HELP: Las Vegas and SoCal

So, baby "T" and I are making an excursion out to Vegas and LA this august. We've been able to find reasonable accomodations (Stratosphere, and Ramada adj Disneyland), but we are seeking advice about obtaining the best discounts on attractions. Let me give a brief outline of what we want to do:
Disneyland and DCA
SFMM (we have SF passes)
Knott's
NASCAR Simulation and Speed at Sahara's
AdventureDome @ Circus Circus
Startrek the Experience
Manhatten Express (I just want to know if it really sucks that bad)

The other thing is we want to be ACE-like and eat =]. I know most of the ppl here are not *true* ACErs, but perhaps you all know where to find the good buffets. Additionally, are their "In and Out", "Fatburger" and "Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles" locations not *really* in the hood? I mean, I dont mind the hood so much, but if I dont *have* to go there on vacation, so much the better.

Final question, regarding the Giant Dipper (aka Earthquake) at Mission Beach, is there a real public beach area adjacent to the park? The pictures I saw on their website didnt make it seem that way, but it would be great to knock out that coaster and hit the ocean in one swoop.
T.I.A.
jeremy

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Who doesn't want to see Russian lesbian teens singing in the rain?

I can help you with only one of your queries, but yes, there is a real public beach next to the Giant Dipper.

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A day is a drop of water in the ocean of eternity. A week is seven drops.

For Speed: The Ride (excellent, by the way), and Manhatten Express, a book called The American Casino Guide 2003 has some coupons for money off both rides (along with some other great coupons). Amazon has it new for $10.50.

Also, an "In-N-Out" burger exists right off the strip in LV at Industrial Rd. and Tropicana Ave.

I'll be in LV next Wednesday. Can't wait to roll the bones...

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Pinball and Coasters...Any Questions?

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2Hostyl said:
So, baby "T" and I are making an excursion out to Vegas and LA this august. We've been able to find reasonable accomodations (Stratosphere, and Ramada adj Disneyland), but we are seeking advice about obtaining the best discounts on attractions. Let me give a brief outline of what we want to do:
Disneyland and DCA
SFMM (we have SF passes)
Knott's
NASCAR Simulation and Speed at Sahara's
AdventureDome @ Circus Circus
Startrek the Experience
Manhatten Express (I just want to know if it really sucks that bad)

The other thing is we want to be ACE-like and eat =]. I know most of the ppl here are not *true* ACErs, but perhaps you all know where to find the good buffets. Additionally, are their "In and Out", "Fatburger" and "Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles" locations not *really* in the hood? I mean, I dont mind the hood so much, but if I dont *have* to go there on vacation, so much the better.

Final question, regarding the Giant Dipper (aka Earthquake) at Mission Beach, is there a real public beach area adjacent to the park? The pictures I saw on their website didnt make it seem that way, but it would be great to knock out that coaster and hit the ocean in one swoop.
T.I.A.
jeremy

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Who doesn't want to see Russian lesbian teens singing in the rain?

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Jeremy,

I'll tackle a couple of these:

1. Fatburger and In N Out are located everywhere, both 'hood and non-'hood.

2. Roscoe's only has one location, and it's medium 'hood (IE, looks scarier than it is).

3. Yes, there's easily accessible beach surrounding the Giant Dipper for miles. Private beach is actually pretty rare in California and you'll only see it in very exclusive communities (IE, Malibu). There's also a nifty little bar across from the G.D. with antique coaster cars as decor.

4. Don't miss Baja Fresh or Zankou Chicken if you run across them out here!

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Mike Miller - Harbinger Of Doom - Killer Of Threads - Cheap Rates, Ask About Our Special!

There is a Fatburger within walking distance of the main gate at Knott's a block or so east at La Palma and Stanton. I've been there, go to www.fatburger.com for other locations. As for Roscoe's I think the original is at Sunset (or is it Hollywood?) and Gower, it has been a while since I was there. There is another in Pasadena/Altadena on Lake st. north of the I210, this one is less in the 'hood' than the first one I mentoned, neither is a real problem though I've not eaten at the Lake St. location. Roscoe's also has a webpage roscoeschickenandwaffles.com. As for In and Out they're all over SoCal and also have a webpage, www.inandout.com.
*** This post was edited by boblogone 4/14/2003 1:26:43 PM ***

I will second the Baja Fresh suggestion. Ate there Saturday (in Ohio, not CA).... My question is, why can't "real" (i.e. non-counter service) Mexican restaurants have food this good??

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A day is a drop of water in the ocean of eternity. A week is seven drops.

There is also an In & Out Burger just a few miles South of SFMM on The Old Road. When exiting SFMM's lot simply make a right on The Old Road (the only road before the freeway) and take it 3 miles or so South, it's on the left.

If you like to eat, and I mean EAT, you should try Claim Jumper. There is also one South of SFMM on the Old Road (before In & Out) and one right next door to Knott's. The portions there are enormous, I challenge you to finish the Motherload sandwich.

As for Vegas Buffet, I've heard nothing but RAVE reviews about the Spice Market Buffet at The Aladin. A tad pricey, but worth it. I have not been there myself, I was out-voted on our last trip to Sin City.

For Discounts on Manhattan Express, ride Desperado at State Line first. Your Desperado ticket will have a 2 for one coupon for ME.

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SCREAM with me... in 2003!

*** This post was edited by Soggy 4/14/2003 2:48:32 PM ***

I thought I had heard about the a "2 For 1" with ME and Desparado. Sadly, I guess I wont be able to swing it. Since we are going to Vegas first, Desparado (if done at all) will be a slight diversion on the way to LA (it *is* right on the way). I cant see riding out there 2 hours (there and back from Vegas) just to save 20 bucks (I not quite *that* cheap...plus gas is expensive out there :)). You sure it doesnt work the other way too, riding ME first?

lata, jeremy

--who did not realize "In an Out" and "Fatburger" were (large) chained restaurants

I'll third the suggestion for Baja Fresh. Impressive, especially for "fast food".

--Greg, who's starting to plan his own Vegas excursion, probably in September. It'll be more focused on shows, specifically Blue Man Group, but naturally rides and food will be involved. :)

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--Greg, aka Oat Boy
My page
"I can't believe I just left a nuclear weapon in an elevator." -- Farscape

*** This post was edited by GregLeg 4/14/2003 3:07:39 PM ***

I'm not sure. I have not ridden ME in several years. NYNY & Buffalo Bills are owned by the same company, so there might be something for BB's somewhere in NYNY. It's worth asking a few employees.

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SCREAM with me... in 2003!

Yes manhattan express is as bad as everyone says it is but you should go on it anyway just to do it and find out for yourself. Rio buffet is way overpriced and not what it once was. Your best bet are the spice market at the aladdin(best in town) or if you if you can swing the cash the bellagio is also excellent. The nearest in n out is on trop from the strip just take las vegas boulevard south down to tropicana(its where the mgm,excalibur and new york new york are) and take a right keep going for about a couple minutes and it will be on your right. Be prepared for crowds though. Outlane if you are looking for cheap craps on the strip I would suggest the sahara or the stratosphere. The strat is 2 dollar minimum and the sahara is usually 1 dollar minimum. You would have to venture out to a locals place to find the really good deals though. If you are interested in finding them just shoot me an e-mail.

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I hope they kill that iron yuppie. Thinks he's so big. The great homer simspon

Jeremy, Desperado IS on the way to Los Angeles. Right on the left as you head south. Right on the border. You will see the gleaming yellow for miles. It is impressive to LOOK at... ;)

BTW, given where you are from you might have one, but check out Po Folks right north of Knotts on the boulevard there, if you can. Great food, and inexpensive.... also, not quite as fattening, or expensive, as Claim Jumper, who in this writers opinion is kinda sucky.... :):)
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I have been arrested more than you.

For the vegas leg of your trip:

Definitely check out the coupon books at the various hotels. Just go to the Player's Club areas and ask for them. You'll get discounts on food.

My personal favorites to eat in Vegas: The Main Street Buffet in downtown at the Main Street Station Casino is excellent, and you can also take a little bit of time to see the Freemont Street Experience. We are also fond of the buffet at the Mirage. The Rio has the Around the World Buffet which has "stations" of food from different countries: Mexican, Italian, Chinese, etc.

If you want to grab a sandwich and brewski, try the Micro Brewery at the Monte Carlo.

And...if you do any gambling at all, especially at any of the above mentioned casinos, get a player's card at the Player's Clubs. Even if you don't gamble a lot, new "players" get extra comps right off the bat, including 2 for 1 deals at the buffets.

Check the Hilton's Players Club for a coupon book. They might have discounts for Star Trek the Experience. Even without the discount, I highly recommend the "experience" if you are a trekkie. The queue has the entire "history" of space exploration starting with the first man in space up to the most recent Star Trek timeline. Lots of props from the shows and movies.

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
http://www.webtechnik.com/ebony/CPLady.htm

As buffets go, check out the one right where your staying at the Strat. It's not as fancy as some others, but it's also not as expensive, and the food is very good.

I'd also second Nasai with the Po Folks suggestion. This place has become a tradition whenever my family and I hit Knott's. Fast service, good food, great train ;)

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People complain about clones, yet can't even come up with original conversation, which is ten times worse.

That train is very cool! I forgot about that. Do they have 'em in all their restaurants? I remember one in Virginia...

One thing for sure... I love their Chicken Fried Steak! ...and the gravy? Yowza!!!! :):):)
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I have been arrested more than you.

While you all seem to be proclaiming Baja Fresh, I think that will be something I'll skip. It turns out there are about a dozen of them in the DC-area. But the closest Po Folks is a little outta the way in Greensboro, NC (no Virginia locale Rob :))

The "around the world" @ the Rio and the "Spice Market" sound interesting. I may have to check those out. One other thing, Baby T is a cooking buff and is enamored with the chef Wolfgang Puck. Has anyone ever been to his restaurant and if so how was it? Also, how is the "Top of the World" restaurant @ the Strat? Is it at least on par with the restaurant on top of the CN Tower (Toronto, our original destination until this SARS business).

Again, thanks, jeremy

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American troops "have started to commit suicide under the walls of Baghdad. We will encourage them to commit more suicides quickly." Muhammed Saeed al-Sahaf
*** This post was edited by 2Hostyl 4/15/2003 6:39:36 PM ***

Well, they used to have a ton of Po Folks in Virginia... I haven't lived there in 10 years now. My bad. Still, good eating!

SARS getting you down? Even though I am NOT a fan of Vegas, you will enjoy the radical difference in atmosphere. Don't miss the Big Shot. The best part of the trip, IMHO. :)
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I have been arrested more than you.

I've been to the Wolfgang Puck's outside Universal Studios in L.A. The "freebie" appitizer was a big ol' tortilla chip of some kind (seriously, it was two feet tall), and tasted like arse. The pizza I got was unmemorable. I can't even remember what I got on it.

My observations on food in Vegas: I couldn't find any good stuff when I was there. Throughout the weekend, we ate at restaurants at the Bellagio, Caeser's and our hotel, Harrah's, and weren't really taken with any of them. The buffet at Harrah's was decent but ordinary, though I liked the 99-cent mimosas for brunch.... yum.

I would recommend the ice cream at the Ghirardelli shop at Harrah's.

The strip has no fast food save a McDonalds, as far as I could tell. Eating good food is nice, but I like to save a little bit of money on vacation by eating a few quick meals... not gonna happen in Vegas.
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A day is a drop of water in the ocean of eternity. A week is seven drops.

Try www.lasvegasadvisor.com

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NICK

WOOD: It does a body good.

Let me add one thing...Since your staying at the Strat, the Big Shot on top of the tower is NOT to be missed. You'll never look at space shots the same way again! The view is wild.

I second Spacecase's suggestion. The Las Vegas Advisor has all the LV information you can stand.

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Pinball and Coasters...Any Questions?