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That's a good question. Comiket serves the doujinshi creators, while AnimeJapan (nee TAF) is a trade show. JumpFesta is run by Shueisha. Anime conventions as we know them are more of a western concept--not just in the US, but events like Anime Friends and Japan Expo. That's perhaps a byproduct of how anime cons here were outgrowths of comic and sci-fi cons. For Japanese guests, it's something novel and, for musical acts, a feather in their cap.

I drive nights for Uber in the DC metro area and can confirm that there are a LOT of rentable electric scooters in DC that are in use at all hours of the night. Metro is an alternative option up until midnight or so - when Metro service stops for the night. Uber/Lyft, etc. are other options, but if you're looking for one in the midnight to 3:30 am time frame you will probably be in a "surge pricing" area and the rates will be higher than you are normally used to. The majority of the NW DC night scene (especially Adams Morgan) on weekends becomes surge pricing as closing time approaches. For DC, closing time is 3:00 am for alcohol establishments. The following are some of the recent article headlines in the Washington Post (sorted newest to oldest) regarding scooter usage in DC: DC suspends Skip scooter service after second fire within a month. (June 19, 2019) More Washingtonians say drivers are bad than say the same of cyclists, walkers, scooter riders, (June 10, 2019) Nearly 1 in 6 D.C. residents use e-scooters, poll finds (June 7, 2019) Boom in electric scooters leads to more injuries, fatalities (June 6, 2019) Skip suspends e-scooter service while it reviews fire (May 31, 2019) An electric scooter caught fire in downtown D.C. (May 30, 2019) Red Line trains no longer single-tracking after scooter left on track (May 29, 2019) Two thieves on scooters rob victim of purse in D.C. (May 18, 2019) CDC study urges helmet use to prevent severe head injuries while riding scooters (May 2, 2019)

We have an unofficial otakon 2019 fb group as well https://www.facebook.com/groups/486723198737659/

...needs more Macross. *runs away*

There are about six different companies serving DC with scooters (and one with electric bikes). Prices range from 15c a minute (jump) to a dollar to start then ten cents every subsequent minute. Rather than downloading each individual app for them, what I reccomend is an app called transit: https://transitapp.com/ It shows every scooter/bike in the area. Thumb/click one and it'll open or download the necessary app for it. It also shows all nearby buses and trains, with arrival times. You can also use it like google maps to plan trips or to show any of that information for a location elsewhere.

It's back hons! This thread is a place where Otakon goers can stay ahead of any potential troubles getting to or from the 26th Otakon. I'm opening the thread early because the con is a little sooner in 2019, but also because Metro are about to consider one of FOUR different options concerning operating hours. They are: OPTION 1: Maintain current hours (Mon-Thu 5:30a - 11:30pm / Fri 5am - 1am / Sat 7am - 1am / Sun 8am - 11pm) OPTION 2: Revert to pre-2016 hours (Mon-Thu 5am - MIDNIGHT / Fri 5am - 3am / Sat 7am - 3am / Sun 7am - MIDNIGHT) OPTION 3 [Alternative 1]: Reduce weekend morning service, and increase late night service w/weeknight single tracking (Mon-Thu 5:30am - MIDNIGHT / Fri 5:30am - 3am / Sat 9am - 3am / Sun 10:30am - MIDNIGHT) OPTION 4 [Alternative 2]: Add an hour to Fri. & Sat. night and Sun. morn, but also increase weekend single tracking (Mon-Thu 5am -11:30pm / Fri 5am - 2am / Sat 7am - 2am / Sun 7am - 11pm) Each of these options will have an effect on how Otakon goers get around on Metro. More on this story as decisions are made.

While it's true that the convention doesn't start until the 26th, the Washington Convention Center is still open for pre-regged attendees on Thursday for the pick-up of badges (those who aren't getting them in the mail), convention bag and 18+ wristband.

Thanks for that input! I'm glad someone actually read and took to heart my advice. EDIT: w00t for my 1,000th post!

Hey all! So I was reading through the "How was your hotel?" thread from last year and I saw some people surprised at the fact that at check-in they want $150-200 more than the actual reservation and if you can't successfully get that held on your debit/credit card you cannot check in... This is due to incidental insurance, so if you screw anything up in the room besides normal wear and tear for that weekend, the repairs are covered. The $150-200 usually consists of around $50 per night you have booked for your stay. If you booked the room for yourself only, then I can understand the frustration of not realizing that they need that incidental insurance/not realizing you had to budget for that. Please be aware that such a charge is only a HOLD, and will be released/refunded if nothing warrants that kind of repair in your room. So, I intend this thread to serve as a reminder for everyone to have you / your group budget an additional $200 or so for the incidentals, even if the booking site you're using doesn't mention it, even though they should, but if you're an experienced con-goer/hotel booker you should expect/remember and budget for it.... Thanks for reading, Shiggitay

Copy Pasting a reply I made in the Post-2018 section because it will be more visible here: That being said, if you are a student with a tight credit limit then OP's suggestion of having an extra $200 available is good advice.