DebitNM

The pool, midweek, might not be a huge party scene.

Momddtravel2

Deb - it would be far better with a friend ;-)

DebitNM

Let me see what I can wrangle.

clarkgriswold

Thanks Lateagain, I didn't know the lion cubs had been pulled from the MGM.

The original Liberace Museum is still there, but closed, a dilapidated eyesore. Too bad they didn't donate it to the homeless shelter next door. A new Liberace exhibit is open at The Cosmopolitan, thanks to the success of the tv movie.

The Forum Shoppes at Caesar's are a nice way to kill a couple of hours if that's where you're staying. There is also the double-decker bus that runs the length of the strip.

Momddtravel2

We are at Caesars - I will walk through ... just don't have a huge shopping budget right now....
was thinking of spending cash on a spa treatment and sitting by the pool... just there for 2 nights - I will play a few slots but nothing much... and I am not good at playing cards and would annoy people (as I would take cards at the wrong time etc and I know that is a major no-no).

Tomsd

I love walking to the end? of the shops at Caesars - where if it still happens - once an hour around the Fountain/round pool - the figures come to life. Google for "The Fall of Atlantis" - which it says starts at 11 AM - and goes on every hour on the hour.

They also used to have real people doing it - but the short video I just saw looks like they have at least some automated type "Gods" now.

We also once had a behind the scenes tour (years ago - it was free but you had to schedule an appointment - not sure if they still do it?) - below decks so to speak - where they had essentially a tropical fish farm for their aquariums.

The very nice young woman who guided us around had been a performer at SeaWorld in SD - but her husband had taken a job in Vegas - and she also had a couple of children - so she had "retired" from swimming with the Orcas.

Due to some accidents - the trainers are no longer now in the water with the Orcas at SeaWorld - but it used to be an amazing show - including seeing the trainer come up out of the deep water - "standing" on the Orca's nose - and be propelled maybe 20 feet high into the air and then diving off back into the pool.

Lot of controversy now about the captive Orcas at SeaWorld - due to the film Blackwater - but I still think on the whole - SeaWorld does more for the Orcas overall - with their research and the message they really impart to/for the children - about conserving our oceans.

Tomsd

Also - don't know about Caesar's - but lately when we have stayed at a Casino/resort (v. getting a condo) - it's usually been Wynn's - and my wife likes to play the nickel one armed bandits/slot machines - and if you order a glass of champagne when you start - and give the gal a couple dollar tip or so - she will come back and check on you - and you can play the slots and have two - or maybe even three of their glasses of pretty decent Champagne - while maybe losing $20 in an hour or so.

Or maybe get lucky? (once in a while - granted).

Tomsd

Oh yes, when you are gambling - the drinks are complimentary. The Casinos love it if you get a little high and keep on losing.

Momddtravel2

Tom I am "one of those" that was devastated by Black Fish and will never go to Seaworld again. I grew up in San Diego and felt like I had been lied to all those years

Tabernash2

I feel the same way about Black Fish. I'm glad some things are happening differently, as a result.

Are you in Vegas now, Momdd?

I hope you are luxuriating on your hotel room, visiting the spa, finding peace at the pool, and eating well.

Barbara

I just got back from Vegas. My son and his family moved there a few months ago and just moved into their new home after staying in an apartment whilst house hunting. Before this trip, I hadn't been to Vegas since...1978!!! I have no interest in the casinos. Well, it's changed a bit. I still have no interest in casinos and my goodness it's so big.

We went on the High Roller, the biggest, highest, enclosed Ferris Wheel in the world. Even bigger and higher than the London Eye. With a gift shop at the end that would make Disney proud. It was fun, and of course, in Vegas, you can take drinks with you. As we had my 21 month old grandson with us, we restrained ourselves.

We ate at Guy Fieri's new restaurant. My son watches his Diners, whatever show and really wanted to go. OMG, those were the most expensive, huge, flavor-free burgers I've had. Piles of stuff on the meat and just not much taste. The service was outstanding though. I want to try Gordon Ramsey's Burgr in Planet Hollywood next trip. Not sure how welcome little kids are there though. Maybe during the day....

mlgb

I am not a huge Vegas type person. Nothing more boring than sitting at a slot machine.

I enjoyed Caesar's Palace Forum (just walking through) and the Bellagio Conservatory (and the Chihuly ceiling). The Fremont Street Experience is interesting but it's definitely party time there. Although if you go into "the Cal" there is a Lappert's upstairs.

I was staying just for a night between Zion and home. I drove though Valley of Fire & thought it was beautiful, even saw a Bighorn Sheep. But it was April, not July!!

Tomsd

BTW - chocolate lovers will rejoice when they see the largest - liquid/molten chocolate fountain/waterfall in the world - at the Jean Phillip Patissiere - just behind the Bellagio Arboretum.

Three kinds of chocolate flowing over 20 feet: White, Chocolate and mixed. https://www.google.com/search?q=choc...w=1280&bih=645

Plus a great little shop for treats and special gifts. I used to always buy a lavender based honey when there (such as we found in Provence, France) - but they don't always have it any more.

Momddtravel2

saw this come up and thought I would report back! I ended up not going - it was over 100 degrees there and about 75-80 in Orange County at the time, my grandbabies were staying with us (for 2 months), I had asked a friend to go but she was unable to and frankly the entire thing just didn't sound appealing. I have southwest credit now and might go when my husband has a function there in the fall...
Good tips etc! Thank you!