Vegas Strip Question

[metsno1]

We'll be in Vegas next month for a couple of nights with our two DD's (8 and 10), staying at Excalibur. Never been before!

I'd like to eat at the buffet at the Bellagio, and I was wondering if the two miles between Bellagio and Excalibur is a walk we would want to tackle?

We'll have a car, so we could just drive (parking's free everywhere, right?).

And it will be August (brilliant...the desert in the summer!).

But I was wondering if that part of the strip would be OK to walk with the kids!

Thanks!

[MrsPete]

We'll be in Vegas next month for a couple of nights with our two DD's (8 and 10), staying at Excalibur. Never been before!

I'd like to eat at the buffet at the Bellagio, and I was wondering if the two miles between Bellagio and Excalibur is a walk we would want to tackle?

We'll have a car, so we could just drive (parking's free everywhere, right?).

And it will be August (brilliant...the desert in the summer!).

But I was wondering if that part of the strip would be OK to walk with the kids!

Thanks!Yes, there's no problem walking that area with kids, though I wouldn't do it late at night. Early evening, sure. The one thing you'll encounter is young men standing on the street handing out cards to all the men -- these cards are photographs of scantily-clad women who work for, um, an escort service. They give these cards even to men who are walking with a woman (or a family). Many men, upon realizing 4-5 steps down the street what's been handed to them, throw these cards down; the result is a huge pile of not-quite-porn on the streets.

Vegas has a good bit of security on the Strip. You may not see them, but they're there. With all the tipsy people walking from casino to casino, very little crime occurs on the Strip. Even a block away, it's a different story.

When you stop to see things like the light show at the Bellagio, however, you should be aware of pick-pockets in the crowd. The #1 place to be pick-pocketed in Vegas used to be the pirate show at Treasure Island, but I understand that show isn't being run any longer.

One more note: I'm not good at judging distances, but I really don't think it's two miles between these hotels. Maybe two miles ROUND TRIP. Of course, when you stop here and there, it's especially easy to lose track of distance.

[metsno1]

Thanks MrsPete!

That'd be great if it were less than 2 miles. I was going by what Google Maps said, but they've certainly been incorrect before!!

[mommaU4]

It depends on what you're worried about. You mentioned the heat which will be an issue in August for sure, especially if you are walking this in the daytime.

You will be walking by the construction for the City Center project, which is fine, they have it cleared to walk by there, but it's just not a real pretty walk.

Most likely you will encounter the people passing out the porn, but that's on various parts of the Strip. Just keep the kids focused on looking around and they probably won't even notice the cards. Mine never do.

The parking at the hotels is free. There is self parking which usually results in a long walk to the main casino. But what we do is valet park everywhere we go. It's free with the exception of the $2-$4 tip.

Oh, and just to let you know the Pirate Show at TI is still running. At least it was last week-end. ;) It's now called the Sirens of TI and is definitely a must see. Especially since it's free. :thumbsup2

Have fun!!

[DaaBoTownSox]

We'll be in Vegas next month for a couple of nights with our two DD's (8 and 10), staying at Excalibur. Never been before!

I'd like to eat at the buffet at the Bellagio, and I was wondering if the two miles between Bellagio and Excalibur is a walk we would want to tackle?

We'll have a car, so we could just drive (parking's free everywhere, right?).

And it will be August (brilliant...the desert in the summer!).

But I was wondering if that part of the strip would be OK to walk with the kids!

Thanks!

I would say don't walk, if it's going to be the middle of summer lol. And, although it is only 2 miles (if that's what it really is) it seems like soo much more when walking the strip. I would take a car, or some form of public transportation.

[DaaBoTownSox]

It depends on what you're worried about. You mentioned the heat which will be an issue in August for sure, especially if you are walking this in the daytime.

You will be walking by the construction for the City Center project, which is fine, they have it cleared to walk by there, but it's just not a real pretty walk.

Most likely you will encounter the people passing out the porn, but that's on various parts of the Strip. Just keep the kids focused on looking around and they probably won't even notice the cards. Mine never do.

The parking at the hotels is free. There is self parking which usually results in a long walk to the main casino. But what we do is valet park everywhere we go. It's free with the exception of the $2-$4 tip.

Oh, and just to let you know the Pirate Show at TI is still running. At least it was last week-end. ;) It's now called the Sirens of TI and is definitely a must see. Especially since it's free. :thumbsup2
Have fun!!

I prefered the original show. I saw Sirens of TI about 2 months ago, and I must say that I absolutely hated it. I ended up leaving before it was even over. It was something for the "Family" before, but now I wouldn't really say so.

[mommaU4]

I prefered the original show. I saw Sirens of TI about 2 months ago, and I must say that I absolutely hated it. I ended up leaving before it was even over. It was something for the "Family" before, but now I wouldn't really say so.

Yeah, a lot of people do so you're not alone on that. I personally don't think either show was that great. The Sirens of TI is definitely more adult oriented, because of the female dancers they added, but I'd still recommend it just to be able to say you've seen it. It's one of the bigger, if not better, free things to see on the Strip which is why I'd consider it a must see.
My favorite free thing to see on the Strip is the fountains at the Bellagio. Can't get enough of that. :)

The volcano at the Mirage also is a good free thing to see, but unfortunately it is currently under construction and will be until at least Fall of this year.

[jlima]

I'd like to eat at the buffet at the Bellagio, and I was wondering if the two miles between Bellagio and Excalibur is a walk we would want to tackle?
Drive. You don't want your kids to have to deal with the people who distribute the cards for the "escort services". Plus work is on-going 24/7 at the CityCenter site and it will be dusty, dirty and noisy.

You can take the Strip from Excalibur to Bellagio. Depending on what time of day, this can be a VERY busy drive and take a LONG time due to the volume of cars that are on the street at peak hours.

Or,

Leave Excalibur by the back of the property and turn right on Frank Sinatra Drive. Drive under Tropicana, past the CityCenter construction project, the back of Bellagio (there is NOT a rear entrance to Bellagio; only for employees), under Flamingo Rd. and the back of Caesars. At Industrial Road, turn left, then drive about 1/2 mile. After you go under Flamingo, make a right onto Rio Drive. When you get to the light at Flamingo, make a right. Drive over the 15 Freeway; then GET ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE RIGHT. You will have to cross the two lanes that come from the freeway. At the next light, turn right into the Flamingo Side Entrance of Bellagio. (If you get to the strip you went too far - just turn right onto the strip and enter the property through the main entrance.) There is valet parking here and you will be in the Via Bellagio shops when you go inside. Once inside, turn right and walk straight back; you will pass the Fix restaurant, the Bank nightclub, the sports book, poker room and O Theater and the buffet is right next to the O Theater.

Their buffet is wonderful and also very $$$ - be prepared. Have a good time!

[msmayor]

Our first trip to Vegas was in August. It was 120 degrees during the day, and the furthest we could walk before completely wilting was two blocks.

Don't walk. You'd need a gallon of water each and a shower at your destination to feel human again.

[metsno1]

It's sounding like the weather's going to be our biggest issue regarding walking! And thanks SO MUCH for the alternative driving directions, jlima! I love stuff like that. I feel like I'm cheating in some sort of really good way!

The drive/valet parking option also sounds pretty good!

Regarding the "cards" that get passed out, can anyone compare it to Times Square? We've spent lots of time there, and the kids are used to it. They just sort of think it's sad/funny. Not sure they fully understand it, but it's never been an issue for us. And I have no trouble adopting my NY attitude and just completely ignoring someone who's handing me something!

[KAT4DISNEY]

I prefer to walk when going down the strip. So many of the hotels have great outdoor themeing to look at, and I also really enjoy walking thru each of the hotels. If you had the time that is what I would recommend. Otherwise - rather than driving I'd actually take a taxi. Self Park at the hotels is usually quite a walk in itself. Valet is inexpensive, but then why not just go door to door for a couple of dollars more and not worry about it at all.

Or, you could cross over to the MGM, see the lions and then get on the monorail to take you down the strip to Paris or Bally's and go across the street to the Bellagio. That will allow you to see the Eiffel tower and the water show out front of the Bellagio and go on a ride!

As far as the card distributing just ignore them.

That's my two cents! :)

[mommaU4]

Regarding the "cards" that get passed out, can anyone compare it to Times Square? We've spent lots of time there, and the kids are used to it. They just sort of think it's sad/funny. Not sure they fully understand it, but it's never been an issue for us. And I have no trouble adopting my NY attitude and just completely ignoring someone who's handing me something!Sorry I can't compare it to Times Square as I've never been there. But I have four kids, ages 8, 8, 11 and 13, and we go down to the Strip every so often. I mean we live in Vegas so why not. LOL So of course they are going to see things, but I don't make a big deal out of it and they don't either.

My son, the 13 yr old, asked once what a gentlemen's club was (he saw that one on a street just off the Strip) and we talked about what it was in general terms that he could understand and I answered any questions he had. Quite frankly I'd rather he ask me then one of his friends, or come to his own conclusions.

Like you said, it's just never been an issue for us either. And when they try to hand me something, I just smile and shake my head no. They have never been rude to me or tried to force something on me. So I wouldn't worry about it.

Have a great time!!!! :)

[jlima]

Regarding the "cards" that get passed out, can anyone compare it to Times Square? We've spent lots of time there, and the kids are used to it. They just sort of think it's sad/funny. Not sure they fully understand it, but it's never been an issue for us. And I have no trouble adopting my NY attitude and just completely ignoring someone who's handing me something!Imaging a business card for an "employee" of an escort service, with a photo (a skanky one), "name" and phone number. The people giving these out wear T-shirts that say things like "Girls Direct to Your Room". A lot of people take them, look at them and realize what they are, and throw them on the ground, so the sidewalks in different areas are COVERED with these things. So even if you don't take the cards, you can't NOT see them because they are on the ground EVERYWHERE. Not like Times Square, where there's people giving out discount tickets for Madame Tussuad or selling tickets to a comedy club.

[DaaBoTownSox]

Yeah, a lot of people do so you're not alone on that. I personally don't think either show was that great. The Sirens of TI is definitely more adult oriented, because of the female dancers they added, but I'd still recommend it just to be able to say you've seen it. It's one of the bigger, if not better, free things to see on the Strip which is why I'd consider it a must see.
My favorite free thing to see on the Strip is the fountains at the Bellagio. Can't get enough of that. :)

The volcano at the Mirage also is a good free thing to see, but unfortunately it is currently under construction and will be until at least Fall of this year.

Yeah, I love that. I was there in march, and was looking forward to seeing that, only to find out it was closed :sad2:

Also, the fountains at the Bellagio are terrific. I'm with you...I can't get enough of that :)

[sunshinemummy]

I personally would drive, park at bellagio and take in the buffet, the fountain show and check out the other hotels around there. I was in Vegas in Jan with my 12 year old and we drove (stayed at the Luxor). We were in town for 6 days for the Hanna Montana Concert but we did lots of other stuff.

Other things I can recommend for your family:

Trip up the Eiffel Tower @ night (watch the fountain show from the top, it's great!)
Gondola Ride @ the Venetian
Lion Habitat @ MGM Grand (oh and lunch @ the Rainforest Cafe)
Tournament of Kings show @ Excalibur (1/2 price tickets on the strip)
Titanic Exhibit @ Tropicana
Lance Burton Magic Show
Any Cirque show except for Zumanity
Blue Mna Group @ the Venetian
Stomp Out Loud @ PH
Madame Tussauds Museum @ the Venetian

Have Fun. I just got home yesterday from my 3rd trip in a year, this time just my girlfriends and me, no hubbys or kids :D

[LadyyRedd]

Our first trip to Vegas was in August. It was 120 degrees during the day, and the furthest we could walk before completely wilting was two blocks.

Don't walk. You'd need a gallon of water each and a shower at your destination to feel human again.

This is my sentiment as well.

Kimya

[plutolovr]

Just and FYI, the Bellagio is not very child friendly and their buffet is pretty upscale, not sure if there will be much your children will like there.

[everylastbreath]

Doesn't even come close to Times Square, maybe people wise, there are a lot of people on the strip and Time Square, but as far as the Escort cards, NYC would never go for that! Those Cards are all over the street, I wish they would just make it legal and make those people go away! Reno is no where near as bad, and I think it's legal in Reno, there is no-one on the sidewalk passing out cards.

I would still walk the strip with the kids, there is enough activity to keep their eyes off the ground and the weather is not that big of an issue, yeah its hot, but not humid, so heat doesn't feel as bad and at night it's very comfortable. As far as the Bellago buffet goes, I was not impressed, think the Rio is MUCH better, and lots more kid friendly, plus you can see the parade in the sky, there are shops to look in. Kids would like it.

Have fun Vegas is the BEST!

[metsno1]

Crab legs.

They'll eat approximately their own body weight in them. Nothing else necessary! :)

And truthfully, it's time for them to experience a place that has a bit more of an elegant edge to it. Enough Applebees and the like already!!

Then again, do "buffet" and "elegant" ever really go together in the same sentence?

But if not Bellagio, what else would people recommend? I'd be interested to hear any recent reviews! Thanks!

[KAT4DISNEY]

Reno is no where near as bad, and I think it's legal in Reno, there is no-one on the sidewalk passing out cards.


Just an FYI - it is not legal in Reno either.

[plutolovr]

The buffet at the Paris is really nice, lots of selections and I like the layout. There are also some really nice pastry shops near the buffet that have some very nice desserts. I also enjoyed the buffet at the Mirage. If you like sushi, they have a nice selection.

[50 years Too!]

But the Bellagio is so beautiful!
The amazing atrium, the chococlate shop with the huge chocolate fountains (and yummy crepes), the gorgeous blown glass ceiling in the lobby. If you want your children to be exposed to "upscale" go here for sure.
Can you tell this is my favorite hotel in Vegas!

Deb

[metsno1]

Hey, they're blown away by the Grand Floridian! So I'm thinking Bellagio will be a pretty nice experience!! Thanks!

[buddydecat]

It is hot!!! I struggled with this walk and I'm from AZ. There isn't shade during the day and you're exposed to the sun. Not only is dehydration risky, so is sunburn! If you'd like to brave it, make sure you have sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and lots of water.

I recommend you drive or walk to MGM, take the monorail to Bally's and walk over to Bellagio.

[carole88]

I'm another Vegas resident and I would not recommend walking. Yes it is a dry heat, but 2 miles at temps over 110 are brutal. The first time I did the walk was also in August, before I moved here and my kids definately wilted. Back then they had the bike taxis so we took one back to our hotel. Now there are no more bike taxis. I think they were a danger to the pedestrians. Now we always use valet parking. Definately worth the couple of dollars for the tip!

Hope you have a great time!

[jordansmomma]

I personally would drive, park at bellagio and take in the buffet, the fountain show and check out the other hotels around there. I was in Vegas in Jan with my 12 year old and we drove (stayed at the Luxor). We were in town for 6 days for the Hanna Montana Concert but we did lots of other stuff.

Other things I can recommend for your family:

Trip up the Eiffel Tower @ night (watch the fountain show from the top, it's great!)
Gondola Ride @ the Venetian
Lion Habitat @ MGM Grand (oh and lunch @ the Rainforest Cafe)
Tournament of Kings show @ Excalibur (1/2 price tickets on the strip)
Titanic Exhibit @ Tropicana
Lance Burton Magic Show
Any Cirque show except for Zumanity
Blue Mna Group @ the Venetian
Stomp Out Loud @ PH
Madame Tussauds Museum @ the Venetian

Have Fun. I just got home yesterday from my 3rd trip in a year, this time just my girlfriends and me, no hubbys or kids :D

Where did you get your 1/2 price ticket for Tournament of Kings?

[sunshinemummy]

Tournement of Kings tickets can be found on the strip @ the half price ticket places.

[DanaAustinChelsea]

Tournement of Kings tickets can be found on the strip @ the half price ticket places.
I really like Excalibur because it is close to most things & more of a laid back feeling than some of the other places. Not a deluxe suite kind of place, but inexpensive, clean & safe. The new widescreen rooms are great & your kids will love the new pools, not to mention the arcade! :thumbsup2 I would NOT recommend the buffet. I have had it 3 times & even with my sweet tooth, I threw away desserts!! Rio buffet is awesome & has the biggest selection. Paris is great quality, but not a huge selection. I would highly recommend driving to Bellagio. Right now as I type it is 108 degrees & it is after 7PM! You can find tickets up to half off here: http://www.tix4tonight.com/shows/index.php & they do have a location near M&M World across from Excal. Tournament of Kings is a decent show, food is not so good. BTW, if anyone approaches you & asks if "You received your free gifts?" or asks about the length of your stay/did you just get here? Walk away! It is timeshare that supposedly takes 2 hours to get free tickets. It will be the LONGEST two hours of your life! More like 3 1/2-4 hours. I have walked the Strip quite a bit as we go to Vegas several times a year. I have not seen "piles of near porn", just men trying to hand flyers to your guy (who does not have to accept anything!!) mostly flyers for strip club type things. Las Vegas Advisoor is a great place to get info on buffets & all things Vegas. Here is a link with buffets the prices, hours, etc... http://www.l*******************/buffets.cfm Have fun & enjoy your trip!

[DISFANSHAN]

We just returned Thursday from 5 days in Vegas with our 2 DS's , ages 8 and 4.
We did the walk to Bellagio twice, once from Monte Carlo (probably half the distance to Bellagio than from the Excalibur) and once from MGM Grand, which I would say is a comparable distance, maybe a tiny bit closer than the Excalibur. Yes, it was HOT. But we :
A. Live in NJ, where a 90 degree day feels much worse than a 108 degree day in Vegas, because of the humidity we have here (my opinion)
B. Have travelled to Disney in August, again MAJOR humidity.
So I think we were able to handle the walks better because of those two things.
If you decide to do it, you will see the guys handing out the "business cards". The best thing to do is to ignore them, don't make eye contact. But there are alot of them, I swear it's like every 50 feet or so. And they do wear shirts advertising "Girls to your room". So I guess what I'm saying is be prepared for questions from your kids. My kids were oblivious because they were busy looking up at all the buildings.
And bring bottles of water for the walk. I would say it took us about 20-25 minutes to walk to Bellagio from the MGM Grand.
If you have any other questions, please ask away!!!

[DISFANSHAN]

Oh, by the way, we ate at the Bellagio buffet for dinner and it was FABULOUS!!!!
But get there early. We arrived around 4:45 and got right in. By the time we were done with our dinner, there was a pretty long line.

[metsno1]

I can hardly believe that we leave for the airport hotel TODAY!

Our flight leaves Rochester at 6:10 AM tomorrow, and we arrive in Vegas at 10:30 AM West Coast time. Another one of those "fly 1000 miles south to Atlanta before you head west" deals! So come dinner time, we'll be pretty hungry. I think we'll try and get to the Bellagio a bit before 4 PM. We'll be starving by that point, and maybe we can get in before the transition to dinner! Can't hurt to save a few bucks!

Anyway, thanks for all the thoughts and advice! TR to follow when we get back!!

[travelmel]

Just FYI: The Star Trek Experience at the Hilton is a MUST see for any fans (and I am not a fan but still LOVED it!) and it will be GONE GONE GONE as of September 1st 2008.

I highly recommend this fun must do in Vegas.