Shorah Mysterium attendees!
It’s only a couple weeks until Mysterium! I’ve seen a few people on Facebook ask for ideas on what to bring to the convention. So, as someone who has attended quite a few conventions and is a native of the Sunshine State, I thought I’d put together a handy list of suggestions of what to bring.
For Mysterium itself:
- Lanyard for your badge (yes, we’re doing lanyard-style badges this year! We’ll have plenty available at the reg desk, but if you have a lanyard you prefer, go ahead and bring it)
- Board or card games to play during social time in the evenings
- A camera is always a good idea
You don’t have to bring a printout of your email confirmation. We’ll check you in at the reg desk if you give us your badge name or real name. However, if you are a minor or are attending with a minor, don’t forget to fill out a parental consent form, found here. We will also have copies available at the registration desk.
What else might you need in Orlando?
I know of several attendees who are staying extra days and going to theme parks or other Orlando area attractions. Here’s my suggestions to make the trip smoother overall.
Know the climate. It’s warm, humid, and rains a lot at this time of year. Make sure to bring clothing that you’ll be comfortable in, whether it’s hanging around the hotel or going on a trip to a theme park or other local attractions. My clothing suggestions include:
- Swimsuit (we usually have unofficial Thursday and Sunday night pool parties)
- Shorts
- Light colored t-shirts
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain jacket or poncho or umbrella
- They make tiny fold-up ponchos that are perfect for carrying around in a pocket or bag!
- Sunglasses
- A light jacket (it can be chilly indoors because of AC)
If you’re spending a lot of time outside, also consider:
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
If you don’t have a car with you, you might be getting around Orlando via public transit, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
- If you’re going to be using LYNX, you can get tickets here. A single trip is $2, payable in exact amount cash.
- An all-day pass is $4.50 and a 7-day pass for people staying a while is $16.
- You can get an all-day pass on the bus, but ask an operator before starting to pay.
- If you’re using the I-RIDE trolley,which runs along the boulevard in front of the hotel:
- Taxi: Not all taxis take credit cards, so we recommend having a ready supply of cash.
- If you’re calling to book a taxi, verify with the company if it is cash or card for payment. If you’re hailing one directly, ask the driver.
- The fare pays the company. It is commonly expected to tip on top of the fare, to thank the individual driver. 15% is standard and 20-25% reflects excellent service
- Ride-sharing apps, like Lyft and Uber, keep your credit card on file and charge to it automatically. Just make sure you have the app installed on your phone if you plan to use it.
Finally, here are some miscellaneous things you don’t want to forget.
- Theme Park Tickets
- Money for souvenirs and food
- Electronics
- Laptop or tablet and cell phone are pretty common travel items
- An external battery for smartphone or tablet might be a great idea if you’re going to be spending many hours at a theme park
- Medications
- Don’t forget any prescriptions.
- You might want allergy medication, anti-itch cream to treat any bug bites, aloe vera in case you get a sunburn, or something for headaches
Hopefully this helps with your Mysterium packing!
-Capella
Mysterium 2017 Co-Chair