Quick question, I've never been to a -Con

and I'm curious is it worth it? I mean I want to go for the simple fact that I'm dying to get some LFG and LICD stuff, but it seems to me like I'll have to pay for gas for the drive up from Miami, plus an entrance, plus I wouldn't go alone so that means more $ for the food and possibly the hotel. Aside from all that the whole point of me going is to buy merchandise, so my question is, is the experience enough to justify the expense or should I save the traveling expenses and just that money to buy more merchandise online?
Bare in mind that while my main goal would be to catch a glimpse of Sohmer and get him to sign stuff, I would also enjoy meeting Tricia Helfer which I hear will be there... and buying some stuff from that, but having never been to one I'm wondering if its family friendly, if I should take a sword or bludgeoning stick, and just how much swag can one pick up there that is more TV show related then comic related. I mean LFG and LICD are the only comics I would buy stuff from, I'm not really into marvel or anything so I'm wondering if I go how much should my budget for swag be?

sorry for the long detailed questions, any help is appreciated.