Visiting Mohegan Sun? Here Are 10 Things You Need To Know

Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the United States, with 364,000 square feet of gaming space, more than double the size of Caesars Palace's Las Vegas gaming floor. But there's a lot more to do at this southern Connecticut resort than just gamble: There are some amazing dining options both casual and high-end, several music and entertainment venues, a 1,356-room hotel, a full spa, and a kids' club that even adults would be envious of. But if you're planning on visiting, be it for a day trip or a long weekend, it's important to plan ahead. Here are 10 things that every visitor to Mohegan Sun should know before they go.

1. Check the Schedule
There are three music venues at Mohegan Sun: the Mohegan Sun Arena, the Cabaret Theatre, and the Wolf Den. The 10,000 seat arena (including suites) consistently brings in some of music's leading acts, and is also home to the WNBA's Connecticut Sun (the New England Black Wolves professional lacrosse team will also begin hosting games there in January 2016). The 400-seat Cabaret Theatre hosts performers in a more intimate atmosphere; and the 300-seat Wolf Den, which is located in the heart of the Casino of the Earth, hosts free live concerts nearly every night.

2. Winefest and Brewfest are Coming
Love wine or beer? Every year, Mohegan Sun hosts the Sun Winefest and the Sun Brewfest in its conference center, and they're certified extravaganzas, loaded with events including tasting sessions and special meals. The Winefest will be held on the weekend of January 29, 2016, and the Brewfest is happening on the weekend of October 2, 2015. We went to Winefest last year and had an amazing time!

3. Plan Your Meals
Don't forget to save some room in your budget for meals, because the dining options there are pretty spectacular. You can fill up on "twisted farm food" like towering sage fried chicken and waffles or stuffed burgers at Hash House A Go Go, sample Bobby Flay's take on steaks at Bar Americain or burgers at Bobby's Burger Palace, try some of the best pizza in America at Frank Pepe, enjoy traditional Irish pub fare at The Landsdowne, or sample upscale Italian specialties at Ballo or Todd English's Tuscany. You can also pick up a pastry or sit down for a plated dessert at the newly-opened Carlo's Bake Shop.

4. Smoke-Free Gaming
If you want to enjoy the casino in a smoke-free environment, The Hall of the Lost Tribes, located in the Casino of the Earth, is completely-smoke-free. Slot machine areas in Casino of the Earth and Casino of the Sky, as well as Blackjack and Roulette tables in Casino of the Sky and the 42-table Poker Room in Casino of the Wind, are also smoke-free.

5. Look Up Dining and Shopping Specials
Many of the dining and shopping options in Mohegan Sun offer specials; these can range from daily happy hours and prix-fixes at the restaurants to student and teacher discounts at shops.

6. Don't Miss the New Slots
There's a wide variety of state-of-the-art slot machines, so if you're accustomed to the traditional spinning reels these will blow you away. The Beetlejuice, Willy Wonka, Wonder Woman, and classic Batman ones were our favorites; they also offer the opportunity to hit it big after being awarded bonus games.

7. Staying at the Hotel? Don't Forget About the Pool
If you're a hotel guest, you can access the Sun Terrace Pool, which is located inside a 10,000 square feet solarium. There's also a huge terrace with a fire pit outside. This little-known gem is never too crowded, and one of the resort's best-kept secrets.

8. Don't Forget to Look Up
Divert your gaze towards the heavens and you'll notice that there's a lot going on. There's a massive Native American-themed mural right at the entrance to the casino at the end of the shops, there's a fiber optic planetarium ceiling in Casino of the Sky, a 55 foot high indoor waterfall frames Todd English's Tuscany, and the three-story Wombi Rock is home to the hopping Vista Lounge. Also, your mind isn't playing tricks on you if you think that the wolves that top rock structures in the gaming areas are moving!

9. Join the Rewards Program
Their Momentum Rewards Program earns you Momentum Dollars for every dollar you spend at Mohegan, which can equate to everything from free or discounted tickets to arena events, access to VIP lounges, and complementary rounds of golf at Mohegan Sun Golf Club. If you're planning on visiting, there's no reason not to sign up.

10. Go Exploring!
Mohegan Sun is undoubtedly massive, with things to discover around every turn. There are high-end shops that make for some great window shopping, three huge casinos with their own themes and games, a huge spa, great bars and restaurants, a state of the art race book, and events happening nearly every day. Don't be afraid to get lost!