If you’ve been attending San Diego Comic-Con the past several years, you’re probably aware of the IMDboat that is always parked in the harbor behind the convention center. Thanks to being online at the right time, I was able to RSVP for the two of us to attend the LEGO DreamZzz Watch Party, and SDCC 2023 would be our first time making our way onto the IMDboat!
On Thursday, July 20, after we parted ways with our friend John following our completion of the Paramount+ scavenger hunt and a stroll on the exhibit hall floor, we made our way over to check in for the LEGO DreamZzz Watch Party. It was around 6pm at that time, and the party was scheduled to start at 6:30pm.
Check-in was located across the walkway from the IMDboat, and there was already a long line even for people who had reservations, which extended to the bathrooms next to Adult Swim. There looked to be a line along the seawall for people who were on the waitlist. Once checked in, we were each given a ticket for “Screening 2” which we were told would be at 8pm. It was almost 7pm by the time we actually got onto the IMDboat.
Upon entering, we saw a large LEGO mosaic mural that was being put together. Attendees could choose a square, find the associated colors, and place the correct LEGO colored bricks on the square. Once completed, you would match the number on the back of the square to the number on the mural. Eventually, it would form a full LEGO mosaic mural once all the squares were placed. If anyone has a photo of the completed mosaic mural, it would be great to see the finished product of what we contributed to!
Also on this level, there were several related LEGO items on display with the price and a QR code in case you were interested in purchasing them, as well as a LEGO DreamZzz photo op.
Additionally, there were a couple of other activities on this level, including a Jack Links booth, as well as IMDb Trivia, neither of which we participated in. There was a person standing outside of the Jack Links booth offering free beef jerky samples as well. We also saw standing tables set up, around which people were standing and eating food, such as fries. However, we never actually figured out where or how to get that food.
As we headed toward the back, there was a bar with a huge crowd. Just then, someone came down the stairs and sneakily whispered to anyone in hearing distance, “There’s much less of a line at the bar upstairs.” So we took that as our cue to head upstairs and go exploring up there. Indeed, as promised, there was hardly anyone in line at the bar on this level. We also quickly found a Seaport Fudge Factory booth giving away Dole Whip! They were out of pineapple, so the only flavors they had left were mango and watermelon. I don’t like mango, so opted for watermelon. Then we headed outside to enjoy the Dole Whip and take in the sights.
We had a nice view of the SDCC area and outward toward Coronado Island. Eventually, we were treated to a beautiful sunset.
Before long, it was time to head up to the 3rd level for the screening of the LEGO DreamZzz episode. Each attendee was given a box of popcorn to enjoy while watching the screening. There were several rows of folding chairs set up, with blankets and pillows scattered throughout. The voice actors for the show were there, and before the screening started, they introduced themselves, identifying which character they each voiced, then introduced the episode. You can watch LEGO DreamZzz on Prime Video!
After the episode was over, it was time to exit the IMDboat. We were supposed to be given a swag bag on our way out, but they ran out of them a few people in front of us! So that was disappointing. Ah well, all in all, it was still a nice way to spend our Thursday evening — finally getting to go on the IMDboat after all these years!
Walking back to our hotel, we got a lovely nighttime view of the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
Stay tuned for more recaps and photos of our experiences at SDCC 2023!
That’s so cool!!! The mural is like the one at Epcot for festival of the arts. There are little containers of paint, each one with a number on it, usually from 1-6. If you pick up say, number 3, you go and paint 6 boxes of wherever you find the number 3. And it’s a huge mural. And you get a postcard at the end of your free experience with what the photo should be. I’ve seen them go through at least 3 different murals a festival. This Lego one seems pretty frickin cool and I would love to try that one day.