Anime Expo 15 Cosplay 2006

Since we were late getting registered, we missed out on the AX sponsored hotels. However, we did manage to get a room at the Anabella Hotel which was just around the corner. Despite it being our second choice, the accommodations were fine and its only flaw was the long, long walk (photos below) to get around to the convention hall entrance.

Our first stop Saturday morning was the Anaheim Hilton (photo above) to pick up our press badges. I had actually headed over to the registration center Friday evening but was told I would need to wait until morning. However, it gave me a chance to be astounded at the size of the hall (photo below). The actually registration booths were at the far wall and at the time I could not fathom why they would need so much room. Full groking came the next day when I saw just how many fans were in line.

The photo above does not even come close to indicating the sheer mass of humanity queuing up for badges opening day. By the end of the first day, Anime Expo had registered over 30,000 attendees. A poll of the fans indicated the longest wait was about 4 hours if you started registration the morning of opening day. However, for many folks, the wait was less then an hour.

By the end of the convention, AX had over 42,000 attendees.

While I'm at it, I'd also like to mention that the SPJA (Society for the Promotion of Japanese Anime) Charity Auction benefiting the Children's Hospital Orange County (CHOC) raised over $21,650 to benefit patient care.

Finally, checked in, registered, badges in hand, we were ready for the opening ceremonies scheduled for 10 AM.