Last year’s Dopefest, Duke of Rat and I split a room at the Monte Carlo, we got the poker room rate of $130 ($65 each) a night for a very nice room. We only had to play a total of 10 hours of poker to cover the 2 nights. I recommend that…IF you know how to play poker.
Count the missus and I in too!
Will definitely be able to make the Hooters thing (I work till 6:30PM) and should definitely be able to switch a shift for the Saturday festivities. And if not, I can always call in sick!
I am so stoked for this! I have wanted to meet some of the TM for so long and I’m excited to get the chance!
BTW, I man a pretty mean grill myself if you need help!
One thing: I don’t know if you’ve been to the Springs Preserve yet; I have a friend who works at the Water District, and he says it’s overpriced for what’s there. Besides, Shark Reef is indoors and air conditioned–no small consideration in Vegas in the middle of August!
Just my $0.02, FWIW.
Great! Looking forward to meeting you and Ms. want2know.
And I am major stoked that I now have three volunteers for the grill…I am taking all of you guys up on the offer! We might have to work in shifts as it sounds like my first two volunteers will be busy singing pub songs and forming conga lines after about an hour of scotch sampling.
And glee, let us know what you and/or your sister decide - looking forward to our European guests to bring some culture to this event…then again, I have been around Brits on holiday so perchance I speaketh too soon…
BTW…to scuba_ben…if any of you has a car, or is thinking of renting one, a little further south on the Strip (about 2 miles south of Mandalay Bay) is Budget Suites 8840 LV Blvd. We had some German friends stay there - very spacious one and two bedroom suites, some decent amenities (small pool, vending machines and nearby pubs and quick shopping) and generally very cheap compared to regular hotel room rates. You might have to book the whole week, but it still might be cheaper than two nights in a regular hotel/casino. The only downside is there are lots of families staying there (re: kids running around and screaming by the pool area) but this might be another option to consider. There is also a (somewhat inconvenient) bus that runs from there to the Strip as well.
OK, here’s what we can and can’t make:
Friday
Sorry, we have to pass on it all.
We are going on a night flight over Las Vegas. My sister is going to take digital photos and I’m going to compare the experience to the opening sequence of the CSI Las Vegas. 
Saturday
Morning
I would be pleased to either watch Rush Hour III or go to Shark Reef Aquarium.
I love Jackie Chan (and also watched Vinnie Jones when he played football).
Alternatively an air-conditioned visit sounds fine. (Here in the middle of the UK ‘summer’, it is raining and I’m wearing a sweater. :smack: So I will find the desert heat quite a shock…)
My sister is off on a float trip down the Grand Canyon at that time (she’s the real tourist; I like lounging about!)
Afternoon
We both like the sound of a barbecue / pool party. 
What I’ll do is meet my sister when she gets back from her trip (we don’t have exact times yet), then we’ll share a taxi over to you. (I’ll phone you when I arrive to get your address - or you can e-mail it to me.) If someone can give us a lift back to the Luxor afterwards, that would be kind.
Evening
Sadly we are getting on a bit for disco (though we would recognise all the 70’s music!). Have a great time!
Sunday
We are both free for some brunch, if that suits. (As mentioned, we’re staying at the Luxor if that helps.)
As for your kind remarks about European culture, we may be a bit of a shock :o .
My sister is perfectly normal and can discuss anything smoothly. I however only know about chess, roleplaying and computer games. (I have never cooked, gardened or driven :eek: 
).
However we will be delighted to meet you all and do our best to play our part. 
If anyone does decide to stay here, let me know and I’ll bring foam earplugs with me Friday night. They work really well for things like the hubby’s snoring and the dogs’ tags, so maybe they’ll help with screaming kids…
Most of us coordinators are planning on running some kind of Dopemobile service – which I don’t think has gotten mentioned yet. Getting you back to the Luxor after shouldn’t be a problem.
Just made our hotel reservations for the night of the 11th.
We’ll be staying just the one night. DMark, you’ll forward us a map to your place and information about the Sunday brunch when it’s available?
We love dopefests!
Thanks kurilla, we did indeed forget to mention that fact.
BTW, for those of you attending the BBQ, you might want to consider going from there to the Green Valley Ranch Casino/Resort afterwards.
http://www.greenvalleyranchresort.com/
Just 10 minutes away from our house, it is a locals’ favorite. This is a “secret” gem in Las Vegas and, as a locals’ casino, you might actually have a chance at winning some money while you are there. This is where George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Bill Clinton and yes, even Michael Jackson (ask us about that story) have stayed when they come to town.
When my friends and family come to visit, this is the first (and sometimes only) place they want to go to.
Also, if you exit the side door, you will find The District:
http://www.thedistrictatgvr.com/
an upscale shopping area with some cool restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment – live concerts and open-air movies. They will have something planned that evening, but it is not listed yet.
There is also a FREE (14 seat) shuttle bus that would take you back to the Strip (only to Mandalay Bay, but you could walk or taxi from there, depending on where you are staying) that leaves at 8, 9 and 10 PM. (Otherwise, about $20 for a taxi to the other Strip locations.)
Just a thought, in case anyone wants to see where the locals hang out and play.
Will do…probably the weekend before, once we find out who is coming, what everyone wants to do and we get all the information together.
I’m good for Saturday. Actually, I’m good for all days but I’m still only 20, so I’m not even allowed in some of the places. Oh well.
But yeah, I’ll be able to carpool some people and stuff.
No problem - we have a kids table and there will be a clown with balloons and…
Seriously though, glad you can make it RandMcnally! We will take you up on that offer to carpool once we see who needs a ride and from where, etc. Thanks!
DMark , re the barbecue on Saturday:
Will you need people to bring stuff?
'Cause if you do, I’ll bring the Bacon Salt
bacon bacon bacon
An update on hotel-sharing:
My list shows 4 people so far. The cheaper hotels are entirely non-smoking. Then again, how much time are we planning to spend in the rooms?
My tentative plan is:
I’ll book a cheapest room for myself for Thursday night.
For Friday - Sunday, I’ll book something better. Right now I’m looking at Residence Inn at the south end of the strip; I’m estimating $90 per night for each of the four of us there.
At some point, theoretically soon, a menu will be firmly decided upon, and then someone could mention what else might or might not be needed.
For now, we know there will be food, and assorted single malts.
Well, I’m all set!
Got Saturday off for the various activities, will be there for Friday drinks and show!
I’m sooooo psyched for my first DopeFest!
The time is nearing, so time for a new head count.
If I screwed up the list somehow, let me know.
So far, the list of those who have confirmed are:
Silenus
Cyn
Scuba Ben
Mad Pansy 64
giant freakin marine
Rick
Rigamarole
glee
RandMcNally
LVGeogeek
Kurilla
BrattiAtti
freespiritisi
Rico
Cadolphin
Gatopescado
want2know
DMark
Those who expressed interest in the original thread, but haven’t joined in here to confirm yet are:
Least Original User Name Ever
Sleestak
Triskadecamus
fetus
Ems
Tashabot
DiosaBellissima
kinoons
Mosier
Anamorphic
Let us know if you are still interested so we can start wrapping up the plans.
And if anyone is still considering joining us at the last moment, let us know (even tentatively) that you might be attending.
I haven’t read any follow-up comments on the hotels. So I’ll do some more research, and call places on Sunday.
Right now, my short list has three hotels. The intent is to get the cost as low as reasonably possible, have enough space for four people, and if I can include free Internet hookups.
The hotel list so far, all at the south end of the Strip:
NYNY
Tropicana
Residence Inn Las Vegas South
The rooming list so far:
Scuba Ben
Rigamarole
BrattiAtti
freespiritisi (her sister)
Sorry I haven’t responded sooner, as my plans have been somewhat up in the air. As it turns out, I won’t be arriving until Sunday, and since I’m meeting family coming in from two different states that day, it’s unlikely I’ll have a chance to slip out and hook up with you guys.
Sorry I’ll miss you, and I hope you have a great time. Remember: always split aces and eights, and never bet hard ways!
Scuba_Ben, allow me to add one more “cheap” hotel to the mix:
Alexis Park Resort
Disclaimer: I have never been there nor do I know anyone who has stayed there, however, it has been popular with the airlines and they put their pilots and flight attendants up there.
It has a great location/horrible location…great in that it is very central - right near the Hard Rock and close to the Strip. Horrible in that I have heard you do hear jets on approach (depending on the wind direction and the directions the planes land). However, currently they have rooms available for that weekend for $119 per night and the local Gay rag claims that if you ask for their “QVegas rate” you are guaranteed a $99 rate per night, every night of they year. Price and location are great and from the press, it certainly sounds like a decent place other than that little problem with jets flying overhead.
Just thought I would give you another option.
Drachillix will also attend but don’t worry: I’ll keep him with me.
We look to arrive Saturday afternoon and leave Sunday evening. We’ll be driving in and staying at the 4 Queens.
Looking foward to it like mad.
NO NO NO… that place is a dump!!! Everyone I know who has stayed there said it was terrible.