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It's been a while since I was in Florida. I seem to remember Disney giving some sweet discounts to Florida residents. Do they still do that? Do they do it for their cruises?
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But is there stuff to DO in Vegas besides gambling? Because I'm not into gambling.
Also, that discount site doesn't tell me about the cruises. I want to just call Disney, but they always end up trying to make me book my trip NOW RIGHT NOW.
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From what I have heard from friends going to Vegas, they have dropped their attempt to attract families. They still have tons of shows, and that Star Trek Experience thing, but they say gambling, strip clubs, and drinking is pretty much the highlight.
Posts: 3134 | Registered: Mar 2005
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Re. Vegas. If you don't want all gambling, but do want some, why not head to Reno instead. Then you have the Sierra's to enjoy on the other days. There is still a lot of snow this week. But, in a few weeks you would have Lake Tahoe to hike/bike/just look at. They can't build anything in Vegas that will ever come close to that "Show".
Posts: 1167 | Registered: Oct 2005
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None of the things I mentioned involved gambling. But if you don't plan on gambling, honestly, skip Vegas. Or drive through and spend a day shopping and looking at all the big buildings.
You, pH, might be able to entertain yourself with the music in town. Most of the casinos have small rooms with LA musicians that play Thurs-Sun. You can check online and probably find some good people to see.
Posts: 5462 | Registered: Apr 2005
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When I was in Vegas for a weekend, I spent less than $10 on gambling. But I had a lot of fun just going around and looking at all the different casinos' decor and how their themes were carried out, plus all their non-gambling related attractions. There was lots of shopping (probably more than there should have been), lots of yummy restaurants, a gondola ride at the Venetian, a massage, goofy costume photos, etc. I suppose for me it was kind of like a giant theme park, only without as many rides.
A family friend who lives in Vegas took us to Fremont Street one night, which was an interesting contrast to the Strip. Less glossy and airbrushed-feeling, more gritty and historical.
This site has info on stuff to do in and around Vegas, both casino and non.
Posts: 952 | Registered: Jun 2005
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My non-gambling, free highlights from Vegas--about 4 years old.
1) Listening to the Goldoliers sing in the Venetian.
2) The M&M factory and movie.
3) The lion zoo that is inside MGM.
4) I know they made some major changes to the Pirate Show, but it was good back when I went.
5) The light show that is down-town.
6) There was a "burlesque" as in topless show in the afternoon at one of the main casino's. Its cost was not free, but you could exchange your ticket for a free drink, so it was kind of free. Much funnier than naughty. To bad I spent my ticket on a coke. It turned out to be a $5.00 coke.
7) Other main shows and buffets are also free--in exchange for hours of your time listening to them try and sell you a time share.
8) Watching the little old immigrant women pass out adult flyers. Sorry, I found this amusing.
9) The Fire and Water Fountain Show.
10) The Big Fountain Show!
Posts: 11895 | Registered: Apr 2002
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Strip clubs are out. I'm going with my boyfriend. Gambling is out. Music I could do...
The thing is, we were gonna go to Europe, but Einstein waited so long to book the tickets that it's way too expensive now. So...we're thinking Vegas or cruise or something.
But I just found some cruises out of Tampa that are incredibly cheap, so we could do that and still hit up some amusement parks and whatnot for like $1500 total ($750ish each).
I'm just trying to figure out if Vegas would be able to entertain me for a week. Because Mayan ruins sound incredibly interesting, too. But I have friends in Vegas...
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If you don't drink, gamble, enjoy watching naked women, or want to spend $150 a night each on shows, Vegas is good for about 24 hours. Then it's very boring.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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Like I said Reno is prittier and cooler. But, Who could get bored in San Francisco. Its like a cruise without the little round windows.
Posts: 1167 | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote: 4) I know they made some major changes to the Pirate Show, but it was good back when I went
Yeah, the pirate show is horrendous now. It's all scantily clad female pirates who have captured a male pirate and then tease the male pirates by singing cheesy songs amidst colorful flashing lights and dancing skankily. I was so sad!
About Vegas, well, it depends on the kind of person you are. I do NOT gamble, I have only had one drink in Vegas (and only because it was a super specialty margarita and my friend and I couldn't resist), and I have never been to a strip club or burlesque show.
And I have been to Vegas six times.
The shopping (the coolest "malls" you will ever see, like the Forum Shops and the Desert Passage), the sites, the strange people, the lights, the free shows, the novelty is a lot of fun. Walking around at night, you can tell that the night life is great, too. The MGM has a theme park, though I'm sure the rides are way overpriced.
Posts: 3636 | Registered: Oct 2001
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I live about 20 minutes away from Lake Tahoe and Reno, and I'd second the suggestion to come here instead of Vegas. Heck, if I were going on vacation, I'd rather stay here than go to Vegas.
San Francisco is just a couple hours away with some beautiful wine country between here and there. Tahoe is very nice and there's a ton to do there-boats, paddleboat cruises, hot air ballon rides, etc. Reno does get some decent shows and they aren't nearly as expensive as Vegas. Ditto on the buffets and gambling.
I've been to Vegas about 3 times in the past 2 years, and I gotta tell you, it's pretty boring. The most exciting part was checking out the architecture of the casinos. Like kat said- it's good for maybe 24 hours.
Posts: 1412 | Registered: Oct 2005
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We were talking about San Francisco too, but I'm really worried about the cost. And my boyfriend is a moron and likes to promise that we're going to go do crazy things that we don't end up doing (okay, I'm a little pissed about not going to Iceland and Norway). Pretty much it's gotta be accessible from somewhere that Southwest flies to, and we have to be able to not stay at a Holiday Inn, and it has to stay interesting for a week. We'll rent a car, but again cost plays a factor if we have to rent a car for a week...
The point is, this has to be cheap and really easy to pull off because he led me on for a month about this trip to Europe, and right now I just want him to buy tickets somewhere to something cool.
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BaoQingTian - Where do you live? A coworker of mine is recommending the Carson Valley area (if we ever decide to sell out of California and go somewhere and not have a mortgage payment).
Posts: 399 | Registered: Sep 2002
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I live in Carson Valley area between Carson City and Minden/Gardnerville. I just rent for now, we're saving for a home. I work in Minden. I would by far recommend the Minden area rather than Carson City. It's beautiful, quite a few trees for Nevada, and is pretty laid back. You are literally at the base of the Sierras, you turn off Highway 395 and you're instantly heading up Kingsbury Grade to Lake Tahoe. Minden is a fairly small town, I'd guess about 15 thousand or so.
Downsides:
For me, coming from Idaho and Utah, housing is outrageously high, however those coming from California are doing so because costs are so low, so I guess it's just perspective. 3 bedroom 2 bath houses on 1/5 acre lots are about $300,000. However, the rest of the cost of living is very reasonable, no sales tax on groceries here. Plus being just on the Nevada side of the line means there's no state income tax.
The weather can be crazy for some people (doesn't bother me). It snows occasionally in the winter and spring. It's windy a lot, due to the mountains being right there.
I've only lived here a year, but I really like it.
Posts: 1412 | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote:We were talking about San Francisco too, but I'm really worried about the cost. And my boyfriend is a moron and likes to promise that we're going to go do crazy things that we don't end up doing (okay, I'm a little pissed about not going to Iceland and Norway). Pretty much it's gotta be accessible from somewhere that Southwest flies to, and we have to be able to not stay at a Holiday Inn, and it has to stay interesting for a week. We'll rent a car, but again cost plays a factor if we have to rent a car for a week...
There's a travel lodge right down next to the theater district. It is across the street from the Sierra Club on one side and across from a big whips and leather botique the other way. I think it is Van Ness and Post, or at least close to there. It's inexpensive for the city, has parking by the room. (the only downtown place that does I think.) It's within walking distance of all the theaters and the cable car. You don't need a car unless you are planning on leaving town. It's a little drab, but the price is right and there is usually a big football player looking guy with a red mini-skirt waiting for the bus on the corner in the early AM. There are small ethnic cafes within a block or two. Some for ethnic groups you haven't seen anywhere but National Geographic. San Francisco is like a big Disneyland for adults. Who needs Vegas.
quote:The thing is, we were gonna go to Europe, but Einstein waited so long to book the tickets that it's way too expensive now. So...we're thinking Vegas or cruise or something.
Does that mean you're cancelling on me?
Posts: 3564 | Registered: Sep 2001
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quote:The thing is, we were gonna go to Europe, but Einstein waited so long to book the tickets that it's way too expensive now. So...we're thinking Vegas or cruise or something.
Does that mean you're cancelling on me?
I'm sorry, Jebus. And I so wanted to consummate our polygamous marriage. Can you ever forgive me?
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I want to just call Disney, but they always end up trying to make me book my trip NOW RIGHT NOW.![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Can you ever forgive me?
