Over the past couple of years, Paramount+ Lodge has quickly solidified itself as one of the best offsites at Comic Con. Back for a 3rd year, they once again proved why they’re a fan favourite, offering fun immersive experiences, unique swag, and tons of great photo ops.

On entry, each attendee was given a Lodge pass which entitled them to 2 free drinks. Drinks on offer were beer, margaritas, and a special cocktail that came in a Landman mug. We were lucky enough to sample them all and we have to give kudos to the margarita which had a great and refreshing taste.

For those wanting an alcohol-free option, guests could pick up a lemon slushie which came with a box of popcorn on the side. Popcorn wasn’t the only food on offer as staff frequently passed around burgers and fries making sure fans didn’t leave hungry.

If fans wanted to work off the food, the Lodge set up an NFL inspired area where guests could compete throwing footballs into holes of varying heights, or play a game of shuffleboard. Even there was no swag for this activation, it was a really fun experience that seemed different to anything the Lodge had done before, and it was great for groups of people to enjoy.

Just past the NFL area, fans could journey into the Star Trek universe. This was the standout activation of the Lodge as there were multiple rooms that guests could explore and mingle with characters from the world. Our favourite was the Star Trek bar where you would be made a special cocktail. The decor and details in the bar really made you feel like you were a part of Star Trek, and the drink was designed to look out of this world. Plus, we’ll never turn down a candy garnish.

We all love a photo op and the Star Trek offering gave fans the opportunity to sit in the captain’s chair to command the ship. To mark the occasion, guests were given a Starfleet tote bag.

Other Lodge photo ops included a Mission Impossible themed activation where fans could recreate the most iconic scene from the franchise, as well as a NCIS:Tony and Ziva experience which turned guests into fugitives via photo and video. Attendees that completed this got a special NCIS macaron.

The final activation we tried was the Dexter: Resurrection experience which took us into the Vault, a shrine to notorious killers that held relics and keepsakes. If fans were brave enough to get through the experience, they were rewarded with one of our favourite pieces of swag at SDCC this year, a blood splatter Dexter tea towel.

The Lodge seemed not just bigger this year, but also even better. Featuring a variety of shows of different genres meant there was something for everyone, and the attention to detail in which they showcased each series made it a truly immersive experience. Plus, as always the sheer amount of swag Paramount+ gave away made the experience feel that much more worth it. We can’t wait to see what they do next year.