This is my first post on this site but I have been reading with interest all of the other posts that include items about my families upcoming trip. I would like to list a breif overview and intinerary of what we have planned and would then welcome any and all feedback that may be helpful.

My wife and I (early 50's) are taking our son and his wife (mid 20's) on a trip the last week of September 2005. We are flying from Cincinnati to Phoenix early morning of Sept 24 and then flying back to Cincy morning of Oct 1 from Las Vegas. Here is our current trip plan:

Arrive in Phoenix 10:00 am Sat 9/24
drive to Sedona (possibly visit Slide Rock and a couple of other sites) Stay the evening at Junipine Resort.

Pink Jeep Tour mid morning Sun 9/25
drive to Grand Canyon in afternoon staying at Yavapai (sp?) the evening of 9/25

Leave early on 9/26 for Lake Powell in Page, AZ for an 11:00 am float trip. Stay at Lake Powell Resort 9/26 and 9/27. Possibly schedule a half day fishing trip on 9/27 or rent a ski boat all day.

Leave early on 9/28 for either Bryce or Zion. Currently we have reservations at Zion Mountain Resort in Springdale, UT. Should we skip Bryce? My concern is trying to do too much on 9/28. We have probably tried to pack too much in already!

Leave for Las Vegas sometime on 9/29. Staying 9/29 and 9/30 at the Mirage.

Any suggestions on shows in Vegas. None of us have been there before. We would love to see the Blue Man Group but I think they are "dark" from 9/15 until 10/1. Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
KW

A couple of Vegas shows that are terrific and I highly recommend are Danny Gans right there at the Mirage (he is fantastic...seen him 5 times), and I also recommend Mamma Mia. I had free tickets to it, my DH did not want to go, but by the end he was up on his feet. We then bought tickets to Mamma Mia for my parents for a Christmas gift and they enjoyed it as well.

Thanks vegasnative. All the reviews I have read aobut Danny Gans have been great and as you said he is right there at the Mirage. My wife and I have seen Mama Mia through the Broadway series. You are correct.....it was one of my favorites. What have you heard, if anything, about "O"? Thanks.
kw

That's a really ambitious itinerary. You will probably really be beat by the end.

I would suggest you spend more time in Sedona and the Grand Canyon and less at Lake Powell. there is a tremendous amount of beautiful scenery around Sedona and GC

Enjoy your trip, whatever you decide.

O is fabulous! A truly unique show. I went in March with my husband and am taking a friend to see it again when I go in Oct....and I'm very cheap when it comes to paying for shows, so it must be good!!

I agree with MikePinTucson and would probably skip Lake Powell and spend more time at the Grand Canyon. Afterall this is one of the world's greatest natural sights,and you've only scheduled a few hours to actually see it.

I'd even choose Bryce over Lake Powell. Be aware that the lake level is WAY down. I don't know how this affects fishing or skiing.

We flew into Phoenix and out of Las Vegas last February. (Budget Rental Cars doesn't charge an extra fee on a one wany rental) We also rented offsite---lots of taxes on vehicles rented at the Phoenix airport.

Our plan was to do Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas. A snowstorm forced us to cancel our visit to the Grand Canyon when all the roads were closed. We were disappointed that we missed the Grand Canyon--we were prepared for snow, but not road closures.

We absolutely loved Sedona though--great hiking. We ended up extending our stay there--we were at the Enchantment Resort however, so it really was not a sacrifice. We will return to see the Grand Canyon.

I would think you might have trouble getting tickets to "O" at this late date--we loved it though. Mystere tickets may be available.

I am one of the few people who didn't think Danny Gans was that great---just an o.k. show.

I would love to see "We will Rock You" (the music of Queen). My daughter saw it in London and loved it. I haven't seen any reviews of the Las Vegas show though. I enjoy the soundtrack.

I would also skip Lake Powell.

Kwilly-

I agree with most everyone that you have too many things scheduled. What you decide to keep and throw away depends on what your family would like to do. For my money, Sedona could be tossed out the window in favor of Bryce Canyon. I think you could drive through Sedona on your way to the Grand Canyon, but I wouldn't stay overnight there. I know that's blasphemous to some, but I think you'd be better off to make time for Bryce. If you simply want to see the Grand Canyon (as opposed to hiking in it), a one-night stay will be enough. That too will be considered blasphemous, but really, every viewpoint begins to look the same after a couple hours. If you're into hiking, by all means spend some extra time there and explore a bit.

I'd also shave off a day at Lake Powell, unless you really feel the time there is something your family would enjoy - I realize not everyone wants to spend every day hiking and looking at the sights, so if your family would rather fish/waterski, check on the water levels and go for it. The float trip would be fun and relaxing, as long as you give yourself enough time to get there, and don't have to rush off immediately after to do something else. Consider touring/hiking Antelope Canyon the next day.

On the way to Bryce you'd be close to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. There are businesses that rent ATV's and/or dune buggies, so that may be something to consider for a change of pace.

I wouldn't think that getting show tickets 4 weeks out would be a big problem. I've been there mid-week and purchased tickets for "O" for the next day. That said, don't try to do that yourself, because you probably won't be as lucky. "O" was good, but the box office agent said "Mystere" was his favorite.

Kwilly,
have not had the chance to see "O" yet, but have neard nothing but good things about it. I have seen Mystere and I would recommend that, however, I would recommend only seeing 1 Cirque show as there are so many other things to see as well. If looking for a "classic" Vegas style show I suggest "Splash" at the Riviera. It has always been one of my long time favorites. I hope you get the opportuniy to see Danny Gans and I would suggest buying your tickets asap for whichever shows you decide on. Have a great time!!

"O" is awesome! I prefer it over Mystere because of the added aspect of the water stage.

Other Cirque shows to consider are Ka at the MGM and La Reve at The Wynn. Ka has consistently received rave reviews, but I haven't been to see it yet. La Reve got off to a bumpy start, but I heard it's been reworked recently. It has a water stage similar to O.

I've come up with another suggestion regarding Lake Powell. Since several posters have given it a negative response, why not consider doing your fishing and boating on Lake Mead near Las Vegas. This is a great spot. It may be a bit more crowded than Powell, but the water is clear and there are numberous facilities available. It would certainly help with easing the time element in your present itinerary.

Historytraveller

Going to Lake Mead, rather than Lake Powell would virtually eliminate the possibility of visiting Bryce and Zion.

I know. The suggestion was meant as an alternative to Lake Powell not an add on to Bryce/Zion.

Wow! Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. It has made us re-think some of the plans that we had for the trip. I had already thought we were spending too much time at Lake Powell (if you can consdier 2 days too many!)
I believe we have decided to see "O" in Vegas.

We are now considering only one day at Lake Powell and spending the next night near Bryce....having trouble finding accomodations there...any suggestions?

Again thanks to all of you for your help and suggestions.

kwilly