Las Vegas Suggestions?

[Becky]

Random inquiry. My mom and I decided we're going to take my Nana to Vegas early January for her Christmas gift from us. She is BEYOND excited, but scared (as she hasn't flown in over 30 years). I'll be taking her down there while my mom and step-dad will meet us in their semi-truck.

I'm basically her caretaker, she has never driven a car in her entire life and her only main interests now is going to the casino and playing slots - so we figured we'd take her to the motherload. All that is fine and dandy but 4 days of non-stop slots is not going to be fun (especially if she's losing) so I'm in charge of the itinerary.

I'm making a list for suggestions on museums/activities/must-see things as I've scoured all the websites etc. for what I'd think would interest an almost 80 year old. We have the Titanic Exhibit on our list, and the wax museum, but I guess I'm looking for ideas of what any of you have actually seen and would suggest (not just read about online).

Also, any idea how to ease her anxiety? She hasn't been sleeping well since we told her the news  poor thing. She's all sorts of mixed emotions.

[wildmanoutdoors]

5 DAYS IS TOOOOOOOOOOOOO LONG FOR VEGAS......

[gasman]

The Blue Man Group is a great show for all ages

The shark exhibit at Mandolin Bay is cool but don't bother with the CSI experience, we were disappointed in it.

[wildmanoutdoors]

But, your booked sooooo...I dont gamble much and went for 4 days on new years 2000.
I rented a Dodge Viper and drove the Red Rock Canyon. But ya, 80 years old that might not be fun either....

I guess Im no help.

[vandeman17]

5 DAYS IS TOOOOOOOOOOOOO LONG FOR VEGAS......

Agreed in general but it depends on what you want to do. If you can spend a day or two sight seeing then it is ok. If you are going for 5 days I would do a gamble day, travel day, gamble day etc. I know that when we go, it is all out for 2-3 days and it takes me a week to recover 

[Becky]

Changed it, it's actually 4; Thursday - Sunday, and we're not booked yet. I was overemphasizing my non-enthusiasm for gambling 24/7 hahah.

[Becky]

The Blue Man Group is a great show for all ages

The shark exhibit at Mandolin Bay is cool but don't bother with the CSI experience, we were disappointed in it.

Blue Man Group is a GREAT idea, forgot about that one. She likes music and dancing so that might interest her.

The CSI was actually a thought we had talked about so that's good to know it's not really worth it.

Shark Exhibit too but wasn't sure if it was worth the price or not, and not something we could just see at Pt. Defiance Zoo lol. Worth it?

[Pathfinder101]

The Luxor has a great little museum in the back that is basically a recreation of King Tut's Tomb.  Kinda cool, doesn't take too long.
If she can stand up for long you can take her to see the Pirate show at Treasure Island, but remember it's outside and you have to watch it standing on the sidewalk. 
There used to be a jousting dinner show at Excalibur, don't know if they still have it, but I imagine they do. 

[coachcw]

hell that her to the Chippendale's show !

[CAMPMEAT]

Hoover Dam is a must. If you guys like to pigout, BUFFETS would be on my list.

[Becky]

The Luxor has a great little museum in the back that is basically a recreation of King Tut's Tomb.  Kinda cool, doesn't take too long.
If she can stand up for long you can take her to see the Pirate show at Treasure Island, but remember it's outside and you have to watch it standing on the sidewalk. 
There used to be a jousting dinner show at Excalibur, don't know if they still have it, but I imagine they do.

I want to get her down the strip to see that and the Bellagio fountains (seems like a go-to for everyone) but she's been having hip problems so we'll see.

Oh yeah they do still have that! That's a perfect one since we'll be staying at Excalibur and she just has to sit and watch

I knew y'all would have some ideas  keep em coming.

[Becky]

hell that her to the Chippendale's show !

  omg.. I'd so have to lie to her to get her into that  she'd kill me.

[vandeman17]

The Luxor has a great little museum in the back that is basically a recreation of King Tut's Tomb.  Kinda cool, doesn't take too long.
If she can stand up for long you can take her to see the Pirate show at Treasure Island, but remember it's outside and you have to watch it standing on the sidewalk. 
There used to be a jousting dinner show at Excalibur, don't know if they still have it, but I imagine they do.

I want to get her down the strip to see that and the Bellagio fountains (seems like a go-to for everyone) but she's been having hip problems so we'll see.

Oh yeah they do still have that! That's a perfect one since we'll be staying at Excalibur and she just has to sit and watch

I knew y'all would have some ideas  keep em coming.

I would be willing to bet that you could rent a wheelchair or powercart or something for her. That way she could cruise around in comfort and you could still go see all the things you wanted to see

[Becky]

The Luxor has a great little museum in the back that is basically a recreation of King Tut's Tomb.  Kinda cool, doesn't take too long.
If she can stand up for long you can take her to see the Pirate show at Treasure Island, but remember it's outside and you have to watch it standing on the sidewalk. 
There used to be a jousting dinner show at Excalibur, don't know if they still have it, but I imagine they do.

I want to get her down the strip to see that and the Bellagio fountains (seems like a go-to for everyone) but she's been having hip problems so we'll see.

Oh yeah they do still have that! That's a perfect one since we'll be staying at Excalibur and she just has to sit and watch

I knew y'all would have some ideas  keep em coming.

I would be willing to bet that you could rent a wheelchair or powercart or something for her. That way she could cruise around in comfort and you could still go see all the things you wanted to see

I'll look into that, she's a pretty stubborn woman though so she might not let me plop her in one lol. I know the hotels have them on hand but not sure if they let them out for personal use or what.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire are great places, easily accessible by vehicle if no walking is desired.

[Sportfury]

Take her downtown for the light show if she is up to walking.

[Blacktail Sniper]

And if she is up to walking, some cool things a little off the beaten path on a fairly flat, but sandy, walking trial in Valley of Fire State Park:

[Becky]

Anyone use vegas.com for booking? Or lasvegas.com? Those both have the cheapest packaged prices but.... 

[Becky]

Those pics are gorgeous!

[Blacktail Sniper]

Thanks, its well worth the drive through, both are an easy day trip from Vegas.

[Becky]

Hoover Dam is a must. If you guys like to pigout, BUFFETS would be on my list.

She's already seen it in her youth, she didn't seem too interested in seeing it again haha but good suggestion .

[krism83]

The gondola ride(s) at the venetian are a good touristy thing. Old town Vegas is fun too, there's always something neat going on down there. People watching is always a fun time for me.


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[magnanimous_j]

Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire are great places, easily accessible by vehicle if no walking is desired.

Red rock is one of my very favorite places in the world. Something about the dry air, you can hike forever. Plus wild burros and goats.

For an 80 year old... the butterfly atrium at the Bellagio is pretty cool. The Vegas mob museum was extremely interesting to me. The shark exhibit is miles ahead of point defiance zoo (for the record, I love the PD aquarium).

I don't know how the price compares to other casinos, but the buffet at Aria was amazing. I counted 13 different animals I ate during my meal. The only downside was I was viciously hung over and paranoid of security from being ejected from the Aria 9 hours earlier.

Anyway, Vegas is awesome.

[Wacenturion]

The show "Love" is absolutely one of the best, especially if one likes The Beattles and their music.  Well worth the money.....

Cirque du Soleil - Beatles LOVE

[Goldeneye]

Anyone use vegas.com for booking? Or lasvegas.com? Those both have the cheapest packaged prices but.... 

I've used Vegas.com.  They have decent deals especially if you can travel mid week.

I've rented a wheelchair at the Flamingo for $20/day.  It worked great for my 87 year old dad.  He can walk, but covering the strip would have been to much for him on foot.

As far as something to do with her.  I say include a show.  I've been to the CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, LaReve show at the Wynn casino.  I cannot imagine anyone not loving it.

http://www.wynnlasvegas.com/Shows/LeReve/Photos

[gasman]

The Excaliber has a dinner show where you can watch a Jousting show. Wanted to do it but had other things that were up first.

Now if its show you like, Zoomanity is an awesome show. It has a sexual nature about it but its hilarious to see, well worth it. Drag queens and all 


The shark exhibit is nothing like you will see here at the zoo, its pretty cool.


there is also vendors on the streets that sell show tickets at a discount. check them out too 

[Mike450r]

Not sure if it's up your guy's alley but I liked the mob museum.

[Sportfury]

If you are looking for places to stay try the Palms. Might be a little more and you do need a car because you are off the strip, but the rooms are well worth it. Try the italian ice cream shop downstairs (Sugar Euphoria). If you want to stay on the strip try the MGM, New York New York, Excalibur, Luxor, or Mandalay Bay. The last three you can access all of them without leaving the hotel and Mandalay Bay has the House of Blues. MGM and Mandalay Bay are nice, Luxor is okay, and Excalibur is on the bottom of the list. I am not sure about NY NY.

I would call the hotels personally and see if they have any perks for staying there. MGM offered us free breakfast and gave us $50 a day for gambling, but we had to book through them.

If you are going to have a vehicle it is easy to get around and all the hotels have nice parking garages in the back. Green Valley has a nice buffet and so does Red Rock. The casinos out on the Boulder Highway Arizona Charlies, Sam's Town, Boulder Station, etc seem to have good gambling versus the strip. Either way they will probably take your money, but I seem to have won more there than on the strip. In fact we hardly gamble on the strip anymore and head to the casinos out and about.

Another site to try is http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/. By becoming a member or buying their book you get a lot of two for one deals. My parents have used this quite a bit when they head to Vegas.

[Becky]

Sorry if this reply is long, wanted to respond to everyone's awesome ideas! Is there any ghost towns within decent driving distance?? She's been asking about that.

krism83 - People watching for sure is a must  about the best free time you can have.

magnanimous_j - Red rock seems like a MUST according to everyone, I'll talk to my mom and see if it's something we can swing in. I found out she's getting a rental car once she parks the semi so that'll be good.. Nana is an interesting old lady, she likes to make fun of other "stuffy old broads" as she calls em, the Mob Museum sounds like it'd be something of interest, thanks! Butterflies I know she'll pass. I definitely have the shark exhibit on the maybe list. Lol sounds like you've had some fun nights in Vegas..

Wacenturion - WOW I think that's gotta be a jackpot!! My whole family (except my generation) are from England, she LOOOVEEES the Beatles!

Goldeneye - I ended up booking a deal yesterday off Vegas.com, was the cheapest package for the dates we wanted, and we went with Excalibur (on the strip, and the one I've stayed at before so I'll at least know enough to show her around to other casinos that are connected). Oh that show looks beautiful, and thanks for the info on the wheelchair! Now will be seeing if I can convince her that she might need one..

gasman - Haha Zoomanity is one I want to see... don't think they'd wanna go with me though .. and we're definitely doing the Knight's Dinner since we'll be at Excalibur. I've seen it before, it'll be a good show for her.

Mike450r- Yea lots have been mentioning that one, definitely worth a try.

Sportfury - I did end up booking yesterday for Excalibur. How easy is it to drive around Vegas? I've been twice, but we always did the taxi thing and was steered away from car rental. Thanks for that website suggestion I'll check it out.

[Blacktail Sniper]

When we were there in April, driving was like any other large city for the most part.  The strip was about what you could expect with a mix of rectal - cranial inverted tourists and insane taxi cab drivers!!

[Wacenturion]

You might also consider registering on the Harrah's site.  Covers all the chain.....

Rio
Caesars Palace
Paris
Planet Hollywood
Bally's
Harrah's
Flamingo
Imperial Palace

Once registered you can check the various Harrah's Hotels and Casino deals....many of which are pretty good price wise, and as good as booking through someone else.  Many of the locations are right in the heart of the strip, which save alot of time walking.

If you want to play for awhile and get plenty of drinks hit the upstairs sportsbar at the Imperial Palace and play the card slots against the wall.  Tip the gals and the free drinks are worth more than you'll leave in the machines.  The Impersonators show at the Imperial is also pretty good and quite reasonable.

Flamingo and Paris have great pools if that is something you want to do.  Paris is right across from the Bellagio and water show.  Bellagio is well worth the walk around inside.  Caesars is my least favorite....seems cold with all the marble and drinks are overpriced.  Harrahs is OK, casino is more old time like atmosphere.  One plus for Harrah's is that McDonald's is just out the door and upstairs for coffee first thing in the morning, which can be hard to find in the a.m. by itself without hitting a restaurant.

Just down the street from these Harrah's locations are Treasure Island, Venetian, etc.

[CAMPMEAT]

Hoover Dam is a must. If you guys like to pigout, BUFFETS would be on my list.

She's already seen it in her youth, she didn't seem too interested in seeing it again haha but good suggestion .

Dang, they did put the new bypass in........

[jackmaster]

RICK SPRINGFEILD use to put on a show called"EFX" or something like that, it was a super cool musical that is 3-D, and i forget what hotel it was at, we stayed at the monte carlo and did really really good on slots 

[Becky]

HA I guess that should be my next question, which main hotel casinos should I take her too that seem to have "loose slots"  .. She doesn't want to go off strip at night, Fremont is out of the question to her, she watches crime dramas all day long and "Vegas has the 5th highest crime rating in the US"; she's worried.

[gasman]

The next time I go I'm staying on Freemont street 

[summertime blues]

Fremont is the best place to play slots. Plus some still pay out in coins. Driving in vegas is a piece of cake as long as you are not driving down Las Vegas Blvd.

[runamuk]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oatman,_Arizona

ghost town/theater/fun time.....well ok I admit I was 15 or 16 and found it fun

[Becky]

So I had to re-look through this thread again and refresh myself. I'm happy to say we're leaving tomorrow for this delayed trip!  we will be celebrating my Nana's 80th birthday down there and I'm overly excited for her.

This trip was canceled the first time because she was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma shortly after I made this thread... Her hip problems I unknowingly was posting about, ended up being caused by cancerous tumors encasing her hip bones. She's thankfully got a clean bill of health right now so this will be a trip of a lot of celebrations

No real reason to bump this up except the fact that I'm excited, and if anyone has any last minute ideas for a little old lady's celebratory trip please post em!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oatman,_Arizona

ghost town/theater/fun time.....well ok I admit I was 15 or 16 and found it fun

Never seen this the first time, this is DEFINITELY something up her alley. We have a vacant day with no plans yet so this might be perfect.

[Bean Counter]

Have a great trip guys! 

[danderson]

I just spent a week in Vegas in December and here,s a list of some of the best must dos,

1. first off you must eat at the Blueberry pancake house, granny will love it !
2. I checked out a few casinos, the best smoke free one was Planet hollywood 
3. Must check out the pin ball museum, at least 200 machines good entertainment
4. Went by the Pawn stars shop,its free.
5. did I mention to eat at the Blue berry pancake house.

[Becky]

Thanks Bean!

Oh sweet, we'll check that out danderson. Haven't thought about food places at all lol so I'll keep that in mind.. That's awesome that's a smoke free casino! We're seeing Jeff Dunham there so I'm sure after the show we'll be sticking around for her to play slots.