# Viva Las Dopefest! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 29, 2002, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030 "2002-08-29T02:17:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Anamorphic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anamorphic/32/3057_2.png) [@Anamorphic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anamorphic)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2002, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/41 "2002-09-05T02:07:54Z")
I’ll be there, definitely on Saturday, most likely on Friday as well. As it turns out, I’m going to be in Vegas the weekend prior as well, for a combined bachelor/bachelorette party, so hopefully I’ll have gotten my blackjack fix that weekend, and this weekend can be just about being with people. Oh, I’m staying at the NY-NY. ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Creant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Miss\_Creant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Creant)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2002, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/42 "2002-09-05T02:53:17Z")
Will it screw up anyone’s plans if I move Brian and I over to NYNY? As far as I know, it will not effect your room rates, but I want to ask first. ---
**Author:** ![pricciar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@pricciar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pricciar)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2002, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/43 "2002-09-05T03:19:55Z")
I will get there Friday afternoon, between 4 and 6. I forget when, exactly. Then. I come back home monday afternoon around three. I forget what hotel I am staying at. But, it’s neither NY NY or MGM. Somewhere on the strip. I am going to try out Blackjack this time. Exciting. It’s only the second time I have been to Vegas. pat ---
**Author:** ![techchick68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2002, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/44 "2002-09-05T03:51:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diane \* > \*\*BTW, you BETTER make it there Ringo and bring your boxer shorts. \*\* You mean like this? [http://www.geocities.com/techchick68/vegas/beatle.html](http://www.geocities.com/techchick68/vegas/beatle.html) (BTW, for some of you that don’t know, Ringo used to be known as beatle) ---
**Author:** ![techchick68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ea5d25/32.png) [@techchick68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/techchick68)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2002, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/45 "2002-09-05T04:04:50Z")
I wanted to step in about the whole cost issue. Vegas can be done cheap. I spent under $1000 for the entire weekend which included my airfare, the dog kennel, gas to and from DIA and parking fees at DIA which is pretty high, three nights room, meals and booze when not gambling. I came home with $200 left in my pocket. It wasn’t about the gambling so much as it was going to meet my Doper friends and we had a good time. Go here for some tips on making a trip to Vegas on the cheap. [http://www.cheapovegas.com/](http://www.cheapovegas.com/) I would go this year but I just can’t afford it, not at all. Not the gas (as I wont fly) not the hotel, nadda. I would stay in my car but that’s just not right. ---
**Author:** ![rjk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ed655f/32.png) [@rjk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjk)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/46 "2002-09-06T00:26:31Z")
OK, so I lied. I don’t know why a Vegas hotel would close their reservation desk, just because it was the middle of the night when I called. But I booked a room at NYNY, even if it was a day later than I said. So we’re off to **Vegas**!!! ---
**Author:** ![JavaMaven1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JavaMaven1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JavaMaven1)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/47 "2002-09-06T01:24:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by DMark \* > \*\*Cheap Las Vegas resident checking in… > almost any of the major hotels on the Strip has a lounge bar area big enough to hold this entire group with room to spare! Drinks are free at those bars (if you ask for a roll of quarters when you order). > > I just think for out of town tourists, it is sort of silly to be sending them a couple miles off the Strip…I live here and have a car, so it is no problem, but for our out-of-town guests, come on - there are thousands of places on the Strip. Sure, they will be unruly and loud, but most likely, so will we! > > _\_ > At least for the first Meet and Greet… > > Just an idea. \*\* I have to say that I totally agree on this. Most of us are going to be from out of town and will more than likely want to stay on the Strip (ok, so we’re paying a little more for drinks, BFD). After going to some of these Big Dopefests, I’ve noticed a trend. First of all, we’ve got 40-50-60 people, all with different ideas in mind of what they’d like to do while in town. We all want a chance to have a Meet & Greet, but I know everyone has other things they’d like to do, and everyone generally just breaks up into several groups and goes off and has fun. All we really need is a place on Saturday night where we all can hook up for a few hours and have a few drinks together. If we stay on The Strip, it would be easier for us to all hook up then move on. We dopers tend to be a little restless, and after a few hours, everyone wants to run off and do something else (usually with a new-found friend or two). BTW, I’ve been to the Mandalay Bay lounge **DMark** speaks of–middle of a Saturday night and barely full. I’m sure there’s plenty of other lounges like that, too. ---
**Author:** ![bristlesage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/edb3f5/32.png) [@bristlesage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bristlesage)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/48 "2002-09-06T01:41:15Z")
Okay. The lounge at the Mandalay Bay sound cool with everyone? If so, I suggest we make it the official Friday night meeting place. I have no personal experience with it, but if you guys say it’s cool, it’s cool. But I do think a “little more for drinks” may be an underestimation…usually around $10 for a well drink out that way. Still, that’s okay as long as you have no aversion to gambling a little for the (admittedly much cheaper than off-Strip prices) FREE drinks. As far as Saturday dinner goes, does anyone have any on-Strip suggestions, or is going off to Buca’s still okay? ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/49 "2002-09-06T03:53:20Z")
> [@](#): > > As far as I know, it will not effect your room rates, but I want to ask first. No problem at all, in fact it will help us get the “at least 10 rooms” we need to get the special rate AND you’ll be closer to us! 😃 Bristlesage - Sounds like a plan! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![JavaMaven1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JavaMaven1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JavaMaven1)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/50 "2002-09-06T04:09:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Miss Creant \* > \*\*Will it screw up anyone’s plans if I move Brian and I over to NYNY? > As far as I know, it will not effect your room rates, but I want to ask first. \*\* Well, as long as it won’t affect the room rates, then that shouldn’t be a problem. (Do we have the required 10 rooms rented out to get the rate cut?) ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Creant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Miss\_Creant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Creant)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/51 "2002-09-06T04:28:33Z")
Ok, we’re now booked at NY NY checking in sometime around 1 am (really, really really early **FRIDAY** morning) ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Creant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Miss\_Creant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Creant)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2002, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/52 "2002-09-06T04:39:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by JavaMaven1 \* > \*\* > > Well, as long as it won’t affect the room rates, then that shouldn’t be a problem. (Do we have the required 10 rooms rented out to get the rate cut?) \*\* The MGM said no one’s room rate would be affected and NY NY told me that we did have the 10 rooms I may call NY NY tomorrow just to double check ---
**Author:** ![bristlesage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/edb3f5/32.png) [@bristlesage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bristlesage)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2002, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/53 "2002-09-09T19:40:53Z")
Dear Vegas Dopefest Participants, Unless I hear a great outpouring of un-support, I’m going to make our reservation at Buca’s at the end of the week. With a group this large, the sooner the better. In any case, whether we eat there or someone else makes a better suggestion, it’d be good to have a semi-final headcount so that I can give whichever restaurant we choose some warning. So, I don’t know, bail if you’re gonna bail, jump on the bandwagon if you’re gonna jump. And let me know if anyone wants to play golf, where, what day/time, and I’ll take care of that, too. And anything else that’s a local call for me. Incidentally, BUMP! ---
**Author:** ![JimOfAllTrades](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@JimOfAllTrades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimOfAllTrades)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2002, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/54 "2002-09-09T21:45:47Z")
I registered a room at the MGM way back when the code was first available, so I’ll be there for Friday & Saturday unless some dire emergency comes up. I should be there Friday around 6 PM. I’m driving from SLC, so I’ll have a car, and I’ll be gald to give anyone a lift who needs it. Also I’ll be glad to let folks ride with me around Vegas as much as I can. I can carry four other adults, although the back seat get a little cozy with three in it. Ugly ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2002, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/55 "2002-09-10T01:18:56Z")
THANKS BRISTLE! Put me down as a definite! Just a reminder that the NY, NY needs your reservation no later than September 11 in order to get the room rate/block of 10. I just spoke with the woman who said that we need **SEVEN MORE ROOMS**. Please, if you are staying at the NY, NY reserve your room as soon as possible. OMG! THIS IS GONNA BE A BLAST! ---
**Author:** ![bristlesage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/edb3f5/32.png) [@bristlesage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bristlesage)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2002, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/56 "2002-09-10T05:13:09Z")
**Diane** , let’s be serious. Of course _you’re_ coming. You’re the organizer. And it’s really down to you and **Zette** as to who’s most excited. It’s these wishy-washies that I’m concerned with. You and me, we’ll have a great time even if we’re the only ones there. Well, I’m guessing we will as I’ve never met you. ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Creant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b487fb/32.png) [@Miss\_Creant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Creant)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2002, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/57 "2002-09-10T05:58:54Z")
**URGENT** If we do not have 10 rooms at NY NY by the 11th the rate for the economy room goes from $135 to **$204** YIKES! I went back and made a reservation at the MGM IN CASE we don’t meet the 10 room min. MGM has no minimum, so it’s just a matter of getting your reservation made by the 11th. PLEASE, make a reservation at MGM if money is tight. You can always cancel with no penalty as long as it is 24 hours in advance. I don’t want anyone to get screwed, and there are still plenty of rooms at the MGM. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2002, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/58 "2002-09-10T13:25:11Z")
Yeah Bristle, you me and Zette will have a blast alone if these other yahoos don’t get in here and confirm something. Miss C - Are you certain the MGM doesn’t require a minimum of 10 rooms in order to receive the group rate? The lady I just called and spoke with said that the room rate will be higher (the regular rate) if the minimum group rate is not met. Who are you working with there? ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2002, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/59 "2002-09-10T13:34:05Z")
FYI - If you are flying into Vegas, you can do a pre-check in at the airport for the NY, NY and receive your room key. This will allow you to go straight to your room upon arrival. P.S. I am SOOO much more excited than that Zette woman. ---
**Author:** ![bristlesage](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/edb3f5/32.png) [@bristlesage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bristlesage)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2002, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030/60 "2002-09-10T14:13:20Z")
**Diane** , I know! She hasn’t been here in days, that **Zette**. I assume that **Miss Creant** is pretty stoked since she’ll be having a wedding and all. Of course, the once and future **Mr** should show up. And I’m thinkin’ **dalovindj** just might make it. **RJKUgly** will be driving down from Salt Lake. That’s everyone I can think of who is definitely coming. Anyone else care to confirm or deny? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viva-las-dopefest/126030.md?page=4)