FanimeCon 2026 Forums

FOOD

I was lucky enough to be a frequent visitor to Dave & Busters in Milpitas, CA, and saved up enough prize tickets to win a Rice Cooker. This turned out as a real godsend for me at Fanime, DEEPLY cutting down on the food budget, making dining out a luxury and a treat instead of a requirement. We would splurge at night and order a pizza from Round Table. Buying one meal a day is pretty good. If you get the chance, I HIGHLY recommend buying one. Then we buy a big sack of rice to last us the duration of the con, possibly more than one sack (just in case), and multiple bottles of soy sauce, or 1-2 big jugs of it. And if you plan on food as being not so high on your priority list, this is DEFINATELY the best way to go. BUT! Make sure you bring measuring cups and a cup or scooper for your rice. You can also use the water from the tap in your hotel bathroom. The water will boil in your rice cooker, and remove most if not all of any possible "funny" aftertaste for those that are really picky. Another recommendation for this is to bring your OWN flatware. This is mainly to avoid inconveniencing Room Service and asking them just to bring up a bunch of forks and spoons to your room, as well as bowls. BUY A LOT OF BOWLS! I recommend Target, and buy a lot of those disposable paper bowls, and plastic utensils while you're at it. It will cut down on tableware that needs to be washed. Another good thing about bringing your own forks, spoons, and bowls...you don't need to worry about the cleaning lady taking them away so you have to call to have more brought up. This is of course, assuming that they can get in at the right time when you're away and not sleeping, partying, gaming, or watching more anime.

All in all...I'm planning to pitch in about $25-$50 for a Food Fund at our hotel room. Just in case we wanna order another pizza, or go out to eat.


FINANCES

This year, my tax refund check was worth $300. All that went straight to my Fanime Fund Money, where I would not touch it, only add to it. Considering I have 1-2 more pay periods, I plan to add $100-$300 more to it, bringing the total up to about $400-$600. I don't plan on going to anything on Thursday, I'm budgeting for Fri-Monday. I'm planning to divide the money up evenly and spend about $100 a day, leaving me some possible elbow room if I plan to make a BIG purchase in the Dealer's Room, or something REALLY nice in Artist's Alley, such as a commissioned art piece. And as far as putting in for MY share of the hotel room, for my birthday, my FPU (Female Parental Unit) has graciously offered to pay $200 towards my part of the hotel room. That's the only reason I'm not taking the hotel room finances into account here.


HOTEL

This one should be short and easy. Depending on the size of the room you're getting, (we're staying at the Marriot right AT the con) however many nights you plan to stay, my recommendation is to get minimum, one person for every day. If you're staying from Thurs-Monday, then get at least 3 other people so there's 4 of you. Then each of you pays for one night's stay. And if someone wants to add INTERNET ACCESS, then THEY have to pony up the extra dough! (It's a good idea to get it though, that way you can look up titles listed in the Video Room schedule to see if you'd be interested in seeing it). Now I only say MINIMUM, because if you get more people to crash and chip in...then the cost is divided further, so less each person has to pay. Of course, the Hotel will only allow so many people to the room OFFICIALLY. So keep in mind, you're only going to get a certain amount of room keys. If you don't have one, then you're just going to have to hope someone is in the hotel room, or you're buddy-ing up with a roommate. As far as sleeping arrangements, I recommend double beds instead of one large bed. A large bed SOUNDS like a good idea, but here's why I advise AGAINST it. My friend who's putting the money on his card...is nice almost to a fault. If he meets someone that desperately needs a place to sleep, he'll let them crash for one night...then the next...and so on. I don't mind, I like making new friends.

But I digress...

Let's say you get a...somewhat larger sized room with two beds. If you don't mind being mildly cramped, you can fit at least, 8 people. 2 on each bed, 1 in between the beds, 1 possibly in that space between the bed and the wall with the window, 1 at the foot of one bed (at both beds it's stretching it, because there HAS to be a way to get up for the bathroom), and for someone wanting to be by themselves, 1 person can sleep in the closet, as long as you take your suitcases and/or travel bags out first.

Seriously, no joke...the closet. One night two years ago, I went to sleep when nobody else was there. I woke up...and there was a Ranma-chan cosplayer sleeping under the desk, and I could see a pair of feet belonging to someone sleeping in the closet. Both girls...so color me AWKWARD PINK!


HOTEL ROOM GAMING

Now this issue has been subject to many questions (including one thread on this board as far as I know). Are the TVs able to be plugged into for gaming? I'm not sure currently, or about the Hilton, having never stayed there. But we were able to hook up my Playstation 3 to the flat screen TV they had. Although this was after much confusion, and having to ask the Marriott to send up a handyman to help us out.

HERE WAS THE END RESULT!

We were able to get connectivity, but only by using the component cables (YRB). Even though the TVs had an HDMI input jack, we were unable to figure out how to use it, and I believe the handyman told us we were unable to use it because of the way the hotel had it set up. It might take some playing around with...but it CAN be done. Although, if you want to avoid the hassle...and are a complete jackass...you can bring your own flat screen from home. I HIGHLY advise against this, even IF you have a lot of protection for transporting it. There are so many variables that can happen to damage the TV from your home all the way to your hotel room. Think about it...

Room in your house--->Vehicle--->Hotel (trolly maybe)--->Hotel Room--->TV stand

And this is assuming that the room you're staying at has ROOM to put the TV in! So unless you're bring a normal boxy tube TV, leave it at home. The hotel won't pay for it even if their bellhops accidentally let it fall from the trolley.

Ok...now that all THAT is out of the way...I can recommend stuff to do while at Fanime.


WHAT TO DO

As I said before, chip in for the High Speed Internet access to your hotel room. I'm doing it this year. That way I'll be able to gather information on what's going to be shown in the Video Rooms. Otherwise, I'm limited to watching what I've already seen, parodies, or being lucky enough to have something catch my eye as I'm walking past an open door. But don't spend ALL your time in video rooms. Myself, I only spend a limited amount of time there.

Probably one of the main reasons I come to Fanime is to shop. be honest...that's what most of us like to do. As for what to buy...here's my RULE OF THUMB. If you see something you REALLY want and fall in love with at first sight...and you have the money to get it...BUY IT. Treat yourself to something nice if it doesn't put you over budget. But I'd try to limit that practice to things like figurines, clothing, weapons...mainly import stuff. Probably the only thing I wouldn't practice that with is DVDs. You can buy anime anytime online, so what I'd advise is to hold off on buying anime till maybe last 2 days of the con. But then again...it's a suggestion. You might find something you haven't seen in years.

Also, visit Artist's Alley! You will find some unbelievable treasures here. There are so many awesome artists that come to Fanime every year to display and show off their work. And it's not all just pictures and drawings. A lot of them sell their published mangas, or little knick-knacks with their art on it. And if you HAPPEN to have money to burn, you might find an artist there that does commissions. If you pay them enough, they might finish it before the con is over too!

Cosplaying is probably one of the biggest parts of Fanime. everywhere you go you're going to see cosplayers, hell, you might even be one yourself! Bring a camera, preferably a digital so you can take many pictures. A side note...Some of the Guests of Honor may be seen walking the floor outside of their Panels, but these tend to be the REAL geeks. You may want to bring a sharpie pen just in case you get a chance to ask for their autograph.

BRING A COMPUTER...but leave it in your hotel room. Yes there is free internet access in the hallways...but why do you want to lug your laptop around wherever you go?


WHO TO SEE

This is the section where I "advertise" for people I like.

A gaming store near my house, Play N' Trade, will be manning a booth in the Dealer's Room. I go there mainly because they have so many retro games in their store from PS2 and XBOX, all the way to NES and Sega Genesis. The ones I met at the store are ULTIMATE geeks and one in particular loves to talk shop and knows MASSIVE knowledge about old school gaming. Check them out, and give'm a holla!

David Wong...the man...the myth...the legend. I met this guy at the very FIRST Fanime that I attended in 2001. My dad found an article in the paper about Fanime and asked if I wanted to check it out. I went for a day, and was amazed. I went to Artist's Alley (which at the time was in a hallway, so the name was appropriate. I saw David Wong's stuff and was fascinated. Ever since then I had to visit his booth every year, and every year I leave with more than one piece that he's done. And hell, he doesn't mind chatting it up with you if he's got the time. This guy is a total class act, he can talk vulgar and obscene, and has a heart of gold. He's funny as hell, and is about guaranteed to make you laugh. He also does great commissions, and is almost always willing to negotiate the price. I overheard him say once to a customer, "If we sign a contract saying you have to bring a doughnut to my house every morning for two weeks, then that's what the price will be." And just like the sign at his booth says..."Will draw anything...YES, EVEN THAT!"



Well, that about covers everything I can think of now. If you have any questions or things to add, post! Please post! I want to hear your reactions. Anyways...so long, and SEE YOU AT FANIMECON 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty comprehensive guide you got here

:D

Very, very much second the "only having to splurge and eat out for one meal a day really saves your ass" sentiment. To add onto the "save money for food by bringing outside food" thing, most grocery stores sell cheap packs of instant noodles. I know this is most definitely not a healthy choice (rice is much better, but alas, not everyone is lucky enough to be blessed at Dave and Busters' games to get tickets or have a rice cooker that is younger than their mother is), but it is a very cheap one. Especially as said large packs are usually 12 cups for under $5. Flats of water are also an excellent investment. Bottled water around the convention area is one of those harder-to-find commodities, and in-convention is just insanely expensive. And staying hydrated is more important than anyone can stress, especially since it is usually rather warm Fanime weekend.

I fully second everyone else this guide mentions, but do want to add in, maybe plan to set aside some money to tip the cleaning service. Because over the weekend, especially if you have more people coming in and out of the room than the hotel officially allows, you will need new towels. Which means the cleaning staff will need to navigate around the costumes, luggage, dealer's room or artist's alley swag, napping people, etc strewn about the room to do so. It just means a little bit nicer service and that the staff doesn't shoot us death glares in the hallways. (or at least shoot fewer of them)

I think we may be roomates again. LOL

I have taken care of the food arrangements. XD

Most of this is just general and I don't see the point of it, but I'm going to have to say...

ABSOLUTELY NO

about the food thing.

One meal a day, and rice+soy sauce the rest of the time IS AN ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE IDEA. Yes, it will sustain you, but it is hardly healthy, nor will it give you decent nutrients for an overactive weekend.

EAT... REAL... FOOD...

If you can't afford to eat for 1 weekend, FRANKLY, YOU SHOULDN'T BE GOING TO FANIME.

If you would rather eat rice and soy sauce for a weekend, so you can buy a 60$ figure... YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

There is a refrigerator in the hotel rooms(ask to be sure). If you want to save money, that's fine... but bring food that will appropriately sustain you. Rice and a rice cooker is fine, bring cold cuts, and vegetables to eat with it. A banana is incredibly healthy cheap and gives you a lot of energy. Asian pickles and rice are much better for you, than just rice and soy sauce. If you don't want to eat AT the convention, you can go and eat at one of hundreds of different places around there. There's a good Mexican place where you can get a meal for under 5$. Hell, even JITB or McDonalds, is better for you than just eating rice.

If you're young, here's some advice. Ask your parents to help you budget and plan. When the schedules come up, LOOK AT THEM, AND PLAN WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. Budget your money and spend appropriately. It's really not that hard. Be realistic. Don't spend money you don't have. Don't over exert yourself. Rest, eat, drink, sleep etc. when you need to. Every year, every con, an ambulance or 5 visits the convention to pick up an attendee that didn't eat, or overexerted themselves, or didn't sleep. Don't be one of these idiots. Take care of yourself, enjoy yourself, but take care of yourself.

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 08:00:29 PM
Most of this is just general and I don't see the point of it, but I'm going to have to say...

ABSOLUTELY NO

about the food thing.

One meal a day, and rice+soy sauce the rest of the time IS AN ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE IDEA. Yes, it will sustain you, but it is hardly healthy, nor will it give you decent nutrients for an overactive weekend.

EAT... REAL... FOOD...

If you can't afford to eat for 1 weekend, FRANKLY, YOU SHOULDN'T BE GOING TO FANIME.

If you would rather eat rice and soy sauce for a weekend, so you can buy a 60$ figure... YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

There is a refrigerator in the hotel rooms(ask to be sure). If you want to save money, that's fine... but bring food that will appropriately sustain you. Rice and a rice cooker is fine, bring cold cuts, and vegetables to eat with it. A banana is incredibly healthy cheap and gives you a lot of energy. Asian pickles and rice are much better for you, than just rice and soy sauce. If you don't want to eat AT the convention, you can go and eat at one of hundreds of different places around there. There's a good Mexican place where you can get a meal for under 5$. Hell, even JITB or McDonalds, is better for you than just eating rice.

If you're young, here's some advice. Ask your parents to help you budget and plan. When the schedules come up, LOOK AT THEM, AND PLAN WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. Budget your money and spend appropriately. It's really not that hard. Be realistic. Don't spend money you don't have. Don't over exert yourself. Rest, eat, drink, sleep etc. when you need to. Every year, every con, an ambulance or 5 visits the convention to pick up an attendee that didn't eat, or overexerted themselves, or didn't sleep. Don't be one of these idiots. Take care of yourself, enjoy yourself, but take care of yourself.

I'm sorry, everything he says makes me laugh, as I can't possibly take him seriously.

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 01, 2009, 08:02:27 PM

I'm sorry, everything he says makes me laugh, as I can't possibly take him seriously.

Irony... good advice makes you laugh, what does that say about you?

Also... why would you use tickets at Dave & Busters to get a rice cooker, doesn't that show how you're bad with money?

You can get a decent rice cooker for 10-20$ at an asian market, or even like, walgreens.

Fanime is recreational and fun. If you can't afford it, you shouldn't go... this goes with almost everything though. If you can't afford a room or to room comfortably with others, if you can't afford to eat well the entire weekend, you really shouldn't go. If you are more concerned with buying toys or posters over eating and having a place to sleep... you are an idiot and I honestly hope you don't go to the con, because people like this give cons a bad name.

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 08:15:47 PM

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 01, 2009, 08:02:27 PM

I'm sorry, everything he says makes me laugh, as I can't possibly take him seriously.

Irony... good advice makes you laugh, what does that say about you?

Also... why would you use tickets at Dave & Busters to get a rice cooker, doesn't that show how you're bad with money?

You can get a decent rice cooker for 10-20$ at an asian market, or even like, walgreens.

Fanime is recreational and fun. If you can't afford it, you shouldn't go... this goes with almost everything though. If you can't afford a room or to room comfortably with others, if you can't afford to eat well the entire weekend, you really shouldn't go. If you are more concerned with buying toys or posters over eating and having a place to sleep... you are an idiot and I honestly hope you don't go to the con, because people like this give cons a bad name.

XD Like you could or WOULD do anything if I went. Look, what's good for you is good for you. Just not the way I do things.

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 01, 2009, 08:21:16 PM
XD Like you could or WOULD do anything if I went. Look, what's good for you is good for you. Just not the way I do things.

Huh? How does this apply at all to anything that was said.

You wrote a guide to advise people, and in that you gave some really bad advice. I pointed out how it's bad advice and an alternative. You actually gave some potentially bad advice that could cause harm to some people. I love how you turn anything said by me into something personal, it's kinda cute.

Rice and Insta noodles isn't enough to sustain me. If you are on a food budget, go shopping before the con. I'm buying my food ahead of time, getting the most food for my buck at the grocery store. And water. Your body needs it.

Quote from: Knightfire on May 01, 2009, 08:46:47 PM
Rice and Insta noodles isn't enough to sustain me. If you are on a food budget, go shopping before the con. I'm buying my food ahead of time, getting the most food for my buck at the grocery store. And water. Your body needs it.

AH! You're right! I forgot one important part to add to the guide!
BTW, in a way, Pyron was right. Let me ADD TO the Food section.

STAY HYDRATED! Before the con begins, or at least after you check into your room, go to a supermarket and buy many cases of bottled water. But try to buy the store brand, unless you have a particular taste. (Water tastes the same to me...unless it's Arrowhead...tastes like dirt) If your room DOES have a fridge, and you are willing to spend a bit more, buy other foodstuffs that will keep. And if your room also has a microwave, then by all means, buy some TV dinners or other foodstuffs that are easy to nuke and eat. Also, you can keep your bottled water in the fridge. Some cosplayers get hot easily and this would be a good idea for you. If your room DOES NOT have a microwave, but DOES have a fridge, then buy bread, cheese, lunch meat and mayo/mustard/whatever to store in there. Sandwiches may be a better alternative for most people.

The only reason I was saying the rice and noodles and stuff...(Honestly, I don't remember mentioning noodles), is cause personally myself, I'm not picky about food, and at Fanime, food isn't my main priority. As long as I have something in my stomach, I can sacrifice "proper" sustinance for a limited amount of time. And if you are going to attempt the "rice diet"...then it's probably best to do it for only 1-2 meals a day. At least 1 meal should be a real one. You could use the previously mentioned sandwich as your 1 "Real Meal" if you want to save some more.

I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 01, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

I still stand by "If you can't afford food then you shouldn't be going". If you are bringing food to save money or for convenience that's fine, but the people that starve themselves or live off things they shouldn't so they can even attend, or buy random toy from the dealers room, really shouldn't be going. These people are clearly not responsible enough to be going out and spending a weekend without supervision.

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 10:51:41 PM

Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 01, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

I still stand by "If you can't afford food then you shouldn't be going". If you are bringing food to save money or for convenience that's fine, but the people that starve themselves or live off things they shouldn't so they can even attend, or buy random toy from the dealers room, really shouldn't be going. These people are clearly not responsible enough to be going out and spending a weekend without supervision.

.... Not that I disagree, but I'm sure a lot of these people who are living off of air, water, and a pack of instant ramen aren't just the kids. >.o


To add, if you don't have a fridge in your room, bring a cooler if possible. That helps too.

EDIT:

A short list of healthy snacks:
Dried fruit
Apples
Oranges
Bananas
Almost any fruit ever
Any veggie that can go unrefrigerated for a while
Nuts
HEALTHY trail mix
Pita chips
Air-popped salted popcorn (from a bag)
PB+J
Granola/a Granola bar
Pretzels
Rice cakes (Add peanut butter!)
Dried peas
Cherry tomatoes

And there are oodles more if you had a fridge. Hummus, carrot sticks and dips, yogurt... Easy-peasy. And also cheaper than buying a lot of the food, orrrrr just good for snacks. KEEP HEALTHY, KIDS. Man is not meant to live on french fries alone.

Food wise, I've always done a mixture of bring it yourself and eating out.

I always go with about 3 or 4 other people. We all chip in for a flat of ramen, 2 cases of water, and healthy snacks like granola bars and fruit. These are used as snacks! As anyone who has had to live on ramen or spaghetti or mac & cheese will tell you, it sucks. Even if you are just doing it for a weekend.

Buy food to take with you, and safe an extra $15 or so each day for food. If you have leftover money at the end of the weekend, then all the better.

I honestly don't know why this is so complicated. I also don't know anyone who is so poor they have to eat ramen or just rice (or even think about doing so) when you can just hold back on buying a stupid plushy or boxes of Pocky in the dealer's room... Finally, I don't even want to list all the places there are to eat but I can safely say if you have $30-$40, you can get through 4 days (lunch and dinner) easily.

Oh, I also forgot one thing. You don't need CASES upon CASES of water. 6-8 will get you through... That's it. I mean unless you're literally running around the con...-_-;

There are... you know, water dispenser thingies with cups all around the SJCC...

I heard some bad news about those things though that's why I avoided mentioning it in case I get sued  ;D

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 10:51:41 PM

Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 01, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

I still stand by "If you can't afford food then you shouldn't be going". If you are bringing food to save money or for convenience that's fine, but the people that starve themselves or live off things they shouldn't so they can even attend, or buy random toy from the dealers room, really shouldn't be going. These people are clearly not responsible enough to be going out and spending a weekend without supervision.

Some people will live off of Fast Food weather they go or not, simply because. There's no point in stopping them of thats  what they will do no matter what. Though it is a good idea to stop them from suggesting it to others.
But I agree with Pyron. At the very least bring something healthy to eat with that rice. On it's own it will barely sustain you if at all. Keeping a assortment of things like bananas and such is a much better idea then solely rice. Water is also important, though a simple bottle will do as hotels have sinks and unless it's different this year there will be water on the Con floor. No need to buy bottled water.



As for this guide. I found that it really did not help with much. As clearly stated the food guide is horrible. The rest of it was barely useful and trailed off into personal experiences more then half the time. The guide should be helping others. I'm reading it and I'm wondering, "Why is he stating that he is not including his hotel room spending simply because his mother is paying for it?" We don't need this. We need the facts. It's okay to comment on something here and there, but past that you should not. It would be great if you set up a chart on how much money one should have for the convention. Otherwise information could be lost in the wall of text.

Now the other half was all right. I still think you trailed far to much and deluded some of the points trying to be made. Again, you should chart stuff out on a list. For instance:
Hotel Room suggestions:
- Bring Sleeping Bags
- Set Showering schedules
- Make sure everyone pays beforehand
- Don't let the hotel find out about the real number of occupants (jk, but not really =P)
-etc, etc

Doing this is simple and helps localize info for the readers. You can start a small rant about the things that would be to complex and such to list in this fashion, but this will make it easier to use.

I believe this guide should be drastically edited.

Quote from: LordKefka on May 02, 2009, 12:04:03 AM
I heard some bad news about those things though that's why I avoided mentioning it in case I get sued  ;D

Oh really =0?
I don't see how you would get sued, but whatever.

My little inside jokes never work :V

Yeah, I thought it was one (-_-)

 I don't agree with the rice thing.
I mean, you could eat healthy if you buy your food ahead of time at a place like Grocery Outlet.
Their stuff is really cheap compared to places like P.W.
I go there for snack food and things like that for camping trips. You can do the same for a con, and stay healthy for a hectic weekend for cheap.

Well in the end, we got a fridge reserved for the room. Currently, we bought 4 cases of bottled water, a case of pocky, some cookies, we're getting some noodle bowls at Costco, and that morning, we're stopping at the Safeway downtown to buy perishables, like sandwhich making materials.

I'm not sure that will quite cut it in the health factor (-_-')

Hey! It's healthy if you make it. Just throw an apple and a couple of carrets in there and you should be good. XP

How about granola bars, and stuff to make sandwhiches? You can get that at a dollar tree/store.

I am buying a large pack of water bottles, (or a few tall ones), store brand crystal light if people want flavor, sandwhich stuff, goodies like the granola bars, maybe some poptarts, and some energy drinks. Maybe a few cookies. Snacks can be carried along. Maybe apples or oranges as a better source for sugar.
I mean...that would be better on the filling and nutritious side.

Then maybe one day we could all eat out as a special treat.

Quote from: XpHoBiaX on May 15, 2009, 10:29:57 AM
How about granola bars, and stuff to make sandwhiches? You can get that at a dollar tree/store.

I am buying a large pack of water bottles, (or a few tall ones), store brand crystal light if people want flavor, sandwhich stuff, goodies like the granola bars, maybe some poptarts, and some energy drinks. Maybe a few cookies. Snacks can be carried along. Maybe apples or oranges as a better source for sugar.
I mean...that would be better on the filling and nutritious side.

Then maybe one day we could all eat out as a special treat.

Spoken like a true money saver or as my friends would call it, cheap. I just call it being economically aware of how you spend your money. lol

lol It comes with age an experience @____@

At the very least..

WATER. Drink lots of it whenever you can. Don't forget to use the restroom.
I'm not saying to ONLY drink water and suck on air and survive with that throughout the con.
I'm saying you should try to drink water when you can. It'll keep you hydrated and help your body function throughout the day. Especially if you're downing soda and sugar related foods.

Yeah. Soda only make you more thirsty. Water quenches that thirst. I'm not sure what the weather is lookin like for Fanime but if it is hot you may need the water. lol

It's always hot at fanime. lol All the bodies concentrated in one area ya know?
One time I had a water jug full of ice. It was pretty helpful. I put juice in it, and (this is actualy BAD) Chewed on the ice. I don't recomend chewing ice.

While there are a bunch of resturaunts and fast food places around, there is also a Zanottos supermarket nearby to shop at.

http://zanottosdowntown.com/

Its a pretty good place if ya want some food to buy. ^^

Here's my take on keeping hydrated - I'm only drinking three things next weekend: water, Gatorade, Rockstars, and maybe some OJ and Starbucks thrown in between. I figured out that by drinking a mixture of water and Gatorade I'm not taking as much sugar in as much as downing soda and sugary snacks (I bought one of those 100 Calorie packs and two packs of Pringles - which all of them contain little or no sugar), plus Gatorade provides electrolytes and carbs to keep you active and awake without crashing. When you do finally open up a can of Rockstar, your overall sugar intake prior to drinking a can is low, allowing your body to feel the caffeine while your sugar intake approaches your ideal level (the crash starts coming when there is too much sugar intake), thus not feeling the total crash that most people experience.

I've done this for the past two years at Fanime, and it works for me. I can stay up longer and when I do need that kick I don't crash afterwards - sugar-wise, not counting being tired.

Vitamin Water is yummeh too OMG That was all I drank at the tattoo convention I was at. lol And we had this big bucket of red vines at our station. lol

I may get a couple of those too. They taste good. (imo)

Granola Bars
Quickly Boba Drinks
Starbucks Coffee
Zanattos Sandwiches
Jack in the Box for munchies
and Denny's for breakfast

Here's a good tip:
Do hair dye at home, not at the hotel (http://www.acen.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=30251&st=0)

I read that story. Because of that, I'm letting one of the peeps staying with me know that he as to be extremely careful dying his hair. I'm collecting phone numbers, too.

You forgot the most important thing to bring - your camera!  Take lots of photos :) 

If you've got a cam that can record video, do that and upload it on youtube!

P.S. If you don't eat healthy, you wont have the energy to enjoy fanime! There are lots of affordable resturaunts nearby so make sure to get a real meal.  Or just bring ingredients to make fresh sandwiches yourself. Hope you all enjoy it!

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 10:51:41 PM

Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 01, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

I still stand by "If you can't afford food then you shouldn't be going". If you are bringing food to save money or for convenience that's fine, but the people that starve themselves or live off things they shouldn't so they can even attend, or buy random toy from the dealers room, really shouldn't be going. These people are clearly not responsible enough to be going out and spending a weekend without supervision.

I just needed to say, Pyron thank you for being so hilariously sad.

---

On the topic. You don't need to eat healthy bah! Me and my friends survived this:
1) food from the diner down the street
2) Denny's
3) Winerschnitzel
4) the Taqueria down the street
5) Jack in the box
6) Starbucks.

I you wanna save money... get like... 8 or six bucks and buy dollar menus for the whole weekend.

Quote from: Lordsnow on May 17, 2009, 03:07:51 PM

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 10:51:41 PM

Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 01, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

I still stand by "If you can't afford food then you shouldn't be going". If you are bringing food to save money or for convenience that's fine, but the people that starve themselves or live off things they shouldn't so they can even attend, or buy random toy from the dealers room, really shouldn't be going. These people are clearly not responsible enough to be going out and spending a weekend without supervision.

I just needed to say, Pyron thank you for being so hilariously sad.

---

On the topic. You don't need to eat healthy bah! Me and my friends survived this:
1) food from the diner down the street
2) Denny's
3) Winerschnitzel
4) the Taqueria down the street
5) Jack in the box
6) Starbucks.

I you wanna save money... get like... 8 or six bucks and buy dollar menus for the whole weekend.

This is actually healthier then just eating rice.

Quote from: Lordsnow on May 17, 2009, 03:07:51 PM
I just needed to say, Pyron thank you for being so hilariously sad.

---

On the topic. You don't need to eat healthy bah! Me and my friends survived this:
1) food from the diner down the street
2) Denny's
3) Winerschnitzel
4) the Taqueria down the street
5) Jack in the box
6) Starbucks.

I you wanna save money... get like... 8 or six bucks and buy dollar menus for the whole weekend.

o_0 Huh? I'm sad... because I don't think irresponsible people that would rather spend money on toys than sustenance and sleeping arrangements shouldn't be at fanime?

Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on May 17, 2009, 03:54:10 PM

Quote from: Lordsnow on May 17, 2009, 03:07:51 PM

Quote from: PyronIkari on May 01, 2009, 10:51:41 PM

Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 01, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
I'd say take some apples. I usually do. Bananas also keep without a fridge. There are oodles of healthy things you can bring that don't need a fridge even. Just think..... things you took to school in a brown bag. PB+J, anyone?

I still stand by "If you can't afford food then you shouldn't be going". If you are bringing food to save money or for convenience that's fine, but the people that starve themselves or live off things they shouldn't so they can even attend, or buy random toy from the dealers room, really shouldn't be going. These people are clearly not responsible enough to be going out and spending a weekend without supervision.

I just needed to say, Pyron thank you for being so hilariously sad.

---

On the topic. You don't need to eat healthy bah! Me and my friends survived this:
1) food from the diner down the street
2) Denny's
3) Winerschnitzel
4) the Taqueria down the street
5) Jack in the box
6) Starbucks.

I you wanna save money... get like... 8 or six bucks and buy dollar menus for the whole weekend.

This is actually healthier then just eating rice.

Agreed.
Get some "actual" food in your body during the weekend - your body will thank you during the weekend.

First off, I know this isn't the best, but I've found it works fairly well.

This is what I've done previously at Fanime for food.
1) Bring 1-2 coolers, depending on how much food/water/juice you want to keep cool.
2) Stock those coolers with perishables, and replenish the water/juice/soda whenever you take one out.
3) Pour the water out into the tub a few times a day and refill with ice.

There's a target just a few minutes down the street, I go there and pick up: A carton of milk, cereal bowls (those individually packed ones.), last year I grabbed a few lunchables, jello, yogurt, etc. Grab some crackers/chips. Fruit is an excellent idea. I'm bringing a flat of water from the house. (Fry's had it on sale for 2.40 this weekend. XD ) You can always get a few instant lunch/cup o' noodle and use the coffee maker to get hot water. You could make tea this way if so inclined. I'll probably be making sandwiches this year, as someone suggested.

Now you have cereal/yogurt/fruit for the morning, lunchables/whatever for lunch, and you can eat whatever you'd like for dinner. Rinse/repeat.

All of this costs me VERY little, especially if I just get whatever is on sale at the time or stock up before I leave home. Last year the Marriott had chicken noodle soup for a fair price one of the days, so I supplemented with that, and possibly a fast food meal or two.

And of course, you can either get silverware from your hotel or buy some cheap plastic ones wherever you get your food.

Things you should be bringing for hygienic reasons:
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hairbrush/comb
- DEODORANT
- If you're really specific, your own shampoo/conditioner/soap.
- Clean clothes for everyday (heck, an extra set just in case.)
- Medication if you need it.

Please, for the love of god, SHOWER during the convention. You'll feel better, and other people will be much happier if they're near you.

I know I'm forgetting something there, but you get the idea.

Quote from: Xeluu on May 17, 2009, 09:24:44 PM
First off, I know this isn't the best, but I've found it works fairly well.

This is what I've done previously at Fanime for food.
1) Bring 1-2 coolers, depending on how much food/water/juice you want to keep cool.
2) Stock those coolers with perishables, and replenish the water/juice/soda whenever you take one out.
3) Pour the water out into the tub a few times a day and refill with ice.

There's a target just a few minutes down the street, I go there and pick up: A carton of milk, cereal bowls (those individually packed ones.), last year I grabbed a few lunchables, jello, yogurt, etc. Grab some crackers/chips. Fruit is an excellent idea. I'm bringing a flat of water from the house. (Fry's had it on sale for 2.40 this weekend. XD ) You can always get a few instant lunch/cup o' noodle and use the coffee maker to get hot water. You could make tea this way if so inclined. I'll probably be making sandwiches this year, as someone suggested.

Now you have cereal/yogurt/fruit for the morning, lunchables/whatever for lunch, and you can eat whatever you'd like for dinner. Rinse/repeat.

All of this costs me VERY little, especially if I just get whatever is on sale at the time or stock up before I leave home. Last year the Marriott had chicken noodle soup for a fair price one of the days, so I supplemented with that, and possibly a fast food meal or two.

And of course, you can either get silverware from your hotel or buy some cheap plastic ones wherever you get your food.

Things you should be bringing for hygienic reasons:
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hairbrush/comb
- DEODORANT
- If you're really specific, your own shampoo/conditioner/soap.
- Clean clothes for everyday (heck, an extra set just in case.)
- Medication if you need it.

Please, for the love of god, SHOWER during the convention. You'll feel better, and other people will be much happier if they're near you.

I know I'm forgetting something there, but you get the idea.

You might want to bring your own bowls from home instead of paying for some. That should save you a little more cash. I also agree with the showering since the weather is getting warmer. >.>

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 17, 2009, 10:16:07 PM

Quote from: Xeluu on May 17, 2009, 09:24:44 PM
First off, I know this isn't the best, but I've found it works fairly well.

This is what I've done previously at Fanime for food.
1) Bring 1-2 coolers, depending on how much food/water/juice you want to keep cool.
2) Stock those coolers with perishables, and replenish the water/juice/soda whenever you take one out.
3) Pour the water out into the tub a few times a day and refill with ice.

There's a target just a few minutes down the street, I go there and pick up: A carton of milk, cereal bowls (those individually packed ones.), last year I grabbed a few lunchables, jello, yogurt, etc. Grab some crackers/chips. Fruit is an excellent idea. I'm bringing a flat of water from the house. (Fry's had it on sale for 2.40 this weekend. XD ) You can always get a few instant lunch/cup o' noodle and use the coffee maker to get hot water. You could make tea this way if so inclined. I'll probably be making sandwiches this year, as someone suggested.

Now you have cereal/yogurt/fruit for the morning, lunchables/whatever for lunch, and you can eat whatever you'd like for dinner. Rinse/repeat.

All of this costs me VERY little, especially if I just get whatever is on sale at the time or stock up before I leave home. Last year the Marriott had chicken noodle soup for a fair price one of the days, so I supplemented with that, and possibly a fast food meal or two.

And of course, you can either get silverware from your hotel or buy some cheap plastic ones wherever you get your food.

Things you should be bringing for hygienic reasons:
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hairbrush/comb
- DEODORANT
- If you're really specific, your own shampoo/conditioner/soap.
- Clean clothes for everyday (heck, an extra set just in case.)
- Medication if you need it.

Please, for the love of god, SHOWER during the convention. You'll feel better, and other people will be much happier if they're near you.

I know I'm forgetting something there, but you get the idea.

You might want to bring your own bowls from home instead of paying for some. That should save you a little more cash. I also agree with the showering since the weather is getting warmer. >.>

True, I just usually get those little individually packaged/bowled cereals because I'm lazy. But you could just get a box of cereal and bring bowls and share between roomies to save more.

Quote from: Xeluu on May 18, 2009, 04:03:11 AM

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 17, 2009, 10:16:07 PM

Quote from: Xeluu on May 17, 2009, 09:24:44 PM
First off, I know this isn't the best, but I've found it works fairly well.

This is what I've done previously at Fanime for food.
1) Bring 1-2 coolers, depending on how much food/water/juice you want to keep cool.
2) Stock those coolers with perishables, and replenish the water/juice/soda whenever you take one out.
3) Pour the water out into the tub a few times a day and refill with ice.

There's a target just a few minutes down the street, I go there and pick up: A carton of milk, cereal bowls (those individually packed ones.), last year I grabbed a few lunchables, jello, yogurt, etc. Grab some crackers/chips. Fruit is an excellent idea. I'm bringing a flat of water from the house. (Fry's had it on sale for 2.40 this weekend. XD ) You can always get a few instant lunch/cup o' noodle and use the coffee maker to get hot water. You could make tea this way if so inclined. I'll probably be making sandwiches this year, as someone suggested.

Now you have cereal/yogurt/fruit for the morning, lunchables/whatever for lunch, and you can eat whatever you'd like for dinner. Rinse/repeat.

All of this costs me VERY little, especially if I just get whatever is on sale at the time or stock up before I leave home. Last year the Marriott had chicken noodle soup for a fair price one of the days, so I supplemented with that, and possibly a fast food meal or two.

And of course, you can either get silverware from your hotel or buy some cheap plastic ones wherever you get your food.

Things you should be bringing for hygienic reasons:
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- hairbrush/comb
- DEODORANT
- If you're really specific, your own shampoo/conditioner/soap.
- Clean clothes for everyday (heck, an extra set just in case.)
- Medication if you need it.

Please, for the love of god, SHOWER during the convention. You'll feel better, and other people will be much happier if they're near you.

I know I'm forgetting something there, but you get the idea.

You might want to bring your own bowls from home instead of paying for some. That should save you a little more cash. I also agree with the showering since the weather is getting warmer. >.>

True, I just usually get those little individually packaged/bowled cereals because I'm lazy. But you could just get a box of cereal and bring bowls and share between roomies to save more.

Yeah. It's funny because I'm talkin to my roommate right now about snacks. XD

my friends and I decided to buy some turquaz.. and were going to fill bottles of water and drink it all day >.> .

Hah I am doing the ice chest thing too. lol

If you are reading the above guide, you have time to think and plan.

Acceptable: choosing between local restaurants to find meals that fit your budget.
Acceptable: bringing healthy and diverse food to Fanime, to avoid restaurant/con prices.

Kinda not acceptable: declaring that you'll only live on rice and ramen for four days.
Not acceptable: skipping meals, starving yourself.
Not acceptable: not drinking enough water.


We get a number of people every season who pass out because of lack of food, lack of water.  Don't do that.

Quote from: XpHoBiaX on May 19, 2009, 07:19:55 PM
Hah I am doing the ice chest thing too. lol

Ice chess!? This is what you do. Take the bag out the garbage can in your room and fill it with ice. Then put your food in there and enjoy. XD

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 20, 2009, 09:15:48 AM

Quote from: XpHoBiaX on May 19, 2009, 07:19:55 PM
Hah I am doing the ice chest thing too. lol

Ice chess!? This is what you do. Take the bag out the garbage can in your room and fill it with ice. Then put your food in there and enjoy. XD

o__o that sounds unsanitary.. why not just leave the clean bag in there?

Quote from: Chaye on May 20, 2009, 09:38:38 AM

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 20, 2009, 09:15:48 AM

Quote from: XpHoBiaX on May 19, 2009, 07:19:55 PM
Hah I am doing the ice chest thing too. lol

Ice chess!? This is what you do. Take the bag out the garbage can in your room and fill it with ice. Then put your food in there and enjoy. XD

o__o that sounds unsanitary.. why not just leave the clean bag in there?

Well it was a joke...kinda. I did do something similar but I only used it for my drink because the hotel didn't have a mini fridge. XD

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 20, 2009, 10:04:43 AM

Quote from: Chaye on May 20, 2009, 09:38:38 AM

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 20, 2009, 09:15:48 AM

Quote from: XpHoBiaX on May 19, 2009, 07:19:55 PM
Hah I am doing the ice chest thing too. lol

Ice chess!? This is what you do. Take the bag out the garbage can in your room and fill it with ice. Then put your food in there and enjoy. XD

o__o that sounds unsanitary.. why not just leave the clean bag in there?

Well it was a joke...kinda. I did do something similar but I only used it for my drink because the hotel didn't have a mini fridge. XD

haha oh god..

Last year I took a little ice chest to the hotel and on check out we left it in the luggage area.. I never got my icechest back >_>; so yeah.. this year the other people in the room get to bring it xD

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi198.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2FCommanderSnow%2Fpanic-767792.gif&hash=024c18f8cbcfd5b1180e14911d6d4d8696e88f8b)

Quote from: Chaye on May 20, 2009, 10:12:04 AM

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 20, 2009, 10:04:43 AM

Quote from: Chaye on May 20, 2009, 09:38:38 AM

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 20, 2009, 09:15:48 AM

Quote from: XpHoBiaX on May 19, 2009, 07:19:55 PM
Hah I am doing the ice chest thing too. lol

Ice chess!? This is what you do. Take the bag out the garbage can in your room and fill it with ice. Then put your food in there and enjoy. XD

o__o that sounds unsanitary.. why not just leave the clean bag in there?

Well it was a joke...kinda. I did do something similar but I only used it for my drink because the hotel didn't have a mini fridge. XD

haha oh god..

Last year I took a little ice chest to the hotel and on check out we left it in the luggage area.. I never got my icechest back >_>; so yeah.. this year the other people in the room get to bring it xD

You can use your luggage! But in all seriousness I would but I have to carry my cosplay and my props (big ass hammer) so I had to sacrifice my ice chest.

We're gonna buy one of those cheap styrofoam coolers to keep our drinks in. After all, ice is free right? Lol. And we're not living only off Ramen and rice.........we have Pocky too...lol

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 21, 2009, 11:06:00 AM
We're gonna buy one of those cheap styrofoam coolers to keep our drinks in. After all, ice is free right? Lol. And we're not living only off Ramen and rice.........we have Pocky too...lol

Yeah you should be good on ice...if the ice machine doesn't run out of ice. I don't think I don't think I have to many perishables so I should be cool

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 21, 2009, 12:32:12 PM

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 21, 2009, 11:06:00 AM
We're gonna buy one of those cheap styrofoam coolers to keep our drinks in. After all, ice is free right? Lol. And we're not living only off Ramen and rice.........we have Pocky too...lol

Yeah you should be good on ice...if the ice machine doesn't run out of ice. I don't think I don't think I have to many perishables so I should be cool

Yeah. mainly we have lunchmeat and cheese and mayo and stuff.

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 21, 2009, 12:34:18 PM

Quote from: narutofan17 on May 21, 2009, 12:32:12 PM

Quote from: SukebeStudios on May 21, 2009, 11:06:00 AM
We're gonna buy one of those cheap styrofoam coolers to keep our drinks in. After all, ice is free right? Lol. And we're not living only off Ramen and rice.........we have Pocky too...lol

Yeah you should be good on ice...if the ice machine doesn't run out of ice. I don't think I don't think I have to many perishables so I should be cool

Yeah. mainly we have lunchmeat and cheese and mayo and stuff.

Good thing I'm a vegetarian. XD

very nice ^-^

You should not pay attention to any of the advice in this Guide.
It is not very good.
Go over to this (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,10753.0.html (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,10753.0.html)).
That is a good guide for Fanime.

Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on August 05, 2009, 03:10:17 PM
You should not pay attention to any of the advice in this Guide.
It is not very good.
Go over to this (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,10753.0.html (http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,10753.0.html)).
That is a good guide for Fanime.

I agree with this one. It has better input for better time at Fanime for both HEALTH and fun.