We’ve got all the info on all the speakers, all the parties, and all the essential non-WPPI stuff that you need to see!
We’re breaking it down into what to do at the convention, who to see, where to go – and then we’ve got a whole lot of other stuff to do in Vegas while you are down there!
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What To Do In Vegas
If you are a Vegas virgin, there are certain things that are absolute rights of passage.
Gamble – Unless you are completely morally opposed, stick $5 in a slot machine. It’s the easiest way to gamble, and to lose your money, lol! If you want to try a table game – start with something fun and easy like Let It Ride or 3 Card Poker. Blackjack is a simple game and gives the house a very small advantage – but be aware, if you are new and play “wrong” other players at the table can get frustrated. There are no real rules to right/wrong play though, so you can just tell them to stuff it.
See Cirque Du Soliel – It really doesn’t matter what show you see. I’ve seen O twice, Ka, Love and this year we’re seeing the new show: Viva Elvis.
Go Downtown- If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, it’s probably not really what you expected. The bright lights are still there, but they are all LED instead of neon. The hotels are bigger, classier – and there’s not a $0.99 buffet to be found anywhere. Until you go downtown. Freemont Street has an amazing light show, there are a ton of great old hotels like Binions and Fitzgeralds and you can get very cheap food and drinks. There’s a Mardi Gras feel down on Freemont Steet, and it’s a lot more of a party atmosphere than most places on the strip. Table limits are lower downtown too, so if you are a gambler on a budget, make the trip down.
Take A Risk – If you aren’t afraid of heights, go on down to the Stratosphere and check out their INSANE rides. They are all located on the TOP of the building, and some even dangle you over the edge. My palms are sweaty just thinking about it. It’s wayyyyyyy down at the other end of the strip from MGM though, so if you go, take a cab. www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills/ New York New York also has a great roller coaster that goes in AND out of the hotel, and is a quick pop across the street.
Go Shopping – As a Canadian, I feel left out on a lot of fab American stores. In Vegas though, that’s where I can get it all. Some must-see shopping areas: Fashion Show Mall, The Forum Shoppes at Caesar’s Palace, Planet Hollywood’s awesome mall. If your tastes run to the more expensive, visit all the amazing shops at the Palazzo, Bellagio and new City Center.
Eat At A Buffet – While you aren’t going to see any super crazy deals on the strip, you will get your share of buffets. Every hotel has one, and it’s very hard to go wrong. A good rule of thumb is the more upscale the hotel, the better the buffet but TI has a good, relatively cheap one with cotton candy and cupcakes as part of their dessert buffet.
See Some Animals? – Oddly enough, there are a lot of opportunities in Las Vegas to see real live animals. There are live lions in the casino in the MGM, Mandalay Bay has an amazing aquarium, Mirage has dolphins and tigers, oh my! and the Flamingo has . . . . penguins! (and flamingos, lol)
Take A Walk Down The Strip – While Las Vegas may not be the same city of old, it can’t be denied that the newest version is one of the most spectacular cities in the world. The highest class of hotels are here and the architecture and design are truly amazing. Take a look at the Bellagio, The Palazzo and the Wynn to see what decadence is all about. Don’t forget to check out the new Aria and City Center – and say hi if you see us, that’s where we’re staying!
by Brandy
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