Pre-Trip Report: Las Vegas

[yourmagicalguide]

Cast:
DH - 27
Me - 29

What: Taking a 5-day vacation to Las Vegas for the first time to celebrate our August birthdays

When: We fly out on Sunday, August 26th and fly home on Friday, August 31st.

Where: We will be staying on the strip at the Monte Carlo.

Why: This trip is what we're calling our last hurrah before our first child is born in February next year We initially had planned to go to WDW around Christmastime, but we couldn't get our work schedules to coordinate, so our option for a vacation had to be in August if we were going to take one. We both have wanted to go to Vegas to experience it at least once in our lifetimes, and we definitely don't want to go there with young kids, so this turned out to be the best year for us to go.

I'm a little worried about the heat and DH is allergic to smoke, so we're hoping to be able to gamble a little in a smoke-free environment. We mainly will be focusing on sightseeing, shopping, dining, and going to some shows.

Anyone have any tips or suggestions for us?

[Tink#64]

Can't wait for your trip report! I've never been to Vegas, but it's definitely on my to do list! Gosh I've watched so much on the Travel Channel, there's so much I want to see there! DH has been lucky enough to visit during OOT work trips! We don't do trips without the kids, and they are both teens & probably old enough now to visit without the shock factor that had kept from planning a trip there! We're not gamblers, the slots are fun, but when we do visit, it will be a trip primarily for sight seeing & shows! Please share with us all your wonderful experiences when you return! Sending you some for a fantastic trip!

[Lindsey310]

All of the casinos allow smoking, but when we were there in 2010, we stayed at the MGM and I think there were portions of the casino that were non-smoking. It's going to be really hot so be careful, especially being pregnant. Have a wonderful time and happy birthday

Oh and be sure to see some cirque shows. We saw mystere and fell in love with it!!!

[Belle of the Ball 051411]

Have a wonderful babymoon!!! Vegas is a great time (and I'm not a gambler). The shopping, dining, and sightseeing is fabulous.

If you're looking for a romantic meal, dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant in Paris. It's got wonderful views of the Bellagio Fountains. Mon Ami Gabi is also a great restaurant in Paris.

[yourmagicalguide]

Can't wait for your trip report! [...] Please share with us all your wonderful experiences when you return! Sending you some for a fantastic trip!

Thanks so much!

Even though we were bummed about not being able to visit WDW at Christmastime, we are very excited to see what all Vegas has to offer.

I will post a trip report shortly after we return!

[yourmagicalguide]

All of the casinos allow smoking, but when we were there in 2010, we stayed at the MGM and I think there were portions of the casino that were non-smoking.

Thanks for the great advice and the birthday wishes, Lindsey!

We were hoping some of the casinos would have non-smoking areas, but it's definitely not a deal-breaker since we're not really there to gamble.

A Cirque show is definitely on our must-see list! There are so many, though! We're going to read about each show this weekend and try to decide.

[DisneyDINK]

Up until last year I was going to Vegas about 3 times a year for about 5 years or so.

My first thought: 5 days is a lot of Vegas, especially if you're not too into gambling. I usually like to fly in on a Friday and leave Sunday or Monday. That's enough time for me to gamble, have a couple a great meals, relax by the pool a bit and take in a show.

Depending on the hotel you choose, the pools can get pretty crowded. If you want to spend some time there you should go a bit early to beat the heat and the crowds while they're still sleeping it off from last night.

I really like Ka, the Cirque show, but DW really didn't (Then again she's just now warming up to WDW, so...)

Regarding the smoke, I think it won't be as bad as you might imagine. First of all, Vegas is not like your local native American casinos which is peopled by the more hard-core and habitual gambling element which tends to smoke more than average. Everyone goes to Vegas, ergo, fewer smokers. Also, the casinos have some pretty amazing climate control and air purification systems, so you probably won't notice the smoke as much as you might think. It is still there, but I can't stand smoke and I don't usually have a problem.

Give some thought whether you want to stay on or off the Strip. Some of the outlying resorts like Lake Las Vegas, Green Valley Ranch, Red Rocks and the J.W. Marriott are a bit more relaxing, but you do have to cab or shuttle to the Strip to see shows, etc. If it is your first time the Strip might be better.

There's me 2 cents. I have stayed at a lot of the Strip resorts, so PM me if you have a specific question.