[The Fujoshi]

This is useful! I am going to tip the maid this year!

Previous years I was with friends so I didn't know x.x Hyatt a few years and Emb recently. Omg...it wasn't the best experiance til last year when I had my own room but I had to pay for FOUR people who didn't show up at the last minute >.< I'm doing everything in advance this year!

I know the Emb doesn't do the advance payment but they do take out cash when you check in though for extra fees like 50-80 bucks extra fyi.

Also it's good to try to look in advance for items you may see in the dealer room and not the hotel since wifi is like 10-20 dollars at most hotels. I usually plan on what to buy.

Also BEWARE OF BOOTLEGS: http://leafdust.live....com/87163.html I haven't bought a bootleg at Acen but even sometimes the dealers are sold bootlegs and they wouldn't know about it >.<

Hope I didn't sound like a braggard or a jerk ._. Just...adding for Embassy since I went there last year

[Alkaren Hyralt]

The Fujoshi, on 19 January 2011 - 11:56 PM, said:

Also BEWARE OF BOOTLEGS: http://leafdust.live....com/87163.html I haven't bought a bootleg at Acen but even sometimes the dealers are sold bootlegs and they wouldn't know about it >.<

Hope I didn't sound like a braggard or a jerk ._. Just...adding for Embassy since I went there last year

If you see/find a vendor selling bootleg stuff, please report it to the Exhibit Hall staff.

[obakasan]

Quote

Also BEWARE OF BOOTLEGS: http://leafdust.live....com/87163.html I haven't bought a bootleg at Acen but even sometimes the dealers are sold bootlegs and they wouldn't know about it >.<

Quote

If you see/find a vendor selling bootleg stuff, please report it to the Exhibit Hall staff.

Yes, please report what you think may be bootleg material. We can't be everywhere. And quite honestly some of what looks bootleg is actually real, and some of what looks real is bootleg. Vendors can be victims too. We plan to have a report form available at the ES booth during the con and we will investigate any and all reports. Also, if you discover after the con is over that an item you purchased is not genuine please email or PM the Exhibit Space Department Head or one of the ES ADHs.

[sakurathekeyblademaster]

For 3 days there, should I save at least....................500-600 dollars for Acen? I'm asking this because I work and my job gives us very little money and I don't want to come to Acen being broke even though I already have three costumes. I already booked a hotel with some friends, so that's taken care of and out the way.(I put money aside for that). Plus my cousin will drive us there and we'll split the parking cost.

[MsLovelyCookie]

I think for me personally I will need about $600. Based on lasts years total expenses.

Rounded to the nearest number
Hotel=$180 (my share of hotel bill)
Food=$60 (my share of food for all 3 days)
Shopping=$200 ($100 per day)
Emergency=$100 (To add to my bank account after Acen is done)

This post has been edited by MsLovelyCookie: 23 January 2012 - 07:10 PM

[sakurathekeyblademaster]

MsLovelyCookie, on 10 February 2011 - 06:45 PM, said:

I think for me personally I will need about $675. Based on lasts years total expenses.

Rounded to the nearest number
Hotel=$200 (my share of hotel bill)
Food=$60 (my share of food)
Shopping=$200 ($100 per day)
Emergency=$100 (To add to my bank account after Acen is done)

It wouldn't suprise me about the shopping cost. Everything else looks fine, a good thing is that I don't eat a lot. But what if I split the bill with some friends? Would that lower it some...and doesn't Acen have activities that require money too? Or no?

[Amelko]

I never have boatloads of money, so I tend to spend as little as possible at ACen. Last year I probably spent only $100 on merchandise. o.O

This year's budget looks like:

Hotel - ~$75 for my share
Food - $20 (my parents usually let me raid our typically overstocked pantry and take what I want, but sometimes we hit up the McDonalds or whatnot.)
Merchandise - $125
Badge - FREE once I work my volunteer hours

My poor bank account. lol

[sakurathekeyblademaster]

Lol. Mine too. By the way, I love your picture of Kyo and Tohru!

[MsLovelyCookie]

sakurathekeyblademaster, on 11 February 2011 - 07:06 PM, said:

It wouldn't surprise me about the shopping cost. Everything else looks fine, a good thing is that I don't eat a lot. But what if I split the bill with some friends? Would that lower it some...and doesn't Acen have activities that require money too? Or no?

No not in the 3 years I went that they needed money on the spot.

Last year it was me and my friend staying at the hotel, it was expensive since the hotel was new with no Acen discount, and we usually stay from Thursday night to Monday morning and I had to drop Sunday so I wouldn't pay so much money. It sucks because the next day after going to the Soap Bubble we had to wake up early and leave. As for food we went to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast and then out to eat at local restaurants we knew for lunch and had a big breakfast on Sunday. The shopping cost is half on books and the other half on random items like posters, jewelry, t-shirts, and my sister's b-day present. Anything left over I use for other things I need cash for.

This year we have 2 other roommates so the cost for the hotel will go down and I will have money left over in my bank account.

This post has been edited by MsLovelyCookie: 21 February 2011 - 01:27 PM

[sakurathekeyblademaster]

MsLovelyCookie, on 21 February 2011 - 01:26 PM, said:

No not in the 3 years I went that they needed money on the spot.

Last year it was me and my friend staying at the hotel, it was expensive since the hotel was new with no Acen discount, and we usually stay from Thursday night to Monday morning and I had to drop Sunday so I wouldn't pay so much money. It sucks because the next day after going to the Soap Bubble we had to wake up early and leave. As for food we went to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast and then out to eat at local restaurants we knew for lunch and had a big breakfast on Sunday. The shopping cost is half on books and the other half on random items like posters, jewelry, t-shirts, and my sister's b-day present. Anything left over I use for other things I need cash for.

This year we have 2 other roommates so the cost for the hotel will go down and I will have money left over in my bank account.

Yosh! That pretty much sums things up so I don't have to worry anymore. Thanks for your post!

[Oreo_Otaku]

Update for 2012:

Tollways in IL are going up in prices by 87% effective Jan 1st, 2012. So increase the amount used to pay IL tolls in past years by double to be safe.

[Defyplums]

Oreo_Otaku, on 21 November 2011 - 11:50 AM, said:

Update for 2012:

Tollways in IL are going up in prices by 87% effective Jan 1st, 2012. So increase the amount used to pay IL tolls in past years by double to be safe.

Coming from MI--how much are the tolls, typically?

Also, how much does one generally tip the cleaning folks?

And finally: the rooms-do the single bed basic rooms come with a "Motion fridge"? I really want that sucker taken out if so. Also, when I stayed at the Hyatt in Detroit for Youmacon last year, I called about 3 weeks before the con to get the cot/rollaway bed secured, though the hotel said no promises, they were able to accomodate us because I asked ahead of time. Has anyone had any luck doing this at ACEN (we will be staying at the Hyatt during ACEN)?

[Oreo_Otaku]

Assuming you're coming from the main part of MI, you technically can take I-94 all the way to I-90, exit off of I-190 circle around O'hare to get to the River Rd exit and not have to pay a toll. A few cons is that part of that goes through one of the busiest roads because it goes through the edge of downtown, so plenty of traffic during the day through early evening (enough that you might add a ½-1 hour or more to travel depending on what time you drive through). Going past the O'hare exit starts a toll road.

If you decide on going the quicker route (I-294 to river Rd exit), expect to pay. There are 4 toll plazas each currently at 80 cents. By the time Acen 2012 comes around, toll is most likely $1.50 each give or take 20 cents. I will guess around $12 round trip and $3 should be in change because the River Rd exit toll is currently automated and only takes coins.

Hotel cleaning tip advice: http://hotels.about...._hotel_maid.htm

I can't help about the hotel fridge but most likely you can call and ask.

[dreamgirl]

What I've done:

Get dropped off: solves parking $0.

Food = bringing 'Cooler' of drinks sandwich material, chips, snacks, etc, everyone chips in. On saturday we order a pizza before the rave and drinking, its like enjoying your vacation fully but economically bringing things so you can have that last $5 go to the dvd you never thought you would get.

Room: yea...good luck, i stay at the embassy with group, free breakfast, and happy hour win.

Before I go to the con, I buy majority of all the anime and such I want a few months in advance online, CAUSE ITS CHEAPER. so that way when you spend $100 at the con its cause you would have never thought to get it or you wouldnt likely find it somewhere else. You'll appreciate what you buy then more than being a noob. Its all about maximizing your anime collection etc.

hope that helps

[DarkBebi]

Room: $200, 8 people coming for 2 rooms for 4 days

Food: $200, $15 a meal for 3 meals a day for 4 days

Badge: $55

Merchandise/Expenses: $600, $200 a day for 3 days. I am bringing a $1000 now

[Ashori]

For me, my budget is like this:

Hotel and Parking: $0 - My friends are paying for my share of the room as a belated birthday present (my birthday is shortly before A-Cen).
Food: $25-$35 - We tend to go to Mitsuwa and Walmart before getting to the con to buy breakfast and snack foods, as well as bottled water. This year, we plan to spend the least amount we possibly can by price-matching and couponing our food, and thanks to my older brother I have plenty of plastic silverware, plates, and cups to bring along.
Merchandise: $200-$300 for two days - We usually leave early on Sunday, so my money will be spent on Friday and Saturday. The amount I bring depends on taxes, my paychecks, and what money I may get from relatives for my birthday.

So likely, I'll be spending between $225 and $335. Which is nearly half of what I spend last year. -feels a bit proud-

[aprilxeternal]

I'm looking at some of these budgets and I'm all like holy crap.
Room:About $150 for 2 nights(Motel 6, nice and cheap :3, plus my friend might reimburse some)
Food: $15-20 for the whole weekend, coolers come in handy
Merchandise: Maybe $50 if I'm lucky
Travel: $16.50, I take the Metra and the Blue Line

[Rori]

Oreo_Otaku, on 22 November 2011 - 12:29 PM, said:

If you decide on going the quicker route (I-294 to river Rd exit), expect to pay. There are 4 toll plazas each currently at 80 cents. By the time Acen 2012 comes around, toll is most likely $1.50 each give or take 20 cents. I will guess around $12 round trip and $3 should be in change because the River Rd exit toll is currently automated and only takes coins.

Yup, its $1.50 (without an I-PASS).

http://www.illinoist...uadFold_web.pdf

[sakurathekeyblademaster]

aprilxeternal, on 23 January 2012 - 05:58 PM, said:

I'm looking at some of these budgets and I'm all like holy crap.
Room:About $150 for 2 nights(Motel 6, nice and cheap :3, plus my friend might reimburse some)
Food: $15-20 for the whole weekend, coolers come in handy
Merchandise: Maybe $50 if I'm lucky
Travel: $16.50, I take the Metra and the Blue Line

You know, you can cut the price for hotel if you book one with Mariott. I'm not sure if they have any rooms left(I booked mine around the end of November) but their price still remains 109 per night which is £218+tax. If you split it with someone, you should be able to have enough(about £124.5 per person). And thats for the whole weekend---until they kick you out at 12:00 on Sunday^J^

~Hope that helped.

[aprilxeternal]

sakurathekeyblademaster, on 23 January 2012 - 09:28 PM, said:

You know, you can cut the price for hotel if you book one with Mariott. I'm not sure if they have any rooms left(I booked mine around the end of November) but their price still remains 109 per night which is £218+tax. If you split it with someone, you should be able to have enough(about £124.5 per person). And thats for the whole weekend---until they kick you out at 12:00 on Sunday^J^

~Hope that helped.

Well the Motel 6 is like 70.00 a night, plus tax. So it's still cheaper. Especially considering my friend can't give me half or such I couldn't afford to stay at a nicer hotel this year, and I'm paying for my boyfriends share. But maybe next year.

[sakurathekeyblademaster]

aprilxeternal, on 25 January 2012 - 12:18 PM, said:

Well the Motel 6 is like 70.00 a night, plus tax. So it's still cheaper. Especially considering my friend can't give me half or such I couldn't afford to stay at a nicer hotel this year, and I'm paying for my boyfriends share. But maybe next year.

Oooh~! I thought it was 150 each night! I'm sorry, I got it wrong. *And here I was trying to sound smartXD*

[MsLovelyCookie]

Wondering if anyone is doing anything to make more money, giving up something or budget their money to save up for Acen.

So far I gave up getting rides from my sister since she charges me money, used cash when I am able instead of my card, gave up going out to eat and working the holidays. Got my bonus with the holiday check so money for the hotel is set.

[GITS SAC Motoko]

MsLovelyCookie, on 26 January 2012 - 11:27 PM, said:

Wondering if anyone is doing anything to make more money, giving up something or budget their money to save up for Acen.

So far I gave up getting rides from my sister since she charges me money, used cash when I am able instead of my card, gave up going out to eat and working the holidays. Got my bonus with the holiday check so money for the hotel is set.

Basically I'm working a lot and also not letting myself buy things as much. Like I love to buy bubble tea, or food at work (because it's at the mall so it's easier) but I make myself pack a lunch so I can save the money. And I also don't buy stuff I want only stuff I need. So if I need something for school, I get it. If I want to buy an external hard drive just because it's cheap, I don't get it because I want to save the money.
I also try to buy my gas out of Cook County (and buy it in Kane County or something) to avoid high taxes/prices.

[MasterHavik]

Good thing I'm from Chicago. I might make two seprate sets of cash. One for the train ride out there and back. The other for everything else.

[LordCanti]

im going to save up $1500 like i did last year :x

[Sir Gibby]

For past cons I spent as much as $500 just in the dealers room! But the last few years I've gotten really thrifty, and last year I had *no* money to spend at con. And to be honest I think it made the experience that much better, because instead of running around and being fixated on shopping I actually enjoyed the convention more! I went to events; photo shoots, viewing rooms, met people and actually hung out with them. In retrospect going to ACen broke was probably the best thing that could have happened to me!

[woozle]

Last year was my first con, and i was told by my president that $200 would be good for the weekend...Now i realize that i would need to bring a LOT more than that, so i've been saving up every paycheck i can. Hoping to have at least $500, $600 for the weekend.

[rondo]

I find that most of my money is all tied up in transportation, lodging, and food. I don't spend nearly as much as I used to on the con itself anymore.

[linlindesu]

Money this year is looking easier even though I'm no longer in a bigger group room.
Staying with just the fiancee at the embassy
$300 for hotel
$25 for badge ( panelist)
$30 for any form of food besides what we'll bring ( red bull and cup ramen > )
$30-40 for party supplies.
$100 anything I may want. Though lately I've been pretty good at not buying anything in the dealer's room. This is also the year of my wedding and we are getting a house so it isn't as easy to shed money on everything adorable and probably useless.
so about $500. Which considering past years isn't too bad.

[Defyplums]

Sir Gibby, on 04 April 2012 - 07:40 AM, said:

For past cons I spent as much as $500 just in the dealers room! But the last few years I've gotten really thrifty, and last year I had *no* money to spend at con. And to be honest I think it made the experience that much better, because instead of running around and being fixated on shopping I actually enjoyed the convention more! I went to events; photo shoots, viewing rooms, met people and actually hung out with them. In retrospect going to ACen broke was probably the best thing that could have happened to me!

Amen, Sir! I've got about $150 set aside for spending, but I'm mostly going to blow that in the artist alley, because those starving artisits need some luv. Honestly, though, most of the licensed stuff you can get at a more affordable price online, so unless it's rare and you can't live without it, best to chew some Pocky and wait on it