LAS Discounts Insider Guide: 5 Ways to Save at Mandalay Bay

Welcome back to the LAS Discounts blog series. For this installment, we are heading to the very south end of the Strip to explore the massive tropical oasis that is Mandalay Bay.

With its sprawling pools, massive convention center, and high-end dining, Mandalay Bay is a premium destination. Because it is located at the southern tip of Las Vegas Boulevard, navigating your budget here requires a few strategic moves. Here are five major insider tips to help you maximize your stay.

1. Bring Your Own Inner Tube for the Lazy River Mandalay Bay Beach is widely considered one of the best pool complexes in Las Vegas. While hotel guests get free access to the wave pool and lazy river, the resort charges a hefty premium if you want to buy an inner tube on site. You can save a lot of money by purchasing a cheap, deflated pool tube at a discount store before your trip. Once you arrive, you can take it to the pool's tube shack where attendants will usually inflate it for free, allowing you to float all day without the resort markup. Just ensure your tube is circular, under 48 inches in diameter, and has an unobstructed center hole to meet the pool guidelines.

2. Find Hidden Dining Deals at The Shoppes The main casino floor at Mandalay Bay is packed with incredible, though pricey, celebrity chef restaurants. For more budget friendly meals, take the escalator up to The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. This retail walkway connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor and features fantastic casual dining options. Spots like Hussong's Cantina, Ri Ra Irish Pub, and Slice of Vegas offer generous portions, relaxed atmospheres, and some of the best happy hour specials on the property.

3. Catch Free Live Music at House of Blues If you want incredible entertainment without buying a concert ticket, head to the House of Blues Restaurant and Bar located right near the main casino floor. They frequently host free live music in the restaurant and front bar area during the evenings. You can enjoy talented blues and rock performers while grabbing a drink or a casual dinner, saving you the steep cost of a ticket to the main music hall.

4. Buy Shark Reef Tickets Online The Shark Reef Aquarium is a fantastic, family friendly attraction located right inside the resort. It is a very popular stop, which means the walk up ticket window can have long lines and premium pricing. Always purchase your tickets online in advance. Not only will you save money compared to the door price, but you will also get a timed entry slot to help you bypass the longest wait times. Be sure to check your MGM Rewards account as well for member exclusive discounts.

5. Take the Express Tram to the Action Because Mandalay Bay is the southernmost casino on the Strip, relying on taxis or rideshare apps to get to center Strip properties will quickly drain your budget. Fortunately, the resort operates a free tram system. If you want to head north, make sure you board the express tram. It bypasses the Luxor stop entirely and takes you directly to Excalibur. From there, you are just a quick walk across the pedestrian bridges to New York-New York, MGM Grand, and the rest of the action.

Stay tuned to LAS Discounts as we continue to uncover the best ways to save at your favorite Las Vegas resorts!