PIT THOUGHTS: MEGACON ORLANDO IS THE PREMIERE FAN CULTURE EVENT – FEBRUARY 1-4, 2024 AT ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

 

If you have lived in the Central Florida area over the past few years, you’ve probably heard of MEGACON Orlando. If you have not, then I am shocked! The event officially formed back in 1993 when it was held at the Orlando Expo Center and since that time has grown by leaps and bounds. The convention held now over 4 days is the home to attendees who love sci-fi, fantasy and comic book television shows and movies, comic books, anime television shows and movies, cosplay, and so much more. It’s become such a welcoming event to fans of genres of media. Last year’s attendance was over 160,000 and this year is gearing up to break that record.

So you may be asking yourself what’s there to do at MEGACON Orlando. Well, there are tons of opportunities to meet your favorite celebrities, sit in on panels they are hosting, meet your favorite comic book writers and artists, buy merchandise in their massive exhibitor hall, and even take photos of the thousands of people who show up in cosplay. I personally know so many people who attend this event just to get dressed up in cosplay to show off to other attendees. It is family friendly, entertaining, and all around a memorable experience. So why should you attend?

Let’s start off with the massive celebrity list MEGACON Orlando announced this year:

TV and Movie Guests

Ewan McGregor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Episodes I-III plus his own show on Disney+.

Hayden Christensen who played Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in Star Wars Episodes I-III and in Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.

Inaki Goody who played Monkey D. Luffy in Netflix’s adaptation of One Piece.

William Shatner who played Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek television series and movies.

And there are so many more celebrities to see including Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis from Thelma and Louise, some of the actors from Stranger Things, Stephen Amell from Arrow and Heels, and the original Charmed sisters will be in attendance.

Voice Actor Guests

Dee Bradley Baker who voiced Captain Rex in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and many other Clone Troopers plus his work on Spongebob Squarepants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and so much more.

Chris Sarandon who voiced Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Peter Cullen who voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers television series alongside Frank Welker who voiced Megatron.

Comic Guests

For those who are truly more comic fans, MEGACON Orlando is bringing in legendary creator Frank Miller for his work on Daredevil, The Dark Knight Returns, and Sin City. Marc Silvestri will also be in attendance who created Witchblade and The Darkness, two of my personal all-time favorite series.

If you wish to see the full list of guests for MEGACON Orlando, go to https://fanexpohq.com/megaconorlando/all-guests/.

Plan Your Visit!

MEGACON Orlando will be held at the Orange County Convention Center from February 1-4, 2023. Show hours are listed below:

Show Hours:
Thursday 4 PM – 9 PM^
Friday 10 AM – 7 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

^ Special Preview on Thursday at 2 PM for VIP, Ultimate, and 4-Day pass holders who purchase in advance.

The convention center is right off the 528 (Beach Line). Please note traffic will be heavy on those days so it is recommended to get there early or plan to wait. It is also recommended to get a parking pass in advance so you wont have to worry about paying for parking on your arrival. If you are traveling from out of town, it is recommended to book your hotels as soon as possible as they will fill up. There are some hotels within walking distance of the convention center and others within a quick car trip. You can find full details of hotels at https://fanexpohq.com/megaconorlando/travel-hotels/.

So what about the cost to attend MEGACON Orlando?