Just flew in from Vegas...

[KillerTomato]

...and boy are my ar....oh, the hell with it, you know the rest. It never was a good joke anyway.


Had a great time, despite giving back some of my winnings from my last trip. If you ever get the chance to stay at Paris (on one of the renovated floors) DO IT! They've done a wonderful job with the rooms, the staff was great, and the location just can't be beat (center strip, connected to Bally's, directly across the Strip from Bellagio). Went to see the Cirque du Soleil show at Mirage based on the music of the Beatles, "Love" and....well.....loved it. I'm not a huge Cirque fan, and this show had some of what I typically don't like (like a huge cast, all on stage at the same time, and others performing incredible feats of acrobatics above the stage, and you just don't know what to look at!), but it was real trippy, sweet (there isn't really a plot, but there are running characters who kind of have a story), and visually stunning. It was, if anything, too short at 1 1/2 hours, and they left out some of the best Beatles songs, but what they DID include was all good stuff (OK, except maybe "Within You Without You" which I've always hated). If you like the Beatles, you'll most likely like this show, and you can get 25% discounted tix on the Mirage website.

I've decided not to read every post posted since I left (I read a few while I was on the road, but not many, and yes, that includes those threads. So if there's anything specifically directed at me (yeah, right), I probably won't see it.

I would like to mention, though, that LS WILL BE BACK STARTING FRIDAY. I thought of some good ones while I was away, so be prepared.

[Mini [Bot]]

Welcome home!

I second the recommendation of Paris. I would stay up too late on the Bally's side playing video poker, even though Harrah's has uninspiring paytables. The rooms at the Rio are much bigger but not as nice and the casino is smoky.

Atlantic City in a few weeks. Free room. More non-smoking gaming areas. Yeah, baby...

[WheresFanny]

Welcome home!

I second the recommendation of Paris. I would stay up too late on the Bally's side playing video poker, even though Harrah's has uninspiring paytables. The rooms at the Rio are much bigger but not as nice and the casino is smoky.

Atlantic City in a few weeks. Free room. More non-smoking gaming areas. Yeah, baby...

I like the MGM Grand a lot.

And I've just realized that it's been over 5 years since I've been there!

[Mini [Bot]]

Welcome home!

I second the recommendation of Paris. I would stay up too late on the Bally's side playing video poker, even though Harrah's has uninspiring paytables. The rooms at the Rio are much bigger but not as nice and the casino is smoky.

Atlantic City in a few weeks. Free room. More non-smoking gaming areas. Yeah, baby...

I like the MGM Grand a lot.

And I've just realized that it's been over 5 years since I've been there!

MGM Grand has Hot Lines, my favorite slot. And a Mickey Dee's for Egg McMuffins. I stayed there right before I got knocked up with Erin. Hmmmmm.... About 5 years ago!

[WheresFanny]

Welcome home!

I second the recommendation of Paris. I would stay up too late on the Bally's side playing video poker, even though Harrah's has uninspiring paytables. The rooms at the Rio are much bigger but not as nice and the casino is smoky.

Atlantic City in a few weeks. Free room. More non-smoking gaming areas. Yeah, baby...

I like the MGM Grand a lot.

And I've just realized that it's been over 5 years since I've been there!

MGM Grand has Hot Lines, my favorite slot. And a Mickey Dee's for Egg McMuffins. I stayed there right before I got knocked up with Erin. Hmmmmm.... About 5 years ago!

It wasn't me, I swear it. I took precautions!

I like the breakfast buffet because they have blintzes.

[Mini [Bot]]

I like the MGM Grand a lot.

And I've just realized that it's been over 5 years since I've been there!

MGM Grand has Hot Lines, my favorite slot. And a Mickey Dee's for Egg McMuffins. I stayed there right before I got knocked up with Erin. Hmmmmm.... About 5 years ago!

It wasn't me, I swear it. I took precautions!

I like the breakfast buffet because they have blintzes.

I'm an East Coaster, so I'm up foraging around 5:30 am. Half the folks are still up from the night before and half are from my time zone...

[ontellen]

Damn, Fanny why didn't we go to the MGM breakfast buffet the morning we had breakfast with you instead of NY NY? We went to the MGM on Friday and Sunday and thought it was great as well.

[WheresFanny]

Damn, Fanny why didn't we go to the MGM breakfast buffet the morning we had breakfast with you instead of NY NY? We went to the MGM on Friday and Sunday and thought it was great as well.

Why didn't you say so? I never went there until after I stayed at the MGM for the first time and then only because (cheap bastard alert) they used to send me free coupons in their Director's Club mailings. I was pleasantly surprised because usually breakfast buffets consist of dried out, lukewarm scrambled eggs and soggy hash browns.

[peacock2121]

Welcome home!

[macrae1234]

Another benefit of my location 4 and a half hours door to door. It will be better when the bridge is done. Mrs and I saw Love last Christmas it was great, in June saw Spamalot just before it left and Phantom not sure what we will se this Christmas. We got the Venetian for $119 24,25 and $159 the 26th.

[gsabc]

Welcome back. Sounds like fun.

I expect that sometime late next year, we'll be asking for recommendations on places to stay, things to do, and so forth. Nothing is definite, but we'll likely be travelling to Vegas on our way to visit the HC in California. The only certain part will be seeing Rita Rudner's show. GW loves her. But from the descriptions here, there's only one thing to say: Mmmmm, blintzes ...

[Deaf Mini]

Another benefit of my location 4 and a half hours door to door. It will be better when the bridge is done. Mrs and I saw Love last Christmas it was great, in June saw Spamalot just before it left and Phantom not sure what we will se this Christmas. We got the Venetian for $119 24,25 and $159 the 26th.

I got an offer from Venetian for a package that's a suite and two tickets to Blue Man Group for $159 a night. But I only stay there when I have the whole crew in tow. I like to go cheap when it's just me and the sister.

[sunflower]

I didn't love the Venetian...nothing special for what they charge.

Paris is one of my two favorites. The other is the Signature at MGM Grand...connected to the MGM Grand but a nice quiet smoke free slot free sanctuary to come back to! I try to stay there whenever I can, I also love that they have suites with kitchenettes but they're luxurious at the same time. Last time I had a view of the Eiffel tower and would make myself breakfast while watching tv on the flat screen. Cheap bastard alert indeed! I'd walk to the Walgreens, get eggs, juice, english muffins, etc and cook in suite for breakfasts that cost about 2 bucks a day!

I have to go back for business in March and April...the designated hotels for those are Treasure Island and Caesar's, neither of which I will be staying at, just keeping my eyes open for deals at my favorites!!

[megaaddict]

Welcome back, KT!

Just want to second your shout out for Love. For me it was worth it just to hear Sir George Martin & Son's remix on a concert quality sound system. But add the Cirque and voila! -- a total audiovisual delight. I can't imagine going back to Vegas and not seeing it again.

[trevor_macfee]

I will hopefully be in Vegas for about 5 nights in early January. I have only been there once before, and that was only for one night as we were just flying in and out on the way to the Grand Canyon. So I really have no real handle on what there is to do.

I'll be with my wife and 11-year old daughter, and possibly my 17-year old son. What is there for families to do there? Are the Cirque shows appropriate for kids? Any insight would be appreciated.

[tanstaafl2]

I will hopefully be in Vegas for about 5 nights in early January. I have only been there once before, and that was only for one night as we were just flying in and out on the way to the Grand Canyon. So I really have no real handle on what there is to do.

I'll be with my wife and 11-year old daughter, and possibly my 17-year old son. What is there for families to do there? Are the Cirque shows appropriate for kids? Any insight would be appreciated.

With the exception of Zumanity I would think all the Cirque shows are appropriate for teens and most reasonably sophisticated tweenerish age kids. Mystere at Treasure Island might be the best starter choice. Ka is a bit wild and might be a little overwhelming to start with. Love as KT noted is very Beatles oriented and I thought the acrobatic action a bit underwhelming compared to some Cirque shows. Been a long time since I saw O and don't have the best memory of it although it did not strike me as a favorite as I recall. But doubt there is anything that would be a problem for kids.

Zumanity is great but not for kids. They aren't even allowed as I recall.

[KillerTomato]

I will hopefully be in Vegas for about 5 nights in early January. I have only been there once before, and that was only for one night as we were just flying in and out on the way to the Grand Canyon. So I really have no real handle on what there is to do.

I'll be with my wife and 11-year old daughter, and possibly my 17-year old son. What is there for families to do there? Are the Cirque shows appropriate for kids? Any insight would be appreciated.

All of the Cirque shows are OK for kids except "Zumanity" at New York New York.

There are some kid-friendly places in Vegas, but not a whole lot. Circus Circus has a nice amusement park, and NYNY a coaster too. And there are museums and such. If hiking is your family's thing, you couldn't go wrong with a trip up to Red Rock Canyon. There's also Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. But for all of those you need a rental car.

[Bob Juch]

I will hopefully be in Vegas for about 5 nights in early January. I have only been there once before, and that was only for one night as we were just flying in and out on the way to the Grand Canyon. So I really have no real handle on what there is to do.

I'll be with my wife and 11-year old daughter, and possibly my 17-year old son. What is there for families to do there? Are the Cirque shows appropriate for kids? Any insight would be appreciated.

With the exception of Zumanity I would think all the Cirque shows are appropriate for teens and most reasonably sophisticated tweenerish age kids. Mystere at Treasure Island might be the best starter choice. Ka is a bit wild and might be a little overwhelming to start with. Love as KT noted is very Beatles oriented and I thought the acrobatic action a bit underwhelming compared to some Cirque shows. Been a long time since I saw O and don't have the best memory of it although it did not strike me as a favorite as I recall. But doubt there is anything that would be a problem for kids.

Zumanity is great but not for kids. They aren't even allowed as I recall.

Mystere is billed as for families; I've never seen it. Your children will like O as well. Ka might be a little intense for an 11-year-old.

[silvercamaro]

I haven't been there for years and years, but I recall that the Luxor had some interesting-looking Egyptian stuff for kids on the level above the casino. I think they had some kind of coaster or ride, as well.

Ask the staff at your hotel. I bet they know about lots more kid-friendly activities than any of us could have encountered.

[Bob Juch]

I haven't been there for years and years, but I recall that the Luxor had some interesting-looking Egyptian stuff for kids on the level above the casino. I think they had some kind of coaster or ride, as well.

Ask the staff at your hotel. I bet they know about lots more kid-friendly activities than any of us could have encountered.

The Luxor had a boat ride the last time I checked - ten years ago or so - but it was very lame.

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is good, so is the Secret Garden at The Mirage.

[sunflower]

There are also the lions at MGM grand that are cool. The Venetian has the gondola ride but that is expensive. And I seem to remember one of my friends when I was growing up going as a family to the Excalibur and there was lots of fun stuff. I don't know how true that is anymore though.

There are bus trips to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon if you don't want to get a car, although cars are cheap and Hoover Dam isn't far.

[sunflower]

Found this family-friendly write up of Circus Circus:


This fun loving hotel has been a beloved family destination for many years. The vibrant pink and white stripes reminiscent of a circus tent are accented throughout the public areas and offer a whimsical feel to the resort. From the thrilling rides and games in the five-acre Adventuredome to gourmet dining at The Steak House, this hotel pleases visitors of all ages. The largest space-frame dome in the United States, the Adventuredome offers a unique experience because it is an indoor theme park featuring the Canyon Blaster, a double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster guaranteed to please any thrill seeker as well as an indoor water park. Classic circus rides such as the carousel will bring a smile to your face.

The casino floor is always bustling at Circus Circus. Guest can look up overhead and find live circus acts -- acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers - performing throughout the day. A carnival midway offers games of skill and chance for all ages. The hotel additionally hosts a shopping promenade, filled with souvenir shops, a magic store and an old-time western photograph shop.

[geoffil]

Planet hollywood has lots of magic shows that are kid friendly. You can get half price tickets online and the shows are during the daytime too. There is a dog show that features the contestant from American's got talent. Very cute.

[silvercamaro]

Okay, now I'm ready to round up a bunch of kids and go back to Vegas to see all this good stuff I missed while I was stuffing money into slot machines.

Mini, may I borrow some of yours? I could take Erin ice scaping, too.

[littlebeast13]

What is this Vegas of which you all speak?

I thought it was just a figment of Fanny's overactive imagination.....

lb13