Our FIRST EVER MegaCon Orlando Experience!
Step into a world where fantasy and reality converge, where beloved characters come to life, and where adrenaline-pumping experiences await at every turn. We recently embarked on a thrilling journey at MegaCon Orlando 2023, a mecca for pop culture enthusiasts. Over the course of two unforgettable days, we immersed ourselves in a whirlwind of excitement, from meeting the iconic cast of 'Scream' (1996) to encountering astonishing cosplayers, attending a gripping haunted house panel, and even braving a pop-up haunted house on the show floor!
We were quick to learn that MegaCon was a popular event for central Florida locals. In fact, the sheer popularity of MegaCon Orlando resulted in an overwhelming influx of attendees, causing an unprecedented level of traffic congestion near the convention center and forcing our Lyft driver to drop us off three blocks away. We had to walk a mile to the center, and then another half a mile around the center to find our way to ticket pickup and security on the Saturday of the show. Still, none of this would dampen our spirits as we claimed our badges, cleared security and made our way inside. Stepping onto the show floor of MegaCon Orlando was like stepping into a parallel universe bursting with creativity and imagination. The sights and sounds were a sensory overload of excitement.
Doc’s DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’ was a highlight of the show floor, among many other exhibits!
As we ventured further, we were greeted by an impressive gathering of cosplayers, with some spectacularly embodying characters from 'My Hero Academia,' their costumes impeccably crafted with attention to detail that would make even the anime’s creators proud. Moving along, we stumbled upon an awe-inspiring display of 'Doctor Who' props and photo ops, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the iconic world of the Time Lord. Our jaws dropped as we encountered a collection of TV and movie vehicles, from the iconic DeLorean from 'Back to the Future' to the sleek Batmobile. And amidst all the visual marvels, we discovered a treasure trove of talented artists and vendors showcasing their unique creations, from intricately detailed illustrations to handcrafted merchandise. The show floor was a vibrant tapestry of fandoms, united by a shared passion for pop culture, and we relished every moment of exploring this magnificent gathering of artistic expression.
Our hearts were racing as we entered the celebrity autograph area, knowing that we were about to meet the stars of one of our all-time favorite horror movies, 1996’s 'Scream.' Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, and Skeet Ulrich were all there, gracing the convention with their respective presences. The excitement was palpable as we we made our way through the photo op line to claim our group pic - worth every penny! Although lines were long, the surreal experience of meeting our horror movie heroes was worth the wait. The cast members were warm and welcoming, as if we were all lifelong friends! Meeting the legends behind the iconic Ghostface mask (as well as the legend behind the lesser-known, but no less intimidating ‘Quackface’ mask) was an unforgettable highlight of our MegaCon experience…and not the only one!
Another exhilarating moment from our MegaCon Orlando adventure was our fan experience meeting the incredibly talented voice actress Tara Strong. Known for her iconic roles in various animated series and video games throughout our childhood, meeting Tara was a dream come true for us. Tara greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, taking the time to chat and share some behind-the-scenes stories. We then had the pleasure of posing for a professional celebrity photo op, capturing a treasured memory with Tara. To top it off, we were overjoyed when Tara agreed to make a cameo appearance in our MegaCon Orlando vlog, adding a touch of magic and bringing our fan experience to life for our viewers. Meeting Tara Strong was an unforgettable moment that truly showcased the genuine and gracious nature of this remarkable voice actress. Throughout the course of our two days at the con, we’d go on to meet more stars such as James McAvoy and Gigi Edgeley, and - though some lines were notably longer than others - every celebrity that we met was just as warm and enthusiastic as the last!
MegaCon Orlando is renowned for its exceptional cosplayers, and this year did not disappoint. Everywhere we turned, we encountered individuals who had painstakingly crafted intricate costumes, paying tribute to their favorite characters from comics, movies, anime, and beyond. From the fanciful and elegant assembly of Disney Princesses roaming the convention halls to a jaw-droppingly accurate rendition of Dark Deku’ from ‘My Hero Academia’, we were constantly amazed by the dedication and creativity on display. The sheer variety and attention to detail truly made us feel like we had stumbled upon a living, breathing fantasy world.
One of the highlights of Megacon was attending a panel hosted by the renowned 'HauntScene,' where experts (including our good friend Kyrra) delved into the art and psychology of what made a great haunt. With an enthusiastic crowd hanging on their every word, the panelists shared insights into the design, scares, and storytelling techniques that make these attractions so captivating. From the use of atmospheric lighting to the art of jump scares, the HauntScene crew knew exactly how to speak to our audience appreciation for the craft behind haunted houses. We left the panel inspired and mentally drafting a list of must-see haunts for our next ‘spooky season’.
The ‘'What Makes a Great Haunt' Panel hosted by HauntScene provided some amazing insights into the haunt industry!
As if the panel wasn't thrilling enough, Megacon surprised us with a pop-up haunted house on the show floor. Braving our way through dark corridors and encountering actors in terrifying costumes, our pulses raced with every unexpected scare. The attention to detail was astonishing, and we were completely immersed in a bone-chilling atmosphere. The experience - created and hosted by the haunt team behind ‘A Petrified Forest’ left us both exhilarated and slightly relieved when we finally emerged, our hearts still pounding with adrenaline. And what’s more, we ran into our friends Mitch (Our Florida Passport), Cris the Girl and Tampa Jay - equally as exciting, but not nearly as scary!
Our first-ever MegaCon Orlando weekend was a whirlwind of excitement, where we stepped out of our everyday lives and embraced a world where imagination reigns supreme. Meeting the cast of 'Scream,' mingling with cosplayers, attending a captivating haunted house panel, and navigating a pop-up haunted house on the show floor all contributed to an experience we won't soon forget; and these were only a few of the things we did during our visit! MegaCon Orlando truly delivered on its promise of uniting fans with their passions, allowing us to celebrate our love for pop culture alongside fellow enthusiasts…and we can’t wait to attend again in the future! For a better look at our complete MegaCon Orlando experience, make sure to check out our vlog below!
