Megacon Orlando

MegaCon Orlando: The Ultimate Fan Experience

MegaCon Orlando is your ultimate destination for all things pop culture! Happening February 6-9, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center, this massive fan gathering celebrates comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and more. Expect celebrity guests like Jude Law and Matt Smith, cosplay, exclusive merchandise, and thrilling events.

Want to know more about tickets, parking, celebrity lineups, or the history of MegaCon? Keep reading for the complete guide to making the most of your MegaCon Orlando experience!

MegaCon Orlando is a sprawling celebration of speculative fiction and pop culture, drawing fans from across the Southern United States and beyond. As the largest fan convention in the Southern United States and the second largest in North America, it transforms the Orange County Convention Center into a vibrant hub for enthusiasts of comic books, sci-fi, anime, fantasy, RPGs, gaming, and everything in between. Mark your calendars for February 6-9, 2025, as MegaCon Orlando promises an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.

What is MegaCon Orlando?

MegaCon, short for Mega Convention, is more than just an event; it's a cultural phenomenon. It brings together diverse communities united by their love for various aspects of speculative fiction and pop culture. Whether you're a die-hard comic book collector, a dedicated anime watcher, a fantasy realm explorer, or a video game fanatic, MegaCon offers a playground for all fandoms. It is a four-day epic adventure.

Dates and Location

MegaCon Orlando 2025 will take place from February 6th to 9th. The venue is the conveniently located Orange County Convention Center. Attendees should note that parking is sold out at the convention center, but there are overflow lots available in the surrounding I-Drive area. Detailed parking information can be found on the MegaCon website.

Tickets

To be part of the ultimate fan experience, tickets are required. Single-day tickets are available, with prices of $71 for Saturday and $62 for Sunday. Children aged 6-12 can attend with special passes priced at $15.

Celebrity Guests

MegaCon Orlando is renowned for its impressive roster of celebrity guests. The 2025 event will feature a star-studded lineup, including:

• Jude Law
• Matt Smith
• Mel Gibson
• Ron Howard
• Bryce Dallas Howard
• Joseph Quinn
• Jared Padalecki

Attendees can look forward to autograph sessions and photo opportunities with their favourite stars.

Events and Attractions

MegaCon Orlando boasts a packed schedule of events and attractions designed to cater to every fan's interests:

• Main Events
• Anime
• Comics
• Cosplay
• Gaming
• Horror
• Sci-Fi & Fantasy
• Family Zone: Activities directed towards preteens and younger.

Exclusive Experiences:

• Anime After Dark: Meet anime voice actors, enjoy autographs, K-pop, and karaoke. Free with select passes.
• Ashley Eckstein Exclusive Meet and Greet Breakfast: A Star Wars-themed morning with Q&A, photo ops, and a buffet breakfast.
• After-Hours Events: Including parties at Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Cosplay

Cosplay is a central part of the MegaCon experience, where fans express their creativity and passion by dressing up as their favourite characters. The cosplay contest is a highlight, showcasing incredible costume designs and craftsmanship. For those new to cosplay, subcultures like "bounding" offer a more relaxed approach, focusing on the joy of dressing up rather than strict accuracy.

Merchandise

MegaCon Orlando is a treasure trove for collectors and fans seeking exclusive merchandise. Official MegaCon Orlando Exclusives include:

• Lanyard: $5
• Tote Bag: $6
• Shirt: $25
• Pin: $10
• Fan Expo Poster: $10

A standout offering in 2025 is the Spirit Jersey Augmented Reality experience, featuring a limited-edition MegaCon Spirit Jersey with a built-in certificate of authenticity. This collectible apparel integrates AR technology for an immersive fan experience.

Show Layout

MegaCon Orlando's floor plan is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience. Key areas include:

• Ticket Hall: Where attendees pick up badges or buy tickets.
• Retail Section: Home to hundreds of shops with comics and anime sections.
• Artist Alley: A section for artists to sell their wares.
• Community Section: Showcases fan organisations and exhibits.
• Celebrity Area: Where celebrity guests have booths for meet-and-greets.
• Food Courts: Multiple food courts offering a variety of cuisine options.

History of MegaCon

Founded in 1993, MegaCon has evolved into one of the largest fan conventions in North America. Over the years, it has expanded its exhibit hall to take up the entire North/South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center.

Conclusion

MegaCon Orlando 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of fan culture. With its star-studded guests, diverse events, and immersive experiences, it's the perfect playground for anyone passionate about comics, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and more. Mark your calendars for February 6-9, 2025, and prepare to immerse yourself in the ultimate fan experience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: What is MegaCon Orlando?

• MegaCon Orlando is a large multi-genre convention held annually at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. It celebrates fandoms of all kinds, including comics, anime, gaming, science fiction, horror, and more. The event features celebrity guests, comic creators, cosplay, panels, vendors, and various activities for fans of all ages. It is the largest fan convention in the Southern United States and the second largest in North America.

Q: When and where will MegaCon Orlando 2025 take place?

• MegaCon Orlando 2025 will take place from February 6 - 9, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Q: Who are some of the celebrity guests attending MegaCon Orlando 2025?

• Some of the top celebrity guests scheduled to appear include Jude Law, Matt Smith, Mel Gibson, Ron Howard, Bryce Dallas Howard, Joseph Quinn, and Jared Padalecki.

Q: What kind of events and attractions are available at MegaCon Orlando?

• MegaCon offers a huge variety of activities, including:
  • Celebrity photo ops and autograph sessions.
  • Panels and Q&As with guests.
  • Cosplay contests and gatherings.
  • Comic book creator experiences.
  • Anime karaoke.
  • Gaming tournaments.
  • A large exhibit hall filled with vendors selling merchandise and collectibles.
  • Exclusive events like the Universal Islands of Adventure party and Ashley Eckstein Meet and Greet Breakfast that require separate tickets.

Q: How much do tickets cost for MegaCon Orlando?

• Single-day tickets cost $71 for Saturday and $62 for Sunday. Passes for children ages 6-12 are $15.

Q: Is parking available at MegaCon Orlando?

• Parking is sold out at the convention center, however, overflow lots are available around the I-Drive area. You can find parking information on the MegaCon website. It may be useful to get creative to avoid a parking nightmare.

Q: What is "cosplay" and what types are seen at MegaCon?

• Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as characters from various fandoms. MegaCon features a wide range of cosplay, from meticulously crafted costumes to more casual styles like "bounding," which focuses on dressing in the style of a character without needing an exact replica of their clothing. "Mashups" are also popular, where cosplayers combine elements from two different fandoms into a single costume.

Q: What is "bounding" cosplay?

• Bounding is a subtler form of cosplay that uses everyday clothing and accessories to evoke the essence of a particular character. This is a popular choice for environments where full costumes may not be allowed or practical, like Disney theme parks, where guests are restricted from wearing exact character costumes.

Q: Are there any exclusive merchandise items available at MegaCon Orlando?

• Yes, MegaCon Orlando has exclusive merchandise, including a MegaCon Orlando Lanyard ($5), Tote Bag ($6), Shirt ($25), Pin ($10) and Fan Expo Poster ($10). There is also a limited-edition MegaCon Spirit Jersey featuring a built-in certificate of authenticity and an Augmented Reality (AR) experience at the Spirit Jersey booth.

Q: Where can I find the most up-to-date information about MegaCon Orlando 2025, such as the full guest list and schedule?

• The best place to find the latest details is the official MegaCon Orlando website (fanexpohq.com/megaconorlando).

Q: What are the show hours for MegaCon Orlando?

• The show hours are:
  • Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM (Special Preview on Thursday at 2 PM for VIP, Ultimate, and 4-Day pass holders who purchase in advance)
  • Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Q: What is the layout of MegaCon Orlando?

• MegaCon Orlando includes various sections:
  • Ticket Hall: For badge pick-up and ticket purchases.
  • Retail: Shops selling comics, anime, and other merchandise.
  • Artist Alley: Booths for artists to sell their work.
  • Community: Exhibits by fan organizations.
  • Celebrity: Booths for celebrity guests.
  • Food Courts: Areas with various food and beverage options.

Q: Is MegaCon Orlando family-friendly?

• Yes, MegaCon Orlando is a family-friendly event with attractions and activities suitable for all ages. There is a Family Zone with activities directed towards preteens and younger, including a kids cosplay contest and padawan training.

Q: What is the history of MegaCon Orlando?

• MegaCon was founded in 1993 and has grown to be one of the largest fan conventions in North America. In 2025, MegaCon expanded its exhibit hall to take up the entire North/South Concourse, an area of 950,000 sqft.

Q: What are some tips for attending MegaCon Orlando?

• Buy tickets in advance to save time and ensure entry.
• Plan your schedule to make the most of the events and attractions.
• Consider parking options and purchase parking in advance if possible.
• Bring comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks.
• Respect the rules and policies of the convention and the Orange County Convention Center.
• Have fun and embrace the fan culture!