As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
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There are other changes as well.
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Ok...so I know where to get the best planning book for WDW, but not so much when it comes to other locations.
DH has convention in Las Vegas in early June and DD (almost 14) and I have decided to go along. It's his 2nd time out there but our first. We found a great package through Southwest Vacations and will be staying at the Luxor for all but the last 2 nights. We're going to take those last 2 1/2 days, rent a car and take a quick trip to the Grand Canyon. All the NP lodges are booked but I found a Best Western pretty close.
Any advice on Vegas with a teenager would be appreciated as well as what you consider to be a great travel book. I think we've done okay with the basics, now it's getting the details worked out.
I use to live in Vegas (10 yrs there.) Vegas with a teenager-you have to hit Circus Circus. There is the Adventure Dome, but also carnival type games on the upper floor of the casino. New York New York has the roller coaster and the Stratosphere as 4 thrill rides located on the top of their tower.
Keep in mind, it will be mind blowingly hot in June. Save the outside roller coasters for early morning or night time. Adventure Dome is enclosed and air conditioned. Great to spend the day in!
Now, that's just the theme park type stuff. Does your teen like to shop? Nature lover?
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~Joby/Lil~Me stealing Capt. Jack Sparrow's treasure!
Not sure on the thrill rides but she does like to shop and loves anything nature. I was thinking maybe Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden. Any thoughts?
I know she would love the shows but since this is so last minute, the budget isn't quite that big.
Also, what is the best way to get around? I know that we're on the south end of the Strip and it looks like many things are further up.
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Mary
Last edited by kywdwmom; 05-08-2012 at 12:00 PM..
Reason: Additional thoughts and questions
They sell same-day tikcets there for a good discount (not always half-off). They are legit.
Also, you can sign up for the Goldstar newsletter: All Events in Las Vegas | Goldstar Thiers are usually the lower tier shows, but they do usually have Penn & Teller available, and I've heard the Nathan Burton magic show was pretty good.
For other info: when I wqas planning my last trip, I found www.vegasmessageboard.com and cheapovegas.com to be bery helpful.
Be sure to see the Mac King comedy magic show at Harrah's (he's been doing a residency there for many years and besides a few travel dates, he's sure to be there in the summer)!
I also vote for quad biking in Death Valley.
Skip S&R's secret garden - it's overpriced! We visited MGM several times to see (for free) the lion cubs. Not sure if it's still there though.
Be sure to catch the light show at downtown Fremont St (catch the Duece bus for a small fee to ride down the strip to get to DT).
Go shopping at the Venetian & Ceasar's Forum shops - so many non shopping things to do and if you love shopping...you'll be spoilt for choices!
If you have time, do a day tour through the Hoover Dam. So much info with a guide and they know the best photo ops too!
Have fun - I'm so jealous!
I can't help with teenagers, but I definitely second the idea of the conservatory at the Bellagio...just stunning. As for a travel book, definitely Dorling Kindersley - I swear by their books and have about 30 or 40 of theirs - yes it's my guilty pleasure!
Fremont Street is a pleaser for people of all ages. Fremont Street Experience
The viva vision experience is free and Fremont makes for good tourist shopping.
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~Joby/Lil~Me stealing Capt. Jack Sparrow's treasure!
We stayed at the Luxor the last time we were in Vegas. It was nice, but the mattresses could've been better. They have a nice pool area.
Things to do
Walking the strip and seeing the casinos.
We enjoyed the secret garden, but it was very small.
There is an aquarium at the Mandalay Bay.
Madame Tussauds at the venetian with shopping and gondola rides.
For shows, Blue Man was great - good for kids. Check out the 1/2 price ticket place mentioned above.
Red Rock Canyon is close by and great for hiking/driving/picture taking
Hoover Dam is another good place to go.
And because I have to go there EVERY time we are in Vegas, you need to go to In and Out Burger when you have your car. It is a few blocks off strip. It's my DH's favorite burger place in the whole world.
A good way to get down to the Harrahs/Mirage area is to take the monorail from the MGM and is clean and fast. A bus runs down the strip and is a few dollars. Cabs can only be hailed at a casino entrance. They will not stop on the street.
I would be a bit hesitant on Circus Circus, especially at night. It's really is a tad rundown and is not in a very good area on the strip. My DH's friend used to work there in management and we used to go visit. It has been a few years since we've been though. I heard that it was scheduled to be torn down/refurbed before the economy tanked.
Have a great time!
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Michele
I'm living the dream 20 minutes from Disney! Next trip...tomorrow. Follow me on instagram at ShirtsByShell
We stayed at the Luxor in 2005 and loved their pool. Considering you're going in June, you probably won't wanna do too much during the day (i.e., the pool idea). Honestly, at night it was fun to just walk down the Strip and look at all those extravagant hotels. I'm not sure if it's still there but I absolutely LOVED the M&M's World store. Hope this helps a bit!
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There are numerous things to do for kids in LV. One thing to always keep in mind is it is an adult destination with a lot of adult entainment and advertising for it. One common thing you will see is a lot of people on the strip passing out cards for escort services. These people will try to give the cards to anyone walking by. Wanted to mention that to you in case that is something that bothers you.
Not to take over the thread but I will be hoping to attend a convention in December and our hotel is off the strip so a few of us were thinking about coming a day early and staying on the strip for one night. I would like opinions on which hotel has the best breakfast and dinner buffet. Thanks!
Not to take over the thread but I will be hoping to attend a convention in December and our hotel is off the strip so a few of us were thinking about coming a day early and staying on the strip for one night. I would like opinions on which hotel has the best breakfast and dinner buffet. Thanks!
Both of my favorites are off strip. The first would be the seafood buffet at the Rio.
For breakfast or dinner, The Orleans. Hands down, the best buffet I've ever had in the 10 years of living in Vegas.
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~Joby/Lil~Me stealing Capt. Jack Sparrow's treasure!
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As for a travel book, definitely Dorling Kindersley - I swear by their books and have about 30 or 40 of theirs 
- yes it's my guilty pleasure! 
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