait to see it filled with “walkers.”

“Castlerock” has a huge footprint. It’s located directly across from the Marriott. Stay tuned for more updates when it is finished and ready for the masses.

“Jack Ryan” also has an expansive event that takes up over a block of downtown San Diego. The fun part of walking around on Wednesday of Comic Con is that you can see the before and after of these amazing off site events.

We didn’t make it over to the FX site but we will surely hit it tomorrow.

What we did experience was the Futuretech activation. It’s located at the Omni Hotel and is a gamer’s dream come true. Have a fun “Overwatch Payload Tour” photo taken, then share it with your friends on social media! Check out the VR game “Archangel Hellfire” from Skydance Interactive. Then battle alongside your friends with another VR game, “Hologate.” Our four year old was a bit too small for both VR games but our seven year old absolutely loved each game. Futuretech also has artwork, blockchain booths (way beyond me for sure) and the “Jedi Challenges.”

Bonus, there were scientists there to answer all of your questions! We spoke to a Marine Biologist, Zoologist, DNA specialist and other super smart people of the science persuasion. Was it a little random? Yes…yes, it was. But they kept my kids entertained while we waited in line for our chance to play games. Comic Con can be a learning experience too!

Keep up to date with the SDCC App which will direct you for everything that you need to know.

Pack your best shoes, water and snacks. Bring your camera, spending money and most of all, your patience. It’s Comic Con week in San Diego and it’s going to be amazing!