MGM Grand

Has anyone been to the MGM Grand's amusement park in Las Vegas? I was wondering if the Lightening Bolt Coaster was any good, as well as the park itself. Just some info I'd like to know before I plan my next trip.

As far as I know the amusement park is now closed.  The only people that can get back there are for conventions or something like that. 

yep, it's closed.... :(

Liz

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"The only real limit to height is what people are willing to get on." - Ron Toomer

What! When did this happen? Why? I was just there a few months ago, and according to my cousin who lives in the area, it was open. That's terrible.

They closed the amusement park down at least 2 years ago for all but private events. That's what they told us when I took my son to vegas with us in August 1999.
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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead

I've been there  ... Very Small park  10 rides tops... When I was there I rode lighting bolt was an indoor/dark ride. The park was very Nicely themed .... I  was even in some kind of TV  Show where I played Ceasar.....  ooooooooo........
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You really need to get some more BRAN in your diet

I stayed at the MGM Grand and the coaster there was nothing spectacular, the thing I liked the most was the River Rapids ride, the best River Rapids I've ever ridden!  It had spectacular theming and really cool electronics!

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There isn't a problem that can't be solved.

Sucide is NOT a solution!

I was there the last two years and it was closed the last time I was there.  The coaster isn't anything special and the water ride is pretty cool.

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volleyball rocks, football sucks

Yeah, when I was there the park was a joke. The coaster was a joke, there was some movie-set boat ride that was horrible, and I can't even remember what happened on the haunted gold mine ride, so it must have been pretty lousy. The river rapids ride was the highlight of the park, it went through different scenes (although quickly) which is pretty different. I heard that the new best river ride is the one at DCA, although I haven't been on it yet. The best part of MGM Grand Adventures was the staff, they knew that their park was a tourist trap and tried to make people feel better. I spent most of my time there following a magician around, rather than go on any ride twice...

Oh yeah, I remember paying $24 to get in and thinking that it was a pretty good deal compared to normal theme park prices at the time (this was when Universal Hollywood just broke the $50 barrier, Disneyland was still around 40 bucks, SFMM was $38) but it was a total waste. What was MGM thinking? Did they feel threatened by Circus Circus's Adventuredome taking away the family market?

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"Eject Goose, Eject!"

I dont remember any indoor rides or anything of that nature.... All i remember was a small coaster which wasnt all together horrible, a rapids ride which as stated was the highlight, Chaos flat (which i rode about 5 times in  a row) and a Pirates stunt show which wasnt bad at all.

If you're going to Vegas, I would recommend riding SPEED @ the Sahara and CanyonBlaster @ Circus Circus. These two coasters are FUN! Manhattan Express @ NYNY has a nice layout and some cool elements, but is somewhat rough. @ $10 per ride, Manhattan Express might be one to pass on, but if you get a half off coupon it is worth ONE go. Nothing else is too spectacular, although the Big Shot atop Stratosphere is pretty cool if you're going up there anyway. It's not as big as say CP Power Tower or KBF Supreme Screme, but at that height when it shoots you up and all you see is the Vegas Skyline BELOW you.....Make sure you're on the side facing the Strip.
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My other car is a Giovanola!

Oh, and YES. The MGM park is CLOSED to the General Public. Word has it that ALL of the rides are for sale, though they rent out the park for corporate gatherings and such.
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My other car is a Giovanola!

No not 2 years ago. I just went last year in September and the rides were still open.

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YA DID!!!

I dont know when it closed, but it is DEFINATELY closed NOW. I was just there about a month ago.
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My other car is a Giovanola!

I went there when Lightennig Bolt was a dark ride and tghen I think it was the last time I went their it was outside.

I guess I can help yall out. I work in the theme park at MGM Grand. It WAS called MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park. Opened along with the hotel in 1993 at 33 acres and was reduced to its current 18 acres when the new convention center opened in 1997.

The place is now called The Park at MGM Grand. The summer of 2000 was the last season of it being open to the public. I don't know why the powers that be decided to close it, as it did bring in lots of money. The price to get in during its last season was 12.95 including everything except Sky Screamer.

As of now the park is still mostly intact and it is used for private functions. Ed McMahon's show "Next Big Star" has taped a few shows in one of the theatres as well as a few other shows. There are a few events every month so the park is being used regularly. As for stuff on sale everything is still there except for the Chance Carousel and Red Baron airplane ride. Buyers come down ever so often when there is an event to look at stuff.

One thing about the park that people don't realize is that there are lots of things done in and around the park that effect the resort as a whole. Namely MGM's landscaping, and florists are based out of the park. There are also offices that are still used so its not like its just sitting there collecting dust albeit eventually something will be done to the area whether theme park related or not.

As for the Adventuredome, I used to work there as well. Lemme tell ya, that is not the best place to work! Especially as an attractions attendant.

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"ok everyone go ahead and pull down on your shoulder restraint so you feel nice and stuck!"