An interesting experience
Written: Mar 13 '00 (Updated Apr 15 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: fun, especially when everything else is closed
Cons: doesn't cater well to the under 21 crowd
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| Refined_edge's Full Review: Mohegan Sun |
I figured I might as well review the casino, since it's in my hometown (which is Uncasville, by the way, not Norwich as it says above). It went up a few years ago in the quiet little town that I have called home for nearly 22 years, and it's slowly changing our way of life.
Having seen the wonder that is Foxwoods in Ledyard, I had pretty high expectations for this place. I have to say that while I have had some fun nights at the Mohegan Sun, it's not really all that spectacular.
When you walk in the door, you sort of get the feeling you're walking into a mall. It's big, well-lit, beautifully decorated. There are cute little shops on both sides as you head in, as well as stations where you can register for different clubs and bonuses. Then you reach the escalators...
Every time I get on the escalators that take you to the lower level, I feel like I am descending into hell. The lights are low and almost glowing like a fire. It's a cacaphony of sounds: jingling coins, machinery, people talking. There's smoke rising from the gambling floor. And you're riding an escalator down into a pit of smoking, drinking, and gambling. It's a classic vision of hell.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. It hasn't stopped me from going back. That's just the image that always pops into my head.
The lower level contains a number of restaurants. The only one I have actually eaten at is Mohegan Territory, because I'm usually there late at night when the other ones have closed. Mohegan Territory has both a coffee shop, with beverages and a few snacks, and a restaurant, with appetizers, meals, and deserts, as well as alcoholic beverages, and these are both open 24 hours. It's not bad, but the selection is rather limited, and pretty expensive. There is also a food court and some more upscale restaurants.
Also on this level is Kid's Quest, the arcade. The first couple of times I went, I really enjoyed it. I'm not big on video games, but I like skee-ball and other games where you can win tickets to trade for prizes (or give to little kids that are playing). Yeah, I'm still a kid at heart. I also have a lot of friends who are under 21, so we don't have a lot of options. However, the last two times I've gone, I have been very disappointed by the recent changes to the arcade. There are no longer games that give tickets. There are just a bunch of games, mostly variations on car-racing games, and a couple of really cheesy prize-crane machines. If you plan to take your kids, or you like arcades, take into consideration what sort of games you or your kids enjoy, so you won't be disappointed when you get there.
On to the gambling. The gambling floor is pretty big, and there seems to be a wide variety of games. I'm not a big gambler, but there is something to be said for the suspense of watching the wheels turn. The only thing I've played is quarter slots, but there are 50-cent and dollar slots, video poker, and tables with roulette, blackjack, all the games you'd expect. I really like the quarter slots because, well, you don't spend your money as fast. I don't really go expecting to win big, it's just a form of entertainment. If I can make 20 bucks last for a couple of hours, then I feel like that's the equivalent of seeing a movie or play. I usually go with friends, and we have a good time wandering around, winning and losing.
One cool feature of the Mohegan Sun is the Wolf Den. This is a performance area where they book concerts, which are free. Recently they've had groups like ZZ Top and The Pretenders. They're not always big names, but hey, it's free. My only problem with the Wolf Den is that it is located in the middle of the gambling floor, which means you must be 21 to enter. So if you're underage and want to see the concert- too bad. They tell you when you call that you can hear the music from the outer ring, which is technically true, but it's hard to distinguish it from all the noise that the slot machines and people are making.
I guess my biggest criticism of Mohegan Sun is that it is not as accomodating to underage people as it could be. I realize that casinos are not for kids, but I always found plenty to do at Foxwoods before I turned 21. I think they should be viewed as tourist attractions, and as such should appeal to tourists of all ages.
The Mohegan Sun is not someplace I'd go to regularly, but it's an interesting experience, and I've had some fun times there. It's a change from hanging out at the mall and whatnot. It's definitely worth a try.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Refined_edge
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Member: Jennifer
Location: New Haven, CT
Reviews written: 115
Trusted by: 11 members
About Me:
I like music. All of it. And cheese. And bizarre roadside attractions.
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