quote:

Originally posted by entro been to wmc 4 times and ibiza once. anyone who says wmc > ibiza just hasn't fucking been to the island. period.

I think it's a way closer call than some people think, when you really look at the pros and cons of both.

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Accomodations
Gotta sleep sometime....... maybe

Ibiza: Options are abundant throughout the island when looking for a place to lay your head. As is the case with anywhere you go, it just really depends on what you want out of the place. There are apartments available for larger groups, though some don't exactly match my definition of an apartment. Hostels and hotels can be found to match most any preference. Obviously, the best places to stay for partiers are probably San Antoni and Playa D'en Bossa, and with increased popularity is usually going to come a little bit of noise from time to time. Most everything I've seen, as far as hotels on the island, I'd put under the 2 or 3 star categories. Decent, clean places to rest your head before another night out.

WMC: Hotels on top of hotels on top of hotels. The hotel options are endless and can even be a little daunting when looking ahead at a holiday. Everything from lowly one star run down older places to top-of-the line five star resorts. And when they say 5 star in Miami Beach, they mean it. Hostels are not nearly as prevelant here, but one great option are one of the many condos located in Miami Beach and downtown. These are usually made available as vacation rentals year round by the owners. Most are located within high rise buildings with great views and include full kitchens/appliances. Lease agreements can be complicated, though, leaving the renter liable for any number of things.

Edge: WMC - Once again, just a slight edge based mainly on my personal preference, I guess. All things being equal, it is just somewhere to rest for a short time. I prefer the American hotel layout to that of Spain, possibly because I am just more used to it. The majority of room designs in Ibiza include a pair of twin beads, while that is practically unheard of in the states. As a result, you can sleep more people in the same size room in Miami, if need be.

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Food & Beverage
Fuel for the dance!

Ibiza: Traditional Spanish and Catalan dishes can be found if one knows where to look. The truly excellent ones seem hard to find. Other ethnicities are well represented around the island. As is the case with most tourist destinations around the world, the heavier populated the area is with tourists, the lower the food quality. The good stuff is definitely off the path, down the road, up the hill, and around the corner. A good amount of liquor is represented on the island. There did not seem to be quite as good of selection of beer. The sangria was always a delight and is a must for any visitors to the island. Nothing else stood out about the drinks at the clubs and bars, but there was nothing to complain about either. Pours were rather generous in some places, though.

WMC: Cuban cusine is top dog here, followed by the rest of Latin America. Miami Beach is actually a seperate municipality from Miami, carrying a population of nearly 90,000 people, making it quite the melting pot in itself. So many ethnicities are represented in restaraunts throughout the area, and the quality is, more often than not, excellent. Liquor selection is similar to anywhere else, with maybe a few more brands being represented. The beer selection is much greater, though. Bartenders can be a little stingy on the pours in the bars and nightclubs. It can't go without saying for those who like them, that the Mojitos and frozen drinks located along South Beach are world famous.

Edge: WMC - Miami gets an automatic edge based on my personal food preference, and then blows the category away by sheer volume and variety located everywhere. Just take a stroll, and good food from all over the world will be found. More importantly, it will usually be prepared by people from those parts of the globe. It does help to ask around in both places for the kind of food you are looking for.

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quote:

Originally posted by DPetey81 I think it's a way closer call than some people think, when you really look at the pros and cons of both.

I've gotta disagree here. If you know where to look [and it's a lot harder to do so as an American in Ibiza compared to an American in the WMC] there are some absolutely phenomenal places to eat/drink/chill outside of straight clubbing in Ibiza. Lodging is cheaper in Ibiza almost any time during the Summer season (unless you're staying in a fucking hostel in Miami,) outside of Radio 1 weekend in Ibiza (which you wouldn't want to go to anyway because the Brits blow.) You can get a gypsy cab (which are quite fun ) from ANYWHERE to ANYWHERE on the island for 20 euros in 15 or less minutes--the same there definitely can't be said for Miami during the WMC.

Despite all of what I've said, during the WMC you've got a pretty equal combination of: really cool lineups, decent lineups, and total shit lineups, and all sorts of good-to-shitty quality clubs. In my opinion, the thing that DEFINES the Ibiza experience is the QUALITY of EVERY. SINGLE. CLUB.

You ever been blown up during the pre-hiphop days in the mainroom of Space? The Terrace? Crobar? Twilo? Every single fucking Ibiza club is the absolute MECCA of modern day EDM clubbing technology. While speakers, lights, fog, lazers, and whatever else don't make a club--they do happen to have world famous Dj's playing somewhere, at one of these insane clubs, EVERY night. And when you have that, TALENT, and a very excited crowd....That is what makes a night an event

edit: was referring to nyc twilo/crobar

edit #2: sorry for the feisty disagreement, but lookin forward to clubbin with you on the SK/Desyn & Luke yachts back 2 back. I remember you from Chilis last year, I showed up late. You looked about as similar as you do in your avatar, as do i...Hope we meet up!

Last edited by entro on Mar-19-2010 at 08:26

quote:

Originally posted by entro edit #2: sorry for the feisty disagreement, but lookin forward to clubbin with you on the SK/Desyn & Luke yachts back 2 back. I remember you from Chilis last year, I showed up late. You looked about as similar as you do in your avatar, as do i...Hope we meet up!

No worries... i was hoping for someone to feistily disagree... and I agree with most of your points, except for maybe the cost factor for lodging and travel because of the conversion rate right now. We took a gypsy cab and your right about it being 20 euros, but that is still more than a taxi around to wmc events. I still think Ibiza might win the overall discussion, but it's not by as much as some people immediately think.

I think I remember you. I'll probably remember faces when I see people again, but the rest of the info, such as names and stuff, oozed out of the brain in a slow tequila drip during the cruise.

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quote:

Originally posted by DPetey81 No worries... i was hoping for someone to feistily disagree... and I agree with most of your points, except for maybe the cost factor for lodging and travel because of the conversion rate right now. We took a gypsy cab and your right about it being 20 euros, but that is still more than a taxi around to wmc events. I still think Ibiza might win the overall discussion, but it's not by as much as some people immediately think. I think I remember you. I'll probably remember faces when I see people again, but the rest of the info, such as names and stuff, oozed out of the brain in a slow tequila drip during the cruise.

haha, tequila drip indeed. top shelf open bar on S&K yacht ftmfw! see ya there. where's the pre-party dinner this year?

quote:

Originally posted by entro haha, tequila drip indeed. top shelf open bar on S&K yacht ftmfw! see ya there. where's the pre-party dinner this year?

cool, name's andrew, u?

woops wrong quote, directed at dpetey or w/e

quote:

Originally posted by entro haha, tequila drip indeed. top shelf open bar on S&K yacht ftmfw! see ya there. where's the pre-party dinner this year?

name's dan....

meeting at the same place this year, though looks like quite a few more people might show, so we'll see how it goes:
http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...forumid=115&s=1

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quote:

Originally posted by entro anyone who says wmc > ibiza just hasn't fucking been to the island. period.

my thoughts exactly

ibiza hands down.. NO comparison

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24/3/10 ~ Loco Dice @ Space, Miami
26-27/3/10 ~ UMF, Miami
3/4/10 ~ Trance Energy, Utrecht
19/6/10 ~ Tiesto, Amsterdam

Venues
Where's the party?

Ibiza: I don't think anybody would disagree with the notion that the best clubs in the world are located on the island of Ibiza. From the massive Privilege to the VIP laden Pacha, the huge side by side rooms of Amnesia, and the famous multi-room Space. You get the idea.... these clubs are enormous, with the sound systems to match. Decor is altered on a nightly basis to set the mood, and performers are geared up for your entertainment pleasure. Just as impressive as the sheer size of these places is the effeiciency by which they are set up and run. The first thing I noticed were the amount of bars in each of the clubs. Despite the numbers of people inside the venue, there never seemed to be a wait for a drink, which is a convenience that should not be taken for granted. Also, with people pouring into the clubs, it would be easy for the club to let the lines build, but they keep people moving through the doors at an exceptional pace. The toilet situation also exceeds expectations, as they seem to be located everywhere with plenty of facilities in each. Aside from the mega clubs, there are numerous other places to spend your time on the island. These range from other club-like venues to tiny bars and pubs. The sunset cafes add a special touch to the island, also. In addition, there are a handful of boats that can be enjoyed for a cruise.

WMC: There is certainly no shortage of venues to be enjoyed during WMC. Bars and clubs are located on every corner of every street, and everywhere in between. Club Space with its popular terrace headlines a list of clubs too long to name. Even with so many to chose from, crowding becomes and issue during conference week. The setup of most of the clubs leaves something to be desired. Obviously, the spaces are much smaller than the Ibiza mega clubs. On top of that, bars and restrooms can be few and far between. The pace at which they let people into the venues can only be described as painfully slow. These places follow the mantra that a lineup creates excitement for a club. Under normal circumstances this may be somewhat true, but with the flooding of people during wmc it can get quite messy. On a positive note, numerous hotel pools and private yachts serve as excellent venues all week.


Edge: Ibiza- When I started this category I really wanted to give it to Miami based of the sheer multitude of places one has to chose from. I am entertained by novelty and visiting different clubs every night. So much so, that I was actually a little upset that I had to attend Amnesia a few times to see the shows I wanted to. Really, though, I can't in my right mind vote against the mega clubs of Ibiza. They are the some of the best the world has to offer. The design flaws hurt a lot of the Miami clubs when dealing with the crowds during WMC. This issue will come up in other categories as well.

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Events & Music
The djs, tunes, and parties

Ibiza: The biggest djs in edm hold down residencies on the island. Nights like cocoon, we love, cream, pure pacha, judgement, etc, bring in the household names of the industry. Playing Ibiza is the pinnacle of the dj world. Armin, Tiesto, Cox, Sasha, Hawtin, and the list goes on. Aside from the huge superstar djs, many a resident makes a name for him or herself just by pumping quality tunes for years on the island. Also, a few up-and-comers tag along to the island to open for their better known peers. The tunes on the island cover most of the spectrum, with a heavy emphasis on the most popular of the sub genres. All the current songs that destroy dance floors around the world can and will be heard while in Ibiza. Trance can be found a few nights a week, same for techno and house. Other genres, as well as some live music, can be found at certain times around the island. All the major clubs run until 7 in the morning. I am unsure of the afterparty situation at this point in time, though I think that a few still take place somewhere. Official pre-parties for the clubs are held at some of the better known bars on the island. These gatherings often include a short set from the djs appearing at the club later on. The pre-parties can be hit and miss depending on the bar and what party they are advertising. Also, the time plays a factor because most people leave to hit the main party shortly after arriving at the bar. There are a few notable parties taking place during the day/early evening as well. Obviously, the most notable of these is at the infamous Bora Bora. Though not exactly an event, the sunset cafes should be included here, as they are a takeoff point for many a crazy evening. There are other events throughout the week taking place at the smaller clubs and bars, offering a viable option for a night away from the main attractions. Boat cruises are also available, and can provide another change of pace during one's holiday.

WMC: Most all the major headliners show up for the week in Miami. In addition, pretty much anybody who owns a turntable also makes an appearance. Djs flock from all over the world to network, attend workshops, spin music, and party. If there is a dj you like, well known or not, chances are he or she will be in Miami. Many record labels organize their own club night to expose their talent. Every genre of edm is represented, most in heavy abundance. Top 40 and hip hop are also available in a few places. Like Ibiza, the music played includes the very best of edm at the time. Also, wmc serves as platform to debut new and unreleased stuff. Many djs test new tracks out before incorporating them into their sets the rest of the year. Future bombs are often first heard during wmc. The clubs in South Beach close at 5am, while those downtown go until 7, 8, or into the next afternoon, depending on the party and day. One party, in particular, is known for lasting 24 hours or longer.



Edge: WMC - It is like a summer’s worth of Ibiza rolled into a week.

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Cost
$$$$$$$$

Ibiza: The gap is closing between the pound and the euro, which upsets the Brits a great deal. This makes a British excursion to the island a little more expensive than it used to be. Pardon the rest of the world if we don't shed a tear, though, as there is nothing little about the conversion rate between the euro and any other currency. Making large exchanges for euros isn't all that dissimilar from experiencing medieval torture, I imagine. All joking aside, it is an expensive place for anyone not earning euros or pounds. As for specifics, hotel deals can be found, as to make that expenditure a little less painful. 30-40 Euros a night can snag a decent place. Food can certainly be done on a budget, especially if one is willing to sacrifice a little quality on most meals. 6-10 euros can fill you up if you aren't too picky, while 20-30 should provide a nice dinner experience. Drinks are going to significantly raise these estimates. We'll say 4-7 per drink at some of the smaller bars populating the tourist areas. Deals are usually available to entice people to come in before the clubs. At the restaraunts and busier bars, looking at 7-12 per drink depending on what your poison is. At the clubs, 10-16 euros for the basics. Event tickets are going to run 35-50 euros for the top club nights, and less for the others. Transportation ranges from the free bus, local bus(1.75), disco bus(3), and taxi (30-35 Playa to San An, less than 20 from either to Amnesia/Privilege)

WMC:


Edge: WMC - Pretty obvious with how the US dollar is struggling, but the costs are much lower even after adjusting for the conversions. I tried to think about everything, but I didn't want to even touch flight costs and how they figured in to each location. Obviously, that ends up being a large expense for anybody when travelling around the world, but I feel that it must be treated almost as a seperate entity. I don't even factor it into my trips because it's too painful sometimes. Once I spend the money on flights, I just totally forget about it and treat it as a sunken cost, not even factoring it into the holiday budget from that point on.

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