This will be a particularly special trip for me because I will be flying to Las Vegas to celebrate my 21st birthday! On top of that I picked these flights specifically so I could fly on the MD-80, and the outbound flight has a lunch in first class. I'm probably going to use my miles to upgrade, and use my board room passes to take advantage of the free booze in the Board Room, and first class on my way out there. What I was wondering, was if any of the A.net members out in Las Vegasm, or that have visited there, could refer me to some fun stuff to do while I'm out there? Thanks for the help!
FrontierCPT From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 973 posts, RR: 9 Reply 1, posted (8 years 7 months 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 2158 times:
Well, do you want places to spot, or just for some good ole Vegas fun? What hotel are you staying at? If you want spotting, there are a bunch of good places.
Cargo:From the airport entrance, head west on Tropicana Blvd. At the first traffic signal - Koval Lane - turn left. The Las Vegas Executive Terminal will be on your left as you drive south. At Reno St., turn right and head west. Drive two blocks, and turn left at the first street (unknown name). Head south on this street, and the stored aircraft should be present on your left.
Runway 25 in use (1) Sunset Road: From the airport entrance, head east on Tropicana Blvd for two miles. Watch out for and turn right at Eastern Ave (a traffic signal) and head south. You will pass under the 25 approach, then turn right on Sunset Road and head west. A few blocks down Sunset is a parking lot on the right. This overlooks runway 25L, the primary arrivals runway. A 10' high perimeter fence is present.
(2) Patrick Lane (summer months only): From the airport entrance, head east on Tropicana Blvd for two miles. Watch out for and turn right at Eastern Ave- a traffic signal. Head south on Eastern Ave, and turn right on Patrick Lane - a traffic signal. At the end of this street is a good place to view the active taxiway and the thresholds of runway 25L and 25R. Good anytime throughout the day.
(3) Air Cargo: From the airport entrance, head east on Tropicana Blvd for a few blocks. Watch out for and turn right at Maryland Pkwy (a traffic signal), head south. At Russell Road (a traffic signal), turn left and head east. Air Cargo will be on your right, turn right at the entrance road for the truck delivery area. At the southern end of the truck parking area is a good spot overlooking the active taxiway for runway 25.
Runway 7 in use (1) Sunset Road - West End: Follow directions to the Sunset Road spot described above (1), but continue heading west on Sunset Road for the length of the runway. Near the west end, watch out for a railroad track crossing Sunset. Slow down, and turn right into the dirt area at this railroad track crossing. This spot overlooks runway 7L and 7R. A 10' high perimeter fence is present.
Crosswind Runway: Not too many spots present for this runway. You may want to try parking near the charter terminal and walking around the side, or possibly at Signature Aviation's ramp in the southwest corner of the airfield.
Once you tell me what hotel you are at, I can give you an idea of nearby fun stuff, and that kinda stuff, but in two days, there is so much to day, but so little time, so you will have to be picky, or just keep on your toes, and go go go! Thats what we had to to when we moved to LAS, and wanted to sight see, but then again, we have had eight years to see everything, so, maybe our situations are a little different, but you get the idea!
S12PPL From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (8 years 7 months 3 days ago) and read 2018 times:
Sean,
I won't probably be able to drive to many locations to spot, as we won't be renting a car. I also don't have a good camera for it. We are staying at the Circus Circus...Mostly because it's only going to cost us $36.95 a night plus tax
Obviously, I want to gamble while I'm there, probably during the evenings. That is, after all, why I am going. lol. Basically we're looking for anything fun to do. Shows, attractions, etc. I do know we want to walk down to Ceasers Palace, and the Bellagio since they are two of the finer hotel resorts/casinos in Las Vegas. We of course would love to walk the strip, and since we will be ithere in January, it won't be 120 degrees, and very pleasent to take a stroll One of the many perks to having your brithday during the winter! I've looked at possibly going to see Penn and Teller...but tickets are $70 dollars.... A little spendy for us possibly. But we'll see. Maybe I can convince dad to splurge for my birthday..... lol. Of course any fun bars to go to would be nice. I do plan on spending time wasted...probably the night we get there. Which casinos comp the best? Which have the best food/buffets? I no doubt will be glued to the Travel Channel for they're many Vegas specials over the next coupple months hoping to find out some little secrets.
Ei2ksea From Ireland, joined Jul 2004, 573 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1919 times:
I did Vegas for Labor day, its a legendary place, firstly remember that Vegas operates on my theory of "anti-time" i.e. you gamble, drink and be merry through the night till about 9am and then go to bed before rising at 6pm that evening to head out again! With luck you wont see the Sun for your entire stay!
Circus Circus looks kinda funky, a friend of mine stayed there and said its good fun, its at the top of the strip so its about 15mins walk to Ceasars, the Venetian and a bit further to the Bellagio and Paris with multiple opportunities to gamble and be merry along the strip in between
DO NOT MISS the Bellagio Fountain show, it runs in the middle of the lake in front of the Bellagio every 15mins or so, they play music over loudspeakers and the fountains dance to every beat, its amazing! Likewise the New York New York rollercoaster is good as are the bars in the casino called Coyoty Ugly and the Irish Bar "9 Fine Irishmen"
As a foreigner in the states, basically in my opinion Vegas is where all of America's vices come together in one hodgepodge of sin - its cheeky, whacky, trashy fun and for all its excesses and faults, its strangely captivating!
NIKV69 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 1876 times:
Hey! I will probably be in town that weekend! If you want to go to the Mirage and win some money email me! We can also go to LAS and spot and take some pics.
Or drive down to Laughlin and check out IFP it is one of the nicest, small airport ever! Good to spot and take pics too!
FrontierCPT From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 973 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 1780 times:
Hey, well, I don't know about the best paying casino's really, lol, I try to stay on the legal side of the law , but I do tend to oversplurge when it comes to buffets! My two favorite buffets are the Palace Station Casino Buffet, Main Street Casino Station Buffet, and Texas Station/Sante Fe Station( they are really close to each other). Hehe, get the idea that I like Station Casinos? You should go see the Fremont Street Experience, it is by the Main Street Station, and its a really awesome lighting experience at night. Be sure and stop by Treasure Island and watch the pirates show! It is really really really awesome! Oh, and if you have cash to blow, why not go for a ride in a gondola(at the Venetian)?! When you are at the Mirage, take a peek at the volcano that erupts like, every half hour(?)! That one's and eye-catcher! But if you want some really good night life, go to the Palms, and on the top floor is a bar, and its really awesome! Of course, I've never gone, but....everyone says its awesome! Hey, further down the strip, stop at the Tropicana, and watch the Folies Bergere( I want to dance for them when I get older)! And fianlly, the last place that I'm going to recommend is the Mandalay Bay, because the Shark Reef is really really cool! Oh, and I can't forget this last one, just go to the Luxor, and check out the interior architecture!
Ok, well, I need to go to school, so, ttyl.
~Sean~
P.S. I feel like I'm an employee of the City of Las Vegas, trying to promote tourism
UK_Dispatcher From United Arab Emirates, joined Dec 2001, 2550 posts, RR: 33 Reply 7, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 1710 times:
If you do nothing else in Vegas, make sure you go on the Hi-Roller and the Big Shot at the top of the Stratosphere tower. The Big Shot is amazing, and the views are great!
Apparently there's something else wacky that they've put up there now, but I'm not sure what it is - can anyone let us know??
S12PPL From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 1647 times:
PH- Thanks! Yeah, I know Circus Circus isn't the greatest place...but hey, can't beat the price, eh? The Las Vegas tourism department has bombarded the USA with ads saying "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." In other words....Sleep with a hooker? That stays here! Get hitched like Britney Spears? That stays here, too!" It definately made me want to go even more when I turned 21! lol. Thanks for remidning me where the fountain show is! I couldn't remember for the life of me! I most definately want to see it. I've been told it looks great. I saw the movie Coyote Ugly....are the bar keeps as hot??? If so I am DEFINATELY going to that bar!!!
NIKV69- Hey! Awesome! Let's talk some more and see if we can make it work. What day do you fly in? I fly in Sunday the 23rd. How long will you be there?? Spotting might be fun Tuesday afternoon since I have to be at the airport anyway...we'll talk
Sean- lol. I tried to keep it on the legal side, too. Then I want to one of the tribal casinos here in Oregon after a game...and I sat down to play some blackjack because this guy I was with wouldnt' stop pressuring me to. An hour later I was up 30 bucks. lol. Oregon is a little different than Vegas, though. I remember about a year ago while I was watching the Travel Channel they said one of the casinos does this show inside where it rains? They showed parts of it and it looked so fun! You can go out in the rain and get wet if you want, if I remember correctly.
I think I'll need a tour guide with all the great suggestions you guys are giving me! lol. Thanks again for all your suggestions guys!
FlyPIJets From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 822 posts, RR: 2 Reply 9, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 1585 times:
Have fun in Vegas, its a blast.
Circus Circus isn't bad at all. Skip gambling there and go right next door to a casino called Slots-Of-Fun (actually owned by Circus Circus) Cheap gambling and cheap booze. $1 for Fosters or Heineken - $2 craps table. Sometimes you can even find a $1 blackjack table. Next door to Slots-of Fun is Westward, Ho! $.75 for a Labatt's
Another bargain casino on the strip is Casino Royale, directly across from the Mirage.
(check out http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com for great tips on where to find bargains in Vegas. Don't bother shelling out money to join, though, that is really only ofd value to people that actually live in Vegas)
Jakbar From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 442 posts, RR: 28 Reply 10, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 1553 times:
If you're on a budget, the Sahara has $1 blackjack and $1 craps all day/night long. It's pretty close to Circus Circus, too, so you should check it out. They've also got a cool roller coaster at the Sahara (called "Speed", or something like that).
I was just in LAS several weeks ago, and there's actually another good location for spotting. If the 01s are being used for departures IN THE MORNING, you can get some nice pictures from the roof of the parking garage. You should explore the top level to find the best angle for you, but I was able to get some nice views of the planes departing with the hotels in the background. I also got a cool pic of the infamous Janets sitting on the ramp:
Also, don't forget to keep your camera out while arriving/departing LAS, as you can get some nice shots. Here's a shot from our arrival on 25L, which is most often used for arrivals:
Finally, the "official" spot on Sunset Road requires you to have access to a ladder (or a car/truck with a sturdy roof) in order to shoot pics over the 10' fence. I'm told that as long as you don't put the ladder right up to the fence the cops won't bother you. But if you don't have a ladder, there are other spots you can explore along Sunset Road. Just east of the airport on Sunset Road is a park called....Sunset Park! There are some good places to just sit down at a park bench/table and take pictures of the 25R arrivals.
Across the street there's a parking lot (for a Taco Bell and other stores) that is almost directly underneath the approach path depending on where you stand. You can get some good pictures there, too, and without much zoom required on your camera:
S12PPL From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 11, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 1528 times:
Josh- It sounds like NIKV69 and I are going to try to meet for some spotting while we're there. Sean, if things work out, I'm sure you'd be more than welcome to join us if you want. Of course much has to be discussed. I won't have a rental car while I'm there, so we'll see what transpires. So, what I was trying to get at, was thanks for the good spotting locations! lol. I've definately got plenty to chose from, now
FrontierCPT From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 973 posts, RR: 9 Reply 13, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 1396 times:
Hey, the casino where it rains is the Aladdin, thats a really nice place, well, sounds like your gunna have way to much to do, and so little time! I wish you good luck in trying to get to everything and not miss your return flight! Ok, well, I have a big bunch of tests tomorrow, so better start to study, ttyl.
~Sean~
Andy1309 From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 14 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (8 years 7 months 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 1372 times:
Hi there
I can definitely recommend the car park on Sunset if you can get to it. Last time I was in Vegas, I tried spotting from several spots including the car park roof, but we were 'hassled' by some airline staff (not the security though, who were fine with us being there). For the rest of our trip we based ourselves at the car park on Sunset.
I am coming back out for 10 days in early December and I can't wait !!!
Andy1309 From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 14 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (8 years 7 months 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 1245 times:
Sean
I will be there from the 2nd to about the 6th, then I'm off to PHX for a couple of days, then back to LAS for the 9th and 10th. I fly back home at 7am on the 11th (via CVG).
Happy to meet up with anyone who's there at the same time. Will have a hire car, so will probably be based at the car park on Sunset.
FrontierCPT From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 973 posts, RR: 9 Reply 17, posted (8 years 7 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1184 times:
Ah man, that sucks, we will miss each other by 9 hours! I get in at 4:35 from DEN, I hate irony, lol, oh well, maybe next time you decide to come to Vegas, we can meet up.
~Sean~
NIKV69 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (8 years 7 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 1131 times:
S12PPL,
I live in Laughlin all winter and drive up to Vegas every other week. I am usually there for my second trip the week you are flying in. We can definatley hook up for some hijinks. I will keep in touch with you here.
S12PPL From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 19, posted (8 years 7 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 1130 times:
Thanks guys for all your suggestions! We'll have to start picking and chosing what we do. lol. Lots of great suggestions of things to do. The great thing about Las Vegas, is that it is the only city where the Hotels are a bigger attraction than most other things around the areas! lol. We could spend a solid day on the casinos I think. We might have one or two more people joining us, so we'll see what they have an interest in doing.
S12PPL From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 21, posted (8 years 7 months 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 1065 times:
Yeah. lol. Sounds like a good plan. Maybe you me and Sean can get together at LAS for a few hours to spot. I think the best day for me would be Tuesday the 25th before my flight leaves. It's a 9:30 departure, so maybe we could get together a few hours before that before it gets dark?
APP From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2000, 546 posts, RR: 7 Reply 24, posted (8 years 7 months 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 907 times:
UK_Dispatcher,
The Other ride at the top of the Stratosphere Tower is the 'X Scream', I went on it in January.
Now, I love thrill rides, you know, Rollercoasters etc....Higher and faster the better..... but I was pretty scared on this, it really is something else..my knees were knocking big time!
FROM THE STRATOSPHERE WEBSITE:
'At 866 feet, X Scream is the world's third highest thrill ride. Shaped like a giant teeter-totter, X Scream is an open vehicle that propels riders head-first, 27 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower and dangles them weightlessly above the Strip before pulling it's riders back and over again for more!'
25 FrontierCPT: That would be so much fun to connect up! I dont know what dates will work for you guys, but I will be home from December 11 until around the 21st(?),
26 OPNLguy: >>>I've looked at possibly going to see Penn and Teller...but tickets are $70 dollars.... There's place at the SE corner of The Strip and Harmon that
27 S12PPL: Sean, hit me up on AIM at aceboy879 anytime I'm on. I'm in Vegas the 23rd-25th of January, 2005.
28 Ckfred: If you can figure out a way to see Penn and Teller, do so. I saw their show several years ago. Teller is an absolute riot, and they perform some incre
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From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 973 posts, 
Thats what we had to to when we moved to LAS, and wanted to sight see, but then again, we have had eight years to see everything, so, maybe our situations are a little different, but you get the idea! 
One of the many perks to having your brithday during the winter! 
From Ireland, joined Jul 2004, 573 posts, 
My two favorite buffets are the Palace Station Casino Buffet, Main Street Casino Station Buffet, and Texas Station/Sante Fe Station( they are really close to each other). Hehe, get the idea that I like Station Casinos? 
From United Arab Emirates, joined Dec 2001, 2550 posts, 
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From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2004, 6352 posts, 
Ok, well, I have a big bunch of tests tomorrow, so better start to study, ttyl. 
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