Any anime fans out here at SDMB going to Otakon at the end of July?
If so, are you going to cosplay? What as?
Ever been there before? Any tips for an Otakon virgin?
Haven’t been to Otakon, but I’ve been to Anime Expo.
Bring a camera. Some of those cosplay kids are funny!
Most of them are also quite willing to pose for pictures and whatnot, and some of the costumes are really good!
Bring lots of cash. If they have vendors the same way AX does, you’ll probably come across a lot of merchandise or DVDs that you want to buy, and a lot of the vendors at the expos don’t take credit cards for various reasons. You may also want to take along a personal check or two, but they seem to prefer the greenbacks.
Bring a water bottle and possibly some food as well. You’ll be doing a LOT of walking (on a related note: wear comfortable shoes) and assuming you’re going to the viewing rooms you won’t be able to leave to get food since the lines for the good movies/eps get really long, really fast. If you’re bringing a backpack, bring an extra water bottle and some extra candy bars. You see, some of the girls at these things are very cute. 
Oh yeah, if there’s a big name movie showing (Spirited Away, perhaps?), forego seeing other things immediately before it. Get there at least 45 minutes prior to showtime. You may want to bring something to read. Or a GameBoy or something.
And, finally, get lots of sleep. Did I mention that you’re going to be doing a LOT of walking?