Las Vegas guide and MSE thread 2013

pebblesmax

photome wrote: »

Yes it is and if you want the GC from the Orleans it a short hop, of course the drawback is getting from the GC back to Orleans is via Ballys and a wait,

It was the other way round for us most of the time. It was only like that at driver change over time. For us it was Orleans - Bally's - Gold Coast - Orleans all but twice during the trip.

ferf1223

pebblesmax wrote: »

That would be Spring Mountain Ranch. I have mentioned it several times in the past.

Thanks both for the reminder - I had mentally filed this but badly so nice to have the reminder as I want to add it to the possible things to do list.

Froggitt

Bowski30 wrote: »

Are you saying the Visionary tour is a waste of money or just GC air tours in general?

Visionary.

We did a Scenic Airlines tour to the South Rim, coach took us round the National Park, lunch, three or four great photo stops, retail opportunity. Was fab.

As I said, when youre flying into McCarren, look out the window and youll get the flyby views from the Visionary tour.

silvercar

Mich81 wrote: »

The South Rim of the Grand National is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, whereas the West Rim isn't.

However, the South Rim is too far to be accessible from Vegas by helicopter so all the direct helicopter tours go to the West Rim.

I've been to the South Rim in the past, and though I wasn't overawed by it (much preferred Yosemite) it does look better than the West Rim - more of a wow factor.

I've seen some Bus Tours that go to the South Rim from Vegas and give you the option of a helicopter ride over it - but it'd be a long long day from Vegas - which personally I wouldn't find worth it - but if you want to see the real GC then you want the South Rim experience.

Agree with this. If you can spare a whole day (think we got back about 6.30pm) fly to the south rim and take a helicopter tour into the canyon from there. Most companies will pick you up and drop you back at your hotel, so it is hassle free if tiring.

stoneman

As for GC, I am guessing that most people just want to say that they have been there, so the cheap option if not the most scenic would be a helicopter to the West Rim, maybe not as spectacular but you do land down in the canyon and if you time it right, last trip of the day you get a night time strip fly by thrown in for free.

Not to say it can't be an adventure. When we went a few years ago our heli developed a problem in the gear box just before landing. The pilot called over another one who happened to be there as well and between them they worked on it for almost an hour, taking off and landing to test it out.

Then we were told that they were going to do a "hot take off", which is loading everyone on while the rotors are turning really fast. It was cool but must admit my heart was in my mouth for a while

Georgiegirl256

I think you're right stoneman, I think most people just want to see it once then they can say they've been.

The DH said if we ever do take the MIL then she'd want to go to the GC, I told him I'd stop in Vegas and shop and they could go on their own! Because in my mind, once you've seen it you've seen it, I wouldn't want to go again. I guess it's an experience, but it doesn't really appeal to me that much, the Hoover dam is far more interesting to me.

I'm sure it was scenic airlines we went with too.

I can imagine your heart was in your mouth getting back on to that helicopter! :eek:

Georgiegirl256

Off topic, but I've just noticed Pebblesmax, you're from Cumbria....me too!

bitgiggy

Buffet lunch or dinner for two with unlimited drink at Flamingo Paradise Garden buffet is available on groupon if this interests anyone! $31 for lunch $37 for dinner.

luci

I would avoid the Paradise buffet at the Flamingo and it is one of the poorest on the strip as in poor quality food.

ferf1223

luci wrote: »

I would avoid the Paradise buffet at the Flamingo and it is one of the poorest on the strip as in poor quality food.

for us, completely illogically and unreasonably, it's the Norovirus outbreak from years and years ago...I looked, 2004...and I know that it is unreasonable but we will never eat there...I know that these things can as much initiate with customers as staff....but still...it's completely off our list...we hold a grudge...and we weren't even affected.