MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando
- Publication: Okeechobee News
- Date: 2014-03-28
- Author: Katrina Elsken
- Page: 10
- Language: English
MegaCon—Orlando's annual celebration of comic-book, anime, gaming, science fiction and fantasy—took over the Orange County Convention Center March 21-23. Those attending—estimated at more than 80,000—included participants from all over the world. The convention-goers filled more than 4,000 rooms in Orlando hotels and spent an estimated $23 million in the Orlando area during the three-day event.
Since this year's MegaCon guest list featured stars from "The Walking Dead," the event was a natural fit for folks who live in the city declared online to be "the safest place in the United States in case of Zombie Apocalypse." (If it's on the internet, it has to be true, right?) Quite a few Okeechobee area residents drove up to Orlando to take part in the fun.
For those not fond of zombies, the convention included something for everyone. Other media guests included stars from Torchwood, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars and Star Trek.
Legendary comic book icon Stan Lee was a special guest at the convention.
Gamers could choose from card, video, role playing and LARP (live action role playing) games. The popular Lego pit showcased complicated Lego art, and also included tables filled with colorful blocks where children of all ages could work on their own Lego creations. Panel discussions covered a wide range of topics including building your own robots, belly dancing, making costumes and movie props, film making and dealing with bullying. There were workshops for writers and for those interested in computer animation.
Film buffs enjoyed an amateur film festival and got some insights into upcoming films at the movie trailer show.
Evening events include comedy shows, concerts and dance parties. One comedian explained this is the one place that he can tell stories based on comics, video games and science fiction and everyone gets the jokes.
The vendor area included more than 400 exhibitors offering a wide variety of comic books, clothing, games, jewelry and even furniture. The Artists Alley section was filled with more than 250 artists selling their own original artwork. Some of the artists drew custom artwork on the spot. All were happy to discuss their craft and give tips to those who hope to have their own work for sale someday. A few science fiction authors were on hand to sell and sign their books.
The fans themselves are a big part of the convention draw. About a third of those in attendance come in costume. A panel on "cosplay" (costume role play) explained that fans dress as a character in order to honor that character or actor, or the writer who created the character. Some of the costumes are incredibly elaborate and most of them are hand-made. Costumes that show a lot of creativity get the most attention. Everyone can participate. Those in costume range from tiny tots in superhero costumes to grandparents dressed as characters from the movies and TV shows of their youth. One young man turned his wheel chair into the iron throne from "Game of Thrones" and came dressed as Tyrion Lannister.
Megacon organizers will soon start plans for the 2015 convention and are open to fan comments on how to make it even better. One issue already in negotiations with the convention center is using larger auditoriums for panels at the 2015 convention. At this year's convention, fans overflowed the 1,800 seat rooms for some of the more popular panels.
MegaCon organizers welcome fan comment on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/MegaCon-Convention.
For more photos from MegaCon see the Okeechobee News page on facebook.
Captions:
This fan turned his wheelchair into the iron throne from the HBO series "Game of Thrones."
MegaCon participants in costume included fans of the British science fiction show, "Dr. Who." Costumes include (left to right) The War Doctor, First Doctor, 10th Doctor, 11th Doctor, Fourth Doctor and Ninth Doctor.
Disney characters are always popular at MegaCon in Orlando.
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- APA 6th ed.: Elsken, Katrina (2014-03-28). MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando. Okeechobee News p. 10.
- MLA 7th ed.: Elsken, Katrina. "MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando." Okeechobee News [add city] 2014-03-28, 10. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: Elsken, Katrina. "MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando." Okeechobee News, edition, sec., 2014-03-28
- Turabian: Elsken, Katrina. "MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando." Okeechobee News, 2014-03-28, section, 10 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/MegaCon_attracts_record_crowds_in_Orlando | work=Okeechobee News | pages=10 | date=2014-03-28 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=8 May 2025 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=MegaCon attracts record crowds in Orlando | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/MegaCon_attracts_record_crowds_in_Orlando | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=8 May 2025}}</ref>
