Spotlight On Location!

Getting There:

Day 1
Get up close and personal - the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand The MGM Grand features a multilevel, glass-enclosed lion habitat area from which the public can watch the lions feed, play and sleep. This was the best part of the hotel for us - the kids loved being so close to the lions - especially looking up and seeing them overhead! Otherwise, we found the hotel to be more adult oriented although they do offer a youth activity center.  Unfortunately, they closed their on-site theme park to private parties only.

The Violin Duo at The Excalibur.  The Medieval Village is rich with strolling performers, jugglers and storytellers. With its Tournament of Kings, Fantasy Faire midway and whimsical performers, the Excalibur panders to the child in all of us.  Always something going on for the kids here which adults can also enjoy!  We would choose to stay here on our next visit!!

If you dare, take a ride on the MANHATTAN EXPRESS® with heights of 203 feet, drops of 144 feet and speeds up to 67 MPH. Set against a backdrop of famous New York landmarks and icons that bring to life the charm of Greenwich Village and the excitement of a bustling Times Square at  New York New York hotel and casino.  Our kids were too young for the roller coaster -  but it looked awesome!  We enjoyed the hustle and bustle excitement of the arcade instead.

Enjoy an excellent buffet dinner at Aladdin Resort Hotel and Casino - great desserts!!  This hotel is centrally located on the strip - after dinner you can walk off those great desserts as you head down the strip stop at  The Mirage Hotel and Casino and watch the free show of  a volcano erupting  in an awesome display of water, color and sound - nightly every 15 minutes from dusk 'til midnight! 

A must for families is the Battle of Treasure Island.   Next, We all loved this free live action show! Battles are fought in front of this pirate-themed hotel/casino, with thrilling stunts, real explosions and swashbuckling of the highest order.   Treasure Island is a pirate-themed resort featuring comfortable rooms, a variety of restaurants, exciting live-action pirate battles, and the world-famous "Mystere," by Cirque du Soleil.

Day 2
Discovery Tour at the Hoover Dam Bring your lunch and spend the day! After the tour,  take a hike with the family along the historic rail road used for bringing materials to and from the dam during construction.  Or paddle down the river in your canoes, kayaks or personal rafts which can be launched at a site just below the dam.  An overlook on top of the visitor center provides and awe-inspiring view of the dam, Lake Mead, and Black Canyon!   Tours daily from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm (PT) Hoover Dam Visitor Center

The World's Largest Permanent Circus will never disappoint you - Circus Circus presents world renowned daily circus acts FREE everyday each half hour from 11 a.m. to midnight. In between acts the whole family can enjoy exciting games in The Midway which surrounds the circus stage.  This is the best part of Circus Circus - we found the hotel itself to be a little out dated and older in comparison to the other hotels on the strand.  Also this hotel is at the far end of the strip.

Day 3
Wake up to the best buffet breakfast on the strip at the Mandalay Bay Resort.  Afterwards, go on an adventure that will put you face to face with some of the most dangerous and exotic animals in the world. Journey through the ancient sunken temple at the Shark Reef tour ending with an educational petting pond.

Be sure to catch the penguin feeding time at the Wildlife Habitat featured at The Flamingo, a premiere Resort and Casino, home to flock of live Chilean Flamingos! They keep company with a host of other little critters, including African penguins, swans, ducks, Koi, goldfish and turtles.

The kids loved the 3-D animated movie at M&M's World (3785 Las Vegas Blvd.) Featuring fun interactive entertainment and a huge Colorworkks display this is by far the  best and most unique way to shop M&M’S® Colorworks® for candy, gifts, clothing and so much more!  Not quite as entertaining but right next door is the Grand Canyon shops.