Las Vegas thread and MSE guide 2009 part 2

davidmcg2u

September

Day 8 (Wed) – up early again but we got our bags ready as we were checking out at 12.00.

We headed Canyon Ranch Grill ( I had healthy elvis Liz had toast) then hit the pool for a couple of hours before cleaning up and checking out. We left our bags at the Venetian and got the Deuce to the Stratosphere where we had lunch at Top of the World. The lunch was very good value and the service was excellent but Liz just hates it up there – height and the moving floor freaks her out!!

We went up to the viewing area and took some pics and looked at the rides – OMG!! I’ve seen these on you tube but to see them in the flesh well that’s something else. I wish I was mad enough to say I had done them but no way.

We then headed over and caught the 108 to the Premium Outlet. We waited around 25mins for it and it was packed. Liz wanted to see the bags in Guess but the ones she liked were too similar to the one she got in March so we came away with nothing.

Go the Deuce back to Venetian, picked up cases then got taxi to the MGM. The taxi took the back road which was pretty quick until we got round to the back of PH where it came to a standstill for a good 10-15mins. It only cost $13 so not too bad. Got checked in at the MGM and was a little frustrated with the queuing system as it’s a bit of a free for all.

Anyway we got a West Wing Room which was ok for a 2 night stay but that’s about it. The drawback was the sink area like I said on a previous post and we also had an issue with the safe but that eventually got resolved. The major plus point of the West Wing Room is it’s very easy to access the strip compared to room we stayed last time. We ate at to Dennys as we couldn’t be bothered walking round to Ellis Island – food was good & cheap - good value. We were in bed fast asleep by 10.30pm.

mrsclarkie

October , November

Hi Hubby and I are heading to Vegas in 3 weeks to celebrate our 3yr wedding anniversary we are staying at mgm .

Just wondered did anyone fill in a esta form online and do you have to pay for it

luci

September

Yes you have to fill in the ESTA form at least 72 hours before travel. No you don't pay for it.

Google ESTA, but ignore the top 3 sponsored listings and go for the first non-sponsored one. Soz, don't have time to look for the link at the moment.

davidmcg2u

September

Day 9 (Thur) – we slept until 09.00 which was good going for us on this trip. We went to the Denny’s beside us for breakfast. This is our first breakfast visit to Denny’s and can see why it’s so popular – we only had to wait for 15mins - I think I had a lumberjack slam which I couldn’t finish & Liz got French Toast slam.

We then headed for the MGM pool area – WOW!!!

We spent most of the day down there but I can’t believe we missed out on this the last time. The drinks are pricier than the Venetian which does surprise me but it looks as if they are trying to capture the younger crowd who may not care as much.

We headed back to our room at 4.30pm via Starbucks and packed most of our stuff as we’re up at 5.30am the next day.

After loads of shall we or not we’re checking back into MAG for our last Vegas dinner. On the way there we got a pic taken with Elvis and I got mines taken beside the Sam’s Town sign from The Killers Sam’s Town Tour in 2005/6 within Hard Rock Cafe!

But before that we headed in Miracle Mile shops and picked up a bag for Liz from Bebe. She liked it so it’s an early Xmas pressie.

It was quite busy so told us to come back in 30mins so we went to Haw Trop Zone at PH and used some BOGOF drink vouchers. Our table was there for us when we returned and we then proceeded to have a great meal – again!!

We headed back into Bebe as there was a top Liz liked which “goes with the bag”. Unfortunately she didn’t like it on so back to MGM in preparation for our departure.

Day 10 (Fri) – up at 5.30am and heading to airport. Taxi $9 and we get checked in and though security easily. The only problem we had with the flight to Philly was seating – I knew we’d be separated by just 1 row so I had to someone if they’d mind moving forward 1 row – a nice American guy obliged.

At Philly time was limited but we still grabbed a snack before boarding. We left the boarding area on time 6.30pm but never took off until 8pm due to the traffic in and out of Philly. The pilot said it’s always like that when the operate eastern routes – take it he means the UK/European flight – was a pain though.

Anyway the flight home – reasonable service and got fed about an hour in again. The IFE was Night at the Museum 2 followed by US sitcoms – never watched anything apart from the film though.

Summary –the purpose of our trip was to see The Killers and have a chill out holiday in Vegas. We did both and so much more.

There’s still tons of stuff we’d like to do and probably will do in the future but for now look back and take great satisfaction that we’ve had an “awesome” holiday!!

Thanks to everyone who contributes daily here – it makes a difference once you get there!!!

ferf1223

October , November

wow - great trip report, David...and how cool to stay an extra couple of days. It was probably me who said I wouldn't touch anything with less than a 2-hour connection...mainly because if the outbound flight is delayed I'll just stress the whole time that we'll miss the connection (and I stress at most things anyway). Glad it worked out for you and sounds like you had a great trip!

luci

September

Great TR David and it means more to me now that I've met you and Liz.

We only have an hour at SF on the way home and that's assuming the flight from LAS leaves on time. I'm not going to stress about it although I probably will on the day. United gave us those times so they must think it's doable although I would have been happier with 2 hours.

Just been to see the Lion King except we didn't see it. I started to doze off before it had even started as they were 10 mins late starting and OH wasn't enjoying it so we walked out after 45 mins.

Ferf, just FYI, they are now forecasting Wed & Thurs and being in the 80's rather than the 70's they forecast yesterday. It was 100F today and is forecast to be 102 & 101F the next 2 days.

Froggitt

December ( including Xmas and New Year )

luci wrote: »

I once booked a Legends in Concert for the night we arrived thinking it would make me stay up till a decent time. We were upgraded to a table touching the stage and I just couldn't keep awake.

I think I saw the first act and remember seeing the Temptations, but I fell sound asleep sitting up and struggled to wake to see the finale. I was so close to the stage the artists must have seen me.

I have often slept through shows. Just put me in the dark and I'm out like a light.

We try now not to see a show till at least the 3rd night.

Mmm - I once fell asleep in LOVE......heard it was good though!!!

trets77

luci wrote: »

I once booked a Legends in Concert for the night we arrived thinking it would make me stay up till a decent time. We were upgraded to a table touching the stage and I just couldn't keep awake.

I think I saw the first act and remember seeing the Temptations, but I fell sound asleep sitting up and struggled to wake to see the finale. I was so close to the stage the artists must have seen me.

I have often slept through shows. Just put me in the dark and I'm out like a light.

We try now not to see a show till at least the 3rd night.

i made this mistake too , by trying to go and see The Producers @ Paris night we had landed . I am no stranger to sleep depravation , but i pretty much fell to sleep sitting up. i had get up and spend 10 mins throwing cold water on my face . the huge cocktail i took into the show probably didn't help though .

Mrs Trets was fine though as she had napped in the afternoon when we arrived

ferf1223

October , November

I dozed through Bette Midler last October - had landed that afternoon, but since it was the only night she was playing during our trip and MIL really wanted to see her we bought tickets in advance. It was a good show but I can totally understand the falling asleep thing...I felt really bad as MIL had paid for the tickets too.

Thanks for the weather update, Luci - I've been checking weather.com but am grateful for the on-the-spot reports! I was starting to worry that my whining about the 100+ temps had caused the weather gods to decide to spite me.

jackieblack

mrsclarkie wrote: »

Hi Hubby and I are heading to Vegas in 3 weeks to celebrate our 3yr wedding anniversary we are staying at mgm .

Just wondered did anyone fill in a esta form online and do you have to pay for it

Link to the official ESTA website - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

There is no charge at the moment, but I remember reading somewhere (might have been on here ) that there are plans to start charging $10 each, possibly from 30th September?