So when you mention a pool party in Las Vegas the reaction is pure excitement. Not much less. Everyone wants to get in their swim suit and get inebriated while listening to the sounds of super DJs like Calvin Harris, Tiesto, or Steve Aoki. It’s part of the lifestyle that has become the “New Las Vegas.” Gambling and variety shows have taken a back seat to the new subculture that we now call “EDM house music”, and rave-ish type of dance parties. It’s the newest “it” thing, and when you look at the amount of money this entertainment is generating it isn’t likely that it’s gonna be going anywhere anytime soon. The pools/day clubs have a slight advantage in this DJ party market (which is just my opinion), and WET REPUBLIC at MGM is one of the most popular, hands down. It hasn’t gained this reputation by being anything but one of the craziest and busiest parties with the biggest headlining DJs that Vegas has to offer. Look at the scenario tho?
If you’re staying at MGM and you want to go see a certain DJ at Hakkasan on a certain night in question you might wake up with that plan in your mind…but its 10am? You’re bored. Where do you go? WET REPUBLIC. By the time you leave WR, you’ll probably be lucky to be able to walk back to your room let alone consider planning anything for later that night. The sun and the heat are a brutal force in this desert, and should never be underestimated. You can sit out in this weather for just a couple hours and feel like you’ve just ran a half marathon. Throw alcohol into the mix and its over for you. You’ll be sleeping straight through whatever BS you had previously “planned” for the evening. I’ve seen it happen so many times I now consider it regular tourist behavior. That being said, WET REPUBLIC is one of the top Las Vegas experiences without a doubt, and it’s well worth the subsequent hangover and possible blackout that follows. Now as much as I love this place it’s always packed. Like shoulder to shoulder anywhere you’re walking you’re squeezing- like- sardines- packed. If you want to get inside you’ve got to plan ahead. Wandering up in the middle of the afternoon in your swim trunks is NOT going to work. Trust me. Actually I take that back, if you’ve got a crew comprised solely of pretty girls you’re probably good. Groups of girls are always on the “guest list” at any club in Vegas. Just go up to someone working at the entrance and make yourself known and you have a decent chance of getting in. Now if you’re a bunch of guys or a mixed group of guys/girls you could end up waiting in line for eternity, and paying full price admission, or even giving up on getting in due to the line.
I couldn’t tell you what a full price ticket costs as I believe it varies by the day of the week, and the performer scheduled, but I’ve seen tickets for females range from $20-$50 and males from $30-$125. Yes that’s per person, and yes gender always matters like I just said. You can buy tickets in advance online by googling WET REPUBLIC, and I’m sure the prices will be either equal to, or better than the price at the door but I can’t say for sure? Popular DJs often sell out in advance so make sure to think ahead. Then there’s always the elusive “guest list” thing. If you attempt to get a spot on the guest list through the WR site I think they only offer it on Thurs and Mon. So you’re sh*t out of luck for the Fri, Sat, and Sun parties, but what do you expect? Everyone wants to be there, and they don’t need to give any handouts to gain fans.
Random “promoters” will aggressively approach you as you’re out-and-about everywhere in the city claiming to be able to put you on the guest list of ANYWHERE you want to go. While these guys MAY hook you up sometimes I’ve often found that they can be hard to count on for the most part, considering they often don’t actually work for any individual club. For example… a suited up smooth talker you met on the strip will tell you he can get you on the guest list at WR the next day, and you’re filled with excitement. He takes someone’s cell number in your group, and tells you to txt him the next morning. You follow instructions and contact him in the morning, only to be informed that he’s unable to get you on the guest list you wanted…BUT he can easily get you on the guest list for another pool club. He probably has no connection to WET REPUBLIC (or wherever you wanted to go), but he will have a list of excuses as to why he can only offer you admission to another pool. The list became full, or you didn’t contact him early enough blah blah blah ect. The truth is that’s just his job. Promoters don’t let people walk away once they have an audience with them. Even if it means promising them something they can’t deliver, and then providing an alternative at the last minute once there’s no time for you to organize any other plans. Oh, and keep in mind you usually have to be in line by 10am to even be eligible for many of the popular pools guest lists. Besides all that...he now has your contact number, and is free to text with you with other tempting offers of “free admission and limo service” all over the city for the rest of your trip. Just be aware. He’s NOT your new best friend.
My best advice as far as promoters go is simple. If you have the desire to use one you can go on Instagram and search hashtag whatever the place you’re looking to visit (ex. wetrepublic or even lasvegaspromoter). Promoters in Vegas will pop up everywhere advertising the places they promote, and many of them list their cell numbers right in their postings. At least you’ll know the person you’re texting can actually get you into the club you want to visit, and you won’t get” bait and switched” last minute, or something along those lines. My best advice would probably be to just splurge and get a cabana or a daybed. Especially if you’ve got a group of guys, and everyone can pitch in on the tab. All your entry fees will be waived, and the line to get inside will be bypassed. Different areas have different alcohol minimums as far as what you’re required to spend to occupy any certain table, but they make it well known in advance.
The concierge at MGM or any hotel would be more than happy to connect you with rates and specifics. Consider the admission for a group of 5 guys on a busy day and factor that into the decision. Keep in mind that if you don’t get a table you might regret it. Drinks at the bar are FAR from cheap, and you’ll NEVER have the opportunity to sit down anywhere all day unless it’s on the toilet. Of course it’s expensive…but it’s worth it! WET REPUBLIC never leaves anyone disappointed and I would call it a “must do” (at least once) for vacationers. Just plan on making a day out of it, and don’t wait until the last minute to get organized. Pricey as it may be this is Las Vegas ladies and gentleman! It’s all about the experience. You’re only here for a few days. Why not “live it up” since you don’t actually live here? Unless you’re like me and you do ;)