Crap! I thought it was next week!

Zed, send me a PM if you still want to go.

I have only been there once but here it goes:

1) Are the queues very long?

Yes they are and be sure to bring cash as there is only 1 ATM there and the line is even longer than the entrance!

2) If you purchase a ticket online do you have to pick up the thursday before or an hour before the event? are there other options?

Dunno

3) are there Transformer paraphernalia?

Very few. Its a general geek thing so you will see lots and lots of Anime and Video game paraphernalia but you will be lucky to see one or two Transformer things.