Comic-Con: Anyone been, going this year?

Genem30

As part of the "Be A Good Dad And Give Your Kids Every Opportunity to Experience The Richness of Life" Campaign (spearheaded by my wife), we are taking a road trip to San Diego in July for Comic Con 2012. I've seen the pictures from previous Comic Cons, and as a man knocking on 40 who hates crowds to the point where Costco makes me want to kill people, I'm a little bit terrified.

Anyone ever been who can offer advice on where to go, how to enjoy the time? I picture the line to get badges is just a nightmare by itself. Plus we're going to take a birth certificate, because even tho he's only 11 (kids 12 and under get in free), he looks like he's knocking on 13 or 14, so I'm not sure they're going to be so eager to believe us when we tell them he's 11.