Vegas Area Question

Richard - have you checked www.vegas.com ? That site is really handy and has tips on getting around, maps, etc.

mOOSH

No - that's a great link; many thanks.

Richard,

If you do have to rent a car, it is very easy to get to Primm, just take any major street on the strip to I-15 South and take that till you hit Primm, it took us about a half hour to get there. They have a decent outlaw mall next door and they have some old Bonnie and Clyde artifacts including the car they were killed in, it is a really cool exhibit, you will have to check it out.

As far as walking, my wife and I did the strip in two days, it is quite a walk from down by MGM clear up to Sahara, you should be able to get Sahara, Stratosphere and Circus Circus in one trip and then either drive down to NYNY or take the next day.

We parked at Excalibur and took the monorail from Luxor to Excalibur and then walked right over to NYNY.

And yes, there are at least 5-6 different video versions of DDR at Circus Circus, see Rob Ascough's trip reports for all the versions.

They have a decent outlaw mall next door

And an outlet mall, too ;)

haha, I didn't realize I typed that but how funny how it worked out with the outlaw outlet mall, oh it's time to go home from work.

The plan is currently looking like around a 4:30pm arrival in Vegas on a Wednesday, with all day Thursday to play with, and a flight out on Friday.

I get the impression - possibly misguided, I dunno - that I should be able to do Canyon Blaster, Speed, and the Stratosphere stuff on the Wednesday evening? Then I could walk down to NYNY the next morning, get that in, and get a bus to Primm for the afternoon. If I got back at a decent time it'd allow a second trip up the Stratosphere. I should qualify that - I'd be staying at Circus Circus leaving Canyon Blaster on site.

Sound realistic?
*** Edited 12/8/2004 9:08:57 PM UTC by Richard Bannister***

Richard - keep an eye on the weather, particularly the wind. It may be a good idea to call Buffalo Bills before taking the bus out there to verify that Desperado is not closed to due high winds.

Good thinking. That's something I can judge on the day.

Richard - I have yet to ride High Roller on Statosphere. On each of my last three visits I could see it running but waited until later in the day, only to find it closed due to high winds. My advice on Stratosphere would be this: if you can see the rides operating don't wait!

Also, if you have an extra hour or so, go to the Las Vegas Hilton... it's up on the Stratosphere end, a block behind the strip. They have two pretty good "4-D" simulator attractions themed to the Star Trek franchise. Even if you're not in to Trek, they're pretty enjoyable, plus you can drink red beer afterward. :)

I saw a taxi driving to Primm. That'd be expensive, that shuttle seems like a good deal.

The furthest walk between rides would be to NYNY. It's at the airport end of the strip. All the other rides are in easy walking distance of eachother. Stay somewhere in the middle of the strip. (Harrah's is an ideal walk to both ends.)

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Den said:
"A few miles out of town" = a 45-minute drive.

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You drive too slow. 30 minutes Harrah's to Buffalo Bill's.

Honestly, Richard, Desperado was my favorite coaster by far in the Vegas area. I was mostly unimpressed with the others, but rode this one about ten times. Don't go to Vegas and skip Primm.

Also, I went up 150% at blackjack there in between rides.

Don't miss the 99 cent Heinekens next door to Circus Circus. Avoid the 3/4 pound hot dog at the same place, though.

*** Edited 12/8/2004 9:44:50 PM UTC by kpjb*** *** Edited 12/8/2004 9:46:09 PM UTC by kpjb***

So you bet $10 and left with $15. I am impressed. Here is what to do. Arrive in the evening. Take the 301 bus for $2 and get off at Stratosphere. Buy the Tower passes that include 1-2-3 rides. Make sure they are open. Its about $22 for all three. Insanity is running on street level, as they are testing the crap out of it before the sky cranes places it. No, it is not open to the public.

Walk South out of the Stratosphere to Sahara. Its a 10 minute walk. Speed is $10, or all day for $20. You pick em. Take another 10 minute walk to Circus Circus. Go in and make a right to the monorail to the Skyrise Casino. Follow the signs to the Dome, and take a walk-about. If you just want a spin on Canyon Blaster, then drop the $7. If you want to spend $17 and get an all day pass, wait and do tomorrow. The Dome closes about 9pm during the week. $4 off coupons are in every magazine for the all day pass.

The next morning, take the shuttle to Primm. After you are dropped off at the food court at the Fashion Outlets at the Primadonna, start walking to Buffalo Bills. About 10 minutes again. Check the status of Desperado, and opening times. You may want an all day pass, depending if the log flume is open, and time constraints. That mall was bangin' when they had the J-Petermann store from Seinfeld.

You will get a half price coupon for Manhattan Express on your ticket stub. The buffets at Buffalo Bills and Whiskey Pete's across the road are great for the price, especially breakfast. You can take the monorail over to Whiskey Pete's. If you are pushed for time, grab something at the food court at the outlet mall. Do take 5 minutes out to exit through the west side of the mall, and walk across the stateline and tell everyone you were in California, and then buy a powerball ticket. I bet kpjb didn't know that. This will be your one chance to be a cowboy, even it is for a just a few minutes.

Back at the Aladdin, cross the street, and go to NYNY. Use your voucher, or is time permits, they have this package now that for a paultry price of $35, you get unlimited ME rides, unlimited video games, bumper cars, a hat, and a Nathan's hot dog and a drink or a slice of pizza and a drink. Buy a NYPD tshirt for any tough mates who are tailgunners on bakery trucks in Belfast. Bouncers at pubs in Cork do not qualify.

If you are doing the Dome, spend $2 and take to 302 Express to Circus Circus. (get off at Riviera). If you want to do the Star Trek attractions, walk through the Riviera casino, and head towards the convention center signs. You will exit after about 7-10 minutes in the Riv parking lot, and you wil only be about 5-7 minutes from the Hilton. Its a hike, as the Hilton has a huge entrance.

Sign up for a slot club card there, and you get to play in a contest with showgirls and you at least win a cool t-shirt. Read my signature. I know this town. I will be there again Jan. 2 if you get lost. *** Edited 12/9/2004 7:03:29 AM UTC by Agent Johnson***

i'm leaving for Vegas tomorrow night to go to a friend's wedding. we will be there til about 5PM on Subnday.

i KNOW i will not get to do Desperado, but if i have time to ride only Speed, i'll be happy.

we're staying at Stratsophere, which i now realize is WAAAAAAYYY far away from almost everything. i guess i have two questions for the Vegas experts here...

does staying at Stratosphere get me any discounts on the rides?

and what is the BEST, FASTEST way to get from the airport to Stratosphere? our check-in must be before midnight and we dont get in til 10:45 PM tomorrow!!

MAN i HATE these whirlwind trips!! wish i had more time!!

There are a number of private bus lines that service the entire strip and cost something between $5 and $10. A cab that distance will probably run you $20, although if they're honest and take the back parallel streets it could be less. The cab would certainly be faster, so I guess it depends on what you're willing to deal with. If you take one of those buses, you'll be the last stop.

I must suggest riding the Big Shot. It is definently a different experience then the other S and S rides. Speed at the Sahara is a good ride....when I went in 2003, I got an all day pass for $8. I rode over 15 times, as there was no line at all. Manhattan Express- do not be dissappointed if you miss it. When I rode it was 12 dollars per person, and not the best coaster.

-Peace

Good luck at the Strat. From everything I've heard, it's fun to play, but a pain to stay. Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

The fajitas in the Armadillo are quite tasty, though.

AJ, the guy I was with had never been in CA... I was going to go over for him, then we forgot. We did drive across the Hoover Dam just so he could say he was in AZ, though. (That, and next year you won't be able to drive over it anymore.)

Richard, this is my final warning: Don't eat the 3/4 pound hot dog!

I'll bear that in mind!!

I'm now looking at giving myself another day so I can do the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. If I can get away with it...

The north rim of the Grand Canyon is less crowded and quite spectacular if you can pull it off. Bear in mind that with the elevation on the north rim, you might have snow on the ground.

I reckon the helicopter tour is probably what I'd go for.

I have a feeling you'd enjoy that more than anything in Las Vegas...just a hunch. ;)

Hey, kpjb, I checked your paltry track record. You have not even been to my park, even though you get in for free.

Please report to Mr. Henry's office tomorrow after lunch(only 30 minutes this time, not 45 and then a bathroom break)for reassignment to Idlewild Park swimming pool's cement team.