When you think of the top Anime Conventions in the United States, which conventions come to mind? Many anime fans would say Anime EXPO, Anime NYC, Anime Matsuri, Otakon, Sakura-Con, Katsucon, and Colossalcon are some of the best around. According to many congoers, these are the top ones to go to, and their attendance rates reflect that. Last year, we decided to attend Colossalcon Prime for the first time. Due to a busy schedule, we did not get to attend Colossalcon for all the days so we did not get the true experience. This year during Colossalcon Prime 2025, we finally got to see why so many people love the Waterpark Anime convention; yes there are other waterpark conventions, but none compare to Colossalcon. 

When you hear that an anime convention is going to be at a water park, you would expect that there are going to be a lot of water shenanigans. Typically, Colossalcon is known for its outdoor water shoots, variety of activities, parties, and cosplayers debuting some of their Summer cosplays. Colossalcon 2025 was a bit of an exception to the typical norm. This year, despite the convention taking place at the end of May, it was fairly cold, and this deterred many cosplayers from going into the water of the outside pool; in fact, the outdoor pool was closed on one of the days due to the pool being warmer than the outdoor temperature. 

Instead of hanging out at the outdoor pool, especially since there was no foam party, many chose to relax in the hot tub, drink in their suites, go to the indoor pool, or hang out at the villas. Yes, some chose to attend the actual convention and then risk being cold in the pools. Now, this isn’t a knock at the actual convention, but many people choose to attend Colossalcon to enjoy the party scene, the waterpark, and other 18+ things.

Those who did choose to enjoy the convention, had the opportunity to play a variety of games in the arcade, play board games with friends and strangers, buy merchandise from vendors and creators, enjoy a wide variety of different panels, watch a wrestling show, vibe to music,  and even participate in a variety of dances (emo, techno, or ball themed). In addition to the previously mentioned opportunities, guests could also meet some of their favorite voice actors. At Colossalcon Prime 2025, you could meet J Michael Tatum, Caitlyn Glass, David Vincent, Suzie Yeung, Brandon McInnis, Bryn Apprill, Nicolas Roye, and Elizabeth Maxwell. 

Despite having this amazing list of voice actors, the voice actors were predominantly located at their booths during the convention. Since the COVID shutdown, it seems that Voice Actors have been brought in more for paid meet and greets than interacting with fans at Panels. Throughout the weekend, there was one maybe two panels where the voice actors took questions from fans and interacted with one another. Prior to things shutting down, special guests would often attend panels and interact with fans; now, it seems like they do only a handful throughout the weekend combined. Now, this isn’t a Colossalcon-specific issue and has been seen at other conventions around the United States.

Because of this, fans have chosen to skip the convention portion of many cons and decided to spend their money either partying, buying merch, or showing off their cosplays. Instead of going to the actual convention, some would prioritize taking photos in the arcade, the water park, or scenic areas around the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. Colossalcon Prime is also known for late-night swimming and DJ combinations. During the night swim, which is a separate ticket, guests can enjoy the wave pool, ride the water slides, float on the lazy river, or drink in the hot tubs. 

For guests who had a room at the Kalahari Resort, they could access the outdoor and indoor waterpark during the day. The resort itself has become keyless and cashless. Room keys are now tied to wristbands that you received when you checked in. If you lose your wristband, you will need to pay to replace it. All the restaurants around the resort can accept cards or have the bill sent to the room. On the one hand, this makes it so you don’t have to worry about losing your wallet or cash in the water, but it does make it difficult for the vendors.

At Colossalcon 2025, it was announced that Colossalcon would be changing the way they do its cosplay contest. Rather than each con having its own unique winner, they announced that at each Colossalcon throughout the year, there will be regional winners for the contest. After 4 regional winners have been crowned, those four participants will battle against one another at Colossalcon Prime to see who wins. The winner of those four will continue on and face the three other winners from the next year’s contests. Winners receive a free badge to Colossalcon, a room, travel help, and prizes. 

During the event, the hosts would try to keep the crowd engaged, introduce the cosplayers, and even make jokes at their own expense. During the cosplay contest, the crowd kept telling the hosts to kiss or strip. Each type of contest during the show had different guests to judge their category. These guests also had their own unique cosplays to show off throughout the weekend. 

With Colossalcon taking place at the end of May, the beginning of June each year, it is a great way to kick off the Summer with like-minded people. If you are looking for a convention to fulfill the cosplay or convention itch, then Colossalcon is one of the best options, especially if you enjoy gaming, water parks, dancing, and interacting with others. Colossalcon Prime 2025 had a great lineup with guests, but the lack of special guest interaction outside of their booths feels more like a cash grab than a way for fans to connect with the voice actors. 

If you are looking to show off new cosplays, drink with friends, make new friends, buy cool merch, or even check out a wrestling match, then you will most likely enjoy Colossalcon. Colossalcon’s ticket price is fair if you are staying in the Kalahari, but if you are staying off-site, you should expect to pay two to three times the amount of your counterparts; if you are staying in one of the suites, you can get free night swim badges as well. So, if you are planning to go to Colossalcon, make sure you save up enough, take a shower, and have fun.