Friday, May 11, 2018
Morning
Once again, we woke up earlier than we wanted to but we got right up and went to exploring. We ate breakfast at Baja Fresh inside Excalibur and we enjoyed it very much. After breakfast we had a few more drinks, for dehydration purposes of course, and then went to buy our show tickets.
Wow... the strip was like a ghost town for cars at 9AM.
Lots of friends had told me about the "Tickets Tonight" booths that offered half price tickets for THAT night's show. Unfortunately, these booths did not offer the show we wanted which was, LOVE. We then found a ticket distribution center on the strip and got our tickets for the 9:30PM show of LOVE. The tickets were about $165 each once you included all of the fees and taxes. This was WAY more than I planned or expected but Chris is worth it and looking back, I am really glad I pulled the trigger.
TIP- This is the booth all of my friends were talking about and they have LOTS of location along the strip but they DO NOT sell every show. I should have done my research better.
Once we got the tickets taken care of we rode the bus to the Venetian to use our free coupons from our flight. TIP- As I mentioned in the 1st installment, United has a 4 year partnership with The Venetian/ Palazzo and gives a coupon book on EACH of the flights to Las Vegas. This coupon book features $25 match play, FREE resort credits, BOGOF drinks, cocktails and even appetizers. It was a GREAT deal and had I known it was offered may have even stayed at one of these hotels... NEXT TIME!
I LOVE this hotel!
We have arrived at The Venetian.
We ended up winning $75 off the free match play then spent the next 3-4 hours at the "Stadium Blackjack" tables and machines. This was a new style of Blackjack for us but we LOVED it. We ended up coming out ahead by about $150 and several hours of entertainment and drinks.
Maybe next time... for MY 40th!
Happy Birthday Chris!
Another selfie... I was on a high from my winnings!
Haha this was an accidental selfie trying to find the button in the glare of the sun!
Outside of Treasure Island.
Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. It has gone downhill from what I remember in 2006.
Treasure Island entrance.
We have arrived at The Venetian.
We ended up winning $75 off the free match play then spent the next 3-4 hours at the "Stadium Blackjack" tables and machines. This was a new style of Blackjack for us but we LOVED it. We ended up coming out ahead by about $150 and several hours of entertainment and drinks.
Afternoon
We then went into the Venetian to see the canal area and the Canal Shops. I wanted to take a gondola ride but heard it was overrated so we opted not to. Again... NEXT TIME!
We then went and explored Treasure Island, since we did not go into it in 2006. It also reminded me of the Oklahoma Indian casinos. The clientele was a little lower and the casino overall was not impressive. They also offered Stadium Blackjack and Roulette for a $3 minimum bet and we played there for about an hour.
Evening
We walked back to the Bellagio from Treasure Island and at this point in the trip, Chris was beginning to really feel his ankle. So we walked pretty slow. Next time I wish we would have taken the bus.
Cesar's Palace Hotel and Casino. I swear this complex doubled in size since 2006!
Bally's and Paris as seen from the Bellagio bridge.
We went into the Bellagio and played a little while before calling the kids and then making our way to the Bellagio Buffet for dinner. Chris really wanted to experience a Las Vegas Buffet for his birthday and we finally agreed on this one. We had heard a lot about and wanted to try it. Due to it being the Friday before Mother's Day we had to pay the holiday price of $49.95/ pp.
Cesar's Palace Hotel and Casino. I swear this complex doubled in size since 2006!
Bally's and Paris as seen from the Bellagio bridge.
We went into the Bellagio and played a little while before calling the kids and then making our way to the Bellagio Buffet for dinner. Chris really wanted to experience a Las Vegas Buffet for his birthday and we finally agreed on this one. We had heard a lot about and wanted to try it. Due to it being the Friday before Mother's Day we had to pay the holiday price of $49.95/ pp.
TIP- The buffet itself was impressive but not $50/pp impressive and it is through this buffet we have now learned that we are just no longer buffet people (I'll admit, I NEVER was). I think the cruise lines have spoiled us with fine dining and upscale experiences. The food was great, especially the pre-cracked King and Snow Crab legs. These were about 12-15" long and cooked to perfection. This buffet offered specialty sushi, fine cuts of steak and beef, exquisite side dishes and even good ol fashioned turkey... but it was still not $50/ per person good. Good thing I was up $150 for the day because I just gave it all back to the buffet... NEVER AGAIN!
The Bellagio Buffet.... not as "swanky" from the entrance I would have thought.
Salad Bar and appetizer area.
The seafood and steak area.
These were very good and LARGE crab legs (and pre-cut open).
The seafood and steak area.
We stayed at the buffet for 3 hours... I had to get my money's worth and then walked outside to the front of the Bellagio to catch the nightly fountain show. TIP- These shows are start every hour from 3-8PM (on the hour) and then every 30 minutes from 8PM to 1AM. The absolute BEST free attraction in Las Vegas in my opinion.
NEVER a dull moment in Las Vegas! I loved this!
The weather was just perfect and we caught one of the best show as the sun was just setting.
TIP- Be sure to check this out!
Elton John- Your Love
Afterwards we walked to the Mirage for our LOVE show. We arrived early and spent nearly an hour at the sports book just taking it all in. Then we made our way to the theater for our show.
The Mirage entrance... Natalie would have LOVED this!
The weather was just perfect and we caught one of the best show as the sun was just setting.
TIP- Be sure to check this out!
Elton John- Your Love
Afterwards we walked to the Mirage for our LOVE show. We arrived early and spent nearly an hour at the sports book just taking it all in. Then we made our way to the theater for our show.
This theater was extravagant and PERFECT for this show. The show itself was not crowded at all and we had EXCELLENT seats close to the front and center. I am not as familiar with the Beatles as Chris was but I very much enjoyed the music and story line. Overall, I think it was worth the $300+ price tag we paid for it!
It's SHOWTIME! Once again, Happy Birthday Chris!
Between the props, acrobatic acts and music, this show had it all!
WE LOVED EVERY minute of it!
Between the props, acrobatic acts and music, this show had it all!
WE LOVED EVERY minute of it!
All you need is LOVE!
After the show we took the deuce back to NYNY to play $5 Blackjack. But believe it or not we first stopped inside NYNY to get a slice of pizza. I know, I know... We had just eaten a Las Vegas buffet but it smelt good and once again, we were feeling Las Vegas! Plus, we fell in love with the overall atmosphere of NYNY. I think we will stay here in the near future!
After the midnight snack we found open seats at a $5 blackjack table and stayed there til the wee hours of the morning. I was continuing to win big but Chris was in a slump. We stayed there until around 3AM and left still up about $300 for the trip.
We showered and once again, fell asleep very quickly!
Once again, it was a day full of experiences and more importantly memories spent together! Our Vegas celebration was coming to an end so quickly!
Stay tuned for our LAST day in Las Vegas before it is back to reality and the last 3 weeks of school for these 2 tired teachers!
God is good... ALL the time!
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