The Entertainment Capital of the World
Written: Apr 24 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: hotels and casinos are easily accessible by being next to each other; each one is unique and has something to do
Cons: not every hotel/casino wants kids parading around
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| SniperHockey's Full Review: The Strip |
For years, Las Vegas has been hailed as the "Entertainment Capital of the World." Without a doubt, it is one of the most unique and attractive cities on the globe. Commonly known for gambling, big name entertainment acts, gambling, shopping, and more gambling, there is so much more to do there than most people think. And you can bring the kids.
I first went to Las Vegas when I was 11. At this time, Las Vegas Boulevard, aka, the Strip, was still quite young. All of the old school hotel/casinos were in tact--"Frontier," "Desert Inn," "Sahara," "Sands," but also the unusually themed resorts--"Circus Circus" and "Caesar's Palace." The soon-to-be famous Mirage was still being constructed, and it would be this hotel that would influence others to create architectual phenomenon's using a variety of historical and contemporary themes.
Well, at age 11, there wasn't a whole lot to do. The Circus Circus hotel/casino catered to families, so there was a nice swimming pool, and a carnival midway with an arcade to pass the time, but still nothing compared to the likes of Disney World or Six Flags.
Nevertheless, I would visit Las Vegas five more times before turning 21. Every year that my family went out there, there was something new built on the Strip. These brand-new themed resorts and casino's literally blew my mind away. They began being built next to one another, so it would be easier to travel from one hotspot to the next. Many of these new sites appealed to younger kids and adolescents--The Treasure Island Hotel/Casino has a dynamic real-life pirate battle on a giant moat in front of the main entrance with fantastic stunts and special effects. The Luxor Hotel/Casino is a beatiful pyramid-shaped complex which mixes Egyptian history with a contemporary flair. Here there are fantastic motion simulators and arcade games galore. Next door to it is the Excalibur, where the Medieval theme contains a midway similar to the Circus Circus with games and contests. Across the street at the New York-New York there is an outdoor rollercoaster that dives and rises above the hotel buildings, shaped like New York Skyscrapers.
Other than midway games and rides, there are great shows to take the kids to. "Legends In Concert" is a fantastic show where men and women alike impersonate famous muiscal icons using their own voice. Artists impersonated include the Blues Brothers, Gloria Estefan, Prince, Elton John, Madonna, Liberace, Elvis, and many others. It is well-choreographed and relatively inexpensive. You can find this show at the Imperial Palace Hotel/Casino, which is located center strip.
Other popular shows include famous magicians like Siegried and Roy located at the Mirage. Definately one of the most popular shows in Vegas, these magicians use a spectacular stage show filled with mystifying illusions that have fascinated families for a decade. Also, many of the hotel/casino's feature top headliners in large showrooms.
The Strip is a playground for adults too. Each casino offers slots, video poker machines, and popular table games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps, as well as the more unusual games like Baccarat and Pai Gow Poker. Most of them have a state-of-the-art Sports Book, where you can watch the sporting events unfold, and perhaps place a wager or two. The casinos are achitectually stimulating, and the variety of themes will have you bouncing from one place to the next.
Most hotel/casinos have a variety of restaurants and shops. If you are hungry, there is everything from fast-food to casual, cozy, sitdowns. When you are in the mood to go shopping, there is something for everyone. Everything from clothes to souveniers to toys are easily accessible in a wide variety of name-brand and original stores.
On a whole, the Strip is a must-see. Unlike the Vegas of old, it is now a place where a whole family can come and enjoy. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Strip never shuts down, and there is never a time when there is nothing to do.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
SniperHockey
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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Reviews written: 92
Trusted by: 13 members
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