May 9, 2006
Anime convention tour group has not made arrangements with conventions
by AnimeCons.com StaffOtaku Express, operated by Bullet Bikes and Anime in Nutley, New Jersey, has posted a web page on which they are offering round trip bus tickets, hotel accomodations, breakfast and dinner, 3-day convention admission "with perks", "group designed activities", and a picture and video DVD for $155. Otaku Express offers anime fans a choice of Anime Boston 2006 and Otakon 2006 packages. Both conventions' logos are displayed on the web site.
In a news post on Otakon's web site, Jim Vowles Jr., Chairman of Otakon 2006, warned people that "nobody is authorized to re-sell Otakon badges or memberships" and that companies putting together charters or organizing hotel space are doing so without any affiliation to Otakon or Otakorp, Inc.
Anime Boston's Chairman, Patrick Delahanty, posted a similar warning on Anime Boston's forums. "This group is also claiming that booking through their service may get you special seating at some events. There has been no arrangement set up with Anime Boston for such a service."
It appears that while third parties may possibly arrange for bus travel or hotel accomodations, Otaku Express's claims as far as being able to offer convention admission and "perks" are false.
Otaku Express did not immediately reply to our request for comment.
Anime fans are strongly urged to verify any similar discount travel packages with conventions before buying into them.
