Don't touch that! I need a picture first! TR - **NEW 04/17 PTR IS UP

[jenbear123]

Hey Everyone!

I've got a non-TR announcement to make. I'm stepping outside my Disney vacation bubble to take a trip to.......

If you guessed $$$Las Vegas$$$ you win a fabulous prize! Nah, I'm just kidding. You don't win anything. But you do get the gratification of being right.

I'm finally going to see Vegas. After much humming and hawing, I bit the bullet and booked myself and Bubba for 3 nights at MGM Grand. We'll be staying 3 nights at the end of March. There was a great deal on where we get tickets to 2 shows included in the price. One of which is.....

THE LION KING!!!!!!!!! Of course there's lots of fine print to be had for this deal but I'm crossing my fingers there will be availability for this show on our dates. I have always wanted to see this show because it's my all time favourite Disney movie. I watched it so much as a kid that I've memorized the entire script. Sometimes I resight it to myself when I can't sleep and see how far I can get. It's my version of counting sheep. Anyways, I'm really hoping we get to see this show. I don't care where we sit!

I picked MGM Grand because apparently there's REAL lions in the hotel. I'm a big fan of lions, can you tell? I'm not sure what to expect from the hotel though. Has anyone stayed there?

We're also going to rent a car for a day to go see....

The Grand Canyon!

Bubba said if you're going all that way, you can't pass up seeing the Grand Canyon! She of course saw it on her road trip but wants to see the natural wonder again. It's about 5 hours in both directions so it'll be like another mini-roadtrip. We'll have to roll out of bed bright and early that day but it will definitely be worth it!


Since this is my first time to Vegas, if anyone has some tips or tricks to remember, I'm all ears!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Awesome Jen! I have family out in Las Vegas (well, just outside it) so I can help you! First off, The Lion King is amazing! Really incredible! I saw it for the 1st time in Vegas this summer, the singing was phenomenal and the stage just breathtaking. Totally worth every penny. You will love it!

They DO have real lions there at MGM! It's a glass habitat and made me a tad nervous since it's only GLASS separating me from real lions! But it was cool, you'll love it.

At Mandalay Bay, where they do the Lion King, there is this cool (literally) lounge made with ice! We didn't get to go in last time but I think it looks incredible. Here's a quick link:
http://www.mandalaybay.com/thingstodo/minus5.aspx The Shark Reef is pretty cool too, if you're not terrified of sharks like I am!

Also, we had a blast at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, it's located outside of the Venetian Hotel. Very fun! Inside the Venetian they have lots of shops that are gorgeous as well as gondola rides, the guy actually sings to you while he rows you around! And they have great voices!

I highly recommend the Cirque du Soleil show "Ka" at the MGM Grand! It was an incredible show, mesmorizing from start to finish. I've seen several Cirque shows and this one is my fav. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ka/default.aspx

Man, there's sooo much to do there! You and Bubba won't have any trouble finding fun things to do. Hit the hotels, they are lots of fun. My top ones are The Venetian, Paris, Mandalay Bay, The Bellagio (you have to see the fountain show!) and The Luxor. If you can swing it, try to get a lunch or dinner reservation at The Eiffel Tower restaurant located inside the Paris hotel. The view is gorgeous and you can see The Bellagio fountain show from there.

 

[Flossbolna]

I was so confused when I saw your picture - at first I though: Oh, this must be New York, lots of high buildings and then I saw the Eiffel Tower and though: this does not look like Paris?? Stupid me, took me a few second before I realized that it was Las Vegas!

I hope you have a great trip, it must a very peculiar place I think! This huge city in the middle of the dessert! And I am sure it is really more kind of an research trip for you as travel agent, you really need to know a lot about different vacation spots!

 

[jenbear123]

Holy cow! Thanks for all the info 3prettyprincesses

Awesome Jen! I have family out in Las Vegas (well, just outside it) so I can help you!

Lucky you!

First off, The Lion King is amazing! Really incredible! I saw it for the 1st time in Vegas this summer, the singing was phenomenal and the stage just breathtaking. Totally worth every penny. You will love it!

This makes me even more excited to see it! The show is supposed to be coming to Toronto this year but heck, with this deal I don't have to pay for it! Works for me. Although I would totally be willing to pay to see this show after all the rave reviews I've heard about it.

They DO have real lions there at MGM! It's a glass habitat and made me a tad nervous since it's only GLASS separating me from real lions! But it was cool, you'll love it.

You're really making me excited now. That is a bit scary that it's only glass. I'd imagine it's thick enough so they can't break through.... at least I hope so!

At Mandalay Bay, where they do the Lion King, there is this cool (literally) lounge made with ice! We didn't get to go in last time but I think it looks incredible. Here's a quick link:
http://www.mandalaybay.com/thingstodo/minus5.aspx The Shark Reef is pretty cool too, if you're not terrified of sharks like I am!

That looks really neat! Thanks for the link. I found this very funny though "Minus5 Ice Lounge is an ice lounge where you can touch, feel, and explore intricately handcrafted ice sculptures and ice architecture made from 100% pure Canadian ice." Only problem with it is that's exactly what I'm trying to get away from I'll definitely still check it out though.

Also, we had a blast at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, it's located outside of the Venetian Hotel. Very fun! Inside the Venetian they have lots of shops that are gorgeous as well as gondola rides, the guy actually sings to you while he rows you around! And they have great voices!

I always thought the Venetian looked gorgeous. I'll be sure to check out the shops. Speaking of shopping, I read somewhere there are outlet malls nearby. A shuttle can even pick us up at our hotel. Is it worth the trek?

I highly recommend the Cirque du Soleil show "Ka" at the MGM Grand! It was an incredible show, mesmorizing from start to finish. I've seen several Cirque shows and this one is my fav. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ka/default.aspx

Bubba was saying this was a really good show. I have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show so I want to make my first one a good one! Hopefully this one will be available for us. It looks really good!

Man, there's sooo much to do there! You and Bubba won't have any trouble finding fun things to do. Hit the hotels, they are lots of fun. My top ones are The Venetian, Paris, Mandalay Bay, The Bellagio (you have to see the fountain show!) and The Luxor.

I'm stressing out just reading this

If you can swing it, try to get a lunch or dinner reservation at The Eiffel Tower restaurant located inside the Paris hotel. The view is gorgeous and you can see The Bellagio fountain show from there.

Can you make reservations in advance? It's not like Disney ADRs right?

I was so confused when I saw your picture - at first I though: Oh, this must be New York, lots of high buildings and then I saw the Eiffel Tower and though: this does not look like Paris?? Stupid me, took me a few second before I realized that it was Las Vegas!

Sorry to confuse you! I thought it'd be fun to see if I could fool anyone. Looks like it worked.

I hope you have a great trip, it must a very peculiar place I think! This huge city in the middle of the dessert! And I am sure it is really more kind of an research trip for you as travel agent, you really need to know a lot about different vacation spots!

Thanks! It's crazy to think it's in the middle of a desert. I can't wait to see it. I've only seen the place in movies so my vision of it can only be imagined like it is in the movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Great movie by the way! And yes, it's definitely a good thing seeing new places in my job. Maybe I can become an expert on something other than Disney.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

This makes me even more excited to see it! The show is supposed to be coming to Toronto this year but heck, with this deal I don't have to pay for it! Works for me. Although I would totally be willing to pay to see this show after all the rave reviews I've heard about it.

You're really making me excited now. That is a bit scary that it's only glass. I'd imagine it's thick enough so they can't break through.... at least I hope so!

That looks really neat! Thanks for the link. I found this very funny though "Minus5 Ice Lounge is an ice lounge where you can touch, feel, and explore intricately handcrafted ice sculptures and ice architecture made from 100% pure Canadian ice." Only problem with it is that's exactly what I'm trying to get away from I'll definitely still check it out though.

I always thought the Venetian looked gorgeous. I'll be sure to check out the shops. Speaking of shopping, I read somewhere there are outlet malls nearby. A shuttle can even pick us up at our hotel. Is it worth the trek?

Bubba was saying this was a really good show. I have never seen a Cirque du Soleil show so I want to make my first one a good one! Hopefully this one will be available for us. It looks really good!

Can you make reservations in advance? It's not like Disney ADRs right?

The Lion King show is worth seeing twice IMO! So you can see it in Vegas and then when it comes to Toronto!

The glass is pretty thick in the lion habitat. It just messes with your mind, the idea that only glass separates you! But it's totally safe.

OMG, I didn't realize that lounge had authentic Canadian ice! See, you're meant to go there, it's calling your name...

We've stayed at The Venetian several times and it's stunningly gorgeous. If you go inside the lobby, make sure to look up at the ceiling, it's like being in the Sistine Chapel. Gorgeous! The shops there are pretty amazing, lots of interesting things to look at and they sell delicious gelato there!

IMO I wouldn't bother with the outlet malls. They nice but honestly, there's so much shopping at all of the hotels which are so much fun to explore anyway.

OMG, that Cirque show "Ka" is seriously one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! It defies gravity at times and I'm pretty sure I watched it with my jaw hanging open! It really was spectacular, I'd see it again in a heartbeat!

Yes, you can make reservations in advance (I *think* up to 6 months?). Here's a link to the actual restaurant, it's on the 11th floor inside the Eiffel Tower. http://www.parislasvegas.com/casino...ts-dining/eiffel-tower-restaurant-detail.html

 

[jenbear123]

The Lion King show is worth seeing twice IMO! So you can see it in Vegas and then when it comes to Toronto!

I'll probably end up wanting to see it again anyway!

The glass is pretty thick in the lion habitat. It just messes with your mind, the idea that only glass separates you! But it's totally safe.

Okay I believe you....

OMG, I didn't realize that lounge had authentic Canadian ice! See, you're meant to go there, it's calling your name...

Apparently!

We've stayed at The Venetian several times and it's stunningly gorgeous. If you go inside the lobby, make sure to look up at the ceiling, it's like being in the Sistine Chapel. Gorgeous! The shops there are pretty amazing, lots of interesting things to look at and they sell delicious gelato there!

Wow, I would've loved to stay there but a tad out of our price range this time. I will definitely take a look around there. Any good restaurants there you can recommend? I'm a big fan of Italian cuisine

IMO I wouldn't bother with the outlet malls. They nice but honestly, there's so much shopping at all of the hotels which are so much fun to explore anyway.

Bubba will be pleased you said that. I'm sure she would've hated driving out of our way to go to a Coach outlet store like we did in DC Okay outlet malls crossed off the list

OMG, that Cirque show "Ka" is seriously one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! It defies gravity at times and I'm pretty sure I watched it with my jaw hanging open! It really was spectacular, I'd see it again in a heartbeat!

That's great! I really want to see it now.

Yes, you can make reservations in advance (I *think* up to 6 months?). Here's a link to the actual restaurant, it's on the 11th floor inside the Eiffel Tower. http://www.parislasvegas.com/casino...ts-dining/eiffel-tower-restaurant-detail.html

Wow. Who knew. The price is a little too steep for us... at least at dinner. Are there still other nice places to eat at without the huge price tag? I mean, I've been to Disney so can handle paying high prices but maybe not this high.... any suggestions? Thanks again for all your great information

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Wow! AWESOME costumes! Well, even though you had some disappointments, at least you looked good. Did you pick up much candy? I couldn't believe how much we walked out with.

Very cool news, the Vegas trip. I haven't been for about 15 years, so I'm not much help. Do you plan to do much gambling?

 

[jenbear123]

Wow! AWESOME costumes! Well, even though you had some disappointments, at least you looked good. Did you pick up much candy? I couldn't believe how much we walked out with.

We did get quite a bit of candy despite not trick or treating much. Sadly most of it melted on our last day because we left it in our scorching car...

Very cool news, the Vegas trip. I haven't been for about 15 years, so I'm not much help. Do you plan to do much gambling?

I'm not a big gambler so probably not. I start shaking even when I put $5 into the slot machine. I just can't throw money away like that. That's probably not the best state of mind to have going to Vegas and all but I'm hoping I can still have a good time without gambling all my money away.

 

[glennbo123]

I haven't been to Vegas since I was about 5, which I'm pretty sure doesn't count as "having been to Vegas". Try to imagine a 5-year old's voice saying, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".

 

[englishrose47]

Jen You are so lucky!!!! I have never been to Vegas, not a Gambler either !!!Guess what though it is one of the FREE Trips hmmmmmm

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

How cool to go to Vegas!! I've never been there. My parents thought about taking use when we were little and figured that we could go when we were older (I'm glad they didn't take us haha!!)

Can't wait to hear what you think of it!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm not much of a gambler either, and the last time I was in Nevada in a casino was NYE, 2000. Have you ever seen $20 disappear in 30 seconds. Nevada can teach you how!! It's actually quite easy!

But there's a TON of other stuff to do as well. Shows, pools, great restaurants. you name it! You'll have a lot of fun!


I went to university just near the Grand Canyon, and can honestly say it is truly beautiful! You will really love that!

 

[redlight]

Fun! I've only been to the airport at Vegas. I had a layover there. There were slot machines in the terminals!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Vegas is so much fun! Love going there, you guys are going to have such a good time.

If you like buffets, my favorite breakfast buffet is at the Paris hotel. It's called the village buffet. Pretty reasonable price, and really good food!

 

[YukiPhnx]

LOVED your Halloween party update!

Definitely gives me a lot to think about (and plan) for when I finally get to do this. Would it be possible to attend both F&W and MNSSHP at the same time?

I loved both your costumes! You look so cute as Wendy!

I'm SO JEALOUS that you're going to Vegas! I love Vegas!

About your trip to the Grand Canyon, be aware that the glass bridge is on a completely different side of the Canyon than the main welcome centre is. It's going to be a lot of driving, but be sure to stop by Hoover Dam! It was very cool to see one of the places they shot Transformers at.

Ooooh, the MGM Grand. That's a super fancy hotel. One cool thing about the Venetian is that they have an indoor Venice. In the atrium part of it with all the stores, the lighting actually changes from "day" to "night". They also have a fountain show in the middle of it.

I'm not sure if Treasure Island still does it, but I remember they had a pirates show outside on the ships. I remember that if you were staying at one of their partner hotels, you can get special viewing.

I'm so excited for you!

 

[jenbear123]

I haven't been to Vegas since I was about 5, which I'm pretty sure doesn't count as "having been to Vegas". Try to imagine a 5-year old's voice saying, "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".

It kinda counts. It's how they start you early as a gambler

Jen You are so lucky!!!! I have never been to Vegas, not a Gambler either !!!Guess what though it is one of the FREE Trips hmmmmmm

Really?? The one and only Rosie hasn't been to Vegas?! You need to get over there my friend. I vote for you to do it for the Free trip.

How cool to go to Vegas!! I've never been there. My parents thought about taking use when we were little and figured that we could go when we were older (I'm glad they didn't take us haha!!)

Can't wait to hear what you think of it!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who hasn't been there. Whenever people ask if I have been to Vegas, they're shocked when I say no. I'm like, really? Not everyone has been to Vegas

I'm not much of a gambler either, and the last time I was in Nevada in a casino was NYE, 2000. Have you ever seen $20 disappear in 30 seconds. Nevada can teach you how!! It's actually quite easy!

That's what I'm afraid of! I'm very responsible with my money though...unless I'm in a Coach outlet store. But that's different

But there's a TON of other stuff to do as well. Shows, pools, great restaurants. you name it! You'll have a lot of fun!

Thanks Liesa! You can be sure to hear all about it when I come back.

I went to university just near the Grand Canyon, and can honestly say it is truly beautiful! You will really love that!

I'm really excited to see it. I probably won't believe it's real. Like the time I was in Italy. It just didn't feel real. I guess that's what happens when you've been to World Showcase too many times.

Fun! I've only been to the airport at Vegas. I had a layover there. There were slot machines in the terminals!

Seriously?! Wow...I'll have to hunt those down for a picture

Vegas is so much fun! Love going there, you guys are going to have such a good time.

Thanks! I've been thinking about Vegas for a couple years now. I didn't know if I would like it because I thought it was mainly casinos. But apparently there's tons of other stuff to see and do too.

If you like buffets, my favorite breakfast buffet is at the Paris hotel. It's called the village buffet. Pretty reasonable price, and really good food!

I love buffets. The price seems just right for breakfast. I want to give this a try. Seems like the Paris hotel is the place to be to eat.

LOVED your Halloween party update!

Definitely gives me a lot to think about (and plan) for when I finally get to do this. Would it be possible to attend both F&W and MNSSHP at the same time?

As far as I know you can. That's what we did! You just need to pick dates that fall in between both events.

I loved both your costumes! You look so cute as Wendy!

Thanks Yuki! Next year (well if I was going to MNSSHP) I would find a more elaborate costume. I'd love to be a pirate

I'm SO JEALOUS that you're going to Vegas! I love Vegas!

Oh, quite the gambler are you?

About your trip to the Grand Canyon, be aware that the glass bridge is on a completely different side of the Canyon than the main welcome centre is. It's going to be a lot of driving, but be sure to stop by Hoover Dam! It was very cool to see one of the places they shot Transformers at.

Good point. Thanks for the FYI. I don't mind long road trips as long as I can sit in the front and take turns driving. Now that I've been driving for so many years, I hate being the passenger.

Ooooh, the MGM Grand. That's a super fancy hotel. One cool thing about the Venetian is that they have an indoor Venice. In the atrium part of it with all the stores, the lighting actually changes from "day" to "night". They also have a fountain show in the middle of it.

Super fancy? Well we were going to stay at the Bellagio until Bubba said it was the fanciest hotel on the strip. Then I looked up prices and she was right I really want to check out the Venetian. It sounds amazing!

I'm not sure if Treasure Island still does it, but I remember they had a pirates show outside on the ships. I remember that if you were staying at one of their partner hotels, you can get special viewing.

Amazing! It sounds like there's so much to see and do! I'm almost regretting only going for 3 nights!

I'm so excited for you!

Thanks Yuki! You'll hear all about it when I get back. I hope to do a mini-TR

 

[YukiPhnx]

Really?? The one and only Rosie hasn't been to Vegas?! You need to get over there my friend. I vote for you to do it for the Free trip.

I'm shocked too! Vegas was MADE for Rosie!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who hasn't been there. Whenever people ask if I have been to Vegas, they're shocked when I say no. I'm like, really? Not everyone has been to Vegas

For me, it's the opposite reaction! More like, "What? You've been to Vegas? I didn't know you gambled!" But I was there when I was....18, so I wouldn't have gambled anyways.

That's what I'm afraid of! I'm very responsible with my money though...unless I'm in a Coach outlet store. But that's different

Oh ya, they have that outlet mall close to the strip!

Oh, quite the gambler are you?

Haha, I actually really like playing crowns and anchors and roullette. And I recently learned how to play poker!

But honestly, Vegas hotels are just.....pretty on par with Disney's. Their theming is incredible. We spent a week there, and still weren't able to see all the hotels!

Good point. Thanks for the FYI. I don't mind long road trips as long as I can sit in the front and take turns driving. Now that I've been driving for so many years, I hate being the passenger.

Really? I guess I haven't driven much yet....I still like being the passenger. But if the other person doesn't like to drive, I have no problems taking over.

Oh ya! On your way to the Canyon, you'll also be passing by a self-sustaining little village! I remember seeing signs for that place. If you have time, maybe it's worth checking out.

Amazing! It sounds like there's so much to see and do! I'm almost regretting only going for 3 nights!

Well...you'll be coming back for more, that's for sure. No way is 3 nights enough. The hotels may look close to each other, but it's a pretty hefty walking distance between each one, don't underestimate that.

 

[onescgirl]

Congrats on the Vegas trip!!!!!
I hope all your action will not have to stay in Vegas & you'll be able to share pics of it!!!!!

 

[jenbear123]

Hey Everyone

Not sure if you've noticed but I've been on a bit of a DIS hiatus. I've had nearly no time to update this poor TR partly because I just haven't felt like writing and also because work has been crazy. The passed week I worked 6 days in a row. Then there was drama (again) between me and DBF about going to Vegas and how I should be putting my money towards other things, yadda, yadda, yadda. Not to mention the ridiculous weather we've had. I'm so sick of this cold, snowy season. I want the warmth and sunshine again. Hopefully Vegas will perk me up a bit. Sadly that is almost two months away.

I've got half of another update written so hopefully I'll get the rest of it done so I can continue our journey!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Morning, Jen! Hope things perk up for ya this week

I'm not a big gambler so probably not. I start shaking even when I put $5 into the slot machine. I just can't throw money away like that. That's probably not the best state of mind to have going to Vegas and all but I'm hoping I can still have a good time without gambling all my money away.

I could not agree more! I would much rather have spent the money I'd spent on a night gambling at the shops or on show tickets. Vegas is fun, but I haven't been in about 14 years and I still don't feel the need to get back there anytime soon. On the other hand, we have friends that go there every year and don't understand our desire to keep going back to Disney.