As Otakon is approaching in a couple of months, I'm excited to say the least this is my first actual convention that I am going to with my girlfriend and I, as well as two other friends I've met online who had experience with Ota! (Both myself and my girlfriend are going in our first con!)
I have already arranged a room reserved and my other set of friends are experienced with going to conventions like Ota, so with that I got a few questions beforehand:
I reserved a hotel over at CitizenM for a more affordable spot to not only be close to the convention, but also be as practical on spending as my girl is coming from NY (helping her out with her travel) and the ride over to the center. If anyone has experience from a place like CitizenM and outside of the ones the con provided, are they fine with fresh cosplayers like myself and my girlfriend in terms of appropriation on props and outfits?
Speaking of props, I'm doing a Ghostface OC for the con and I'm looking to buy gun props over on a place like Amazon and eBay, but I'm concerned about restrictions. So does it need to be non-moving for example? I know some people need to have an orange tip for example as of course, it's in DC and gun inspections are really needed to see if it's lethal or non.
Lastly, 3. Whilst the room with my girlfriend and I have it from July 31st to August 2nd, is it better to pay for all 3 weekends or a single day? We're still unsure (mainly from her side on a personal note) if we're only doing Saturday or at least both Saturday and Sunday because I'm picking her up from her ride from NY to DC as it is her first time traveling to DC. Not putting in too much details I am aware this subreddit is public, but overall the expenses are pretty mid-high since the transport, the con itself, and also post-con activities.
Please let me know! It's my first convention like I said with my girlfriend and I and thankfully, two of my friends who went to Ota before coming from other states, will assist us on this journey!