Headed in a Southernly direction to catch the Auburn/Louisville game on the 5th. odf Sept. and one of my cohorts in crime strongly suggested I spend some extra time in town to 'experience' Dragoncon. I am always open to some craziness - any opinions on if it is worth the extra time and expense?

It's a convention of science fiction, fantasy, and other general weirdness (although bondage has their own convention in Tampa..).  later in the evening, the more scantily clad costumes come out, and there's been reports of swingers activity, much as I've never been able to fully confirm it...  

It's gotten too big over the past few years.  
Don't get me wrong, if you're into sci-fi, fantasy, horror and all other kinds of geek shit, you'll love it but be prepared for a huge crowd and very very long lines.  
The last time I went, I waited in line for 4 hours just to get my entry badge that I pre-paid for.
If you're not an impatient and spoiled asshole like myself then yes, it is worth the extra time and expense to attend.

Thanks guys - I am indeed an impatient & spoiled....etc. I think I'll go as a lurker, just wander around the hotels for a while taking in the sights rather than be 'official'. Not much for the Sci-fi but do enjoy whack-o people.

"Hi, I'm Kosh. I'm a Nerd who named himself after the Vorlon ambassador on BABYLON 5. It has been almost 15 hours since I marathon watched Doctor Who, but I just 'have' to get ready for next month's series premiere. Oh, sorry Season premiere to you Yanks."

Food for thought:

You will not be allowed to enter the hotels hosting DragonCon at night unless you have a badge.  You can give thanks to a fight in 2009 where some LSU frat boys groped one of our female cosplayers and got put on their asses. Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, and Westin all have signs up. So if you want to go, get a day pass that will take you through the night.  

Go to the PARADE on Saturday AM if you want to see costumes for cheap. Route is on the dragoncon.org website.

Saturday is F N NUTS! where crowds are concerned - so I'd recommend Friday or Sunday for good costumes and fewer people.  

There is a Day Con and a Night Con. Day Con is definitely kid friendly. After Dark, most of the kids are put to bed and more adult themed costumes come out. For example: at midnight in the Marriott there's Kilt Check. Basically one or more females with leaf blowers (complete with upskirt elbow attachment) check for underwear on allegedly kilted men.  If you wear underwear, you're wearing a skirt. "Real Men" wear Kilts! Not skirts!

You will not see everything, or even half, so don't have your hopes up too high.

If you're looking to get laid, best to bring your own woman. There are a few ladies on here who would happily wear a corset for you.  

D*Con is like a family reunion. There are folks you see year after year, celebs and other fans alike. Everyone typically leaves their religion and politics and other divisive opinions at the door. We're simply there to have fun, so play by our rules.

If you ask me best Star Trek Captain: Kirk or Picard?  
I say Sisko (Avery Brooks). Kirk had a bastard son who created a doomsday weapon, Picard saw no need for children, but Sisko was a single Dad.  A competent, serious, loving single Dad.  
Kirk is #2 in my book since he did what I could not - resist  the late Yvonne Craig as an Orion slave girl. That was something else.

Have fun at Con,  ga_kosh

You'll get a ticket in the mail with a QR code. They scan that, match it to your photo ID, and then you're off. 20 mins tops now.

ga_kosh

The parade route with tips/instructions are on the dragoncon.org website. 3600 cosplayers and vehicles having fun. You won't see me there as I am busy elsewhere.

Security is getting tighter. There are signs about DragonCon being "a private function" everywhere and there are already guards at the hotel entrances checking for badges and.or hotel door keys - which are DragonCon themed to a specific hotel.  

I have not seen it get to the point of being rude, but with the frat boys coming in every year and being disrespectful (see my post below) this will come about.

ga_kosh, nerd