We're close. So very close. And we all know that cons aren't for sissies. There are still some good rules, or guidelines as it were, for surviving at Dragon*Con (or any other convention).
4-3-1 Rule: 4 hours of sleep, 3 meals, 1 shower
This should be the minimum mandatory for us all especially concerning the shower. 40k+ people packed into that small a space requires good hygiene habits.
Hygiene rule: Cleanliness is next to Wheatoness.
Wash your hands frequently and before you put anything in your mouth. If you're not near a sink, use hand sanitizer. Con crud sucks and you don't want to pass it on to anyone else.
Elevator rule: Go up to go down, Go down to go up
If there's space on the elevator, get on it. It doesn't matter if it's going the direction you want. It'll go that way soon enough.
Corollary to the Elevator rule: Pointy costumes on the elevator, wait for the next.
Trust me, I've gotten poked in the face/back of the head/tit too many times while pressed back against the glass in an elevator at the Hyatt.
2nd Corollary to the Elevator rule: Be prepared to get up close and personal with strangers.
I swear, dude, I did not mean to grab your ass. I got bumped by Chewbacca. Okay, the first time, I got bumped by Chewy. The second time was an ass grab. Sorry. Nice top hat, by the by.
3rd Corollary to the Elevator rule: The Stair rule: The stairs can be your friend.
BISis has no patience with waiting for things. She also doesn't understand any of the DC elevator rules. I'm prepared to take the stairs most of the time. This year I've requested that we be on the 10th floor or below. I can do 10 flights a couple times a day. Last year though, the 16th floor almost killed me. By the by, the stairwells are gross by the end of the con.
Line rule: Talk to people.
I've always had great conversations with complete strangers while waiting in line for my badge (really, with as long as that wait is, you might as well enjoy it) and for panels. Dragon*Con is filled with people just like you. You never know, you could make life long friends, or at least, a weekend drinking buddy.
Costumes rule: Be prepared.
Have a sewing kit. Always change your underwear. Or possibly don't plan on wearing the same costume/outfit everyday. Also consider how difficult it will be to navigate stairs, rows between chairs, and the bathroom in the costume. Also be prepared for the heat. Atlanta is called Hotlanta for a reason. It's supposed to be in the low 90s for most of the weekend, and this is the south, we don't have low humidity.
Corollary to the Costume rule: Don't stand too close.
I love steampunk outfits. They are fantastic. They also frequently have sharp, and pointy edges especially if they have steampunk fairy wings. Don't walk to closely. Pointy hurts. (Pardon my Willow moment.) This goes for costumes with weapons as well. It's all fun and games til someone gets an eye put out and most people don't look good in an eyepatch. They're also hard to game in, eyepatches that is.
Second most important con rule, (i.e. The Wheaton Rule): Don't be a dick!
Listen to the wise and all knowing (or mostly knowing anyway) Wil Wheaton. He know of which he speaks.
And above all else, Most Important Con Rule: Have fun!
I know I'm forgetting a few here. Feel free to add more to the comments.
