PNW people?

[Tak]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone on here knows anything about Sakura-Con in Seattle Washington USA? A certain someone wants to go and I’m wondering what it’s like.

 

[Skybreeze]

Welp, my brain is totally warped as I ready "PNW" as "Ponies North West." Sometimes I tell ya my brain needs more rest and relaxation than it gets.

Sadly, I can't offer you any tips other than maybe having a look for a FB group to see fin they have any info/recommendations? I know a lot of our local cons have various groups set up on all socials these days.

 

[Tak]

Welp, my brain is totally warped as I ready "PNW" as "Ponies North West." Sometimes I tell ya my brain needs more rest and relaxation than it gets.

Sadly, I can't offer you any tips other than maybe having a look for a FB group to see fin they have any info/recommendations? I know a lot of our local cons have various groups set up on all socials these days.

Thank you! I did find the group. I think we could all use a rest break soon.

 

[Jellybean]

::slides into thread sideways:: Sakura-Con, you say? ∠( ᐛ 」∠)

I'm close enough I've been going to this con for over 10 years now. It's kind of my "home" convention.
Seattle is expensive, the convention center is impressively (and confusingly) labyrinthine. The cosplay is very good, tends to be a mix of what's trending and old classics. They have fun panels and activities but I almost always just cosplay nowadays, maybe attend one or two panels if something neat is going on. It definitely feels like a young peoples' convention (which I am no longer, but I still like to go).
What all would you like to know?

 

[Tak]

::slides into thread sideways:: Sakura-Con, you say? ∠( ᐛ 」∠)

I'm close enough I've been going to this con for over 10 years now. It's kind of my "home" convention.
Seattle is expensive, the convention center is impressively (and confusingly) labyrinthine. The cosplay is very good, tends to be a mix of what's trending and old classics. They have fun panels and activities but I almost always just cosplay nowadays, maybe attend one or two panels if something neat is going on. It definitely feels like a young peoples' convention (which I am no longer, but I still like to go).
What all would you like to know?

My E wants to go. I have their friend’s mother willing to take them, but just wondering how busy, fun for 13 year olds who love gaming, cosplay, and anime? Also considering if I would be able to go. I’m pretty familiar with Seattle from my many visits over the years and my doctor gave me the ok since it’s nearby. My parents can’t even object much since I have my Wesley to accompany me and they’ll be even closer to Seattle. Are the crowds packed? Or is there at least elbow space? The only con I have actually been to was rose-city comic-con in Portland OR back in 2017. It wasn’t too busy.

(Are you going to the 2023 event?)

 

[Jellybean]

I think a 13 year old who loves gaming, cosplay, and anime would find lots to do at SC. They have free to play retro console rooms, not sure how new the consoles get. It's ostensibly a Japanese culture-oriented con, so cosplay tends to be mostly anime and games-themed, with pop culture, movie characters and memes mixed in. Vendors carry things of this nature too. If there's a newer, popular anime that E has been into, there's almost certain to be some cosplay representin' it.

Crowding: I have limited experience with other cons, though I've seen lots of photos and vids from other ones, and have been to Rose City a few times. SakuraCon has traffic bottlenecks such as escalators, street crossings, the doors to the park, and the badge pickup line, but in most areas you can quickly find a place to duck out of traffic if you need to. There's more than one way to get from floor to floor and door to door, so that helps. The one exception I've run into the last couple years is Artists Alley, which has been packed the last couple times I looked. I might be visiting at busy times. I'm not sure when the new chunk of the convention center will open or whether it'll be used by SC in 2023. It's been under construction a long time.

I have passes to go to 2023, so I should be there, god willing and the creek don't rise.

Some tips:

Try to get familiar with the layout of the convention center and the grounds around it via maps, videos, and photos before arriving. Freeway park is kind of a concrete maze and some sides of the building take a long walk before you get to a door.

If there's a particular type of cosplay E would like to see, keep an eye on social media groups and on the schedule and look for cosplay meetups where they can see lots of people goofing around getting photos together. These meetups don't always last very long after the start time, so try not to be late to them. (Again, being familiar with the proposed locations for the meetups really helps.)

Prepare for variable weather. Most years we luck out and get some nice sunshine on the weekend, but we have also had rainy cons where most people stayed inside the building instead of spreading out all over the park getting photos of their cosplays. If it's nice out and you're idle, consider a stroll outside to explore the park and people-watch. Often there's some rain and sun in the same weekend.

Consider eating outside of local mealtimes or pack food. Area food merchants and restaurants get crowded when everyone gets hungry. If fruit smoothies are ok by your diet, the Juicy Cafe behind the terraced escalators is a go-to spot and fine for people-watching while snacking.

Pack a charger for phones. Wireless signal can get spotty inside all that concrete architecture, and sometimes phones get sapped searching for signal (and taking photos).

Consider cosplaying, if it's something you or E are at all interested in, you may find as soon as you get to the con and start seeing cosplay everywhere you'll wish you had something to wear! Something that's comfortable is best for the first go, so it doesn't put a damper on the good time.

If it gets overwhelming, find a quiet corner or plan a visit to the quiet lounge, which is set up specifically for people who need to get a break from sensory overload (usually on the top floor off the beaten path).

Any more questions, ask away! ^_^

 

[Uftaki]

(okay, long rambling story incoming. Sorry for the TL-DR people. If you don't wanna hear my blather on, don't read past the line) @Jellybean has given you a lot of fantastic advice, so... I'm just gonna ramble here as it is late and I get nostalgically long-winded when it's late, apparently.

TL-DR - my memories of Sakura Con are very happy ones, so if you and E are considering attending it, I'd recommend it! There should be something for each of you to do, and have fun there.

---

Sakura Con! That takes me back! It was the first anime-con I ever went to (when it was first called Baka-Con!) and still the one I regularly went to and attended the most times! I used to volunteer as Registration Staff! Had SO much fun at that con! My favourite parts were the vendors room, the AMV contest, and just going around seeing everyone's costumes!

I haven't been back for YEARS, though. The groups I used to go with stopped going, and the last time I went my old pal I roomed with - who wasn't going - set me up with some of her friends, but I knew none of them, and, well... it was awkward. Registration co-workers said next time I could room with one of them, but I felt like I was starting to fall out of the whole con-going thing. No one I knew to room with, going down to Seattle on Greyhound was starting to feel tiring, and for more reasons... I just stopped going.

Sometimes I wonder about going down, again. Checking out the con scene as an older adult. A lot of time has past, and I've changed quite a bit. I feel totally fine about booking a room all for myself, now - in fact, I prefer being able to book a room for myself; some peace and quiet whenever I want it, and I don't have to worry about bugging anyone if I wanna go to sleep early! I drive now, too... so I could theoretically drive myself there, but I haven't driven at all in the US yet, and I'd be afraid about getting lost/getting a ticket down there. We don't have Greyhound in Canada any more, so I don't even know how I'd get down there, even. It'd be something to look into, at least.

...all this just makes me want to pull out all my old Sakura Con badges and see how long I DID go there for, and when exactly I stopped. ^_^;

 

[Jellybean]

Sometimes I wonder about going down, again. Checking out the con scene as an older adult. A lot of time has past, and I've changed quite a bit. I feel totally fine about booking a room all for myself, now

ohh, you should come back and see what you think! Cosplay seems to keep getting more impressive as time goes by. I agree, having a room not too far away to retreat to is the way to go if you can afford it.

I have a friend who occasionally takes a bus to from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, to visit a friend, so there may still be such options for you. And if you drive, GPS has gotten a lot more helpful over the years, too. ^_^

Now I'm imagining a mini meetup of pony people at SakuraCon! That would be fun, if we could schedule it when no one will have FOMO on something else on the schedule, hehe.

 

[Tak]

I think a 13 year old who loves gaming, cosplay, and anime would find lots to do at SC. They have free to play retro console rooms, not sure how new the consoles get. It's ostensibly a Japanese culture-oriented con, so cosplay tends to be mostly anime and games-themed, with pop culture, movie characters and memes mixed in. Vendors carry things of this nature too. If there's a newer, popular anime that E has been into, there's almost certain to be some cosplay representin' it.

Crowding: I have limited experience with other cons, though I've seen lots of photos and vids from other ones, and have been to Rose City a few times. SakuraCon has traffic bottlenecks such as escalators, street crossings, the doors to the park, and the badge pickup line, but in most areas you can quickly find a place to duck out of traffic if you need to. There's more than one way to get from floor to floor and door to door, so that helps. The one exception I've run into the last couple years is Artists Alley, which has been packed the last couple times I looked. I might be visiting at busy times. I'm not sure when the new chunk of the convention center will open or whether it'll be used by SC in 2023. It's been under construction a long time.

I have passes to go to 2023, so I should be there, god willing and the creek don't rise.

Some tips:

Try to get familiar with the layout of the convention center and the grounds around it via maps, videos, and photos before arriving. Freeway park is kind of a concrete maze and some sides of the building take a long walk before you get to a door.

If there's a particular type of cosplay E would like to see, keep an eye on social media groups and on the schedule and look for cosplay meetups where they can see lots of people goofing around getting photos together. These meetups don't always last very long after the start time, so try not to be late to them. (Again, being familiar with the proposed locations for the meetups really helps.)

Prepare for variable weather. Most years we luck out and get some nice sunshine on the weekend, but we have also had rainy cons where most people stayed inside the building instead of spreading out all over the park getting photos of their cosplays. If it's nice out and you're idle, consider a stroll outside to explore the park and people-watch. Often there's some rain and sun in the same weekend.

Consider eating outside of local mealtimes or pack food. Area food merchants and restaurants get crowded when everyone gets hungry. If fruit smoothies are ok by your diet, the Juicy Cafe behind the terraced escalators is a go-to spot and fine for people-watching while snacking.

Pack a charger for phones. Wireless signal can get spotty inside all that concrete architecture, and sometimes phones get sapped searching for signal (and taking photos).

Consider cosplaying, if it's something you or E are at all interested in, you may find as soon as you get to the con and start seeing cosplay everywhere you'll wish you had something to wear! Something that's comfortable is best for the first go, so it doesn't put a damper on the good time.

If it gets overwhelming, find a quiet corner or plan a visit to the quiet lounge, which is set up specifically for people who need to get a break from sensory overload (usually on the top floor off the beaten path).

Any more questions, ask away! ^_^

(okay, long rambling story incoming. Sorry for the TL-DR people. If you don't wanna hear my blather on, don't read past the line) @Jellybean has given you a lot of fantastic advice, so... I'm just gonna ramble here as it is late and I get nostalgically long-winded when it's late, apparently.

TL-DR - my memories of Sakura Con are very happy ones, so if you and E are considering attending it, I'd recommend it! There should be something for each of you to do, and have fun there.

---

Sakura Con! That takes me back! It was the first anime-con I ever went to (when it was first called Baka-Con!) and still the one I regularly went to and attended the most times! I used to volunteer as Registration Staff! Had SO much fun at that con! My favourite parts were the vendors room, the AMV contest, and just going around seeing everyone's costumes!

I haven't been back for YEARS, though. The groups I used to go with stopped going, and the last time I went my old pal I roomed with - who wasn't going - set me up with some of her friends, but I knew none of them, and, well... it was awkward. Registration co-workers said next time I could room with one of them, but I felt like I was starting to fall out of the whole con-going thing. No one I knew to room with, going down to Seattle on Greyhound was starting to feel tiring, and for more reasons... I just stopped going.

Sometimes I wonder about going down, again. Checking out the con scene as an older adult. A lot of time has past, and I've changed quite a bit. I feel totally fine about booking a room all for myself, now - in fact, I prefer being able to book a room for myself; some peace and quiet whenever I want it, and I don't have to worry about bugging anyone if I wanna go to sleep early! I drive now, too... so I could theoretically drive myself there, but I haven't driven at all in the US yet, and I'd be afraid about getting lost/getting a ticket down there. We don't have Greyhound in Canada any more, so I don't even know how I'd get down there, even. It'd be something to look into, at least.

...all this just makes me want to pull out all my old Sakura Con badges and see how long I DID go there for, and when exactly I stopped. ^_^;

ohh, you should come back and see what you think! Cosplay seems to keep getting more impressive as time goes by. I agree, having a room not too far away to retreat to is the way to go if you can afford it.

I have a friend who occasionally takes a bus to from Seattle to Vancouver, BC, to visit a friend, so there may still be such options for you. And if you drive, GPS has gotten a lot more helpful over the years, too. ^_^

Now I'm imagining a mini meetup of pony people at SakuraCon! That would be fun, if we could schedule it when no one will have FOMO on something else on the schedule, hehe.

I’m so glad I asked! Thank you both! E was looking at the Sakura Con group with me and really wants to go. I found out more about cost, contests, and requirements for the underage, too! I will definitely let you both know if we/they go. It’s not until the same weekend as Easter, so I’ve got time.

I don’t know if I’m really old (40!), but I’m older than most cos players that are active now. E loves cosplay. They have a couple boxes full of various pieces and more make-up than I had in my life so far. We are making a Nezuko box, either way, to go with E’s Nezuko cosplay. If I do go, I could probably pull off an older Tanjiro. (Demon Slayer) E would want a different cosplay each day! Our cosplays wouldn’t be too impressive, but it’s the fun part that really counts.

For travel @Uftaki I know that amtrack connects with buses to B.C. I’ve been looking into getting passports and that’s the first place we would go! E has never been on a ferry.

@Jellybean It’s great you added the tip about food and eating at alternative times! I’ve had anxiety for so long that I usually eat at odd times already. Plus, I think it’s a mom thing, but I always have snacks. lol My purse has the little sewing kit, first-aid, emergency meds, and so much more that I rarely need. Wesley’s service vest has pockets, too, so sometimes I make him carry his own stuff.

(p.s. I had to look up what TR-DR meant!)

 

[AzaleaArt]

W

I’m so glad I asked! Thank you both! E was looking at the Sakura Con group with me and really wants to go. I found out more about cost, contests, and requirements for the underage, too! I will definitely let you both know if we/they go. It’s not until the same weekend as Easter, so I’ve got time.

I don’t know if I’m really old (40!), but I’m older than most cos players that are active now. E loves cosplay. They have a couple boxes full of various pieces and more make-up than I had in my life so far. We are making a Nezuko box, either way, to go with E’s Nezuko cosplay. If I do go, I could probably pull off an older Tanjiro. (Demon Slayer) E would want a different cosplay each day! Our cosplays wouldn’t be too impressive, but it’s the fun part that really counts.

For travel @Uftaki I know that amtrack connects with buses to B.C. I’ve been looking into getting passports and that’s the first place we would go! E has never been on a ferry.

@Jellybean It’s great you added the tip about food and eating at alternative times! I’ve had anxiety for so long that I usually eat at odd times already. Plus, I think it’s a mom thing, but I always have snacks. lol My purse has the little sewing kit, first-aid, emergency meds, and so much more that I rarely need. Wesley’s service vest has pockets, too, so sometimes I make him carry his own stuff.

When I went to anime nyc there was a young girl maybe 10 dressed as Nezuko and she brought her uncle with her to carry her around on his back in the box XD it was pretty cute

 

[Tak]

W

When I went to anime nyc there was a young girl maybe 10 dressed as Nezuko and she brought her uncle with her to carry her around on his back in the box XD it was pretty cute

That sounds so fun!

 

[Jellybean]

I’m so glad I asked! Thank you both! E was looking at the Sakura Con group with me and really wants to go. I found out more about cost, contests, and requirements for the underage, too! I will definitely let you both know if we/they go.

yes, please do!

I don’t know if I’m really old (40!), but I’m older than most cos players that are active now. E loves cosplay. They have a couple boxes full of various pieces and more make-up than I had in my life so far. We are making a Nezuko box, either way, to go with E’s Nezuko cosplay. If I do go, I could probably pull off an older Tanjiro. (Demon Slayer) E would want a different cosplay each day! Our cosplays wouldn’t be too impressive, but it’s the fun part that really counts.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm 42 and I still cosplay (though I tend to need some friends group motivation to get me out the door these days so I try to make plans with my cosplay buddies ahead of time.. and they're all at least 30, most closer to our age!).
Those sound like fun cosplays! Nothing wrong with bringing multiple outfits either!

@Jellybean It’s great you added the tip about food and eating at alternative times! I’ve had anxiety for so long that I usually eat at odd times already. Plus, I think it’s a mom thing, but I always have snacks. lol My purse has the little sewing kit, first-aid, emergency meds, and so much more that I rarely need. Wesley’s service vest has pockets, too, so sometimes I make him carry his own stuff.

Lots of people who come to cons like this have anxiety too, even if it seems like they're happily strutting their stuff in cosplay. I've found it to be a pretty happy convention, where people are excited but also trying to be decent to each other.
Yay, you come prepared! That's excellent! I always pack a little repair kit when cosplaying, too. I've even seen people walk around as emergency cosplay repair technicians with supplies, helping with safety pins and all kinds of things. I love it.

Is your Wesley an ADA working dog? The convention center policy is that non ADA working animals aren't permitted in the buildings, though I'm not sure if staff would confront you if he is wearing the uniform and acting professional. I hope you can bring him!

(p.s. I had to look up what TR-DR meant!)

hehehe that is ok

 

[Tak]

yes, please do!


If it makes you feel any better, I'm 42 and I still cosplay (though I tend to need some friends group motivation to get me out the door these days so I try to make plans with my cosplay buddies ahead of time.. and they're all at least 30, most closer to our age!).
Those sound like fun cosplays! Nothing wrong with bringing multiple outfits either!


Lots of people who come to cons like this have anxiety too, even if it seems like they're happily strutting their stuff in cosplay. I've found it to be a pretty happy convention, where people are excited but also trying to be decent to each other.
Yay, you come prepared! That's excellent! I always pack a little repair kit when cosplaying, too. I've even seen people walk around as emergency cosplay repair technicians with supplies, helping with safety pins and all kinds of things. I love it.

Is your Wesley an ADA working dog? The convention center policy is that non ADA working animals aren't permitted in the buildings, though I'm not sure if staff would confront you if he is wearing the uniform and acting professional. I hope you can bring him!


hehehe that is ok

Wesley is legally an ADA working dog. I have all the training receipts and doctors notes from years. I even got a copy of federal and state service animal laws. Most places wouldn’t allow non-service dogs. (I hope!)

 

[Jellybean]

Wesley is legally an ADA working dog. I have all the training receipts and doctors notes from years. I even got a copy of federal and state service animal laws. Most places wouldn’t allow non-service dogs. (I hope!)

Awesome! No worries there, then!!

 

[AzaleaArt]

Wesley is legally an ADA working dog. I have all the training receipts and doctors notes from years. I even got a copy of federal and state service animal laws. Most places wouldn’t allow non-service dogs. (I hope!)

My little pup has gotten quite clingy lately (not that I mind ) and doesn’t like when I go out without her, so I’ve started bringing her with me to places. I always hold her so maybe that makes a difference, but I’ve brought her in the post office, a library, supermarkets, a craft fair and a McDonald’s and haven’t had any problems so far of course if someone ever said I couldn’t I’d just leave so it wouldn’t be a problem anyway. But I’d never wanna bring her someplace so crowded like a convention! I think it would make her nervous, you’ve got a brave little pup

 

[Tak]

My little pup has gotten quite clingy lately (not that I mind ) and doesn’t like when I go out without her, so I’ve started bringing her with me to places. I always hold her so maybe that makes a difference, but I’ve brought her in the post office, a library, supermarkets, a craft fair and a McDonald’s and haven’t had any problems so far of course if someone ever said I couldn’t I’d just leave so it wouldn’t be a problem anyway. But I’d never wanna bring her someplace so crowded like a convention! I think it would make her nervous, you’ve got a brave little pup

He went through so much training (me, too!) Thank goodness he can handle the crowds. We have a Walgreens nearby that lets dogs in. In many places it depends on management’s choices. I had a yorkie that always wanted to be with me ages ago. It’s hard when they get anxiety without you.

 

[AzaleaArt]

He went through so much training (me, too!) Thank goodness he can handle the crowds. We have a Walgreens nearby that lets dogs in. In many places it depends on management’s choices. I had a yorkie that always wanted to be with me ages ago. It’s hard when they get anxiety without you.

Did he start training as a little puppy or later?
Yeah she’s always followed me around and wanted to sleep in my room and stuff (we call her a flicky like the little creatures in sonic that follow you) but lately when I go out apparently she just sits at the top of the stairs staring at the door and I didn’t know till my mom told me cause I wasn’t there obviously. I don’t take her thrift shopping when me and my mom go though cause it’s too hard to dig through stuff and hold her

 

[Tak]

Did he start training as a little puppy or later?
Yeah she’s always followed me around and wanted to sleep in my room and stuff (we call her a flicky like the little creatures in sonic that follow you) but lately when I go out apparently she just sits at the top of the stairs staring at the door and I didn’t know till my mom told me cause I wasn’t there obviously. I don’t take her thrift shopping when me and my mom go though cause it’s too hard to dig through stuff and hold her

I actually got him for the purpose of being my service dog, so he was getting socialized and training from day one. I brought him home at 8 weeks old, which isn’t really recommended anymore. (He’s 7) He/we started with the trainer when he was 9 weeks old. The scent training was pretty difficult for me. If he can just last with me for four more years then we can be hermits after that.

Poor baby! Honestly, the only reason that I encourage crate training is to reduce the separation anxiety. Our pups don’t like it when they can’t take care of us. Give your sweet girl some love from us.

On a kind of odd, sad note… my neighbor has a shih tzu who is now 12 that will come to us if he passes and I really don’t think she would handle it well. Wesley’s known her since we got him. Here’s a picture because he’s so gentle and cute with her.

 

[AzaleaArt]

I actually got him for the purpose of being my service dog, so he was getting socialized and training from day one. I brought him home at 8 weeks old, which isn’t really recommended anymore. (He’s 7) He/we started with the trainer when he was 9 weeks old. The scent training was pretty difficult for me. If he can just last with me for four more years then we can be hermits after that.

Poor baby! Honestly, the only reason that I encourage crate training is to reduce the separation anxiety. Our pups don’t like it when they can’t take care of us. Give your sweet girl some love from us.

On a kind of odd, sad note… my neighbor has a shih tzu who is now 12 that will come to us if he passes and I really don’t think she would handle it well. Wesley’s known her since we got him. Here’s a picture because he’s so gentle and cute with her.
View attachment 63020

Awe he’s been a good helpful pup right from the start ^_^ cute! I wasn’t sure how it works with service dogs like if the person already has a dog and gets them trained or if they get one specifically for it Lol what do you mean you can be hermits?
Haha yeah I feel too bad seeing her trapped in a crate though ^_^; I’m weak when it comes to my animals as long as what they’re doing isn’t dangerous . She actually came with us today to get a Christmas tree
I’ll give her extra pets from you!
That’s sweet of you to take her in and make sure she’s got a home if something happens at least she’d have a puppy friend to try and make her feel comfortable

 

[Tak]

Awe he’s been a good helpful pup right from the start ^_^ cute! I wasn’t sure how it works with service dogs like if the person already has a dog and gets them trained or if they get one specifically for it Lol what do you mean you can be hermits?
Haha yeah I feel too bad seeing her trapped in a crate though ^_^; I’m weak when it comes to my animals as long as what they’re doing isn’t dangerous . She actually came with us today to get a Christmas tree View attachment 63021
I’ll give her extra pets from you!
That’s sweet of you to take her in and make sure she’s got a home if something happens at least she’d have a puppy friend to try and make her feel comfortable

I’ll pm you! I think I hijacked my own thread!

I may have found and adult willing to go with us! Either way, it looks like E’s going. I got their membership/tickets. Not going to enter any contests, but definitely wanting a cosplay for each day. I’ll see if I’m going closer to march.