Malibu Barbie Café – A Pink-Tinted Highlight of My Comic-Con Week
The Malibu Barbie Café was pure retro joy and the perfect complement to the excitement of being in San Diego for Comic-Con. For $25.15, guests enjoyed a 90-minute reservation complete with a $10 food credit, $5 merch credit, and access to the $1 Barbie x Impala Skate Rink — with proceeds benefiting Girls Inc.. Stepping inside felt like traveling straight to 1970s Malibu, surrounded by poptimistic Barbie colors, beachy motifs, retro glam, and photo-perfect spots like the life-size Barbie Box. Chef Becky Brown’s Barbie-inspired menu added playful twists to comfort classics, while exclusive merch made it tempting to take the experience home.
I loved how it wasn’t just a meal but a full immersion into Barbie’s world — a bright, nostalgic break from the SDCC hustle. And my favorite part? Coming back with friends for the Barbie Café After Dark, where the vibe turned extra fun, the laughs got louder, and the pink magic kept going well into the night. It was the kind of memory that made this Comic-Con week unforgettable.
Paramount+ The Lodge – Multi-Fandom Retreat
Back for its third year, The Lodge once again proved to be a must-stop oasis in the Gaslamp, packed with immersive activations, themed swag, and endless photo ops from Paramount+’s biggest franchises. Fans beamed into Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, navigated the high-stakes world of Mission: Impossible, stepped into the gritty landscapes of Landman, and revisited the dark thrills of Dexter: Resurrection. Interactive experiences kept the energy high, while the cozy, themed spaces offered a perfect recharge spot between panels. Swag bags and exclusive merch made it worth the wait in line — this was the kind of cross-fandom playground SDCC dreams are made of.
Her Universe Fashion Show – Wicked Magic
The 11th Annual Her Universe Fashion Show kicked off SDCC 2025 with a dazzling celebration of geek couture and fandom creativity. Ashley Eckstein made a show-stopping entrance floating down the runway in a Glinda-inspired moving platform, while co-host Michael James Scott delivered a thrilling Wicked medley alongside Eckstein, filling the room with music and magic. The immersive lobby, Wicked-themed set, and pop-up activations set the stage for an unforgettable evening, and fans were treated to exclusive merch, photo ops, and first looks at Wicked: For Good products. This year’s winning designers were Lynleigh Sato, chosen by the judges, and Caitlin Beards, selected by audience vote, each earning the opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe. The show radiated inclusivity, joy, and sheer imagination, perfectly embodying the energy of San Diego Comic-Con and leaving everyone in awe of this vibrant, fandom-powered community.
Magic: The Gathering x Spider-Man – Card-Slinging Crossover
The Magic: The Gathering x Spider-Man experience was an absolute highlight of SDCC 2025, transforming the Legends Ballroom at the Hard Rock Hotel into a vibrant recreation of Spider-Man’s neighborhood. Fans were immersed in comic-book-inspired sets, interactive displays, and exciting new cards, with opportunities to learn how to play or level up their skills at the tables. Attendees also received a free promo deck, took part in fun photo ops, and enjoyed every chance to swing into Spider-Man’s world — making it a playful, unforgettable mix of strategy, fandom, and San Diego Comic-Con energy.
Stern’s Pinball: JAWS 50th Anniversary Comes to Life
As a longtime JAWS fan, getting hands-on with Stern Pinball’s Pop-Up Arcade at SDCC 2025 was an absolute dream. Right next door at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, I experienced the debut of the JAWS 50th Anniversary Premium Edition pinball machine, complete with glitter-enhanced artwork, Buttered Brass powder-coated ramps, and a striking 50th Anniversary hologram sticker. Playing this collector’s masterpiece while chatting with the Stern team about its creation made the experience even more special. Between battling the sharks on the playfield and soaking in the arcade energy, it was an unforgettable, interactive highlight that perfectly captured the fun and immersive spirit of Comic-Con.
Peacemaker’s Peacefest – Comic-Con Chaos Meets Glam Rock
HBO Max’s Peacefest was an absolute blast, bringing the chaotic, glam-rock energy of Peacemaker straight to San Diego’s Gaslamp District. From immersive activations to themed experiences that made you feel part of Peacemaker’s world, it perfectly captured the irreverent fun of the show. The excitement carried into Hall H, where James Gunn and the cast shared exclusive insights on season two and premiered the global trailer, making it a must-see highlight of SDCC 2025. Experiencing the chaos, humor, and rock-fueled vibes firsthand was an unforgettable way to dive deeper into the series and celebrate with fellow fans.
Clown in the Corn Field – Face Your Childhood Nightmares at SDCC
For fans brave enough to test their nerves, Clown in the Corn Field was a thrilling highlight of SDCC 2025. Shudder and AMC+ brought Frendo, the terrifying clown of childhood nightmares, to life in an immersive cornfield maze at the Hilton Gaslamp. Guests navigated the Founder’s Day Parade and dodged Frendo’s wrath, racing to find keys and escape through a locked tunnel — all while enjoying photo ops, custom food and drinks, and exclusive giveaways. The popcorn and gummy rings were a surprisingly delicious treat amidst all the suspense! The experience perfectly captured the chaos of the upcoming film, which premieres on August 8, 2025, starring Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Vincent Muller, Kevin Durand, and Will Sasso. It was equal parts heart-pounding fun, tasty snacks, and fandom celebration, leaving a lasting thrill for anyone daring enough to step inside Kettle Springs.
Coca-Cola Holocreator – Step Into a Star Wars Galaxy at SDCC
The Coca-Cola Holocreator was a standout experience at SDCC 2025, bringing the Star Wars universe to life in an immersive, augmented reality adventure. Fans could step inside the HOLOCREATOR to record their own holographic messages with stunning Star Wars backdrops, creating personalized galactic moments while celebrating the power of connection and fandom. I was even able to pick up a Darth Vader and an Ahsoka Tano Coca-Cola can, adding an extra collectible touch to the experience. Sharing these holographic messages with friends and family made it feel even more special. This activation perfectly blended interactive tech, iconic storytelling, and community spirit, making it an unforgettable stop for any Star Wars fan during Comic-Con weekend.
Hulu’s King of the Hill – Hank Hill’s Backyard Comes to Life
The King of the Hill activation at SDCC 2025 invited fans to step right into Hank Hill’s backyard for a full day of Arlen-style fun. Guests enjoyed BBQ bites, classic lawn games, and a refreshing cold can of “Alamo” (water) to cool off while soaking in the Texas vibes. Themed photo ops captured the spirit of the show, from iconic Arlen landmarks to neighborly back-fence moments. Interactive stations made the experience even richer—fans tested their aim at Alamo Pong, customized hats at the Mega Lo Mart, and snapped exclusive photos celebrating the beloved series. The BBQ plate stood out as one of the best food bites from all the offsite activations, making this backyard hangout feel even more authentic. This immersive setup perfectly brought the humor, heart, and community of King of the Hill to life for Comic-Con attendees.
FX’s Alien: Earth Lands at San Diego Comic-Con with “The Wreckage”
This year, FX went all-in on Alien: Earth at San Diego Comic-Con, marking the world premiere of the highly anticipated series from Noah Hawley. Not only did Hall H host the debut screening, but the Hilton Bayfront lawn was completely transformed into “The Wreckage”—a chilling, immersive activation that dropped fans directly into the terrifying wreckage of the USCSS Maginot.
The Wreckage Experience
Fans were invited to explore the mysterious debris field to uncover fragments of the story before the series premieres August 12 on FX and Hulu. During the day, guests could sift through eerie remnants of the ship, while at night, the activation shifted gears into “The Wreckage: Code Red”, an after-dark mission filled with tense encounters and heart-racing alien threats.
The activation featured a number of standout elements:
- The Prodigy Corp Drop Site: Fans could enlist as FX Insiders, earning exclusive giveaways while also getting an early glimpse of upcoming Alien: Earth VR content.
- In-World Pop Cuisine: A vending machine stocked with a limited-edition in-world beverage, created in collaboration with Chain, gave attendees a taste of the universe.
- Podcast Studio: The high-tech Alien: Earth Podcast Studio hosted conversations with talent and influencers, streaming content straight from the heart of Comic-Con.
And, of course, the swag didn’t disappoint. The Alien: Earth gobstopper was an instant favorite—equal parts creepy and clever—but the real win was the sleek notebook, sticker, and pen set, easily some of the best freebies of SDCC.
FX’s Alien: Earth activation proved that no one does world-building quite like this franchise, delivering a haunting SDCC experience that left fans both thrilled and unsettled.
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Activation: A Taste of Paradise at Comic-Con!
Nobody gets left behind when Walt Disney Studios’ Lilo & Stitch comes to life at Comic-Con! The activation was full of island vibes and ohana spirit, with themed photo ops, behind-the-scenes moments, and even free shaved ice to help beat the San Diego heat.
The surf photo op was hands-down my favorite—it felt like stepping right into the movie! Between the tropical atmosphere and sweet treats, this one really captured the heart of Lilo & Stitch while giving fans a little taste of paradise.
The Thunderbolts Treatz Truck: Sundaes, Swag, and Supercharged Chaos!
The Thunderbolts Treatz Truck was pure chaotic fun on wheels! 🍦 Marvel fans were treated to free sundaes inspired by the squad, like the “Strawberry Red Glory” for Red Guardian (yes, it was as good as it sounds). The vibe was supercharged—perfect for cooling down in the middle of Comic-Con madness.
On top of the treats, there were surprise swag drops and some seriously Instagram-worthy photo ops. Between the sugar rush and the Marvel energy, it felt like a true Thunderbolts-style mission. Definitely one of the sweetest pit stops of the weekend!
From Sonic Screwdrivers to tokidoki Dreams: A Fandom Playground at Comic-Con Museum
The Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park was the perfect SDCC escape, packed with fandom at every turn. I walked through the U.S.’s first Doctor Who exhibit, which spanned decades of history and let me peek at costumes, props, and iconic monsters from the Whoniverse. Tokidoki’s 20th anniversary exhibit exploded with color and nostalgia, featuring vinyl figures, fashion collabs, and plenty of kawaii vibes. I explored a lucha libre showcase that spotlighted the artistry and culture of masked wrestling, and even checked out Greg Evans’ Luann 40th anniversary strip collection that had fans smiling. Cosplay displays highlighted the creativity of the community, while Julien’s Star Wars memorabilia was a collector’s dream full of rare treasures.
Final Thoughts: A Feast of Fandom
From sipping on Coca-Cola Y3000 in neon-futuristic lounges to surfing a Jurassic wave, chomping on BBQ plates, and discovering alien gobstoppers, this year’s activations were all about immersing fans in their favorite worlds. Each stop had its own standout—like Netflix’s larger-than-life sets, Audible’s playful photo ops, or the treasure troves of collectibles at the Comic-Con Museum. Whether it was walking away with the best swag (that Alien: Earth notebook set was unbeatable!) or just soaking in the energy of fans geeking out together, the activations proved once again that Comic-Con magic isn’t just inside the convention center—it’s all around the Gaslamp, Balboa Park, and beyond. Every moment felt like stepping into a story, and honestly, I’m still buzzing from it all.
A huge thanks to my own Jimmy Olsen to my Lois Lane, Jimmy Gonzales, for attending these activations with me and letting me share his experiences from another fan’s perspective. Getting to see Comic-Con through someone else’s eyes made the weekend even more memorable and full of surprises.
