Staying Fresh at Expos and Cons, or How Not To Smell Like A Swamp Monster On The Show Floor

One of the things that plagues Conventions is the tales of olfactory abuse. We all expect a convention to be loud and noisy,  many of us think that the tales of "odor and funk" are just a played up myth or beaten into the group joke. But, because many people sleep overnight in lines for multiple days in a row, and do not leave the location the Expo or Convention is being held at for days at a time for any reason, sadly this myth is in fact a very gross reality. But with the proper planning, we can make this gross reality a thing of the past!

Rules to remember:

• Less is more
  When it comes to body spray and perfume, less is more. Drenching yourself in these items does not resolve any "funk" issues you may be trying to mask. They actually make the situation worse.
• The 5-2-1 Rule
  I recently learned of the " 5-2-1 Rule of Cons" while researching the upcoming Star Wars Celebration event. This rule reminds you that you should have at least 5 hours of sleep a night, 2 good meals, and 1 shower per day. The article I read on this topic reminded readers that "the key words here are "at least" and "per day." This is the one time where more is better!
• Change is good
  Bring a change of t-shirt and/or undergarments. Keep these in a Ziploc in your bag so that they are easy to find when you need to put them on, but also so that you avoid those potential embarrassing moments of your dirty gutchies falling out when you go to grab a Sharpie. Also remember to refresh your fabrics with some Febreeze when needed.

Have a "Go Bag!"
Travel size items are your friend at conventions because they take up little space and are easy to carry.  They also can make staying fresh and clean easy. A go bag will not only hold your travel size items in your regular bag during the Expo or Convention, it can also become a place to stash those little bits and pieces that you want to keep together in your luggage on your way home. Below I have assembled several useful items for your "Go Bag" that can be found in local stores or in online shops like Amazon. To help you save money I have found items that can either be used multiple times or have multiple single use items in the same package, making it easy for you to replenish your go bag for the next convention.
Because Amazon Prime offers free shipping and makes shopping so easy, I opted to use Amazon to help me showcase the "Go Bag" example items in this article. You can obviously buy your items where ever you want.

Assembling your "Go Bag"
The easiest way to create your "Go Bag" is to start with a small zipper pouch. If you want to go basic, a gallon size Ziploc will also work. Here are a few cute options I found that might work for you.

Star Wars Rogue One Rebel Debossed Clutch Zipper Pouch 

Star Wars The Force Awakens Multi Character Pencil Case by Loungefly

Disney Travel Cosmetic Pouch Bag Storage Zippered Canvas Tote Makeup Toiletry 

Marvel Cute Iron man Canvas Zipper Wallet pouch with strap

Once you have found the perfect "Go Bag" you will want to fill it with the inexpensive must have travel-size or single use stay fresh items I am about to share with you. These items will help you stay fresh and clean smelling throughout the day.

Shower Wipes
Just because you won't go shower, doesn't mean you can't find a way to shower during the Expo or Convention. You would be amazed at the number of options there are for space saving, inexpensive individually wrapped shower wipes! Here are just a few of the options out there! And because these shower wipes come in individual use packaging, you will be prepared for multiple events.

• ShowerPill Athletic Body Wipes - $9.99 for a 10 count
  These extra thick, works like a "washcloth" to clean your entire body with just 1 wipe. FDA approved formulation is scientifically proven to kill 99.99% of germs including staph & ringworm. 
• On The Go Towels Shower Refresh Large Shower Wipes - $9.99 for a 10 count
  10 x 12 inch towel with 70 GSM hypoallergenic large shower wipes that clean, cool, moisturize and deodorize. These no rinse paraben free bath wipes, closest thing to a shower.
• GoodWipes - Deodorizing Body Biodegradable Wipes - $9.99 for a 10 count
  10 Individually wrapped wipes for women pH balanced, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic so your skin won’t dry out or get sticky. Cleanse your face, chest, back, pits, legs, and feet with these extra large and durable 9.5 x 11.5 wipes.
  

• DUDE Shower Body Wipes - $19.99 for a 20 count
  Extra Large & Extra Thick Washcloth Like Material

• Flushable Bathroom Wipes - $9.99 for a 30 count
  These convenient, flushable personal bathroom wipes fit into your purse or wallet to keep your privacy discreet to let you stay fresh! For use throughout your day to keep fresh and clean at the gym, office, home or out on the town.

Deodorant
This is another one of those items that I find can be excluded from the "less is more" rule. Before you leave your room and head to the Expo or Convention, make sure you apply deodorant. Then throughout the day as you pop into the restroom for bathroom breaks, take a moment and reapply said deodorant using the travel size deodorant in your Go Bag. By the way, this application rule applies to the ladies and the gentlemen!
Just to be safe make sure put your travel size stick deodorant in a Ziploc bag before placing it in your Go Bag. This will help ensure that if the lid comes off (or it is super hot) that your deodorant won't get on the other items in your bag. While researching this article I found out that there even single use wipe options for Deodorant!

• Dove Advanced Care 48hr Moisture Deodorant - $13.99 for a 3 pack 
• Degree Men Invisible Stick Trial Size Cool Rush 0.5 Ounce - $10 for a 3 pack
•  CRYSTAL essence Mineral Deodorant Towelettes - Lavender & White Tea Scent - $9.99 for a 24 pack
  

• La Fresh Travel Lite Antiperspirant Wipes - $18.99 for a Unisex 48 count

Brushing
Brushing your teeth at cons is a must do. Whenever you eat or drink take a moment to keep your teeth shiny white for photos. This will also help ensure you don't become the strange character portrayed on "Con Man." It used to be that you would have to carry around a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, but now thanks to the creation of the disposable mini-brush you have several options! Don't forget! You also want to remember to take a brush or comb so that you can brush your hair to keep it photo op ready!

• Colgate Wisp Portable Mini-Brush Max Fresh - $7.99 for a 24-count
  Also available in 2 count packaging - $16.99 for a 32-count

• Dental Travel Kit - $6.99 for a 3-piece kit

• Travel Flossing Sticks - $4.99 for a 10-count in a travel case 
• Folding Hair Brush with Mirror - $5.80 each

First Aid Items/ Germ Stoppers
No one wants to get hurt or sick at a convention, but there are a lot of people in a small place, so germs will spread and accidents can happen. To save yourself time in the First Aid area opt to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best by having some basic First Aid items in your Go Bag.

• Pepto Bismol Individual Sealed 2 Tablets in a Packet - $11.85 for 25 Packets 
• Advil Tablets $3.02 for a 10-count plastic container  
• Tylenol Extra Strength Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Caplets - $6.70 for 2 10-Count plastic containers

• Travel Kleenex White Facial Tissue - $7.22 for a 16-count package

• Johnson & Johnson Products Mini First Aid Kit - $3.32 per 12 piece kit 
• Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen - $11.03 for 12 Travel Packets  
• Hand Sanitizer and Wound Care - $9.75 per 1.7 oz bottle

• Wet-Nap Antibacterial Fresh Scent Disposable Wipes - $5.71 per 24-count box

Random Items
The items below are just a few random items that will help get you through the next Convention or Expo smelling and looking great that really didn't fall under a set category. Out of respect for those sitting next to you remember that you want to keep your clothes and costume smelling good and fresh. To ensure your photos are crisp and your vision crystal clear make sure you keep your screens and glasses clean. And while we know you don't want to share the restroom with thousands of other people, it doesn't mean you should forget how to keep your personal space fresh and clean.

• Febreze to Go Fabric Refresher - Gain Scented - $7.76 for 3 bottles

• Febreze To-Go Fabric Refresher - Original Scent - $10 for 3 bottles
• Shout Wipes - Portable Stain Treater Towelettes - $8.45 for 24 packs

• Squeeze Pod Travel Size Moisturizing Lotion - $9.99 for 15 Pods

• Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray - Because sometimes you forget to courtesy flush - $6.99 per travel size item 
• Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes - $9.39 for 100-count package

Finally remember this... It is OK to leave the event and go to your hotel (or home) to shower and sleep. Say it with me as I know many of you are shocked I am saying/writing these words. "It is OK to leave the event to shower and sleep."
As much as we all hate to admit it, you can't possibly be at every event and panel a convention has to offer, there are too many things to do and see and there is just so many hours in the day. By taking the time to make sure you have showered and slept in a safe and clean environment, you are making sure you will be freshly rested, and not offending the noses of those around you. While I know the concept of missing even a second of a convention or expo is ludicrous to many, I can tell you from experience sleeping on a bed and having a shower makes an Expo or Convention so much more enjoyable. You are awake, alert, and you find that you don't have swamp monsters chasing after you thinking that the odor creeping out from under your clothes is a mating call of some sort.
Most importantly please remember respect those around you, be safe and to have fun!

Answers to the Most Recently Asked D23 Expo Questions (3/17)

We have seen a good number of the same questions being asked recently and just wanted to take a moment to address them. While some information has not changed since we published "Answers To Frequently Asked D23 Expo Questions" in July of 2016, we still wanted to re-share it to help address these frequently asked questions we keep seeing.

When will I get my tickets?
Prior to 2017, D23 Expo tickets originally mailed in early July the year of the Expo when it was held in mid-August.
With the Expo moving to July in 2017, following the previous years mailing pattern, an early June 2017 mailing time frame to US residents would make sense. Also remember D23 mails tickets out in waves and they are using USPS so some guests may get their tickets a week or more before other guests.
Tickets are not mailed outside of the U.S. so for those visiting from other countries you will need to pick your tickets up at Will Call at the Convention Center. (Will Call hours will be released closer to the Expo.)
Cast Member tickets usually ship around the same time as General Admission tickets, if not a bit before hand.

Will tickets sell out? And If so when will that occur?
General Admission Tickets usually don't sell out until closer to the Expo. Usually "Saturday only tickets" are the first General Admission ticket type to sell out.As expected Sorcerer Level tickets sold out the day they were released.

When will I know the full Expo Schedule?The full schedule is usually released several WEEKS before the Expo. Yes, you read that correctly. There will be random guest or pavilion announcements released prior to that time frame (and we try and keep an Excel sheet going on Google Docs and a Word File to help keep track of that information) but the complete schedule is usually announced rather last minute to avoid issues with guests having to pull out of presentations.
When it is announced D23 usually publishes a printable PDF (they didn't in 2015 so our group made one), and it will also be in the guide book given out at the Expo entrance.
From looking in our group archives, in 2015 it seems pieces of schedule information started getting released in June, meaning May might be when we start seeing small schedule announcements this year?

Is there an Expo discount on Disneyland tickets?
In the past Expo attendees have received a link to discounted group sales park tickets in their D23 Expo ticket invoice. This year D23 has changed how they are approaching this. While some guests who bought their tickets between July and October 2016 received an email this fall with their ticket information, many guests who ordered after that time have yet to receive any information on discounted tickets. Currently this is the information D23 has published regarding discounted Expo tickets:
"Our friends at Disneyland Resort are extending a special offer for discounted park tickets during your time at the Expo. The tickets will be available soon. Check back soon for more details!" When D23/Disneyland updates this information we will update you. Also, when this does occur,you want to remember that you will probably receive a custom link to purchase your tickets. You do not want to share your custom link on social media or with friends as it should have a ticket purchase limit. Tickets must be purchased through the custom link by a certain time, so make sure you pay attention to the terms on the email. 

Overnight queuing
We have also received many questions on overnight queuing, and noticed some people quoting the 2015 process as being the only way the 2017 line will be handled. Unfortunately this may not be true.
What many people don't realize is that prior to 2015 D23 did not allow overnight queuing, and they did not release info on 2015 having an inside queue or the rules for it until closer to Expo. At this time the only information D23 has provided is as follows  "While we do not encourage guests to wait overnight for sessions, to ensure guest safety, advanced lineups will be monitored by D23 Expo staff. Please stay tuned for more details."
When we have full details on how D23 will be handling this we will share that information with you.

What is the dress code for costumes/Expo
D23 has released very detailed information about what they will and will not allow when it comes to costumes at Expo on their website. Please remember what "worked" at the 2015 Expo may not "work" this year. Why? Because the Disney Parks changed their policies regarding costumes in the December 2015.
Please make sure you are adhering to D23's posted costume information and dress code for the 2017 Expo to avoid issues at entry. Per the D23 Expo site:

Costume Information 
All event attendees—including adults—may attend the D23 Expo dressed as their favorite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars Characters. Attendees in costume must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Costumes should be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, or violent. Guests may wear masks. However, masks must not obstruct vision and eyes must be visible at all times.
  Guests who dress like Disney Characters may not pretend or imply that they are an official Disney Character. Creating lines or collecting money for pictures and/or signed autographs is not permitted.
• Costumes should not drag on the ground.
  Costumes should not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or materials that may accidentally strike another guest.
  Costumes should not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
• Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. The appropriateness of the guest costume will be determined by Disney in its sole discretion. 

Dress Code
In keeping with our family-friendly atmosphere, and for health and safety reasons, D23 Expo enforces a dress code. Proper attire must be worn at all times, including shirts and appropriate footwear. Clothing with rude, vulgar, or offensive language or graphics is not permitted at any time. Admission to D23 Expo may be denied if clothing is deemed by D23 Expo management to be inappropriate. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.

D23 EXPO DISNEY FAN EVENT TO BE HELD IN JAPAN IN 2018

The Walt Disney Company (Japan) announced today that it will stage D23 Expo Japan 2018, a special event for Disney fans created by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, over three days from February 10 to February 12, 2018, at Tokyo Disney Resort in Maihama.

D23 Expo is held every two years in the U.S. for Disney’s most passionate fans. The first D23 Expo in Japan was held in 2013 and is unique to Japan while remaining true to the original vision of “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.” D23 Expo Japan 2015 was themed to “The Power of Story.” Guests were treated to spellbinding stories from each of the four Disney brands—Disney, Disney•Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. Fans enjoyed experiences, merchandise, collectibles, and endless surprises created exclusively for the event.

D23 Expo Japan 2018 will once again feature special exhibits and opportunities for the delight and enjoyment of guests. Further details will be posted at http://disney.jp/D23 as they become available this summer.

“We heard from a lot of fans about how delighted they were with the D23 Expo Japan 2013 and 2015．D23 Expo Japan 2018 promises to be even more spectacular,” said Paul Candland, President, Walt Disney Asia and President, The Walt Disney Company (Japan) Ltd. “2018 marks The Walt Disney Company’s 95th anniversary and the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse’s screen debut. In Japan, it marks Tokyo Disney Resort’s 35th, Disney Channel’s 15th, and the Disney★JCB Card’s 10th. We’re very excited about being able to present this great event once again, and we know our guests will have an incredible experience during the three days we have planned for them.”

*Source D23 Press Release

Take a Peek at These Brand-New D23 Expo 2017 Posters

D23 Expo 2017 is just a few short months away and, here at D23, we’re busy making magic for the ultimate Disney fan event! While we continue to whistle while we work, we wanted to share a sneak peek at our brand-new posters for D23 Expo.
Since D23 Expo is the only place where fans can find all things Disney under one roof, this year’s posters celebrate some of the greatest characters from throughout The Walt Disney Company. Take a look at the rest of the posters below, and stay tuned for more D23 Expo news.
P.S.: Calling all costumers and designers! There’s still time to enter your costume for D23 Expo Mousequerade and your artwork for D23 Expo Design Challenge. Submissions will be accepted until March 31.

 

Source D23.com