It is such a thrilling experience to stand there in the parking lot at a Comic-Con auditorium or convention center for the first time and see Harley Quinn walk past you with her red and blue shorts and blonde multicolored pigtails sporting a bat over her shoulder. Strutting beside her isn’t her beau The Joker, but a Star Wars Stormtrooper in full gear.

This image was the first thing I experienced when my husband parked the car at The Melbourne Toy and Comic-Con parking lot, and geekoids like myself paraded around the Melbourne Auditorium in full-body costumes. This being my first time, I opened the car door and walked out in my Wonder Woman shirt, but my children took full advantage and dressed up as Master Chief from Halo and Pikachu from Pokémon.

We walked into the auditorium and went into sensory overload. You could smell the leather on the custom hand-made purses with your favorite characters stitched on the front, see your favorite character come to life by the Cosplay models, and hear the laughter of the children hugging The Doughboy and Disney Moana’s Maui. However, it being my first time, I wasn’t sure what I would take from this experience. But, after a few hours of walking around to the different booths, I picked up five major things to know for my next trip to Comic-Con.

Tip Number One: Wear extremely comfortable shoes.

If you are coming in costume and your Wonder Woman outfit requires those lengthy four-inch boots to complete the outfit, then I suggest you invest in some gel sole inserts, because at the end of all this walking and standing in line, your dogs will be barking.

Tip Number Two: Expect to shell out some money.

You just can’t walk into Comic-Con and come out empty handed. Not only will you find vendors that sell your favorite character artwork, but you will also see booths with a variety of merchandise, and may want to invest in some comic books to add to your collection.

Tip Number Three: Bring a backpack with some snacks and refreshments.

Most Comic-Con locations will have an area that sells food, snacks, and drinks. However, they will charge you prices you’ve only thought you’d find at Disney or Universal. I had a son walking around in a full Halo Master Chief ensemble, so I made sure to add some extra bottles of water just in case he got hot underneath all those layers. I was glad I had those in my bag because they certainly came in handy.

Tip Number Four: Expect to wait in line.

True geekoids come to Comic-Con with a purpose in mind. Sometimes it would be to chat with their favorite guest or to get in line to get an artist or writers autograph. The lines to get in will be out the door and maybe even longer to get a print with your favorite artist’s autograph. If you are easily frustrated having to wait, then this place is not for you. The people, guests, and creators at Comic-Con are really friendly and will gladly answer your questions and take pictures with you. These wonderful people don’t rush you so those lines can get very long.

Tip Number Five: Bring a portable charger.

I have a smartphone and use it to take pictures and update my social media pages. The battery on this bad boy can drain faster than you expect when visiting Comic-Con. There are so many fun things to see, Cosplay models in your favorite costumes, and trippy geek out moments when artists and writers you enjoy are out there taking pictures with you. My battery got low quick. Then again, I was snapping pictures of everything, everyone, and then some.

There are so many other fun tips you can pick up the more you visit these yearly events. Comic-Con isn’t for the enochlophobic. You have to be around so many people and will bump shoulders more than once, and if you’re claustrophobic like I am, then I recommend seeking out the windows and doors before you head into the fray as to not feel overwhelmed.

I had a fantastic time with my family. This family-friendly environment truly brings out the geekoid in you so don’t pass up the opportunity to visit at least once in your life.