You want to enjoy a club-like atmosphere in Vegas without as much of the lines, and cost, etc? Go to a pool party.
Get a small group of like-minded people together, leave your complaining friends at the free pool and check out Tao Beach on a Saturday afternoon. The 3 of us had passes so we didn't have to worry about the price going up.
I celebrated part of my birthday here and we had a great time. We didn't get a cabana we just walked around and met people and hung out. Drinks weren't too bad, I remember buying a bunch of $6 shots... That might be why I don't remember everything about that night.
Seating is definitely an issue so if you don't need it don't bring it. Oh and this is a pool in Vegas so you may want to start hitting up the gym a few months before your trip, no one at Tao Beach is interested in your personality...