Diane and I went to our first Chiller last fall. Any DS fan who has never been to one should be aware of a few things. First, the lines just to get in may be very, very long. Tickets at the door were running 2-3 (or 4!) hours or so Saturday and Sunday. Then, it may take another 1-2 hours to get into each tent where the stars are. Autograph lines within the tents vary widely. Most people, once you are in the tent, you will be able to walk right up to or wait 2-5 minutes. The longest lines may be 15-20 minutes for a big draw, like Elvira or Catherine Bach was last fall. The tents are still crowded so it may be a little damp or chilly outside, but muggy inside the tents. The crowd will be a little different than the DS crowds; more serious goths along with horror fans from multiple generations , and be aware a lot a people are there to meet the pro wrestlers. Chiller has lots of pro wrestlers on their guest list. Lots. And a few porn stars. My wife called Chiller, "The land of black t-shirts." On the positive side, once you make it through the line, no one will be brow beating you if you need three or four autographs from say David Selby or Lara Parker. On the other hand, they may not be free like at DS. Your only real limit will be how much money you have. Cash will go quick at Chiller. The DS people have a reputation for being on the less expensive side at this show. Someone like David Carradine may charge $25-$30 per signature. June Lockhart, well, she prices by the object when she's there.
I don't remember there being many panels at Chiller, although I'm told there were some. There aren't as easy to locate. Its a big hotel. There are 2-3 big tents and 2-3 ballrooms full of dealers, as well as a multitude of additional rooms with anything from art exhibits to live bats. I think you would be able to find just about any horror/scfi or fantasy movie on any format you've ever wanted. This would also apply to models and toys. Be aware the dealers floors can get very crowded and at some point someone's backpack full of sharp objects will bang into you unapologetically.
I would say Chiller isn't really kid-friendly, especially for under 10-12, unless you regularly let them watch R and NR films. Be aware the costumes on Saturday Night's Monster Ball call be very risque and the music is loud and varies from Rockabilly to Metal.
Its not at all far from NYC, the rooms sell out quick, and surprisingly, the restaurant turns over tables pretty quickly and they have a pretty good buffett.
I had a great time at Chiller, but its not the "extended family reunion" atmosphere of Dark Shadows.
Michael
