A LOT of people are assuming this, but I think it's better to take a wait and see attitude. After all, live-action Movie #1 was precisely why Rhode Island was chosen for that year.
Does it say anywhere that we're going to be billed up front for one night? The only thing I can see is that they are going to charge me 21 days before my reservation. A charge for one night showed up on my statement today.
I doubt it would be any personal stance of Brian's beyond the basic economics. If having union requirements would add $300ish for every dealer (going by the prices I've been quoted on shows that had union rules in place)...per 8 ft booth...effectively doubling the price of having a booth in the first place, I can only imagine what the extra cost would be for all the unloading FP would be hit with for all the fixtures, graphics and product they bring. Yeah, apparently we get to pay the first day upfront. Don't remember if it was officially stated, but I have seen it mentioned a lot.
I must have missed that then, only thing I see was this from their email CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellation must be received by hotel no later than 6:00 pm PST, 48 hours in advance of the arrival date to obtain a cancellation number. Cancellation received within 48 hours of arrival will result in one night's room and tax charge. A deposit equal to the first night's rate will be charged approximately 21 days prior to arrival to the credit or debit card used to guarantee the reservation.
So, is it possible you are just seeing the authorization charges then? As in, they authorize the initial day now, but it drops off of your card in 2-3 days?
I know it was stated cause I hesitated when I read that myself. It's not just a temporary hold. My account has already been charged fully for the first night.
personally I don't mind the charge...it helps have part of the expense in the bag so I'm not seating it come convention time. I've got 5 trips to make between mid April and mid July so I'll breathe a bit easier with some of that hotel $$$ spent and out of sight
Well...Credit Card numbers being stolen from registering, and some of the staff (mostly Brian Savage) treating people poorly.
So this will be my first Botcon I will be going to and i plan on getting the 'primus package' i think its called that has the box set and all the other special stuff, but my 12 yr old nephew wants to go with me, which is fine, I am just not sure how to go about getting his ticket in? I cannot afford two primus packages just so he can go everywhere I go, so i ask is there a certain age where they get in free like SDCC or can i pay $20 or so for him to go with me
^there is a package for what you need, think it was the "minicon" package, lets the person go everywhere with the primus package holder just minus the boxset and freebie IIRC. Link to the botcon faq pdf from 2012 http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2012/BotCon12brochure.pdf
I'm as critical of FP as anyone, but I have to kinda step to the defense of FP on these two.... First, you make that sound present-tense. Just to clarify, in the past the service they used to process credit card numbers had a breach, and we all had to get new cards. They have since changed providers, and there have been no issues. It blows, and it sucks, and it suck-blows about what happens, but even large mega corporations have data breaches. For the second part, the staff at BotCon is always fucking awesome. For many of them, it's just their job, and they're put into a tough spot - dealing with sweaty self-entitled nerds who think everyone should cater to them. Most of them handle that very well. I've always had a great time chatting it up with various FP staff while getting my toys, or during the customizing class, at the info booth, etc. Be respectful, and you'll get it returned. Savage himself though is often dismissive and mocking, no doubt. I think he's tried to keep his distaste for us hidden better the past few years, but you can tell it's there. But that's really the only person who's ever been like that. Even Pete is alright in person...hah!
Yeah everyone always seems really happy except Brian. I cant help thinking it would be better for Botcon if Brian took a step back and let someone who comes across as being happy to be there do all the public announcements. My brother and a friend of his came to Botcon back in 2009, they had no idea who Brian Savage was when he made his welcome to botcon speech on the Wednesday night pickup, but as soon as he had finished they both said "Who is this dick and why does he hate us so much" (I am paraphrasing but dick was the chosen word) Its just not the best first impression.
As mentioned, it's called "Minicon". About +$80-100, allows him to enter all normal events as well as the early-entry into the Dealer Room, plus the dinner & casino/game night (usually Sat night, sometimes Friday). If there is an 'add-on' event, which there shouldn't be this year, that will be extra @ the same price Primus holders pay.
I just did a search for a round trip from Little rock using Southwest Airlines and it comes to about $215 each way. As I said earlier, you may want to try in the spring when the airlines have their sales.
I've already mentioned this on another board, but I don't think it's been brought up here. Is there anyone who lives in the San Diego area who can create a "Survival Guide" (here's what I've done for Pasadena) for those of us who will be visiting?
do u think it would be cheaper than this or is this my best bet dont want to lose out it being this cheap
I've got a travel question, too. I usually go to Comic Con via the AmTrak train. What bus do I take from the San Diego train depot to get to Town and Country?