While the location may make some difference, the ones I've been to have all been in the western U.S. Lots of pros. An aspect I appreciated was the inclusion of horror with the fantasy, though in recent years there's been the World Horror Con (not been to any) so I wonder what's changed as a result, aside from possibly fewer horror stories on the final award ballots.
I think a lot depends on what you enjoy, especially if you've experienced a lot of cons. If you like going to panels & readings and getting autographs (and that's it), then it's probably fine. If you're good at schmoozing and starting up/joining conversations in public spaces with your favorite author (like in hallways or the bar), then you might love WFC. If you're into the additional aspects of fandom such as a masquerade (though I think some WFCs have them), non-writerly workshops, filk, gaming, films, etc., you may be disappointed.
I have to say I LOVED my first WFC because I met Stephen King and Peter Straub and Ellen Kushner and John Crowley and Michael McDowell (not to be confused with another genre writer Michael P. Kube-McDowell who now goes by Michael McDowell and is still alive).
My take may be outdated as I haven't been to a WFC in a while, so you might want to check out WFC conreps by other non-pros. Check out past WFC websites and peruse the programs, if available.
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I think a lot depends on what you enjoy, especially if you've experienced a lot of cons. If you like going to panels & readings and getting autographs (and that's it), then it's probably fine. If you're good at schmoozing and starting up/joining conversations in public spaces with your favorite author (like in hallways or the bar), then you might love WFC. If you're into the additional aspects of fandom such as a masquerade (though I think some WFCs have them), non-writerly workshops, filk, gaming, films, etc., you may be disappointed.
I have to say I LOVED my first WFC because I met Stephen King and Peter Straub and Ellen Kushner and John Crowley and Michael McDowell (not to be confused with another genre writer Michael P. Kube-McDowell who now goes by Michael McDowell and is still alive).
My take may be outdated as I haven't been to a WFC in a while, so you might want to check out WFC conreps by other non-pros. Check out past WFC websites and peruse the programs, if available.
Hope this helps.