The Activations At San Diego Comic-Con and How To Make The Most of Them [SDCC 2024]

With San Diego Comic-Con less than two weeks away, let’s get you ready to make the most of the wide array of activations taking over the streets of San Diego!

WHAT ARE ACTIVATIONS?

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term activations, they are areas or pop-ups that allow you to interact with elements from current/upcoming TV shows or movies. Depending on the studio, they can offer a wide variety of activities. From photo opportunities, haunted mazes, food & drinks, performances, scavenger hunts, and so much more. Attending many of these activations often earns attendees special merch to commemorate the visit.

THE BAD NEWS

For those who don’t have a badge for San Diego Comic-Con, this may come as good news. For the most part, these activations that surround the convention center are open to the public, with no badge required. That means anyone in the area can attend. Although some require reservations that are made through whichever way the promotors decide. This means that lines can be long and take a good chunk of your valuable time at San Diego Comic-Con.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT

Below you’ll find a list of activations that have been announced for this year’s show. Each link has detailed information about how to attend them. Find the ones that call out to you and plan on trying to make time for them AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. The reason being, throughout the day as more people arrive in the area the lines will only get longer. Unless of course, you score a reservation. Also, hiccups happen throughout the day that could slow down the amount of people in the activation at certain times. Not to mention the weather will also make it tougher to continue to stand in some of the lines that don’t offer shade.

Also, bring a friend! These activations are more enjoyable with a friend or group. As many of them offer fun photo ops that you can take turns taking for each other and/or take one fun group picture. Not to mention keeping each other company while waiting in line.

Lastly, have fun! I say this because I have seen cases where people find the experiences underwhelming and get grouchy. Many people all over the world will be looking at streams, pictures, and videos wishing they were in San Diego. Enjoy the hard work that brought you to the show of shows.

ACTIVATIONS FOR SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2024

SHAWN OF THE DEAD POP UP CELEBRATING 20 BLOODY YEARS
Here fans will be able to explore a recreation of the Winchester Tavern, complete with exclusive merch and giveways, along with game demos. Also, those 21 and over can enjoy a complimentary can of themed beer courtesy of Beer Zombies.

HULU’S ANIMAYHEM
Back for its second year, the Animayhem activation offers fans of animated shows like “Futurama”, “Bob’s Burgers”, “Family Guy”, “The Simpsons”, “Solar Opposites”, “Hit Monkey” and more, the chance to interact with a variety of familiar sets that are a good time.

FX’S IMMERSIVE SPACE
Year to year this one is great, and in 2024 that seems no different. This year FX will be bringing some of its heavy hitters for fans to enjoy. The activation includes a pop-up restaurant from “The Bear”, something called a Hellevator that will take fans through the “American Horror Story”, Patty’s Pub from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and a “What We Do in the Shadows” photo op.

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE: THE CHARIOT RACE
Step inside the betting tavern. Join one of the coveted factions and experience the adrenaline thrill of the chariot race itself. Inspired by the new original series, Peacock’s in-world activation will bring the ancient “Circus Maximus” to life right in the Gaslamp District. Upon entry, guests will be divided into the 5 factions from the show and given the chance to whip a pair of reins to power their team’s chariot to victory.

PARAMOUNT+ THE LODGE
If you enjoy CBS/Paramount+ then the Lodge is the place for you. You can create a custom Star Trek shirt. Also, visit the Woodstone Manor from “Ghosts” and check out their Olfactory Atelier, and walk out with a scent of your choosing. Solve a case from “Criminal Minds: Evolution”. Take advantage of an “IF” photo op, get a temporary tattoo at the “Ink Master” tattoo parlor, and much more.

ADULT SWIM PIRATE PARRRTY ON THE GREEN
It’s always a good time with Adult Swim. This year at their Pirate Parrrty activation, they will have custom games, exclusive first looks, giveways, and evening entertainment that includes DJ laser sets. Some of that entertainment includes wrestling with AEW stars! Also fun with the creators of the hit series “Smiling Friends”.

PENGUIN’S ICEBERG DECENT
On Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, Max, in partnership with Giant Spoon, will transform the Bloom Nightclub into Gotham’s famed Iceberg Lounge. Upon arrival at “The Iceberg Lounge” Experience, guests will enter the “Iceberg Descent.” Created in partnership with BUCK and VT Pro Design. An immersive experience filled with special effects, haptic technology, interactivity and exclusive content displayed on Samsung big screen TVs. This multi-sensorial, subterranean descent drops users into Gotham’s notorious Iceberg Lounge lobby to navigate through the wreckage left by The Riddler at the end of The Batman (2022) film to reach the party deeper within.

BoxLunch Treats Truck

Stop by the BoxLunch truck for sweet treats and one of SDCC’s biggest merch giveaways. Visitors to the truck will receive their very own BoxLunch grab bag filled with accessories and surprises from various IPs and fandoms. You can also indulge in ice cream sandwiches and popsicles.

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