Las Vegas
Not Just For The Gambler
By RTAs John and Natalie Kinzie
Las Vegas
is one of the most popular US destinations.
People from all over the world come to see the fabulous hotels of
"The Strip". Every year a
bigger, better hotel is built. The themes
are very inventive. There are hotels
that replicate famous places: Venice, Paris, Egypt, New York, Monaco. There are hotels with specific themes:
Pirate Ship, Tropical Island, Circus, Castle.
Others are just pure luxury.
But Las
Vegas also has a historic downtown area with its own unique character. And its close proximity to nature such as
Lake Meade and the Grand Canyon make it a terrific destination for the whole
family.
Las Vegas Tips and Tricks
1. Don't waste your time with time
share presentations. Unless you really have some time to kill,
and you're desperate for a free dinner or show. But agree with your spouse beforehand who will be "bad
cop", otherwise you may spend quite a bit of money.
2. There's no need for a rental car
if you're staying on the strip. They just cost
money to park. The shuttle from the
airport to the strip costs less than a taxi for a party of 1 or 2 (about 6.50
per person). For a family of 3 to 5 a
taxi is cheaper than the shuttle.
Entertainment
1. If you have a
show you're dying to see, stay in the hotel where that show is playing (if your budget allows). This makes for a very pleasant, enjoyable
evening. On the evening of your show
plan dinner in your hotel. If you have
an early show, you'll have a little time for a drink and some gambling after
the show. If you have a late show,
you'll have time for that before the show.
2. Pick late shows.
This allows you to do more during the day, with a leisurely dinner. Eliminates the need to rush around so much.
Show Mini-Reviews:
|
(permanent
Cirque du Soleil show at Bellagio) A vivid interpretation of the dichotomy of water and fire. Or a Cirque take on Waterworld. Yes, it is really performed in a pool of water. Spectacular acrobatics above and below the water. Various parts of the stage rise from the water, while other parts sink into it. The biggest "Mystere": how can they hold their breath that long? |
|
|
|
(permanent
Cirque du Soleil show at Mirage) The
Cirque shows always have great music, but this one is exceptional. It is performed to the music of the
Beatles. A visual spectacle, even in
Cirque terms. A must for even the
casual Beatles fan. Highlights: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, Skaters,
Octopus Garden. Get a
drink special for "Revolution", the Beatles theme bar, if you pick
up your tickets at Mirage box office. |
|
(Based on interview) Amazing acts and wonderful sense of
humor. Great music. |
|
(permanent show at The
Palazzo) (Based on interview) The story behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. A must see show for fans who remember those days. Outstanding choreography, impeccable stage timing and excellent singing. |
|
(Based
on interview) |
|
Cher(3-year run at Caesar's Palace) (Based
on interview) See Cher cross a bridge that runs 54 feet over the stage and
take a ride to the rafters in a little wired-up chariot. And she sings all her hits. 'Nuff said. |
Shows At A Glance |
|||||||
|
|
O! |
Zumanity |
Love |
Mystere |
Jersey Boys |
Phantom |
Cher |
|
Recommended |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Family
Friendly |
Yes |
No (Strong Sexual Content) |
Yes |
Yes |
No (Explicit Language) |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Value
for Price Paid |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Star Trek Experience Attraction
The Star
Trek Experience is a museum combined with 2 interactive "ride
experiences". The rides feature
live actors in uniform who take you through the corridors of the USS
Enterprise, to the transporter room, for a ride on a turbo-lift and even the
bridge. The ride culminates in an
exciting shuttle ride. Buy either or
both of the rides, and the museum comes with it. With a ticket for both rides, either ride can be repeated as
often as you like that day. There is
also a fun and informative "behind-the-scenes" tour that can also be
purchased. The total package - both
rides and the tour - approximately $75.
There is also a USS Enterprise bridge mockup where you can have your
picture taken - optional uniform for rent, too. And finally Quarks bar (complete with roaming Ferengi) which
serves fine intergalactic fare and the famous Warp Core Breach - a cold drink
which comes to your table boiling with steam.
How is it the ice doesn't melt?
Star Trek Museum
Contains
a wealth of costumes and props used in filming the various Star Trek TV shows
and movies. There is also a gallery of
aliens corridor saluting the various extraterrestrials from the Star Trek
universe.
Klingon Adventure
A
renegade Klingon has it in for you.
Fortunately Starfleet, Commander Ryker and Geordi LaForge are on your
side.
Borg Attack
Resistance
is Futile. 'Nuff said.
Backstage Tour
I was
sworn to secrecy, but I can tell you they do reveal everything, even the
transporter trick. And it is AMAZING!
Gambling Advice
1. Don't plan on
making any money. Don't bet anything you're not
prepared to lose.
2. Play the games
you enjoy. The casino has the advantage in every game,
they're in business to make money, after all.
Craps will give you the best odds, but the money goes very quickly
because of the minimum bet amounts ($5 and up at the larger casinjos). Slots give the worst odds, but you can
generally play for a longer time.
3. Most hotels give a free craps lesson once a day.
For lower limit craps action, there are some smaller casino's like
Bill's that typically have some $1 tables.
4. Slots are basically like a
lottery. Someone will win, but probably not you.
5. If you have a
question about a game, don't be afraid to ask.
Don't worry about looking stupid, because everyone else is probably has
the same questions.
6. Drinks are free
while you're gambling. But tip your waitress well, so
she will comeback soon (or at all).
For more
Vegas information, here is an excellent site:
www.goingtovegas.com