Vegas - Then & Now

By: Susan NelsonFrom the bright lights to the scorching summer heat and the winter winds with pelting rain, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the desert playground known as Las Vegas, NV for over 30 years. Prior to the infamous “What Happens Here, Stays Here” marketing plan, Vegas experienced a funky time of trying to make their bright lights, big city into a family friendly destination. Cheap buffets that could feed an army of 5 for $20, low priced hotel rooms, kid friendly shows like Medieval Times at The Excalibur Hotel, and arcade game fun were highlighted to draw in the family’s and then once there entice the parents to partake of a slot machine or two. This is when resorts like Circus Circus Las Vegas lead the pack with their hourly circus performances and all ages Midway games that had me and my siblings begging for more quarters for just one more try to win the obnoxiously large stuffed Homer Simpson doll (we weren’t even allowed to watch the Simpsons but we wanted that doll!). Today, Circus Circus has transformed into an amusement park playground offering rides that make grown men scream and fun for all ages. Other resorts like New York, New York followed suit with their world renowned “The Roller Coaster” that twists and turns over the lounge chairs at their lively pool and has you hoping that no one loses their lunch on the free fall while rides titled Insanity, Big Shot, and X-Scream at the Stratosphere hotel leave you dangling off the edge of 9 stories and yelling out “I CHOOSE LIFE” at the top of your lungs with white knuckles clenched. Vegas, never a dull moment.With video game like casino games featuring “Sex and the City”, “Indiana Jones”, “Wizard of Oz” and “Monopoly” today’s Vegas turned Midway kid centered games into cash generating slots focused on adult fun. Dining has also shifted from $1.99 breakfast buffets to champagne brunches catered by world renowned chefs easily costing $30-$50 per person. Entertainment has gone from knights in shining armor to nights in shining bars and clubs. Gone are the days of $19 per night rooms, say hello to hand over your credit card and don’t ask questions. Yet even with these changes, I have been able to carve out family friendly fun for my own family as well as enjoy adult fun for a quick getaway with my better half without losing my religion and wallet.Our last family friendly trip in January found us staying at the Oasis RV Resort on the south side of Vegas close to South Point Casino. From here we were able to enjoy the Movie Theater, ice cream shop, and bowling alley amenities that South Point Casino offers. In the past, we’ve stayed at South Point Casino several times. The rooms are large, the spa is one of the best in Vegas both in service and price, and there’s always something to do. We took a drive to see the Hoover Dam and stopped off at our favorite arcade, the Pinball Hall of Fame, which features 10,000 square feet of pinball machine games (can you say FUN?). After rotting our brains with video game madness we ventured to the Discovery Children’s Museum to get our intelligence back in order (your kids will love all the hands on exhibits!). On our final day, we headed to the Strip to visit the Coke Factory and the always popular 3 story M & M’s World where you can dispense your chocolate from a wall full of color choices. Don’t forget to head to the 3rd floor to watch the M & M’s movie, always a treat! Before we said goodbye to the desert oasis, we stopped by our favorite outdoor shopping mall, Town Square, to do some new year shopping at H&M and Old Navy, play on the turf lined outdoor playground (be sure if you go in the summer to bring a swimsuit and towel as they have sprinklers that the kids can run through) and have dinner at Claim Jumper where kids are always welcome, the portions are huge (we share the beef ribs) and don’t forget your root beer barrel candy on the way out! This past July, the hubs and I hopped on the 15 freeway and headed north for a kid free long weekend to Sin City. Vegas in July? YES. Less crowds, less expensive, and we had babysitting so who could refuse?We had our first stay at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino and were surprised at the lively yet warm feel at check in. It wasn’t as intimidating as other Vegas hotels and after a quick check in we headed to the small pool. That night we ate at the America restaurant and we loved the burgers and the fact that it was a sit down restaurant open late after a night of wandering Las Vegas Blvd.The next day we decided to try to get tickets to the Blue Man Group at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino but got detoured with a late afternoon stop at the Minus 5 Degree Ice Bar at the Mandalay Bay. Even if you don’t drink, this bar is a must see. You check in, they give you warm boots, hat, coat and gloves and you walk in to a transformed ice cave where you can sit (on ice, or course), people watch, or imbibe in drinks made on ice sculptures. Truly a once in a lifetime experience that we got to cross off our bucket list.During our wanderings we were able to catch the Bellagio Hotel’s fountains around sunset. The illuminated water soars to the music, very romantic! That night we were in the mood for comedy and headed over to the Laugh Factory inside the newly renovated Tropicana Hotel. The Tropicana is SWANKY now, a must see and we laughed until we cried then danced the night away at the Tropicana Lounge. Taxis, the Deuce bus, and the Monorail system allow for easy late night transportation solutions.If you’re a coffee drinker like I am, many of the Las Vegas Hotels do not have coffee pots in their rooms. This is because they want you to wander their casino in search of fresh brewed grounds (and possibly play a hand or two at the tables on your way to your latte). This is always a challenge and we were so grateful the New York New York has Il Fornaio right outside the elevator and kid you not THE BEST AMERICANO I’ve had to date. Otherwise, pre-ordering a pot of coffee from room service is a good bet as well. Each time I’ve been to Vegas my experience has been different. It’s a city that is always evolving and truly has something for everyone. So whether with friends or family, I would love to help you plan your next trip to the desert…Vegas style. Contact me directly at susan@wishesfamilytravel.com, my services are always free to all of my clients.

Viva Las Vegas!

~Susan