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QuestCon 2023 Review



If you're a tabletop gaming enthusiast, QuestCon Orlando is absolutely the convention for you! It's a one-of-a-kind event that stands out against the plethora of anime or comic conventions, which makes it the perfect change of pace for seasoned convention goers looking for a new experience. If you’re a fan of TTRPG, Dungeons and Dragons, and other board games I think QuestCon is gonna be your next favorite convention.

Honest Critiques, and Suggestions

We here at BN'K on Tour value transparency, so we do have a few critiques about the event. However, these critiques aren't detractors of the event, just places of opportunity for the event to improve.


One of the things I’d like to see would be more activities aside from board gaming. The team thought of things like LARP demonstrations, perhaps contacting the folks from AFO (Anime Festival of Orlando) to do a small demo of Warriors of Orlandia, a foam sword fighting room, or even some kind of interactive fantasy gameplay to really play into the adventure aspect of QuestCon. We think adding something like this will set QuestCon apart from the average cosplay contest and game room setup other conventions have.


QuestCon Brings the Adventure to You! 


An outstanding feature of QuestCon Orlando is its huge ballroom filled with intricately built tabletop environments. Some of the most captivating setups are provided by The Away Games, having an array of unique miniature game spaces such as firey castles, cybernetic ruins, and lofty fields.

The library of games hosted and provided by The Haven Games was a stellar addition to this event. With an extensive collection of board games to choose from it can be overwhelming to decide what game to get started with. If you happen to get overwhelmed there are games demos available as well as gear game masters to help teach you and get you started on a new tabletop adventure. I think the most fun part about the game library and the area around it was the people in it. Everyone was so nice and more importantly patient and willing to assist you in learning a board game or giving you suggestions on games that you might like.


The vendor hall at QuestCon Orlando is very well-curated and filled with unique merchandise, books, tabletop accessories, and, of course, an extensive selection of games. You can easily lose yourself exploring the diverse vendors, adding to the overall excitement and shopping experience. 


What truly sets QuestCon Orlando apart is the cozy and comfortable atmosphere that pervades the entire event. You can go anywhere in the ballroom and just queue up a board game. You could walk up to anyone and ask them what they were playing and they would be more than happy to give a deep dive and add you in on the spot. The board game demos allowed you to test out games you may have never even thought about purchasing. They also allowed you to connect with new board game creators and see the real diversity in TTRPG, from solo adventure games to games that require 8 or more players with a ton of little moving pieces; there really was just so much to explore.



What about Cost and Accommodations?


QuestCon is a very affordable convention with weekend passes to the event going for $60, which is a great price for all of the things you’re able to do over the weekend. The day passes were even more affordable with Friday’s pass being $20, Saturday’s pass going for $25 and Sunday’s pass going for $20 as well. QuestCon also offers legendary passes that get you lifetime general admission to QuestCon for the lifetime of the convention, with plans for additional perks in the future.  


As far as the hotel accommodations go, the event was held at the Double Tree by Hilton about 5 minutes out from Universal. Honestly, until QuestCon, I hadn’t attended an event in the venue space, but I have to give props, it was a great pick for this growing con. It has some fun touristy things like a gelato bar and American Grill inside, but also a very cozy pool and hang-out area in the center of the hotel.

If you were looking to stay at the Double Tree, rates typically start at about $140 per night however, because this venue is so close to the tourist part of Orlando, I would say to look around and compare rates. The venue is close enough to other hotels that you can walk or take a short Uber/Lyft to the venue. Parking was organized and only cost $10 if you parked in event parking, however, other parking accommodations in surrounding areas were definitely available for cheaper or for free.


The best advice I could give to someone looking to attend QuestCon for 2024, is to be sure to plan ahead to manage your budget.


Should You go to QuestCon Orlando?


Every corner of QuestCon Orlando is filled with imagination and the pure joy of board games. It's a place where laughter, strategy, and storytelling intersect, creating an atmosphere that's not just about playing games but creating cherished moments. The convention exudes warmth and a sense of community that makes you feel like you've found your gaming family. QuestCon Orlando is a tabletop convention that's not to be missed. Be sure to follow QuestCon Orlando on all of their social, and check out their discord to stay up to date about their 2024 showcase.


Photo credit: 
(@bnkontour) https://www.instagram.com/bnkontour/

Featuring:
Icebreaker Game: https://www.instagram.com/icebreakr.game/

Spicy Lady Entertainment: (@spicyladyentertainment) https://www.instagram.com/spicyladyentertainment/
The Haven Games: https://www.instagram.com/thehavengames/

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