"Operation $ilver Dollar!"

[SugarPlumFairy]

Ok here is the sketchy plans for my "secret suprise planning trip" to Las Vegas for next year! PLEASE feel free to add and suggest, I need to make this the best ever!

Cast : Me, will then be 38 and DH who will be 40!

Day 0 : Travel to Manchester/Gatwick for overnight stay.

Day 1 : Next morning check in and make use of a lounge hopefully, we have always wanted to do this. FLY TO VEGAS ( champagne on flight!)
Limo return transfer booked to MGM Grand, check in freshen up and head off for a wander about, not too late, back to hotel and eat and watch a show at the hotel.

Day 2 : Breakfast in hotel, then mainly sightseeing, on the Strip, little shopping, taking it all in! Then on the night a Cirque Du Soleil show.

Day 3 : Hoover Dam Tour, Las Vegas sign visit. Not decided yet if we will do a pre booked tour or hire a car for a day or 2. Back to hotel, freshen up and then meal at Top of The World, Stratosphere, as this is also our wedding anniversary date!

Day 4 : Nothing planned yet... then Las Vegas Neon Lights tour finishing AT Freemont Street.

Day 5 : Grand Canyon day, some kind of tour not decided on which type yet, want it to be something amazing! Then somewhere amazing to eat on the night!

Day 6 : Flight home.


Like I said this is very sketchy please please suggest and add to it where you think this can be improved! Look forward to hearing your ideas!

Thanks

Kerry

[Guest]

Sounds great, just a couple of comments:-

How much have you paid for the limo transfer between the airport and the MGM Grand? My thoughts are is it worth it, even without knowing the cost? We've stayed at the MGM a few times now and love it, but it literally is only 5-10mins at most between the airport and the main entrance. Even if you get a strip tour (which is what I'm guessing will happen) you might be better saving that for when you feel fresher and can enjoy it more. I know when I get to Vegas, I just want to check in and get to the room.
On the subject of the MGM, don't forget you can check in and get your room keys, maps and vouchers at the airport. You would have to transfer to the domestic arrivals hall (easily done) and although it might seem a pain, it could save a lot of time instead of checking in at the hotel itself.

Also, on day one, I would think a show on your first night is a big ask. Not everybody is as affected, but come 8-9pm on arrival day, we are so tired and grouchy (yep, even in Vegas) that we usually only plan a bit of a wander and a meal before heading back to the room.

Las Vegas sign visit. How do you intend doing this? There really is only room for one, maybe two cars to park up (in the turnaround) for a minute maximum to grab a picture. Some people walk to it from Mandalay, but I would avoid that if possible. Not only is it a trek, but its also one busy road...not really the place you want to be crossing to get to the sign? Just my thoughts.

I would seriously consider some time at either Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, even both if you get the time. A total contrast to the neon and sprawl of Vegas.

Top of the World will be good for your anniversary meal. Why not do the limo down the strip then?

As for CDS shows, KA is still my favourite and will be handy with you staying in the MGM. Zumanity is good also, with a more adult theme but Mystere, despite being stunning in places, is ruined by a seriously unfunny crying baby... some people liked it though. Still got the other CDS shows to see, hopefully one or two later this year.

HTH anyway.

[Diamonddog2801]

I'll come back and post some ideas later!

[SugarPlumFairy]

Excellent thanks for this Pete.

The limo return transfer to and from the airport is approx $108 (ish), would you suggest this is not worth it? I am happy to knock this on the head if it's no good the suggestion of doing the limo on the night of our anniversary is good though!

As for the car, sorry this is my error, when I said a day or 2, I meant 1 car for 1 or 2 days, not 2 cars, I didnt make it very clear, if we did the car we would try and drive to the sign, if that is an option.

The MGM check in at the airport sounds great, I didnt know this so thanks! I know how tired we are with Florida so maybe a show on the night is not an optionn too, just maybe a relaxing romantic meal?

Not looked at Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire, so thanks for that I will have a look at them places tonight!

We are and have to be open for shows I think, as its not till next year we dont know what will be on!

Thanks again though, its helped lots!

[Guest]

Originally Posted by SugarPlumFairy

The limo return transfer to and from the airport is approx $108 (ish), would you suggest this is not worth it?

See more...

Its $11 to the MGM from the airport, and it really does take just 5-10 minutes. I'm not sure what is included in the limo deal, but if is literally just a transfer I would knock it on the head. If it includes a strip tour, then maybe, but again I think it would be better to do that on the anniversary night.
If you hire a car for your final day (or two) you could even incorporate dropping the car off at the airport (when flying home) instead of the hotel you hire it from, which no doubt would be the MGM. This would mean you don't have to worry about a taxi back to the airport. We have done this twice in Vegas now and it although it saves only a few dollars, I find it kills two birds with one stone.

On the subject of the airport check in, it's a great facility to be honest. It is a slight pain to have to transfer to the domestic arrivals but it could save you time. I quite like the fact you can check in and get your room keys without the hassle of queuing with everybody else at the MGM reception. Both times I have used airport check in, I have been the only person doing it! Fantastic.

Different people, different thoughts on the first night. I know some people who go to bed once they get to the hotel, and then wake up early evening and have a proper night. I think this messes with your body clock. I prefer to try and last out as long as possible before giving in to sleep, the closer you get to normal sleep time in the US, the better. It's normally 8-9pm, but in Albuquerque last August I think it was after 10pm. Still woke up at 5am though, but thats par for the course!

[merkat]

Look out for travelodge sale for the gatwick stay we did this year for heathrow and got out room at £10, sign up to them if you check emails alot then you will get the advance warning date of the sale, or unless you want something more plush!?

i agree about a show the first night! Why not just have a romantic meal and a big bubble bath!

Also have you signed up for vegashotelspecial big help to keep up to date latest offers!

Apart from that your trip looks wonderful and i am sure you will have the best time! x

[orlandobaby]

We did Love at the Mirage on our first night in Vegas and didn't really fully appreciate it as as previously said, by 9pm you are flagging.

We also had a limo pick us up from the airport to the hotel and felt we got ripped off. Our flight was slightly delayed and this ate into our time that we could have had in the limo touring around. We did ask the limo driver to take us to a Walmart. Which when we got there, it was closed. She huffed and puffed about taking us to another supermarket and said when we got there we had 20 minutes, and then she really must go. She rushed us that much that when we got to the till, she came to collect the bags! More fool her, they were full of drinks! Like previously mentioned, get a taxi from the airport to your hotel and the money that you would have spent on a limo - you can then spend in the casino! The MGM Grand is pretty much the closest hotel out of the airport so it will not cost you very much.

Our favourite shows were Ka, O and Stomp out loud - and would definately want to see all three again.

We also did the Hoover Dam tour which is also great.

Another piece of advice, if you book a hire car while you are there, you will pay over the odds. You are best booking this from the UK as it will save you a bit of money.

Don't forget to watch the Bellagio fountains. These are spectacular, especially at night.

I so want to go back to Vegas. Maybe next year!

Have a great time!

[mickchick]

Book and pay in the Uk for whatever you want to do in Las Vegas, from car hire to limos to shows and excursions. You will get a much better deal. The prices will always be top dollar once you are there, unless someone is having a special offer, but you can't rely on that.