Hey, I was just curious how cool this place is. Is it worth a trip to Primm, Nevada all the way from Vagas? Also, how much is it to ride Desperado and all the other rides that they have there? Any info would be key. Thanks.
I have never been there, and I am wondering the same thing. If I was taking a coaster trip of the west I think I would go thru Vegas and go onto Cali , then come back thru Primm.
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Of course that's just my opinion I could be wrong~Dennis Miller
If you are just in Vegas, with no car, I wouldn't take a cab or rent a car just to go out there. There isn't much to see other than Desperado. There is a nice outlet mall out there though. However, if you have a car, then it should be cool. It's on the way to LA if you are headed out that way.
When I went there for the first time with my dad we rented a car (we stayed in Circus Circus) and drove out there. You can easily spend a day in Primm if you're a ride enthusiast. Like BassHedz said they have a nice outlet mall there. If you go to Whiskey Pete's you can see Bonnie and Clyde's car (a very interesting sight). Desperado is...$6 i think but you can get an all day band for $30. They have a Turbo Drop, a log flume, and Desperado as their main attractions. In my opinion, It's worth driving out there from Las Vegas, it's 40 min away and you can stop in Jean if you want a bite to eat. Hope that helped! :)
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Skater for life!
They also have a fun motion simulator ;)
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"Oh crap, I'm not riding Raptor anymore because there's one just like it in Japan. Cedar Point sucks now."
-Jeff
Everything out there is dirt cheap, from the buffets to the outlet mall. There is a free monorail and bus shuttle that moves you between the 3 casinos. The ride all day pass is not too much, just make sure the 3 big attractions are running. Desperado-Log Flume-Turbo Drop. The simulators are pretty good, anf there is a movie theatre on site. You can even walk through the campground into California and play the lottery.
If I'm not mistaken, there's a shuttle bus that runs between the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas and the Primm resorts (they are owned by MGM/Mirage). And I would definitely recommend a trip to BB's. The casino is pretty nice and the coaster is worth at least one ride.
ProgRay
Where is there a turbo drop? I would definately go there now. I love riding S&S towers.
The Turbo Drop is located at Buffalo Bill's. It may have been the first S&S Turbo Drop installed in the U.S. It is a single-tower model and can't be more than 150 feet tall (it didn't appear to be that big).
ProgRay
It's kinda hidden in the back and yes, it might be either the first or one of the first S&S drop rides in the states. That was made back in like 95 I think.
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"Oh crap, I'm not riding Raptor anymore because there's one just like it in Japan. Cedar Point sucks now."
-Jeff
Cool. Thanks for the feedback guys. I think that I'll make the trek down there on my next Vegas trip, which hopefully will be very soon. Are there any other coasters in the Vegas area besides at Buffalo Bills, Circus Circus, New York New York, Stratosphere, and the Nascar Cafe? Are the coasters at those sights pretty good?
When are you coming out here? I live in Vegas and would be happy to show ya around town or give you some helpful info. Email me!
Buffalo Bill's is pretty cool for what it is... a coaster out in the middle of the desert. It's wicked fast and rips your face off, so of course it's a great ride. I didn't get to go on Turbo Drop (it was closed) but the log flume is like a shooting gallery game!!
Check it out, and have fun!
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-Robin
"Lighten up while you still can, don't even try to understand..."
Koppman, you've listed all of the 'operating' coasters in Nevada. Although Nascar Cafe is located within the Sahara casino. There is a coaster at the MGM Grand, but it would be virtually impossible to ride it. I think they have closed the park except for company parties, but it's only a junior coaster so no big deal. As far as the coasters being good. Yes and no. Speed is by far the best coaster, and I think most agree. After that it becomes a little less clear. Desparado is a good coaster, but rough. Canyon Blaster is a nice smooth looper, but not too exciting. Manhatten Express is fun, yet rough and unfulfilling IMO. But it's unique and worth at least one ride. The High Roller just flat out stinks IMO, not worth paying for. BUT the Big Shot is a must do while in Vegas.
I was in Vegas this past summer and made the 40 minute trip out to Primm. We elected not to buy the all day wristbands and take just 2 trips on Desparado(one in the front and one in the back). On the back of our ticket stubs were coupons for $5 off to ride the Manhatten Express. This saves you half off the outrageous price they charge you to ride probably the most ridden coaster there in Vegas. As far as worth the trip, Desparado is in my opinion the best rolllercaoster in Nevada.
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Shoulder restraints? We don't need no shoulder restraints!
I thought it was worth the trip, just for a nice few hours away from the strip. The coaster was a bit rough for me, but very fast, and overall a fun ride. I did a write up of the major rides last year, but it's still up if you'd like to check it out.
Mark
http://www.themeparkcritic.com/scripts/articles/articles.asp?articleid=1&pageid=1
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Mark Hansen
http://www.themeparkcritic.com
Koppman, I went to Buffalo Bill's for the first time this year (From Phx). I met my cousin in Laughlin where he was doing some work and we headed to Buffalo Bill's on our way to Vegas. From there to the Strip was closer to 30minutes, MUCH CLOSER than I thought it was. Incidentalist's post pretty much sums it up, but just to reitterate: Desperado isnt so much "rough" as it is rather poorly designed (IMO). It actually travels along the track fairly smoothly, but then has sudden changes and element transitions that force you to slam around a bit. Still a fun ride and certainly a must-do if you are a coaster guy anywhere near Vegas.
Speed is certainly the best, and Canyon Blaster is worth a few go 'rounds. One trip on Manhattan Express is plenty. The ride is pretty rough and looks better than it is. It does contain a VERY COOL heartline dive element. High Roller sucks unless you think about what might happen if it de-rails, but Big Shot was cool, especially at night, facing the strip from 1000ft above!
I wouldnt go to Vegas JUST to ride the coasters there, but if you're going to Vegas you should DEFINATELY spend some time riding them, and make your way down to Primm. It is a much nicer little pit stop than I imagined it would be.
One other note: The buffet at RIO is a MUST! Make sure you're really hungry! :)
PS : I'm always up for a road trip.....
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My other car is a Giovanola!
Definately go there if you have a car or can rent one. Awesome coaster, fun turbodrop. Even good theming on the log ride. Desperado is a blast.
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My Top steel: Millennium Force, Magnum XL-200, Raging Bull, Desperado, Speed the Ride. Wood: Viper, American Eagle, Twister II, Zeus, Cyclops.
Buffalo Bills: Oh yeah, the log flume has IR laser tag type guns in it and IR targets through-out. A couple gunslingers shoot water out of their gun into your flume if you shoot them. Great fun!
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My other car is a Giovanola!
Yeah, I've been to Vegas once and thought that High Roller sucked. Stratosphere is the only place I went, and thought that High Roller sucked, but Big Shot was cool. I rode the Big Shot at Midnight and thought that it kicked some serious ass, especially when we were facing the strip. Anyway, I did not ride any other rides in the city though. Thanks for all the feedback, I'll be sure to ride all those coasters now. PEACE OUT! -Jeff
