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

[Captain_Oblivious]

Interesting that you compare the accommodations to a Moderate approaching a Value. So something in Vegas is more style than substance? I'm shocked! Shocked!

Seriously, though, I'm enjoying all of the pictures. I've never been there, so it's fun to see it through your eyes. Nice job finding Earl of Sandwich!

Wandering around the Strip sort of feels like resort-hopping at WDW! And a curved escalator--no way!

 

[All7OfUs]

I think every place, even in Disney, has things you really like about it, and things you don't. Great recap of your first impressions.

I'd have been tempted to wait out for EoS too- so yummy!!

 

[YukiPhnx]

Ahh yes....the night time people....handing out calling cards to the men that passed by.

I remember calling them sexist because they didn't give me any because they assumed I was heterosexual! My mom actually asked my dad to go collect them. She thought they were cute...

 

[YukiPhnx]

Darn double post.

 

[jenbear123]

Interesting that you compare the accommodations to a Moderate approaching a Value. So something in Vegas is more style than substance? I'm shocked! Shocked!

I guess you could say that

Seriously, though, I'm enjoying all of the pictures. I've never been there, so it's fun to see it through your eyes. Nice job finding Earl of Sandwich!

It was quite vexxing work let me tell you...

Wandering around the Strip sort of feels like resort-hopping at WDW! And a curved escalator--no way!

Yes only the resorts are 10 times bigger with more more stuff jammed into them and a casino doing everything it can to get you lost inside.

I think every place, even in Disney, has things you really like about it, and things you don't. Great recap of your first impressions.

I'd have been tempted to wait out for EoS too- so yummy!!

It is very yummy! Glad you enjoyed the first recap of the trip!

Ahh yes....the night time people....handing out calling cards to the men that passed by.

Some would refer to them as "flippers"

I remember calling them sexist because they didn't give me any because they assumed I was heterosexual! My mom actually asked my dad to go collect them. She thought they were cute...

They would sometimes hand one to me and other times would completely ignoe me. At one point, this one guy ahead of us took one card from them and the rest of the "flippers" chased after him trying to give him more cards. It's like they get paid by the card or something

 

[jenbear123]

We were dead tired from walking around most of the day and from being up since 5am that morning so we decided to order room service. Neither of us were starving so we split a roast chicken dinner with green beans and polenta.

This might have been the best meal of the trip. The chicken was moist and the green beans were crisp but cooked just right. The best part was the polenta since it was the easiest to chew for Bubba.

So MGM Grand room service, you get a Canadian thumbs up!

We headed down to the KA theater about 30 minutes before the show as due to start at 9:30pm. We weren't in a big rush since seats were already assigned. Remember that. We still had time to kill so we looked around in the store. There were some neat shirts and DVDs on sale but most were overpriced. Kinda like Disney merchandise only I'm willing to drop the $40 for a nice shirt there!

No photography was allowed in the theater so sadly I have no pictures to show you. It was a really cool show. Some of the acrobatics they did were insane. There was a storyline that I had a hard time following (probably because I was so tired) but just enjoyed the insane stunts they were doing. I would highly recommend this show but don't really have much to compare it to since it was my first Cirque show. I would like to see the one in Disney but Bubba says it's not that great (and she got to see if for free). I'm not sure I want to waste my money on something that is not so great. Then again, sometimes our opinions on artistic stuff differs so maybe it is worth a try. Anyone seen La Nouba in Disney?

I was completely DONE after the show so we headed straight back to the room to crash for the night.

The next morning I wanted to try the MGM Grand Buffet, which sadly was the only buffet I got to try.

This was no where near the caliber of food served at Disney but then again, I went in with low expectations. I have to say I much prefer Disney buffets over what I got here. Service was extremely poor - the server only got our drink orders and never spoke to us again. We even got a different server to bring us the bill. The food was okay but not nearly as much variety or as high quality. At least they had waffles but sadly not Mickey shaped.

Here's a quick look at some of the more notable offerings

The lack of fresh fruit was rather disappointing. They could've at least had strawberries or pineapple. But nope!

Anyone for some pancake casserole?

After breakfast we got tickets to go to a couple attractions on the strip. We could pick 3 for $55 which was a pretty sweet deal considering they cost approx $30 each to do. We chose:

CSI: The Experience

This was lots of fun. We chose 1 out of 3 crimes to figure out. I would've loved to have done this kind of work if only had been better in Chemistry and Physics.

Titanic

This was my favourite. I have always been fascinated by the Titanic. No pictures food or beverage was allowed inside. Very unfortunate because it was really neat inside. They had recreated sets of third class and first class cabins. It was really neat to get an idea of what life was like onboard. Boy, ships have come a long way! Want to know how much a 3rd class ticket cost? $40 or equivalent to approx $950 today. Want to know how much a 1st class ticket would set you back? $4,500 or equivalent to approx $100,000 today Pretty hefty when considering the luxury cruise ships out there today selling tickets for only $1500-$2000 (being on a luxury liner in a suite or similar).

There was a slab of ice which invited you to touch it. It was bloody cold. Apparently the sea water that night was even colder that what I felt. I cannot imagine what those people had to endure on the fateful night. I would've gone mental before I froze to death.

Another amazing artifact they had was an entire piece of the actual ship. No replica here. Of course it had gone through extreme restoration and preservation but to see an actual real piece of the ship took my breath away. Totally worth it. I would highly recommend any Titanic fan to see this exhibit if you're ever in Vegas or if it ever rolls into town.

Lastly was the Shark Reef Aquarium

This was okay. Nothing special. It was like a glorified Reptilia or mini-zoo but neat to see sharks and all the weird looking fish. Bubba said this one was Dory on steroids

The rest of the day we spent walking around the hotels on the strip. I think the only ones I didn't get to see was Treasure Island, Mirage, Circus Circus, Bally's, Imperial Palace, Harrah's, Monte Carlo, Planet Hollywood and Trump. But who's counting.

I had planned to pick up our car rental around 5pm, keep it over night and then drive to Grand Canyon the next day. Well... here's where our little car rental adventure starts.

continued in next post...

 

[jenbear123]

We went back to our room to change and around 6pm we headed down to Dollar to get our car. We get to the counter and nobody is there. It's closed. Okay fine I can deal. We'll just have to sacrifice our early start tomorrow and pick it up first thing at 7:30am. I'll come back to this little story.

That night we enjoyed a nice dinner at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

I decided to stick to something familiar (notice how both restaurants I chose are also in Disney ). We got our staple glass of wine to quench our thirst. Bubba wanted to start with a pizza. I don't think she realized how big these pizzas actually were.

It was big enough to be a main meal. We split it and ate as much as we could without spoiling our appetite for our main entree.

I tried the spaghetti with meatballs.

While Bubba had the ravioli

Let me remind you that I was the only, I repeat, ONLY one taking food porn pictures. Old habits die hard. My meal was okay. Wasn't a big fan of the sauce but it was okay. The portion sizes were generous which is a good thing for the price tag of $20. Service was nice and friendly but horrible when it came to getting the bill. I guess they expect you to hang around and chat for a bit?

That night I think Bubba gambled a bit. She ended up winning $150 but losing it all after she kept going when I told her stop. That's right. Why listen to your little sister? She says it's because I was "negative" but really I was just looking our for her! Did I mention I'm not much of a gambler? When Bubba was done losing all her money, we went and saw the fountain show at Bellagio.

Really neat but does not beat the caliber of Disney.... just sayin'

As we were walking back to our hotel to call it a night, we were crossing over one of the pedestrian bridges when all of a sudden were here CRASH! I thought it was a car accident but we when we looked over the rail, we didn't see anything in the intersection. Where had it come from? We see right below us a SUV stopped on the side of the road. When it started to move again, we noticed the whole car is wobbling. As it drives off down the street, sparks were flying out from underneath the car. This guy/gal had done some serious damage to his car. But what the heck did he hit? We investigated once we got on the other side of the street and saw this:

It looked like the driver had smacked right into a cement fence (which is the only way I can think of describing it) which is mainly there to keep pedestrians off the road. The driver was either drunk (most likely) or trying to make friends with the cinder block fence. Either way, the car was seriously damaged. Like Glenn said, what stays in Vegas gets posted on the boards!


The next morning we got up bright and early and went straight to the Dollar counter in the lobby. When we got there the lady (I'll refer to her as Jane) was serving a gentleman and another man was infront of us. The first gentleman left but just as the man in front of us was walking up, Jane said "I'm open at 7:30am so you'll have to wait another 5 minutes" Seriously lady? So what exactly were you just doing with the guy you were just talking to? Giving me a favour? Whatever. So we waited another 5-7 minutes. Jane was really pushing it. Finally she served the guy in front of us and we had to wait at least another 15 minutes. He went on his merry way with car keys in hand. Now it was our turn. I explained to Jane our situation and how we had come last night to pick up the car but they were closed. I assumed they would be open because on their website it said they were open until midnight. Jane quickly corrected me and said that it says they're open until 12 noon on the website but even that's wrong because they only close for lunch at noon for one hour then reopen until 5pm. Confused yet? Okay fine. So ask if we can pick up the car now. Jane explains in the most non-chalant way possible that they only hold the car for two hours and then it's shipped back to the airport. Jane sweetly offers to arrange an airport shuttle to take us to the airport to get our car. But we're not going to the airport. I explain to Jane, who is quickly becoming my best friend, that we are not running all over the place to get our car. We want a car now. Jane says she can get us a Compact car (which is the type we reserved) by 11am. Was Jane for real? By this point I'm fuming (and it takes a lot to get me visibly mad) and I ask her if there's ANYTHING that she can give us. Finally she looks on her computer screen and finds us something...."I have a full size for $84.99." Okay it's only double the price I had reserved but fine. We took it. At least we had a set a wheels. Only after bickering with Jane for what felt like forever did she ask where we were going. When we told her we were driving to the Grand Canyon she finally understood why we needed a car so bad right away. Well gee you could've been nice enough to ask that in the first place.

Car keys in hand we went to search for our car. Jane had given us instructions to go down the stairs make a right and go up to the 5th level. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. We walked down the stairs and followed a hallway all the way to the end until we popped out into a car garage. We eventually found an elevator and went up to the 5th floor. There was no signage. No sort of hint of Dollar rental cars to be seen anywhere. Thankfully we looked enough like blubbering idiots for a man to walk by and ask "Looking for Dollar?" Finally being pointed in the right direction, we found our car. Bless that good samaritan's heart.

Finally at about 8:30am (3 hours later than anticipated) we were on the road to the Grand Canyon.

It took us about 4.5 hours to get there but man, was it worth it! The view was absolutely spectacular.

It's amazing how such a massive natural wonder is just sitting there in the middle of nowhere in complete silence. It's like a sound vacuum. There were no echoes, no birds, nothing. A nice spot to be absorbed into your own thoughts. Totally worth the 4.5 hour drive. I got to see quite a lot of new landscape too. I would prefer renting a car and driving instead of paying to fly over it in a helicopter. This was we got to go at our own pace. I can now cross one of the many natural wonders of the world off my list.

Overall, I enjoyed Vegas and getting to see something new. It's like a Disney world for adults without the innocence. I don't think I'll go back any time soon because it just doesn't have the draw for me like Disney does. I like WDW and the little safety bubble it gives you. I like feeling safe walking around WDW at night and not feel like you have to watch your purse. I know I couldn't stay in Vegas longer than 4 days where Disney I could easily stay a month. Hope you enjoyed my little mini-TR of Vegas

 

[marvali]

Getting all caught up! Nice Vegas TR updates! You two were really on the move! A guy I work with was just out there last week but he hasn't had a lot to say about the trip so far?????

 

[glennbo123]

Great mini-TR of Vegas Jen!

Just curious, what was Bubba playing that she won and then lost?

Now how in the world were you supposed to know when Dollar opened and/or closed with a website that was so worthless and incorrect?

Love your Grand Canyon pictures.

 

[englishrose47]

I have never been to Vegas !!I wood like to just to say I've been I definately like the sound of the Titanic exhibit !! The food didn't sound to good either !!Disney just hasos spoiled !!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks for your mini-TR from Las Vegas. It is one of those must-go-places for many Europeans when they are in the US. Many do a three weeks driving tour through California and the South West. But it has never appealed to me. I think it might be an ok place for a stopover, but I am not into shows at all, so that doesn't get me there either. And I think your report just confirmed my prejudices... But the Grand Canyon!! I want to go there!!

 

[Flossbolna]

misbehaving boards caused double post...

 

[lovealldisney]

Thanks for your mini-TR from Las Vegas. It is one of those must-go-places for many Europeans when they are in the US. Many do a three weeks driving tour through California and the South West. But it has never appealed to me. I think it might be an ok place for a stopover, but I am not into shows at all, so that doesn't get me there either. And I think your report just confirmed my prejudices... But the Grand Canyon!! I want to go there!!

You could always come to the Midwest..... There's plenty to see and do here.. just saying....

 

[Flossbolna]

You could always come to the Midwest..... There's plenty to see and do here.. just saying....

I know! And lovely people to meet as well.

 

[jenbear123]

Getting all caught up! Nice Vegas TR updates! You two were really on the move! A guy I work with was just out there last week but he hasn't had a lot to say about the trip so far?????

Your co-worker must be used to the place or something. There's lots to see and do that's for sure!

Great mini-TR of Vegas Jen!

Thanks Glenn! Did it live up to the standards of a Disney TR?

Just curious, what was Bubba playing that she won and then lost?

She was playing slots. That's about all she knows how to gamble on

Now how in the world were you supposed to know when Dollar opened and/or closed with a website that was so worthless and incorrect?

I know! I was so angry. Word to the wise do NOT rent from Dollar or at least don't rent from Dollar at a hotel location. Everything is very disorganized. She was the only one working there that day too. By the time we were served, a huge line had built up behind us. Jane said it was always like that. Well, if it's always like that why don't you have more staff on hand?

Love your Grand Canyon pictures.

They'd be even grander if I had that function on my camera like you did to take that super wide photo of WS.

I have never been to Vegas !!I wood like to just to say I've been I definately like the sound of the Titanic exhibit !! The food didn't sound to good either !!Disney just hasos spoiled !!!

Disney definitely does spoil us! But if you don't live up to Disney standard then it's no good in my books

Thanks for your mini-TR from Las Vegas. It is one of those must-go-places for many Europeans when they are in the US. Many do a three weeks driving tour through California and the South West. But it has never appealed to me. I think it might be an ok place for a stopover, but I am not into shows at all, so that doesn't get me there either. And I think your report just confirmed my prejudices... But the Grand Canyon!! I want to go there!!

It never appealed to me for the longest time until finally I decided it's something I need to see at least once. I hate to gamble and go to nightclubs but that's the main draw of Vegas. At first I didn't think there would be much for me to do but in the end, I found lots that interested me. Just seeing all the hotels was cool. Like I said though, spending a week there wouldn't be necessary. You must see the Grand Canyon one day. It is fantastic.

You could always come to the Midwest..... There's plenty to see and do here.. just saying....

I know! And lovely people to meet as well.

No, no. Come to Canada. There's plenty to see and do here too *wink wink* *nudge nudge*

 

[glennbo123]

Thanks Glenn! Did it live up to the standards of a Disney TR?

Well of course it did!

She was playing slots. That's about all she knows how to gamble on

There's something to know? (Other than when to stop?)

They'd be even grander if I had that function on my camera like you did to take that super wide photo of WS.

It's not a camera function...it's all done in post-production. Free software that stitches separate photos together for one big one.

 

[jenbear123]

Well of course it did!

Yay!

There's something to know? (Other than when to stop?)

Knowing when to stop is a good thing. What I meant is some things you need to know how to play, like poker, blackjack, etc. You know all the card games and those roullette tables. They look so intimidating so I always steer clear!

It's not a camera function...it's all done in post-production. Free software that stitches separate photos together for one big one.

Oh really?! But how do you take the pictures so perfectly to stitch them all together?? That must take some skill. Darn it. Now I wish I had done that

 

[All7OfUs]

A few thoughts...


1) Avis plays the same scam. My parents had the same crap pulled on them when we went to CA for my grandfather's funeral. "Oh, I"m sorry, we don't have a reservation for you". "Only one WAY more expensive".. "blah, blah, blah..." We were livid, and come to find out, it's a pretty common scam they have going.

2) When I was flying back, I went through the Vegas airport, and was also shocked at the slots in the waiting lounges.

3) I HAVE done Cirque, but I, on the other hand, really enjoyed it. I had read the storyline ahead of time, and was over-the-top wowed by the acrobatics. But I tent to enjoy the artsty-fartsy elements to shows like that.

4) I would tend to agree, Disney provides that safe, "I already know this" bubble that "feels right". I'd much rather go there than Vegas wehre it may be just as fun, but less innocent.

5) Grand Canyon truly is grand. I've spent many a summer evening, standing on the edges watching thunderstorms roll across. It is also just as spectacular from the North side where it is FAR more remote. Great camping spots over there. Glad you got to see one of our national parks!! and just think, on the same trip, you got to see our most famous national zoo!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Seeing the Grand Canyon never gets old. I'm so glad you two got the chance to experience it! Everybody should go at least once in their lifetime, IMHO. Just an awe-inspiring sight. I remember being struck by the same thing you did: that such a vast space could be so eerily quiet. I really loved standing there at the rim and silently taking it all in.

My wife and I did that once watching the sunset. It was pretty neat--we stood at the same spot and took a picture every 5-10 minutes so we could chart the shadows creeping up the sides of the canyon. It was a fantastic moment right up until the sunset view tour bus showed up and the driver (who looked like Uncle Jessie) proceeded to "narrate" the sunset.

"It's coming up in China right now..."

No @#$%, Sherlock. Shup up and watch.

 

[jenbear123]

A few thoughts...


1) Avis plays the same scam. My parents had the same crap pulled on them when we went to CA for my grandfather's funeral. "Oh, I"m sorry, we don't have a reservation for you". "Only one WAY more expensive".. "blah, blah, blah..." We were livid, and come to find out, it's a pretty common scam they have going.

Oh REALLY? This makes me really mad I had a feeling it was a scam but what could we do? We were at the mercy of the car rental company. I'm hoping to rent a car for Disney in July but hopefully we won't come across the same problem. It's with Enterprise. Any experience with them?

2) When I was flying back, I went through the Vegas airport, and was also shocked at the slots in the waiting lounges.

It's kinda scary they have to do that. And there's people actually gambling too!

3) I HAVE done Cirque, but I, on the other hand, really enjoyed it. I had read the storyline ahead of time, and was over-the-top wowed by the acrobatics. But I tent to enjoy the artsty-fartsy elements to shows like that.

Perhaps I'd like it then. One of these days I'll give it a shot.

4) I would tend to agree, Disney provides that safe, "I already know this" bubble that "feels right". I'd much rather go there than Vegas wehre it may be just as fun, but less innocent.

I really don't like the constant pushing of prostitution and strip clubs. It just bothers me. Disney is still my favourite destination. I will always love the Disney bubble.

5) Grand Canyon truly is grand. I've spent many a summer evening, standing on the edges watching thunderstorms roll across. It is also just as spectacular from the North side where it is FAR more remote. Great camping spots over there. Glad you got to see one of our national parks!! and just think, on the same trip, you got to see our most famous national zoo!

That would be really neat to see thunderstorms across the canyon. I read that the North part was much further out but only opens in the summer time. By national zoo, you mean people being confined to casinos right? Yeah, I admit I'm slow

Seeing the Grand Canyon never gets old. I'm so glad you two got the chance to experience it! Everybody should go at least once in their lifetime, IMHO. Just an awe-inspiring sight. I remember being struck by the same thing you did: that such a vast space could be so eerily quiet. I really loved standing there at the rim and silently taking it all in.

I wish we could've stayed longer but sadly we had another 4.5 hour drive ahead of us back to Vegas. I would love to spend an entire day (with bathroom breaks of course) and stare out into that canyon. It would be total zen.

My wife and I did that once watching the sunset. It was pretty neat--we stood at the same spot and took a picture every 5-10 minutes so we could chart the shadows creeping up the sides of the canyon. It was a fantastic moment right up until the sunset view tour bus showed up and the driver (who looked like Uncle Jessie) proceeded to "narrate" the sunset.

"It's coming up in China right now..."

No @#$%, Sherlock. Shup up and watch.

Seriously? I would've punched the guy in the face (or asked a strong man to do it lol). I hate those tour bus groups. But was it really necessary to jabber on during the most awe inspiring moment of the Grand Canyon? Ugh, I feel your pain. Thankfully we didn't have to put up with that. The only thing out of the ordinary was a medical emergency. It looked as if they were doing CPR on someone and was pretty serious. I guess the elevation got to him