Dragon Prep 2015: Just the Basics this Year

by Maria

Having been to Dragon Con for twelve years, I decided this would be the year costume preparations didn't need to be as complex as in past years. For once, I won't be scrambling to find those last minute accessories for a costume because this is the year I swore to reuse previous outfits for most of the con weekend. 

That personal oath held fast. I've had one skirt made for my Saturday night costume, a 1950's version of Wonder Woman.  Other than that, I'm breaking out previously worn cosplay. I'm feeling more relaxed about con than ever because of this simple fact. 

That being said-there are just three weeks left until Dragon Con! Dragon Con is like the 4th of July, your birthday, and Halloween all rolled into one! I'd add Christmas but, sadly, there's no tree and the only gifts we get are the ones we buy for ourselves at the art show or the vendor's hall. 

I'm going to enjoy kicking back this year, but in the interest of complete transparency, Dragon Con preparation is usually a year-around activity for me. Most other years, I've had typically two new costumes to put together and accessorize. Of my geek girlfriends, I'm the most inept at crafting and sewing, so costumes take months of preparation. I usually begin prep in January or February to be ready on time for Labor Day weekend. 

Case in point: last year I "made" a Zatanna costume for a superhero themed cosplay group on Saturday night last year, and a steampunk Queen of Hearts costume for the Sunday night. (Not only that, but I had to find all the components for my daughter to be Black Canary and Steampunk Alice, respectively.) 

While others can sew all the garments and plug in the hot glue gun for the rest, I can only rely on my wits and my three cosplay allies: thrift shops, Amazon, and eBay. 

So, dear reader, don't hate me for being ready this year. Most years, I work all year long to get to this point in my costume plans.

So, what else will I need for that weekend? 
After registration is done and my badge is in hand, the rest is all about having the food, water, and a few extra necessities to survive the crucible of Dragon Con each day. Here is my personal list of items to pack before heading off each morning for the con:

• bag or small backpack 
  
• small umbrella for rain or providing shade (handy when waiting in lines which often form outside of the hotels)
  
• water bottle/sports bottle (16 oz. or larger; hydration is important)
  
• food, not just granola bars (I pack turkey sandwiches and pb & j. Food can be hard to get in a hurry, and it’s often overpriced.)
  
• medications and eyeglasses (My daughter brings contact solution and a case.)
  
• a phone charger (a phone will lose its charge at a much faster rate at the con)
  
• cash and debit card (I try to figure out the cash I need for autographs and/or photo ops, and bring additional for food and parking. Debit cards are used almost everywhere, but a few places expect cash.)
  
• my BADGE! (The staff will not replace a lost badge, so I make sure to bring it in my bag to con. Access to anything at Dragon Con will require that badge.) 

These are the basics I've found to make Dragon Con weekend go smoothly. It’s the most wonderful weekend of the year, but being prepared can make a big difference. Maybe next year I’ll work on a new costume….