If you’ve climbed the Paramount+ Mountain* then you may have spent time at The Lodge. Or at least immersed yourself in some of the programming with intense fanbases attend Comic-Con International. Though not directly affiliated with Comic-Con, The Lodge has appeared in San Diego for a few years running now. If you don’t have a badge, but you’re in the Gaslamp District, Paramount+ still welcomes you to stop and spend some time with them.
When you look at the activities available within, it’s a reminder of just how many properties Paramount+ has — you can geek out over shows ranging from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds to Ghosts to Tulsa King (where appropriately, the drinks are), or just give in to your inner child with Spongebob Squarepants.
Rumor has it that the reservations booked up within 30 minutes of the announcement, but they still have a stand-by line. From my experience there last year, it’s a fun respite from the crush that can be the con itself. This year’s Lodge takes over Happy Does (340 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101), available to the public starting July 24 from 6–10pm, July 25-27 from 12–10pm daily, and July 28 from 10am–7pm. That’s at least one hour past the convention floor officially closing each night, so there’s time to get your fill of the floor and still visit.
This year, you can do the following once you make it inside The Lodge:
Create a Custom T-Shirt on a STAR TREK Starship
Stepping onto a STAR TREK starship, fans can customize their very own “Starfleet swag.” Utilizing a replicator, visitors will be able to place an order via touch-screen tablet and customize their t-shirts with options from a curated list of STAR TREK franchise-inspired insignia. This experience is available exclusively at The Lodge, and gives fans the chance to take home completely unique customized merch.
Olfactory Atelier Inspired by GHOSTS
In the CBS Original GHOSTS, scents are one of the strongest connections ghosts have to the living world. The Lodge will feature Woodstone Manor’s Olfactory Atelier, where guests are invited to step into the enchanting ambiance of ‘The Livings’-own living room workshop (filled with easter eggs from the show). Essence Chemists will entice them to explore a collection of specialized perfumes—each perfume displays a unique homage to the ghosts in the series. Fans will leave with a scent of their choosing, allowing them to carry a piece of the Manor’s mystique with them throughout the living world at SDCC and beyond.
Solve a Case for CRIMINAL MINDS: EVOLUTION Behavioral Analysis Unit
For all the CRIMINAL MINDS: EVOLUTION lovers, The Lodge will have an in-world office inspired by the series’ Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), filled with a chaotic spread of evidence, paperwork, unpredictable clues, and more. Guests can dive into their own investigative work to help BAU agents connect-the-dots to the ongoing case.
IF’s Cozy Ferris Wheel Photo Op
The Lodge is bringing the whimsical world of IF to SDCC. With the inviting Luna Park marquee complete with carnival lights galore, guests can line up to “ride” the ferris wheel. While in the queue, fans can play a game of hopscotch before they get onstage with a magical button that brings the Memory Lane Retirement Community Register to life and auto-pairs the guest with their very own IF companion for the photo op.
TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES–Themed Pizza Parlor
The Lodge will bring the love story between pizza and TALES OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES to life with the tastiest slice in town: Turtle Power Pizza. The pizza parlor will be decked out with illustrated stylings to welcome guests into the world of the new series. SDCC-goers will be able to fuel up for their next adventure with a slice of ‘za accompanied by beverages inspired by the colors of the four Turtles, perfect for heroes in a half-shell of any age.
Jellyspotting in Bikini Bottom
Nickelodeon and Paramount+ are celebrating the 25th anniversary of SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and guests are invited to join the fun and immerse themselves into a day-in-the-life at Bikini Bottom’s Jellyfish Fields. Partake in “jellyspotting” throughout the day and catch jellyfish using “Ol’ Reliable,” SpongeBob’s most trusted jellyfish net. Upon entry, special jellyspotting gear will be handed out so fans can see the world through a joyous sponge-colored lens.
INK MASTER Tattoo Parlor
Expanding from last year’s INK MASTER-themed space, The Lodge will include a tattoo parlor set where high-brow modern meets edgy. The activation will allow guests to step inside the series, with an opportunity to get a temporary airbrush tattoo done of their choice from the stencils inspired by Paramount+’s featured shows & films. (editor’s note: I am so glad these are temporary; I still shudder at those who chose the Game of Thrones permanent tattoos several years back. Those may not have aged well.)
BRED2BUCK Saloon from TULSA KING
TULSA KING will take over the Happy Does indoor bar with a themed ‘BRED2BUCK Saloon.’ Taking elements from the series with props, graphics, neon lights, as well as exciting Season 2 references for fans, guests will be able to enjoy in-world drinks that’ll knock their boots off. The saloon will also feature games that take guests into the world of CBS Sports including the hook and ring toss and UEFA Champions League themed soccer ball kicking challenge.
The key word here is synergy, and that includes a special bonus to the “Ski Pass”: each Lodge Ski Pass holds an offer for a 3-month Walmart+ subscription as well as what they say are “other surprise rewards while visiting The Lodge.” Planeteers, I admit I have no idea what comes with a Walmart+ subscription.
But it’s a perfect time to remind you that Fanboy Planet is a Paramount+ affiliate. If you subscribe through the ad on the sidebar on this very page, you may generate a commission for this site.
