So my wife has been working on some options for spouse (non-conference attending partner) activities while in Las Vegas. I originally mentioned this here, and John T. at VMware was kind enough to mention it again as well.
Here are a couple of the options that we’re currently tossing around:
- Purchase the Las Vegas PowerPass, which grants access to a bunch of different Las Vegas attractions. You can get more information about the PowerPass at www.visiticket.com. Also available from the same site is information on the Las Vegas MealTicket. Prices range from $75 (for one day) to $145 (for five days). Crystal is only planning activities for a couple of days during the conference, but attendees may want to buy a longer PowerPass for activities before or after VMworld.
- Instead of the PowerPass, we could arrange for a private tour of Hoover Dam or a private trip to the Grand Canyon. This approach could only accommodate groups of up to 9, and would range in price from $119 to $139. There may be some additional charges for transportation; we’re still working on this option.
- There are a lot of free (or inexpensive) attractions in Las Vegas, so the third option would be to simply arrange an itinerary based on these activities. This would include stuff like going to the Mirage to see the white tiger exhibit or taking the gondola ride at the Venetian.
So what Crystal needs now is some feedback from readers and readers’ spouses as to what direction best suits them. Which of these options is the most attractive? Or would something else entirely, like shopping and getting a pedicure and manicure be better? Any feedback and direction that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Tags: Virtualization, VMware, VMworld2008
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Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 2:49 pm
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 11:19 pm
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Monday, August 4, 2008 at 10:40 am
Rob C
The Wine Cellar in the Rio (just off strip) has to be my favourite surprise that my wife took me to when I was last in Vegas. Very non-vegas vibe, tranquil, cool and some amazing wines.
http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/rio/restaurants-dining/wine-cellar-and-tasting-room-detail.html
Monday, August 4, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Justin
We’re just going to be fresh off our Honeymoon where we’ll probably have blown a bunch of money - so the more inexpensive it can be the better for us.
On which days is your wife planning the activities?
Monday, August 4, 2008 at 1:42 pm
slowe
Rob C,
Thanks for the pointer. My wife and I aren’t big wine drinkers, but it may be worth a stop nevertheless.
Justin,
We are footing a portion of the cost of this trip ourselves, so I completely understand. I’ll be sure to let Crystal know.
As for which days, she’s open to suggestions. Right now she’s focusing on activities for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the days of the conference itself. At least one of those days may just be nothing more than getting together for lunch so that everyone doesn’t have to eat by themselves. Are there particular days that work better for you and/or your wife?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 11:50 am
Scott Hanson
This one is going to be a little out there, and it takes a special woman to appreciate it … mine does, but we are from Austin and a little crazy already
Vegas has a couple of indoor machine gun ranges, just google “machine gun range las vegas” and they’ll pop right up.
Something you don’t get a chance to do everyday in most parts of the country.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Tom
Thanks for the post Scott, I’m going to forward this along to my wife to see what she thinks. This is her first vmworld.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Helena
Hi Scott,
My husband Tom forwarded your blog to me and I love to participate with the scheduled activities that your wife is planning. Please have her let me know what she would like to do, I am up for any of the options that were listed, going to attractions, manicures, or just simply meeting up for lunch.
*I would really like to go during the day to the Grand Canyon on one of the days, so please count me in, if this is still going to happen.
*If anyone would like to go to a Cher concert, or cirque de soleil show, please let me know. My husband mentioned that one of the nights (Tues or Wed night) he will be at a VMware event.
Thanks
~H~
Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Rich Brambley
Scott,
Helena’s idea is great for the Weds night party. It costs $250 for a spouse ticket this year (includes Solutions Exchange party Mon night too). It’s a tough decision to spend that much when we both could go to show for probably less.
My wife is interested in whatever the group prefers .. they all sound good to her. Let us know how we can help.
Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 2:10 am
Justin
Hi, me again, I’ve just been talking to my about-to-be-wife and she’d love to go see a cirque de soleil show or something like that. As for the day time activities, she’d love to see the Grand Canyon but it’s a bit expensive. If there was any way to do a big group rate that would bring the price down, that’d be great but otherwise she’d love the PowerPass or Free activities, just as long as they’re with a group.
Monday, August 11, 2008 at 2:56 am
Chris Bennett
I posted in the first blog post, before discovering this follow-up. My wife is interested in sharing a day or two doing touristy things, shopping, lunch etc. I’ll continue to follow the postings/discussion.
Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Jason Langdon
There are Cirque de Soleil shows at Treasure Island Hotel which is only a 10 minute walk from VMWorld.
Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 9:59 pm
James Southwell
My wife would like to do some group activities. We were recently in Vegas and she was hoping to see the Grand Canyon again or even the Hoover Dam extended behind the scene tour. What ever the group decides she looks forward to having a good time.
Friday, August 22, 2008 at 5:12 am
Tom Howarth
Are there any plans being posed for children?
Friday, August 22, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Gail
A couple of group activities would be great ! I would love to go to Grand Canyon. I would really like to see Criss Angel in Believe it starts in October but they have preview performances starting September 12.
Monday, August 25, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Cynthia Cohen
Hi,
I would love to contact your wife in order to join the group acitivities. Can you provide me with her email address or pass mine onto her.
Thanks so much,
Cynthia Cohen