Any vegas tips? [Archive] - Lounge of Tomorrow

Moonliner

06-05-2007, 09:56 AM

After the kid and I finish our DLR grand tour (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?t=5660), I'm heading out to Vegas for a few days. I won't have too much extra time since I <gasp!> actually plan to attend the meetings I'm going for but I will have my evenings free.

I've booked a Cirque show and I've scouted a few poker rooms. I expect I'll tour the strip, see the pirate show and the fountains, etc...

I'll be staying at the Wynn which I understand has some good grub. (Me like um expense account... :cool: )

Any other must do's for my first visit to sin city since I was about 12.

Kevy Baby

06-05-2007, 10:02 AM

Unless it has changed recently. the Pirate show is not worth the time.

BarTopDancer

06-05-2007, 10:02 AM

Yard margaritas and shopping at Ceasers.
Fountains at Belliagio (at night).
A margarita at Margaritaville (they always seem to be running out of everything but the tequila ;) )
A stop at the 3 Sephoras on the Strip :p
A meal at the Pink Taco in Hard Rock
People watching
Dancing on the bar in the Coyote Ugly
A visit to the Jeager tap in MGM
People watching
The Shark Experience in Mandalay Bay

Gee, it sounds like all i do there is eat, drink, shop and people watch. Oh wait. :D

Oh, and the pirate show is not worth it AND the crowds rival Fantasmic!

Have a good time. And remember, what happens there stays there gets posted.

Morrigoon

06-05-2007, 10:07 AM

Bellagio Buffet - for anything but brunch. Not that there's anything wrong with brunch per se, but then regular breakfasty stuff you can get anywhere (eggs, bacon, oatmeal and the like) take the place of about half the really awesome stuff they have out for the other meals, so you get a better "deal" going at lunch. Go hungry. No, really.

Cirque shows are great. If you have another evening free, the Vegas Phantom production is a bit different from the standard Phantom shows, and if you're a Phan of the show, definitely a fun time.

Bellagio... since you'll already be there for the buffet, do not miss the conservatory just off the lobby. They change it seasonally, and it's usually spectacular. Anything from butterfly enclosures to fake ice, to model trains, you just never know.

The Orleans, on the other side of the freeway off Tropicana or Flamingo (I think Trop though) has some relatively inexpensive tables, AND, their 24-hour cafe has THE BEST Wor Wonton Soup EVER.

Kevy Baby

06-05-2007, 10:07 AM

A stop at the 3 Sephoras on the Strip :p
Dancing on the bar in the Coyote UglySomehow, I don't think these two items are high on the list for Moonie.

Alex

06-05-2007, 10:17 AM

The VooDoo lounge on the 50-somethingth floor of the Rio offers great nighttime views of the Strip (from just off it so you can see it all at once.

I don't know if it was killed in the recent conversion to being Planet Hollywood but the Spice Market Buffet at the Aladdin was a very good backup to the Bellagio.

The pirate show at TI is definitely not worth anybody's time.

If you're going for a conference and have a small daytime group and want to impress with some local knowledge get a cab to take you to Luv-It Frozen Custard (http://www.luvitfrozencustard.com/) in the shadow of the Stratosphere. Generally considered the best frozen custard west of wherever it is that traditionally prides itself on frozen custard.

I don't generally do shows in Vegas but O is fantastic, the drag queen dinner theater thing (forget where it is but it is in a strip mall down at the Strat end of things) is boring, Tony & Tina's Wedding is dreadful. Penn & Teller's show at the Rio is great.

Moonliner

06-05-2007, 10:19 AM

Unless it has changed recently. the Pirate show is not worth the time.

But, but, buuuutt.... It's PIRATES. How could anything "pirates" be bad? :D

Capt Jack

06-05-2007, 10:26 AM

It's PIRATES. How could anything "pirates" be bad? :D

quoted for posterity

:argghh:

Ponine

06-05-2007, 10:49 AM

I forget, how old is your kid?
Never mind, I re-read it. No kid in Vegas. never mind... the kid oriented Vegas traveler is leaving the thread.

Moonliner

06-05-2007, 10:56 AM

I forget, how old is your kid?
Never mind, I re-read it. No kid in Vegas. never mind... the kid oriented Vegas traveler is leaving the thread.

Yup, Headliner gets dumped on a flight back to DC while I book it out to Vegas in my hip happening Hertz Moonie mobile (http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/accent/accent.aspx). Cruiz'n the strip in style. Meep Meep!

Capt Jack

06-05-2007, 10:57 AM

*snicker*

no..its a cool car. really....

;)

DreadPirateRoberts

06-05-2007, 11:19 AM

*snicker*

no..its a cool car. really....

;)

a veritable babe magnet

Ghoulish Delight

06-05-2007, 11:41 AM

If you plan on spending time gambling, do so downtown if possible. Much easier to find things like $2 blackjack tables.

And I can't believe no one's mentioned the Star Trek Experience. A definite must.

Alex

06-05-2007, 11:48 AM

Capt Jack

06-05-2007, 11:48 AM

Ive wanted to do that one for awhile. worthwhile?

Ghoulish Delight

06-05-2007, 11:53 AM

Ive wanted to do that one for awhile. worthwhile?I loved it. Of course, I was 21 and way into Star Trek Next Gen at the time, so I'm sure there was a bit of rose colored glasses goin going on. But I remember it being far cooler than I thought it was going to be.

alphabassettgrrl

06-05-2007, 12:07 PM

I like the TI pirate show. :) Just saying.

Phantom- liked it, but then I've never seen the "real" Broadway version. The roadies I've talked to think poorly of the Vegas versions of real shows.

Shark Experience at Mandalay Bay- yes!

Star Trek- definitely cool. Have a drink at the bar. They almost always have a character or two drinking there.

Don't they have an indoor skydiving place? I don't remember but I thought I saw one.

Don't bother with the roller coaster at NY NY. Really rough. Pain.

The Sunday brunch at The Brown Derby in MGM was awesome. Expensive, but yummy. I'm told the food is amazing at Caesar's, too. Ooh, go watch the statues at the court in Caesar's. Every so often they come alive and do a little show. Plus the cieling changes all the time above the Forum shops.

The Orleans is a nice little casino. I'd like to spend more time there next time I go. Oh, the Rio has a 'Carnival in the sky' over the casino floor. There's a way you can ride in the floats but I've never done it. They throw beads and drinks coupons to the people gambling.

Have fun!!! I love Vegas.

Kevy Baby

06-05-2007, 12:15 PM

I like the TI pirate show. :) Just saying. When was the last time you saw it? It used to be good, but then they went with the horrible Pirate Wench thing. Sure, the girls are hot, but the show sucked (IMO).

Capt Jack

06-05-2007, 12:18 PM

ah, the old one must have been the one we saw. no chicas in the version I attended

Gemini Cricket

06-05-2007, 12:29 PM

The Paris Casino has a really great buffet.

"O" is an awesome Cirque show.

Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated.

The water shows at the Bellagio are fun.

Moonliner

06-05-2007, 12:53 PM

Lani and I have gone out to the Hilton about three times for the Star Trek experience. Every time we get out there, wander through the store, look at the prices and then leave. Once we were with friends so we actually ate in the bar. Our friends shared one of those giant drinks with dry ice in them, and got quite the buzz one.

Store, hummm.

I wonder. I've been looking for the model of the original Enterprise ever since the The Air and Space museum stopped carrying them. It might be worth checking out.

http://nathanpublishing.com/startrek/Plastic%20Models%20to%20Build/ST-AMT%20Enterprise%201701.jpg

It would make the perfect finishing touch to the theater room I'm planning...

Alex

06-05-2007, 12:54 PM

Star Trek- definitely cool. Have a drink at the bar. They almost always have a character or two drinking there.

Don't bother with the roller coaster at NY NY. Really rough. Pain.

The characters in the restaurant were the most uncomfortable thing for us the time we ate there. "Quark" came up and started talking to us in character. It was dreadful. That is the great thing about Disney characters in the parks, most of them aren't allowed to talk (well, I don't really like them but if there is anything good about them then this is it). This guy really didn't not have radar for knowing who was in the groove with his stupidity and who just wanted him to move. As decoration, he was great; as dining company not so much.

The Paris Casino has a really great buffet.

Good call, particularly for breakfast. Paris's buffet is our go to place for breakfast.

Not Afraid

06-05-2007, 01:20 PM

The only thing I would care to do is Vegas is buy Vosges Chocolate.

Bornieo: Fully Loaded

06-05-2007, 01:24 PM

I thought they got rid of the Pirates show?

I need to see teh Star Trek Experiance - I've ment to each time I'm there but never got over there.

BarTopDancer

06-05-2007, 01:33 PM

They re-did the Pirates show.

The Star Trek Experience was really cool but be warned that there are a ton of strobe lights. I came out of it with a migraine from the original one. I really liked the Borg one.

Capt Jack

06-05-2007, 01:47 PM

I feel a Swanky Viva Las Vegas thing building here.

which is frightening

Not Afraid

06-05-2007, 01:47 PM

no. I won't go to Vegas.

BarTopDancer

06-05-2007, 01:50 PM

I feel a Swanky Viva Las Vegas thing building here.

which is frightening

That would be fun.

no. I won't go to Vegas.

Someone else will need to coordinate it then :p

and no, I am not volunteering, I can't afford another Vegas trip for awhile

Moonliner

06-05-2007, 01:54 PM

I'll be the advanced scout and radio back all the nonSwanky things I do while in Vegas.....

Unless anyone wants a one-way ride to Vegas on the 25th.

keith - SuPeR K!

06-05-2007, 03:25 PM

pirate show is not even really a pirate show. it's more like a really bad stripper show. i can't find the words to explain how ridiculous the "show" is... it will most likely leave you completely pissed off that you wasted your time seeing it.

bellagio fountains and conservatory are awesome!

check out the new interior of the planet hollywood (formerly aladdin) - it's quite swanky!

fat tuesday (forum shops @ caesars, miracle miles shops @ planet hollywood, mgm entrance from parking garage) is an awesome cheap bar with $1-$2 jello shots, 2 for $1 cherry bombs, and tons of slushie tasty beverages (you can buy a cup and get cheap refills!) - great place to start your night(s) off!

cirque shows: o, mystere, and zumanity are awesome... (and i hear love is as well!) ka- not so much...

water show at the wynn is quite awesome and very trippy... well worth the (sometimes enforced) 1 drink minimum to get out on the balcony to watch it... you can't see this one from the strip.

alphabassettgrrl

06-05-2007, 03:57 PM

When was the last time you saw it? It used to be good, but then they went with the horrible Pirate Wench thing. Sure, the girls are hot, but the show sucked (IMO).

They re-did the Pirates show.

The Star Trek Experience was really cool but be warned that there are a ton of strobe lights. I came out of it with a migraine from the original one. I really liked the Borg one.

Maybe it's been a while since I saw the pirate show. I don't remember wenches. And I'd remember wenches...

I got yelled at on the ST experience. We were trying to settle a difference of opinion concerning one of the changes so I put my hand on the wall to see what happened. What happened is the cast member slapped my hand down, told me I could get hurt and not to do that again.

Mean.

madmonkeygirl

06-05-2007, 05:04 PM

I can't afford to go back i've been twice now in three months lmao... but at least this time i came back with $$$ from gambling so that was a huge plus.

I won at Saharah and at the Mirage. I watched a show on Vegas in my hotel room and i swear they said the machines pay out $500 a day but hey...

Go eat at the Pink Taco at the Hard Rock. Tico Torres ate there with his family. If it's good enough for a member of Bon Jovi then it has to be good lmao..

Definitely see Phantom of the Opera. I saw the LA version and the one there in Vegas. I thought the Vegas one was much better. Just my two cents. Definitely take the monorail don't walk the strip. the efiel tower at Paris is nice at nite and we timed it nicely with the water show at the Bellagio. Of course Margaritaville and the bar outside at Ceasar's my fav watering places lmao...booze and music :)

If you wanna ride rides i'd say go ontop of the Stratosphere those rides are great (even though i hate heights and was so glad i was on solid ground).

Definitely see the Shark Reef (plan a good hour plus there) seriously. I always took my sweet time going thru there. There's a wax museum never went of famous people. Oh the Titanic Exhibit at the Tropicana is supposedly worth it from my friend's sister. Didn't make it over there the last two trips.

The only buffet i can recommend is the one at the Mirage We went for champagne brunch on Saturday and actually had real Domperinon champange (spelling). Plus real gelato bar for dessert. well worth the price.

have fun and if you gamble hopefully my luck of winning rubs off on you and you win as well.

Moonliner

06-05-2007, 05:20 PM

have fun and if you gamble hopefully my luck of winning rubs off on you and you win as well.

Thanks for all the tips.

I never gamble. I play poker. ;)

jdramj

06-05-2007, 07:34 PM

Has anyone seen "Love"? I am hoping to finally go to Vegas this year since I haven't been sine early 2000. gasp! I truely want to see that show and rumor has it I might be going in July!

Maybe this is something Moonie would like to see too? Although, it maybe way too late for him to score some tickets.

CoasterMatt

06-05-2007, 07:44 PM

Speed: The Ride at Sahara is a nice Premier Rides coaster - unique layout, launch from inside the building to an overbank curve, drop below street level into a vertical loop, a boost up to 70 mph, curve around the port cochere, straight up a vertical spike, then backwards through the circuit.

Not Afraid

06-05-2007, 07:51 PM

mousepod

06-05-2007, 08:34 PM

It wasn't a positive review.

DreadPirateRoberts

06-05-2007, 08:37 PM

MousePod had a review of Love somewhere in the recent past.

Maybe "Lunch" had a better review.

Kevy Baby

06-05-2007, 09:29 PM

MousePod had a review of Love somewhere in the recent past.So you've moved beyond typos and are now quoting one post (CM's) and answering another (jdramj's) :D

Not Afraid

06-05-2007, 09:31 PM

Apparently, I'm not at all with it.

CoasterMatt

06-05-2007, 11:05 PM

BTW, Manhattan Express at New York New York is slightly less excruciating - it's original Togo Death Machine trains have been replaced with Premier Rides trains (along with a Premier Rides magnetic brake system).

blueerica

06-05-2007, 11:36 PM

Manhattan Express totally killed my neck as of last year. Was it replaced since then?

Otherwise, there are a lot of good things to see, but it depends on what you like to do. For me, I like the waterworks show at the Bellagio (again, at night) as well as just doing random things. The Hofbrauhaus in Las Vegas (kind of near the Hard Rock Hotel) is interesting and something I like to do, and I'm not entirely clear on why. Except for the Oompa bands and such. They're immediately awesome. Try both kinds of cabbage. Mmm.

Umm... I really like looking at the walls at the Hard Rock Hotel, but mostly because I'm into music and rock memorabilia seems to float my boat.

Back to the Bellagio, the glass pieces there are out of this world. I love blown glass, and Dale Chihuly is truly among the best. I question some of his work. I think of him like Picasso... it might be something his student did and he signed. Pardon any pessimism, since I really do think it's beautiful. They also have a lot of nice sculpture and an interesting garden.

Again, it depends on what you're mostly interested in. I'll re-read this thread with more energy tomorrow, if there's been any indication on what you like to do. (OOh, Fremont Street Experience... it might not be the most amazing thing ever, but it is a lot of fun. If you're drunk. It might be fun if you're not, too.... but I wouldn't know.)

CoasterMatt

06-05-2007, 11:39 PM

BTW, my post about Manhurtin' Neckpress was not my own endorsement of the piece of crap, but supposedly it's better than the last time I rode it. (I refuse to ride anymore).
I think it's a wonderfully themed New York street mugging, though.

keith - SuPeR K!

06-06-2007, 01:00 AM

The Hofbrauhaus in Las Vegas (kind of near the Hard Rock Hotel) is interesting and something I like to do, and I'm not entirely clear on why. Except for the Oompa bands and such. They're immediately awesome. Try both kinds of cabbage. Mmm.

hofbrauhaus is awesome! i just recently discovered this gem :)

Alex

06-06-2007, 06:19 AM

I once had to stay at New York New York for a convention and had the roller coaster right outside my window.

So let me offer the fact that it is very annoying for people in those rooms as another reason to not ride the roller coaster.

Moonliner

06-06-2007, 06:27 AM

Very good then.

If I make it by the Sahara I'll try some speed, but I'll skip the NY coaster in deference to the wishes of 'Alex' and my limited amount of time. Thanks for the reviews.

Kevy Baby

06-06-2007, 09:31 AM

HEY COASTERMATT:

What about that big coaster right after you cross state line? Is it any good?

Ghoulish Delight

06-06-2007, 09:39 AM

HEY COASTERMATT:

What about that big coaster right after you cross state line? Is it any good?Aww, MonorailMan's Primm fan site is no more.

BarTopDancer

06-06-2007, 10:11 AM

HEY COASTERMATT:

What about that big coaster right after you cross state line? Is it any good?

I hear that one is painful.

The monorail can be fun. I think we're going to take that from the Harrah's area to the Pink Taco. Because after one or two drink we aren't going to be driving anywhere.

madmonkeygirl

06-06-2007, 10:27 AM

Desperado is fun ride. It can be but make sure you ride in the front of the cars. Note to yourself not in the back 3rd row of the first car it is a deathly painful seat.

Secondly BarTopDancer...the Pink Taco is in the Hard Rock Casino which is off the strip. The monorail only goes to MGM on that side of the strip. So either you will have to walk or take a taxi. Just FYI....

And i love Manhattan Express i guess i'm weird i like that ride. It's rideable...

keith - SuPeR K!

06-06-2007, 10:38 AM

I hear that one is painful.

the coaster at stateline is awesome, but it has gotten much jerkier over the years.

The monorail can be fun. I think we're going to take that from the Harrah's area to the Pink Taco. Because after one or two drink we aren't going to be driving anywhere.

the monorail doesn't go anywhere near the hard rock... you'll be walking from the mgm to the hard rock.

cirquelover

06-06-2007, 10:48 AM

Cirque's Love wasn't a bad show but I'm not a huge Beatles fan, I know, sorry. I can see how someone who loves the Beatles will have a blast. My husband really enjoyed it and so did most of the 100 people we were with. My favorite by far though is Mystere. If you haven't seen it I highly suggest you go! You can usually get tickets, even day of the show.

My Mom had great luck with the tickets 4 tonight booths. She was able to get tickets to Mystere, Ka, Phantom, Celine, but it was still too expensive for her and a few others. So if you see a booth you may want to check it out.

I can't think of anywhere else beyond what others have suggested.

Have a great time!

BarTopDancer

06-06-2007, 11:03 AM

the monorail doesn't go anywhere near the hard rock... you'll be walking from the mgm to the hard rock.

Grrr. Thanks :(

Gemini Cricket

06-06-2007, 11:23 AM

Desperado, the roller coaster at Buffalo Bills, is awesome. I liked it.
:)

Moonliner

06-06-2007, 11:51 AM

HEY COASTERMATT:

What about that big coaster right after you cross state line? Is it any good?

Damn, $7.00 for a ride on that thing. I might just keep driving....

Kevy Baby

06-06-2007, 11:54 AM

Desperado is fun ride. It can be but make sure you ride in the front of the cars. Note to yourself not in the back 3rd row of the first car it is a deathly painful seat.Where is the Desperado?

Gemini Cricket

06-06-2007, 12:06 PM

Where is the Desperado?
click (http://themeparks.about.com/cs/lasvegas/a/desperado.htm)

CoasterMatt

06-06-2007, 05:51 PM

Desperado is a kickass Arrow Dynamics designed hyper coaster.

Get the ride pass and get beaten senseless (laughing all the way of course) by it, and you get to ride their trippy indoor/outdoor log ride with light guns, too.

Rose and I have ridden it 30+ times in a day, it was like getting a deep tissue massage, and with all the screaming, I was in some kind of Zen state.

Moonliner

06-06-2007, 06:28 PM

Damn, $7.00 for a ride on that thing. I might just keep driving....

Desperado is a kickass Arrow Dynamics designed hyper coaster.

Get the ride pass and get beaten senseless (laughing all the way of course) by it, and you get to ride their trippy indoor/outdoor log ride with light guns, too.

Rose and I have ridden it 30+ times in a day, it was like getting a deep tissue massage, and with all the screaming, I was in some kind of Zen state.

Or I might just stop after all. :)

CoasterMatt

06-06-2007, 06:36 PM

If you've ridden Magnum at Cedar Point, imagine that coaster wrapped around a hotel.

alphabassettgrrl

06-07-2007, 12:24 AM

What about that big coaster right after you cross state line? Is it any good?
While my ride was several years ago, I enjoyed it quite a lot. Do *not* have long hair loose, though, as it will be a tangled knot at the end. Braid long hair or tie it somehow. With the wind and the desert dry, mine was a nightmare.

Moonliner

06-08-2007, 10:07 AM

I have a late flight out and I should just be able to squeeze in a showing of 'O' before I leave.

As a single the website offers me a seat two rows from the front. It's noted as a 'Wet Seat'.

1. Are we talking Shamu wet or drizzle wet?

2. Is that a good spot? Some shows are better up close and some are better from a distance. Which is 'O'?

Thanks.

AllyOops!

06-08-2007, 10:19 AM

Moonliner! O is awesome!

It's a fabulous show from all distances & angles. I sat in the "upper front middle" and it was absolutely amazing! I was completely spellbound the whole time! :)

Oh, and if I recall, it's drizzle. Totally not Shamu wet. ;)

My boyfriend & I will be arriving in Las Vegas tomorrow morning. I wish I had time to see Love!! I'd love (hee hee) to go, but I have a wedding & reception to attend!! :)

cirquelover

06-08-2007, 10:34 AM

Two rows from the front is a great seat! Wet seat means there is a possibility of getting splashed but you won't be drenched! The only time I have seen them drench a few people was New Years Eve and they were feeling a little naughty. The group in front got more than a splash, but it was funny.
I like to be up front to see their faces and be a part of the action. I've also sat up top and it was fun to get a different perspective on the pool and performers!
I highly recommend the O specialty drink, yummy! It is a slushy style drink, think blended margarita, made with captain morgans, mango, oj and pinneapple maybe. It is wonderful, I am still trying to perfect the recipe at home!

Have a great time!!

Kevy Baby

06-08-2007, 11:33 AM

It is wonderful, I am still trying to perfect the recipe at home!Work, work, work

:)

Alex

06-08-2007, 12:34 PM

Oh, and if you want any hookers during your stay, don't use any of the pamphlets available but just walk the strip around the corner of Flamingo at about 5 a.m. for a plentiful supply.

Kevy Baby

06-08-2007, 12:36 PM

Sounds like that is spoken out of experience

Moonliner

06-08-2007, 12:36 PM

Oh, and if you want any hookers during your stay, don't use any of the pamphlets available but just walk the strip around the corner of Flamingo at about 5 a.m. for a plentiful supply.

5am?? I am neither up that late nor that early.

Ghoulish Delight

06-08-2007, 12:41 PM

5am?? I am neither up that late nor that early.
It's Vegas, time is meaningless.

Moonliner

06-08-2007, 12:46 PM

It's Vegas, time is meaningless.

So should I take that as an endorsement for the 5am special?

Alex

06-08-2007, 12:53 PM

Sounds like that is spoken out of experience

Yes. The experience of seeing a lot of hookers around the intersection of Flamingo at 5 a.m. in the morning.

I've always been amazed at how little streetwalking* I saw in Vegas but a couple trips in a row with me out and about at very early hours fixed that misapprehension.

Ghoulish Delight

06-08-2007, 12:58 PM

So should I take that as an endorsement for the 5am special?Just tell 'em Alex sent you.

Alex

06-08-2007, 01:13 PM

Moonliner

06-08-2007, 01:22 PM

Actually, that probably wouldn't work. It is a huge blow to my ego, but apparently I repel hookers. I used to walk through Waikiki at 3 a.m. all the time and would be ignored by the hookers. Never has a West Oakland prostitute propositioned me.

And I've run the gauntlet on The Strip without ever getting so much as a wiggle.

Well Damn. I guess I'll just have to give up on this one because somehow I can't see telling them "Ghoulish Delight sent me" doing any good either.

And I just hate to pay retail for anything.