Finally a Day with No Driving
After four days of driving to Red Rock Canyon, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park and Great Basin National Park, we were ready for a day of no driving! We left the car parked and took to the streets of Vegas for the day. The first few days we were in town we only left the Venetian long enough to go to dinner at the Ruth's Chris inside of Harrah's so on this leg we planned to see the sights of the city.
Honestly it was nice to just sleep in past 6:00 AM for a day so we took our time getting moving and then headed back to the Bellagio for lunch at the Buffet. Yes...we had just eaten there the night before for dinner but honestly I just can't say enough about this buffet and I am NOT a buffet person! The food was just amazing and the selections were plentiful. There was really something for everyone. The lunch buffet was a transition from breakfast so it really was brunch for awhile and then as items went they completed the switch to lunch. Again it is not inexpensive but you got a lot for your money at this buffet.
We had tickets for the David Copperfield 7:00 PM Show at the MGM Grand which was a ways down the Strip. Remember everything in Vegas is bigger than life so "a ways down the strip" translates to quite a long walk! However we figured we had all day so there was no rush and we would just check out other resorts along the way. 
We actually had a great time walking the strip seeing the sights and just doing some people watching! You never know what you might see next. We played a few slots along the way and ended up at the MGM in time to have some dinner at the Rainforest Cafe (located just off the casino) before it was time to check in for our show.
David Copperfield
Ok.....I grew up adoring David Copperfield. I wasn't sure what to expect in the live show but I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to see him in person!
We purchased full price tickets online a couple months before the show. The reason that we did this was because with all the places we were traveling to on our itinerary we really needed to lock in the date and time of the show. That being said, there are half price ticket booths lining the strip and lots of people who are willing to give you "deals" on tickets. If you have a flexible schedule this may be the best way to go. Tickets for shows aren't cheap so any deal you may be able to get may allow you to either get to a show or get to more shows during your stay.
The doors to the theater open a half hour before the show begins. I would recommend getting there right about the time it opens if you plan to purchase drinks or snacks for the show. Service was very good and efficient when we arrived but as the crowd filtered in, the service bogged down. Also, there is limited service during the show so if you want something make sure to order before the show begins.
There are several set ups of tables. We sat at a 4 top table with chairs. It's a bit crowded but comfortable enough to watch the show. There are also some booths that hold 4 people. Those are a bit more crowded so if you have a preference get tickets early.
Once the show started we were absolutely amazed. This show definitely didn't disappoint. From "big" illusions done on stage to smaller magic done in the audience, everything was pure "magic". David Copperfield is an amazing illusionist and fantastic performer. He makes you feel as though he is doing his magic just for you. The show is really something for all ages. There is a bit of slightly off color humor but nothing that detracts from the show for a younger audience.
There are many audience participants that chosen at random....so be prepared to possibly participate! It really is a very entertaining and amazing performance and I would highly recommend going to see the show if you are interested at all.
After the Show
After the show was over, we decided to take the monorail back to the Flamingo to save some steps. Once we found the monorail, it was really quite a convenient method of transportation with great views of the city at night. Simply purchase the ticket you want (single or multi ride) from the machine, use it in the turnstile and board the monorail in the direction you want to go. It is a timesaver as well as saving your feet after a long day!
It was still early in "Vegas Time" so we headed down to the LINQ shopping area and decided to take a chance on the High Roller
High Roller
The High Roller is the new attraction in town. It is a 550 foot Observation Wheel that gives you an awesome view of the city. Like any other attraction in Vegas, tickets are not inexpensive. A ride during the day is cheapest at $19.95/person while a nighttime ride will set you back $34.95/person. The nighttime ride is pretty amazing though so I would recommend choosing that ticket if you can afford to do so.
This is how the attraction works. First you stop and purchase a ticket at the ticket booth area. The night we went there wasn't a line at all but I would imagine that a busier week may be a different story. You can also purchase tickets in advance online at the High Roller Website http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/high-roller.html#.U6riBRaidKk
There are sometimes special offers for $5.00 off tickets if you stay at certain resorts so be sure to take advantage of that if you happen to be at one of the resorts that qualify.
Once you purchase your ticket, you will proceed through the line to enter the attraction. There is a security person there who will check your bags. Since we had just come from the David Copperfield show where I had purchased a drink in a souvenir glass, I had a bag with the glass in it. Security identified this as a possible weapon because it was glass so I had to take it next door to the concierge for safe keeping during the ride. So just a heads up because there were quite a few of us with glasses that had to be checked. The concierge is only open till 10:00 PM and we were getting close to the time. The concierge told us that we would have to pick it up by closing or we could get it the next day during their business hours. Luckily we were able to collect it by closing time. It's just something to keep in mind when you are riding. If you have anything that would need to be checked you may want to stop off at your room before heading to the High Roller.
After checking the glass in, we headed back through the security line and then on into the attraction. You will wind your way around several hallways. There is an area with a green screen where a photographer will take a photo of your group. The photo is available for purchase in the gift shop once your ride is complete.
Once you get to the ride you will be combined with other groups to make up a larger group to enter your pod. We happened to have a disabled person on our pod who used a wheelchair and it was very handicapped accessible. They simply stopped the pod, pulled a ramp out and very easily helped him embark and disembark with minimal disruption to the ride.
The ride actually moves very slowly and takes about 30 minutes to make the complete circle. This gives you plenty of time to look at the city from every angle and take some great pictures of the strip. You are free to move around the pod so make sure that you get all the pictures you want! There is a multimedia show that plays on the tvs in the pod. It shows how the wheel was built and counts down your arrival at the top. It makes for some interesting and fun entertainment while you are traveling.
If you have ever been to London and ridden the London Eye...this is a very similar experience. The pods are a little bit larger for the High Roller but really the two are quite similar.
I would recommend taking a ride on the High Roller if you have a chance to do so. I am not sure I would go back and do it again but it certainly is worth the ride at least once!
The End of the Day
After taking some time to enjoy the sights of the city at night, it was time to head back to the hotel and get ready to get up early for our next day trip to Death Valley National Park.
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