Daniel Perales

I used to drive to Otakon most of the time when it was in Baltimore. I started to take Megabus once it moved to Washington DC at first but then decided on Amtrak because it was quicker and more convenient, and not much more expensive.

I don't know if this even matters ,but I attended the "New York International Auto Show" at the Jacob Javis Center in NYC last week. They didn't have much of a COVID policy. There were no proof of vaccination required but they did encouraged people to wear masks (which very few people did). I haven't heard of any "outbreaks" so far.

I just heard from a friend that he's skipping Otakon this year because of the hotel prices. He isn't a long time attendee like myself, but these hotel prices were already over his budget to begin with. I wonder how this is going to effect Otakon attendance wise? Will there be a lot more "locals" attending than the one's who's coming from out of state?

I'm curious to see the type of programming this con will have. It's less than an hour's drive from home, so I probably check it out. Hopefully it will not be a carbon copy of "Big Apple Anime Fest" (CPM-Con what people like to call it), years ago.

Hello All! So, another new anime con has been announced: Anime NJ++ DECEMBER 15-17, 2023 HILTON WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ HUDSON VALLEY AREA This con is being organized by Media Blasters. Best of luck for them!

I actually been doing just that for the past few years. I always start reserving my room with the con's block just so Otakon can get credit for it. But there were times that I can book a room from the very same hotels for almost $100 less than the con's block from other sources (even when it means I had to pay for at the time of booking). I've yet to see any discounts so far this year. Still keeping a eye out for it.

I'm going to wear my mask if I have to.

Unless things changes, this is going to be my most expensive Otakon yet. I'm not knocking Otakon itself. My only gripe is the cost of the hotels itself. I don't think any hotel rooms is worth the price they're charging. Especially if you're only going to be in the room just to sleep and take a shower.

Hi All! I know that Otakon (and other cons, too), tries to negotiate to get the best rates for their attendees, but I'm beginning to see prices that are really way up there. High hotel prices were the absolute reason I stopped attending Katsucon.

Hello All! I'm surprised that no one here has mentioned this: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-07/james-kaposztas-veteran-otakon-staffer-who-made-1st-known-anime-music-video-passes-away/.194577 R.I.P. old friend

Hi All! I know that Anime-NYC was held about 2 weeks ago. I was so busy at work and other things that I didn't have the time to put down my quick impression of it. This will be short. The Good: I haven't encountered any huge lines this year. Some of the big industry people came back with their huge booths in the Dealer's Room. Got to meet some old friends that I haven't seen in years. Able to go to most of the panels and screenings I wanted to attend. The Bad: Even though having to wear a mask was a policy at the con,

This Friday! Anyone?

As much as I like to drive, I decided to take the bus when both Katsucon and Otakon first moved to D.C, and later to train, when I saw just how hard and expensive it would be to bring my car over.

Hi All! Like the subject says. It's only about 12 days away as I type this. I'm looking forward to it. This is basically my last convention of the year, so I always try to make the most of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE3A2AfOt1Q&t=1s