Great Scott! Fan Expo Dallas is ready to host thousands of pop-culture fans from all across the galaxy. With guests including the cast of Back to the Future, and interactive exhibits and activities like Escape Rooms, Cosplay Contests, and more!
When: May 3-5, 2019
Fri: 4:00PM – 9:00PM, Sat: 10:00AM – 7:00PM, Sun: 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Where: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
650 South Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
How Much: Many ticket plans (including deluxe, and family plans available)
Basic day ticket prices:
*Note, the below are prices for Adults. Youth (Ages 13-17) and Children (Ages 6-12) have separate priced badges. Kids 5 and under attend for free and do not need a pass.
Friday $25 Advance $30 Door
Saturday $50 Advance $60 Door
Sunday $40 Advance $50 Door
Parking costs may vary, as lots fill up quickly. If you do not want to walk far (there is a chance of rain!) I highly advise getting to the convention center around 9 am CST to take advantage of on-site convention center parking. Don’t worry though, if you do arrive after the garage is full, there is plenty of parking around the convention center – you may just have to bring your walking shoes.
Fan Expo Dallas fills the convention center with iconic celebrities and this year is no exception! So far on the list of attending include the time traveler himself – Michael J. Fox, OG Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, Shazam! himself – Zachary Levi, and Baywatch Babe Pamela Anderson!
A few FAQ:
- Can I bring snacks? No, there are bag checks and no outside food or drinks are allowed. There are vendors inside the convention hall. If you have dietary restrictions and need to bring in your own food, please speak with an official convention staff member.
- How much money should I bring? This depends from person to person. I would bring the amount of cash you are comfortable spending. While many vendors take card, the wifi is not always perfect, and sometimes may not be possible. Also, situations like parking will most times need to be handled with cash. I would plan $50-$100 as a safe amount to cover your parking and a souvenir.
- Do I need to be in cosplay to attend? Definitely not! Wear what you are comfortable wearing; whether that is a cosplay or a fun nerdy shirt and jeans! If you have never cosplayed before, Fan Expo Dallas is a fun time to do so! Just remember to bring an extra pair of comfy shoes just in case your feet get tired.
- Are autographs free? Usually not. Most celebrities will charge for an autograph and/or selfie. Before getting in line, be sure to check for a sign with pricing, or ask a staff member.
THE FULL SHOW SCHEDULE CAN BE VIEWED HERE.
Convention floor map can be seen at the end of this article.
Planning for the Show:
Lines & Wait Times
When it comes to conventions, especially large shows like Fan Expo, it’s safe to plan for the long haul. As fantastic as the guests, events, and panels are that the convention offers, these unfortunately lead to long lines equally a lot of waiting time. Come comfy, and prepared to set aside some wait time. If there is a panel or autograph you are wanting from a popular guest, try to avoid waiting until the last minute. Typically, Sunday is the best day to grab autographs if the guest is still in attendance. Lines are shorter – giving you opportunity to talk a little bit longer and not feel so rushed.
Meeting Guests & Celebrities and Attending Panels
The most common question I get it how long to plan to wait to meet a celebrity or see a panel. This is a tough answer, as it can vary due to many different factors.
If there is a celebrity you want to meet or a panel that you are planning to attend that will make or break your convention experience, make this a top priority. I have seen in the past where celebrities wind up having to leave early, or a cap has been put on the attendance for a panel. Whatever the case, I would plan to arrive early and plan to dedicate your day to this one thing. Make everything else for that day a secondary option.
Photos & Photographers
Celebrity photo ops are just the beginning of photos that are taken at the convention. Cosplay is exceptional at this convention, and most cosplays are happy to stop for photos. On the flip side, the convention is full of talented and professional photographers, who take time and attention to getting exciting and exceptional images! Whichever end you are on, the photographed or the photographer, please exercise all proper manners when asking for a photo, or when getting photos taken.
Asking for a cosplayer, or anyone, for a photo is easy! Make sure they are not in the middle of eating or interacting with another attendee. If they are in conversation and you really want a photo, be courteous. A simple, “Excuse me, can I take a photo? If now is a bad time, will you be free a little later?” is definitely acceptable. Do not, under any circumstances, take photos that you do not have consent to take. This includes interfering with photographers who are in the middle of a photoshoot. Always ask permission.
If someone asks to take a photo of you, great! That is a great compliment and usually, they are just excited about your costume, or work, as you are! It is important to be respectful, and if you do not feel comfortable having your photo taken, do not feel obligated to allow it to happen. If someone persists and takes a photo you did not consent of, or touches you inappropriately in any way, alert convention staff immediately.
Advice
Out of any advice I can give, my strongest piece is to be ready for your plans to change. Guests cancel, panels get pushed, and lines can get way longer than anticipated. Go into the convention with goals, but also go in with an open mind. At the end of the day, the point of the show is to celebrate our favorite fandoms with the people who make us love it.
Have fun and I hope to see you at the con!
More information will be added periodically
Show Map from FanExpoDallas.com – click for HQ PDF:
TFW is known for hosting spectacular guests from the Horror industry, and this year is no exception. The star-studded celebrity lineup includes Mischa Barton (The Sixth Sense, Into the Dark, The OC), Doug Bradley (Hellraiser, The Cottage), Matthew Lillard (Scream, Scooby Doo), and Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Alien: Resurrection, Sons of Anarchy).
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