Need to go to Vegas

[scaeagles]

I'm not much of a gambler, though I enjoy the blackjack tables and poker action (low stakes, of course). But I just saw on the TV news why I gotta go.

There's a new ride at the top of the Stratosphere. It's kind of a generic swing ride - like the Orange Stinger - but there's a twist. You load up, and a mechanical arm rotates the ride out over the city at 1000 or so feet up. All the seats face inward, so when it starts to spin you, the forces raise the seats and you are looking straight down while you spin.

I gotta try that.

[mistyisjafo]

Oh wow! Really??!!! I think I'd have to pass on that one. I can go on a lot of rollercoasters but I went up to the top of the Stratosphere and it kind of spooked me. I'm horribly afraid of heights!!

You must go & try it. Tell us how it is. Have you ever gone on Desperado on State Line? That is one awesome rollercoaster

[wendybeth]

That sounds fun, Scaeagles! I remember there used to be a ride at Magic Mountain- I think it was called the Enterprise. Anyway, you sat in an enclosed pod, and one or two others could sit in front of you, astride the seat. The pd hung off a wheel that would spin until centrifigul force forced the pods straight out, at a 90 degree angle. Then, the wheel itself would turn on it's side, or that's how I remember it anyway....Big hurl factor- I would go with my fly-boy friends from George AFB and they would only ride it once, but I couldn't get enough of it. It's probably not even around anymore, or maybe it's tame by today's rides comparison, but I love that sort of stuff!

[blueerica]

Goodness -- I would love to go, but a part of me would be worried about the strength of whatever is keeping me from hurtling down to the pavement below!!

But maybe I'll have to try it sometime!

[DisneyDaniel]

scaeagles, Thanks for the info and news tip! I love roller coasters, but Insanity-The Ride looks like it will be too nerve-wrecking for me ... with nothing underneath your feet, but the Las Vegas strip 906 feet/100 stories below! I'm sure that's the whole point! It costs $8 per ride.

The Stratosphere made a separate Web site for Insanity-The Ride:
www.insanityride.com (http://www.insanityride.com)

[Ghoulish Delight]

One word....Hellno!

6 years ago CP and I went to Vegas and each bought a ticket for the Big Shot. We took the elevator up to the (enclosed) observation deck...I took one step out, looked out a window, and handed CP my ticket. Then not-so-patiently waited for her to ride, 'cause there was no way in hell I was going to be stepping out into the open air that high up, let alone get on a ride.

[Not Afraid]

I'd ride any coaster. Any!

But, I will NOT go to Vegas. Yuck.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Wow- sounds amazing! I went to the Stratosphere when it first opened, but I didn't want to pay to get to the top and then pay again for the rides.

This one might be worth it though!

I loved the Enterprise ride at MM! I haven't been there in years so I can't say if it's still there. Or maybe I'm thinking of the theme park that I grew up around.

[BarTopDancer]

Goodness -- I would love to go, but a part of me would be worried about the strength of whatever is keeping me from hurtling down to the pavement below!!

But maybe I'll have to try it sometime!

hehe. You should try it when we go... And I'll be doing the driving since I'm getting queasy thinking about it.

Remember, if you're going to spew... spew into this :holding out a paper cup:

O.M.G. I just watched the video. To quote GD, HELLNO! I will NOT be getting on that thing. I really hope they have cleared the area under it for any sickness that occurs. And what's this x-scream? That looks even scarier!

I *may* consider doing the space shot, but I hate heights and theres a very good chance I'd just turn around and go back down. (I'm not too fond of the observation thingie at Knotts).

[mhrc4]

i am so down for this, i LOVE high thrill rides!

[Tref]

I would love to ride it! I will try anything once. I've never been to Vegas, either. One day soon I am going to have to take a long drive and check it out.

[scaeagles]

I absolutely love stuff like this and really do need to go try it. The Big Shot at the Strat is great - like a Maliboomer on steroids - but the Roller Coaster at the top was a let down. Gotta go try the new stuff.

Anyone ever gone skydiving? THAT is the absolute, ultimate rush. Never found anything to compare. Jump out of a plane at 13K feet, 1 minute free fall.....beyond anything else, but too pricey to take up as a full hobby.

[Sheila]

Geez, when I saw video of the first roller coaster on the top of the Strat, I knew then and there I'd never even go on that! So, that's a big negatory on the new ride. ;)

Personally, I find the drive there on the 15 to be scary enough for me! :eek: When I'm in Vegas, I'm ready to do some serious walking, sight-seeing and playing the slots. I'm a traditionalist....

[Scrooge McSam]

Anyone ever gone skydiving? THAT is the absolute, ultimate rush.

:cool:

Scaeagles... We gotta party

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hehehe... and hubby's talking about a trip to Vegas when his sister visits for her Spring Break (which of course does not coincide with *our* spring break...). Might be a good time to hit the Stratosphere!!! It's good to have relatives in Vegas. :)

[CoasterMatt]

Big Shot atop Stratosphere USED to be an awesome ride - it is the prototype S&S Space Shot, but it has been tamed down a lil bit since opening (modifications made to the S&S airlaunch system). Maliboomer is actually one of the more powerful S&S Space Shots, mainly owing to the seating configuration of 4x4x4x4 as opposed to the standard 4x2x4x2 of most Space Shots.

[scaeagles]

Big Shot atop Stratosphere USED to be an awesome ride - it is the prototype S&S Space Shot, but it has been tamed down a lil bit since opening (modifications made to the S&S airlaunch system).

They tamed it down? Too bad. That thing used to rock, and I recall it being much more powerful than the Maliboomer.