This special WVC blog easily could have been called 20 45 90 Incredible Things to Do in Las Vegas. (They don’t call Vegas fabulous for nothing.) However, if you’re attending the 92nd annual WVC conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, you may not have the time or budget to spend hours visiting the Grand Canyon or pay $100-$300 for a ticket to O by Cirque du Soleil.
You’re at WVC 2020 to attend workshops and CE courses, and network to make important connections. You’re also there to meet exhibitors like LifeLearn Animal Health to learn more about practice-optimization solutions like WebDVM custom veterinary websites and Sofie, your virtual DVM assistant. And during what free time you have, there’s certainly lots to see at Mandalay Bay, including the Shark Reef Aquarium and the WVC’s conference entertainment lineup. Yet at some point, you’ll likely feel compelled to head to the Las Vegas Strip to discover why the new Vegas slogan is, “What happens here, only happens here.”
Here are seven attractions and budget-wise dining options within walking distance of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to make the most of your Las Vegas stay at WVC 2020:
1. Caesars Buffet of Buffets
All-you-can-eat buffets provide value and variety. But why be limited to one buffet when you’re in Vegas? With Caesars Buffet of Buffets pass, you pay one price and get access to up to five Vegas buffets for a 24-hour period. Passes can be purchased at participating Caesars Rewards Centers or at the cashier stands at any participating buffets:
- Caesars Palace: Bacchanal Buffet
- Flamingo Las Vegas: Paradise Garden Buffet
- Harrah’s Las Vegas: Flavors, the Buffet
- Paris Las Vegas: Le Village Buffet
- Planet Hollywood: Spice Market Buffet
- Rio: Carnival World Buffet
The participating buffet nearest to Mandalay Bay is the Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood (about a 38-min. walk). As an alternative to walking, take the Las Vegas Monorail one stop from MGM Station to Bally’s/Paris Station and purchase a buffet pass from Le Village Buffet at Paris Las Vegas. Trains arrive every 4-8 minutes, and you get to experience amazing sights and sounds of the Strip along the way.
2. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
Located on the grounds of the Flamingo Las Vegas, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat will leave you feeling like you’ve traveled far away to a tropical paradise. Home to a gorgeous flock of Chilean flamingos, the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is also home to ringed teal ducks, sacred ibis, two pelicans from a 2012 pelican rescue, swans, koi, and turtles. Admission is free of charge. Walking time from Mandalay Bay is about 47 min. As an alternative to walking, take the Las Vegas Monorail two stops from MGM Station to Flamingo/Caesars Palace Station.
3. Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden
Each year, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden transforms into a breathtaking floral display celebrating Chinese New Year. This year, the Bellagio team invites guests to celebrate the Year of the Rat with a captivating display designed to bring luck and prosperity to all who visit. Admission is free. Walking time is about 40 min. As an alternative, take the Aria Express Tram (free of charge) from Park MGM Station to the Bellagio. (Hint: You’ll know you’re close to the gardens when you reach the Bellagio Chocolate Fountain at Bellagio Patisserie.)
4. Bellagio Fountains
The iconic fountain show in front of the Bellagio is more than a free, breathtaking presentation choreographed with music and lights. The location plays home to a changing cast of street performers, from buskers and dancers to illusionists and costumed entertainers ready to pose for photos. Walking time from Mandalay Bay is about 40 min. Or take the Aria Express Tram (free of charge) from Park MGM Station to the Bellagio.
5. The Big Apple Coaster
If high-speed thrills are your jam, the Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York offers heart-stopping action as the world’s first roller coaster to feature a 180-degree “heartline” twist and dive maneuver. For family entertainment, New York-New York also has the Big Apple Arcade featuring some of the latest video and arcade games, and classics like Skee-Ball, air hockey, and NBA Fever. Just walk north along the Strip until you see the Statue of Liberty replica. Or grab a free ride on the tram from Mandalay Bay to Excalibur, then walk to New York-New York.
6. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Few photos say “I’m in Vegas, baby!” than a selfie in front of the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign (about a 17-min. walk from Mandalay Bay). To get there, walk south on Las Vegas Blvd. S. until you see the sign in all its 1950s neon kitsch. “Just be sure to treat her with respect,” asks vegas.com. “That means telling her how pretty she is and watching where you put your hands.”
7. The Akita Plaza
While dining out at a fancy Vegas restaurant is great, sometimes you just need simple, affordable, and uncomplicated food for a quick lunch or evening snack to take back to your room. Panda Express, Subway, Mirchi South Indian Kitchen, and McDonald’s are all located at the Akita Plaza (roughly a 5-min. walk from Mandalay Bay).
Add this page to your favorites for quick reference at WVC2020.
Bonus Tip to Make the Most of Your Last Vegas Stay at WVC 2020!
Just like the new Vegas slogan, some deals on practice-optimization solutions only happen at WVC.
Come see the LifeLearn Animal Health team for two exclusive WVC show specials:
- Visit us at booth #4920 for 50% OFF setup on a custom WebDVM veterinary website, designed to increase veterinary practice visits and full of educational pet owner content to improve compliance, and keep patients coming back for more. Plus: Enter to win a free Furbo!
- Visit us at booth #4041 for 50% OFF Sofie, your virtual DVM Assistant for lightning-fast clinical answers at the point of care. Plus: Enter to win a free stethoscope!
See you there! (And cue the soundtrack: “Viva Paws Vegas!”)
