r/animeexpo

I will be arriving on day early.

What to do in DTLA to kill 8 hours? Any recommendations?

Hi y'all- I'll be going to AX solo this year! I'm an introvert so I don't mind being alone and I can have fun by myself, but i was thinking it'd also nice to be with people, especially since this is my first time cosplaying alone.

So I wanna ask, what communities/servers are all the solo people using to find groups? As for meeting ppl at the actual con, I'm decent enough at making conversation with ppl at cosplay gatherings and such, but most ppl already have their groups and I feel like it'd feel so awkward straight up ask to join their group 😭

Has anybody in California received their badge yet? I figured since im in California id get it ASAP but im surprised the website says it hasn't even shipped out yet.

So Some voice actors I really want to meet are at AX this year, I don't really have much they could sign, whats the ettiquette on trying to get a selfie?

Just out of curiosity as they don't do traditional photo ops like western talents but does anyone have any experience with photos with eastern talents like selfies etc at the autograph area or how that might work? Thanks in advance, the one con I went to with eastern talents did let you take selfies with them so I wanted to ask as I know AX might handle things differently. Thanks!

Hey everyone, I’m planning to go to Anime Expo 2026 for just Day 3 and Day 4. It’ll be my first time going, and I live in Torrance.

I’m trying to save money, so I’m thinking of skipping a hotel and just using rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to go back and forth each day instead.

For anyone who’s done something similar — is this actually doable? I’m mostly worried about crazy surge pricing, traffic, and how hard it is to get a ride late at night after the event ends.

Would you recommend this, or is it one of those things that sounds good in theory but ends up being a headache?

I’m not saying I 100% will but if I end up meeting with someone i would like for it to go well, i rarely communicate with people at AX,I feel as if when ever people come across me they look uncomfortable or annoyed. So I usually keep to myself. I did meet up with this one guy when I first went but honestly I think he ditched me mid way through the day . I will admit I am socially inscure/ awkward when meeting people for the first time. again not saying I will talk to anyone I don’t mind keeping to myself but in the off chance I do I just don’t want to mess up any advice?

Just received my badge and poster but no lanyard? It’s my first time going so not sure if it was supposed to come with one. If not, did they ever come with one?

This is my first time going to the Anime Expo. Hotel, flight, and rental car all paid for already. But how much should I realistically for buying merchandise? I don't really know what there is to buy or how much stuff is gonna be since I'm going blind obviously.

If u wanna get some drink or hang out lmk i gladly explore ax26 with you

I got the 4day pass, but I won’t be able to make it the first day. Can I still pick up the swag bag on friday? Also why is there multiple pick up spots on the map?

hi! has anyone else been having difficulty with buying tickets? tried to buy out passes last night and it keeps saying that the payment won’t go through even though there’s a holding charge on my credit card?? my friend in a different state even tried to purchase at the same time and the exact same thing happened to them 😭 never received any confirmation emails

A thread for people to promote their panel for 2026.
If you have multiple please consolidate each panel to a single post.

Hi everyone! I’m planning my first Anime Expo trip this year (July 1st–5th) and looking for hotel recommendations. I may be meeting up with friends during the con, but I’ll mostly be navigating things on my own, so I’m trying to find somewhere safe, convenient, and reasonably affordable.

I originally planned to Uber everywhere, but after researching a bit, it seems like a lot of people recommend using the Metro instead since it’s cheaper and easier during AX weekend.

Any recommendations for safe hotels or areas for someone attending mostly solo? Also open to Metro tips or areas to avoid. Thanks!

UPDATE: I was able to reserve a room through the hotel block after constantly refreshing the website lol. It has a shuttle and is close to the convention center too 😅 Thank you for everyone’s tips and suggestions, I really appreciate it!