rb_travelerxATyahoo

Another big rip-off was the "ride" they have while waiting for the Empire State Building ... I think it is called "The New York Experience" ... getting herded into one waiting line after another, and just when u think you're at the "main attraction", there's another waiting point, where u wait & watch a TV monitor or some "entertainment". Skip it if you ever visit ESB.

South of the Border? Free, and worth EVERY cent! But a MUST SEE, just for the hell of it, IF you're on I-95 anyway.

Madison

GO TRAVEL - And who do you think pocketed those millions and millions of dollars that Graceland brought in every year? Lisa and Priscilla.

You're talking about protecting the image and they were together for years, a marriage in which both were unfaithful to one another. What a mockery.

I happen to know someone that worked for Elvis for years. Has absolutely wonderful things to say about him, even during the last few years of his life, but has nothing nice to say about Priscilla. Nothing like what she appeared to be like.

Yes, she took all the licensing away from everyone else who was trying to put food on the table for their families. She's a very greedy woman. End of case. Not hostile, just speaking the truth.

jimshep

I agree the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado is a huge rip-off and waste of time. I thought Wall Drug was free and cheesy fun. The Maid of the Mist boat ride at Niagra is the thing to do, but the falls are a long drive unless you are visiting Toronto.

I add the Underground Tour in Seattle which is a wildly popular walk through a bunch of rubble while listening to lame jokes and being dumped in a gift shop featuring replicas of stuff mentioned ad nausem by the "tour guide."

NorthwestMale

I just want to cast a "vote" for the way they operate the Hearst Castle on the California coast.

It is a beautiful, awe-inspiring setting and structure and the story that goes along with is always interesting (to adults).

But on the way in, after you pay $20 or so for a ticket, they have everyone pose for some stupid (individual) photo, then you go on the tour for an hour or whatever, and upon return, they tease you with a bag full of personalized photo keychains and coffee mug and other such stuff with YOUR photo clearly on it.

THEN THEY TELL YOU THAT IT'S $20-SOME additional dollars to buy the junk!!!!

And this is the STATE of CALIFORNIA that is running this ruse!

What a riot! Just cut down on the amount of junk and absorb the cost of the souvenirs into the $20 ticket price and leave it at that!!!

Dreamer2

Dear NW,
I agree that the hard-sell is very annoying in any circumstance - and this photo souvenir thing abounds on cruise ships, roller coasters, after dismounting a ski lift, and many organized tours. We usually choose to ignore the vendors, but have on occasion, actually been thankful to have a nice picture of the whole family somewhere.
So, I'd have to say that I haven't found it a "rip off." Either I want the junk, and am willing to pay the $20, or I don't, and just walk away or say "No thanks!"

snowrooster

I just thought of one I have to add . . . DOLLYWOOD!!! Pretty park - well landscaped, etc. but hardly any rides for young kids and the admission price is ridiculuous (especially compared to other theme parks that offer A LOT more - ie Kings Island). Also - the food there was HORRIBLE!!

dreamer320

Kennedy Space Center - we were there in 2001 or 2002, and I was so disappointed, especially given the price. Many of the exhibits were closed, as was the observation gantry. The space garden was under repair and fenced off. I can understand the need for upkeep or whatever, but there's no question that, given what we paid and what we saw, it was a big rip-off.

(And I won't even mention that ridiculously high concession prices for their highly captive audience.)

jimshep

I am so pleased to see some of you mentioning the Hearst Castle, which is a great place mostly for people who never have and never will see a real castle.

lenleigh

I guess Hearst may not be for everyone but my husband and I enjoyed it and have both seen plenty of real castles. I think the draw to Hearst is how lavish (in that time) he lived. Don't know of many people who had entire pieces from churches shipped overseas to display in their home or real egyptian artifacts. The interesting part was the things he collected and the life he wanted to live. The pools were beautiful but the house itself was interesting to say the least. We thought the admission was a little high but overall was something interesting to see. I don't really even think of Hearst as a castle, but a man's home is his castle right?!

snowrooster

lenleigh - I couldn't agree more. I went to Hearst Castle w/my parents my senior year in high school and was awed by not only the beauty of the home but the story of the collecting that went along with it. I think the indoor mosaic pool was my favorite, but it was all spectacular (and so interesting). It was like something from a movie set. This was quite a few years ago so maybe the commercialization hadn't set in yet.