Sitting on top of the tallest building in Vegas (and one of the tallest in the U.S.),you'll find 3 of the most terrifying thrill rides anywhere in the world. Don't get me wrong, these rides aren't the most technically advanced in the world but when you figure in the fact that they sit on top of a very high tower they are scary as hell!
The first time that I visited the top of the Stratosphere the 2 offerings were the Big Shot and the Rollercoaster.The roller coaster which spiralled around the strat has long since retired, and the 3 rides now on offer are:
The Big Shot
The X-Scream
Insanity
The Big Shot
Imagine being strapped onto the side of the space shuttle just before launch and you'll have fair idea of what the Big Shot has to offer. Basically everyone is fixed onto a seat and fired up into the air at a serious rate of acceleration. Once you reach the top,it's down you go again, before being catapulted to the sky once more.This is probably the most physically intense of the 3 rides as the g forces put on your body are pretty high.Remember those flight sims when your field of vision goes dark around the edges? Pretty scary in real life!
The X-Scream
If this ride was on ground level it really would be for kids and older people, but the fact that a crane pivots you out so that you are hanging over the strip with nothing below makes this one of the scariest rides I've ever been on.As the rides speed up the seats move out until you are actually facing the strip below as you are spun around.Definitely not one for people with a fear of heights - seriously.
Insanity
Insanity is basically a roller coaster on a giant seesaw, and as your carriage shoots over the centre pivot the track moves down before breaking to a halt as you hang over the street below.This ride is pretty much ok for anyone - as long as you close your eyes!
Monday, 17 September 2007
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
MGM Lions
If you can get close enough through the swarms of kids crowding up against the glass, the lion enclosure inside the MGM Grand has to be seen on any trip to Vegas.
Usually around 2 lions are present during the day out of a pack of about 16, who all live in a specially created habitat in the Nevada desert and are specially shipped in to work on a 'shift rota'.
Only thing you have to remember from your high school biology class, is that lions sleep for like 20 hours a day, and so spend most of their time in the enclosure lazing around while their handlers try and goad them into activity with large rubber balls.
They seem to be well looked after, but I can't help thinking that smacking a fully grown lion in the face while he's sleeping with a beachball can't be too smart!
Usually around 2 lions are present during the day out of a pack of about 16, who all live in a specially created habitat in the Nevada desert and are specially shipped in to work on a 'shift rota'.
Only thing you have to remember from your high school biology class, is that lions sleep for like 20 hours a day, and so spend most of their time in the enclosure lazing around while their handlers try and goad them into activity with large rubber balls.
They seem to be well looked after, but I can't help thinking that smacking a fully grown lion in the face while he's sleeping with a beachball can't be too smart!
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
The Bellagio Fountains
The 1st attraction this blog will discuss is the one and only Bellagio fountain show.
Old Skool Vegas goers often scoff at this spectacular attraction, as they feel it turns their faithful old strip into something more 'Disneyland' than sin city. I'm afraid to say it guys but tough - the increase in visitors to Vegas over the past few years is a testament to the mega attractions being thrown up along the length of the strip, and these resorts are only going to get bolder and bigger to satisfy a new generation of visitor to the city.
Anyone who has ever witnessed the fountain show will agree, that it is one of the most defining landmarks of the 'new' strip, and people of all ages can be found staring in awe from late afternoon to late evening at this epic of water and song.
Would love to hear any comments from people on their thoughts on the fountains.
Old Skool Vegas goers often scoff at this spectacular attraction, as they feel it turns their faithful old strip into something more 'Disneyland' than sin city. I'm afraid to say it guys but tough - the increase in visitors to Vegas over the past few years is a testament to the mega attractions being thrown up along the length of the strip, and these resorts are only going to get bolder and bigger to satisfy a new generation of visitor to the city.
Anyone who has ever witnessed the fountain show will agree, that it is one of the most defining landmarks of the 'new' strip, and people of all ages can be found staring in awe from late afternoon to late evening at this epic of water and song.
Would love to hear any comments from people on their thoughts on the fountains.
Welcome Las Vegas Fans!
Hello, my name is Richie Stewart and welcome to my Blog!
Whether You are a Vegas Virgin, or a seasoned Veteran of sin city I have set up this Blog to discuss the unmissable attractions that Las Vegas has to offer to people of all ages. I'll include a few personal favourites of mine from past trips, but also fill You in on all the latest chatter concerning upcoming attractions.
Whether You are a Vegas Virgin, or a seasoned Veteran of sin city I have set up this Blog to discuss the unmissable attractions that Las Vegas has to offer to people of all ages. I'll include a few personal favourites of mine from past trips, but also fill You in on all the latest chatter concerning upcoming attractions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)