Speed--The Ride in Vegas

[kayoss]

I just have to say that the front row of Xtreme is indeed terrifying (and I've base jumped off of a dam, so you can't say I'm afraid of heights). There's just something wrong (and inheriently unsafe) about dangiling over the edge of a track in a roller coaster type car thousands of feet up in the air. Say what you want about it, but it's FU**ED up! The only ride I've ever been on anywhere in the world where I shouted so many profanitys while riding that the observation deck of onlookers covered their ears and children began crying.

[nev]

Ok, I'm going to go out on a limb here...

 

If you or your folks are after the definitive Vegas coaster experience, I'm sorry, but nothing beats ripping around the edge of a massive hotel and soaring above the Las Vegas strip on the Manhattan Express. No matter how rough it is, how sickening people make it out to be or whatever, just deal with it for two minutes and enjoy the view. While it really is a shitty coaster for enthusiasts, to the general public it's got huge hills, lots of elements, a view unbeaten by any other Vegas coaster and apart from anything else, it just looks impressive.

 

If someone told me they had time to do one coaster in Vegas, I'd tell them to do the ME. If they had time for one non-coaster ride, it'd be hard to call between Insanity and X-Scream.

[bigstevet07]

Who knows, by the time you get there, the TOGO death machine will be running the new trains. That might help. I definitely say go with Speed. The launch is cool and the overbank coming out of the tunnel is good as well. Other than that though, its pretty much a regular coaster after the beginning. I would definitely advise you to do the space shot on top of the Stratosphere at night. That is amazing.

[Edwardo]

ME has the new trains on now.

 

Speed is fun.

 

Despy is great according to me, but I have an acquired taste.

 

Canyon Blaster is worth the credit, not much else.

 

The real thrills, though, are at the top o' the Strat.

 

If you're parents are going to be going to a convention at Mandalay Bay, and it is booked, NYNY is close, but Luxor, which is very nice is part of the company that owns Mandalay Bay IIRC, and is right there at it, as is Excalibur. We stayed at Excalibur, which offers a cheap to expensive range of rooms. Our room was ultra nice, very clean, as is the hotel, and we enjoyed it.

 

A lot of people were all 'Oh, Excalibur is gross'. I dunno how. I mean, sure I've probably stayed in places more luxurious in the past, but Excalibur was MORE than adequate. Plus the casino and buffet are huge. Another thing I kept hearing was 'Oh, watch out for all the kids', and yes, families stay there, but that was fine with me. I did wholesome vegas, I don't gamble, so we enjoyed Excalibur. If you're into the whole medival thing, it's fun.

[sixflagstloldschool]

I suggest TAXI: The Ride. On our stay there 4 years ago, we stayed at the Station Inn and took a cab to La Cauge Aux Follies, a great female impersanation show. My wife wanted to see it, How they get that "Thang" tucked in there is beyond me, LOL!

 

But serious find ya a young Arab taxi driver and tell him your late for the show, and let the fun begin!!! Far better than any coaster ride i have ever been on in Vegas.

 

The sky changing part is in old town where all the shops and casinos, and any taxi driver will tell you if your going to gamble the odds are better in old town than on the strip!

 

I had a good time at Circus Circus, and did not feel dirty when I walked out, the dome was a little humid though, and you could definately feel the heat at the top of the Canyon blaster as you go down for the Loop. With the River Ride there is a lot of moisture in there, and can get humid on HOT days.

 

I also was down in the back that weekend and should not of ridden any coasters. I rode Manhattan Express and found it to be rough, but not that rough. Did not feel like it was KILLING me at all. But a neat way to view the strip while riding a coaster. Hopefully the new trains, are going and that has been corrected.

 

Just go and tough it up and have a good time.

[jALIg]

I didnt go on any coasters wen i was in vegas but when it comes to hotels i definetly have to recomend the wynn!

 

That hotels has everything and it is the best hotel ive ever been on!

 

 

Jonas "Norwegian in love with wynn hotel" Ali

[bigstevet07]

^Actually the sky changing part with the shops and restaurants is the forum shops at Caesars. That place is really nice. Favorite place in there is Niketown. They have a motion simulator there too, but I didn't ride.

[QueerRudie]

I visit Vegas about once a year, and have tried several of the different types of hotels along the strip- both good, bad, awful and indifferent:

 

Best: Bellagio, if you've got the $$$$$ to do it: by far the most amazing of the properties, but with a signifigant "green Ceiling" to keep some people from going in- don't expect to find a discount room, but seeing the amazing fountain show from your room is incredible,

 

Good: Rio LasVegas- All suites, all huge. If you're an Airliner enthusiast, request a room in the taller tower above the 35th floor- you get a great view of McCarran field's approach and departures. Easier to access the strip than in the past, shuttles run to Harrah's, Caesar's Palace and Paris Las Vegas frequently, allowing you to get around the strip with some ease. Unique SkyShow every 45 minutes above one of the sides of the casino, and RioRita, the hotel's Mascot may even pay you a visit. Biggest Plus: PENN AND TELLER!!!

 

O.K.- Harrah's LasVegas. Converted from the ashes of the ShowBoat hotel, Harrah's is right in the middle of the strip- equidistant from the south end (MGM, Hooters, NYNY, etc.) and from the north end (CircusCircus, Strat, Sahara, etc.) Rooms are clean, but don't expect tons of extras, unless you're a Total Gold Diamond or Platinum memeber. Monorail station on site will bring you to either end of the strip (and soon McCarran Field) with ease- a multiday pass is reccommended if you're planning on sightseeing the journey, Forum Shops Mall and Veneitan way are somewhat close by, as is Mirage and TI.

 

Awful, to be avoided at all costs (If it's still standing!) Imperial Palace. Now owned by Harrah's, it is planned for demoliton to build the new Harrah's LasVegas in the near future. Often forgotten from travel guides for a good reason, IP is dark, narrow, congested, clausterphobically small inside the casino, with narrow outlets and small, dark and smelly rooms. I tried three before I could find one that was barely tolerable, and the staff seem to be very indifferent and often rude. Access to the strip is easy, but getting around the hotel is enigmatically challenging. Food is AWFUL.

You'd be better on a bench outside a crack house than inside IP.

 

Coasters:

 

Having ridden them all, and in the case of the defunct LightningBolt, both, I find that Robb' s comments on 'Pick Your Poison' to be appropriate. However, CanyonBlaster at CircusCirucs to be amongst the best- and by far a truly superior Arrow for it's build date and class. Blackout Strength G's can be had in the front car, as well as ejector seat Airtime in the same seats. Back parts of the train give a lackluster ride at best, and although fun, the front is the place to be. Period.

Speed: The ride is great, but can be a real earboxer if you're not used to a Premier LIM coaster- the turn into the strip is a bit rough, and will toss you if you're not prepared for it.

Manhattan Express: While I've not ridden it in several years, it is a traditional TOGO DeathMachine- but a tall one at that. Prepare to experience what alcoholism combined with a solid dose of S/M and rough riding in quantity. OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH OUCH.

 

Whatever you are planning, have a great trip, and remember the sign outisde of the D gates at McCarran Field: Welcome to Las Vegas, Now leaving Reality, Enjoy your stay!

[map2]

Do not stay at the Stratosphere. Even though you get a duscount for the rides, the rooms are real small, and get real stuffy if you take a shower over 3 mins. The Paris hotel is nice, and has the Eiffel Tower so you can go up and look at the view. Bellagio is nice, and the rooms are real nice, but its kind of boring for anyone under 21. Mandalay Bay is nice and so in NYNY. The Luxor is pretty good, but you definately want to make sure your room is in the pyramid. Circus Circus is fun to visit, but I don't know about staying there. For the coasters, Speed is probably the best even though to me it is boring. Manhattan Express is real bumpy and gives you a head ache.

 

Hope this helps

[CKY Lunatic]

 

 

I wouldn't feel safe walking anywhere there.

The first time I went to Vegas, me and my cousin walked from the Sahara to the Stratosphere at about 11pm and had two different drug dealers offer us drugs, and we had some car drive by and threaten us. Needless to say, I won't be walking anywhere past the Wynn after dark ever again.

[JamesMC]

A few things about Vegas (from my perspective)

 

Coasters: Speed- cool but short, worth going on a couple of times though

Desparado- I've always had a blast on this ride BUT- call ahead first- it's operating schedule is VERY touchy- I have been there when the casino is crowded and it's NOT operating and I have been there when the place is a ghost town and it's running all day.

Canyon Blaster- a good Arrow, no block brakes- fun but no BIG thrills.

Mahattan Express- when it opened at it only cost $5 to get your head knocked around it was kinda fun to say you went there and did that- now it's like $12 a pop and if I wanna spend that much to have someone beat me up I don't think I should ride- please note- they have just modified the trains which I hear are smoother with new restraints, but I haven't heard that it's a great ride again or anything.

 

 

Hotels:

 

Best bet is to stay in the "middle" of the strip grouping- places like Mirage, Treasure Island (which I love), Flamingo, Harrah's Imperial Palace and I had a great (inexpensive) last trip where I had to stay at Stardust (and I was thoroughly impressed- not as fancy as some of the others and I hadn't stayed there for 10 years, BUT I got a lot of bang for the buck considering how much time anyone actually spends in their room while in Vegas.) Please note, for the little money I spent on my room there I had probably the 2nd best view of The Strip in a half dozen years at more expensive hotels. Figure out what's important to you because you can always find a place to fit your budget. Check your rates at Vegas.com, especially if you can make your reservations ahead of time- there are some Great deals to be had.

 

MOST IMPORTANTLY- get on the rides at the Stratosphere- Big Shot is the best. The tilt ride is ho-hum unless you are in the front seat. The Spinning ride is not that scary-EXCEPT- for the fact that you are dangling over a thousand feet off The Strip- it's got a real disquieting thrill inherent in it- I had a blast.

[haiderodes]

Yeah, if money isn't an issue, then Circus Circus shouldn't even be on your list!!! It's kind of scary.

 

I always stay at Monte Carlo because the food is "Elissa Friendly" and it's in a great location. Your mom is talking about Caesers, but I think that's a little far north on the strip now compared to where all the action is.

 

Bellagio is very nice, but has absolutely nothing to offer you unless you're over 21 and have a lot of money. Mirage seems to be quite 'dated' and looks very 80's in my opinion.

 

You'll have a great time, make sure to eat some good food!

 

Actually the Mirage is in the middle of a total renovation. They have redone a lot of things on the interior to give it a more contemporary style. Plus it has LOVE the new Cirque show based on the Beatles! I'm still holding out for when they update the volcano. Its supposed to have even more fireballs and special effects.

[haiderodes]

Manhattan Express' new trains are now in operation. Saw them when i was on my way home from work yesterday. I haven't seen them really up close, but on Screamscape they say they were built by Premier.

 

Canyon Blaster holds up relatively well because it is indoors. The ride turns 13 years old this month, so its not a young ride and we all know that most Arrows built during that time haven't aged that gracefully.

 

Speed: The Ride is ok. The only thing that bugs me is the long delay between launches.

[Calvin]

I'm pretty sure that the long delay is so the track/wheels/something can cool down.

[CHILLERLC1]

I stayed @ Circus Circus and did just fine. Accomodations were ok - casino looked a little campy. I was a little anxious walking past the Wet n' Wild ruins on the way to the Sahara. Overall it was a cool time in Vegas. Speed is near the top of the coasters in Las Vegas. It's a shame that a Togo is one of the town's headliners. It's a pick your poison approach. Canyon Blaster had a bit of headbanging but overall it's one of the best preserved Arrows out there and the helix at the end rocks.

[djrappa]

I'm pretty sure the delays between the launches are so the casino can save money on speed.

Back when I first rode it several years ago they would just keep pumping the trains out, I think we did like 12 rides in less than an hour. Now you'd be lucky to get half that many I recon.

[easytoremember]

ya we had to wait for a while. But at least they send you twice.

[easytoremember]

ya we had to wait for a while. But at least they send you twice.

[coaster1]

The delay is for the LIMs to cool down as they don't have enouh blowers on the motors.

 

And, they send you only once .. not twice, unless your on crack.

[okinawaboy11]

unless your on crack.

 

Yes, because when your on crack, everything is times 2.

 

 

But you would think that they add coolers for the LIMs in Las Vegas (It's really hot). I mean, why cant they launch it like JJ or FoF? FoF is airconditioned yes, but JJ is outside and Maryland summers can get really hot(Not Las Vegas hot but still over 100). I mean, Speed is semi inclosed (The Launch and Station). So, why do they have to wait for speed to cool down when they launch JJ and FoF every couple of minutes?

[haiderodes]

For a while, a few years ago, they did give you two back to back rides, but not anymore. Now its $10 for a single ride or $20 for an all day pass.

 

They have fans in under the launch area (indoors) next to the LIMs so I doubt that cooling is an issue. I think the pauses in launches are a cost saving measure. The ride usually never has that long of a line and they say it will launch every 15 minutes if it doesn't have a full load. By launching less frequently, they are using less electricity and putting less wear on the equiptment.

 

Speaking of delays and waits...

 

Manhattan Express can run upwards of 4 trains but they usually run only 2 (3 on the weekends) causing a line.

 

Canyon Blaster is pretty good at running efficiently. When I was an op there back in high school and again for a few months during college, the park supervisors and coordinators (leads) were very adamant about getting trains out. Because the ride is so short, even during moderately busy times, one train is adequate. I remember one time being at controls with a good 5 train wait and the supervisor calling me and saying we needed to speed up our dispatches (the park op office is right next to the station and break run). It makes sense I guess...why add another train if you are just gonna stack it. Needless to say, stacking was not tolerated and generally it was more hassle for the person at controls to deal with stacked trains than not due to the short length of the ride.

[Mr Stratosphere]

OMG stacking on Canyon blaster is horrid. Being on the train that is being stacked sucks!!! It stopps so hard in B block it isnt even funny! You hear everyone scream OWWWWW!!!

When they run two trains i have to give it to the attendants there, they have to dispatch the other train once the other train goes through the second loop otherwise the train coming back to the station will abruptly stop at the transfer area..

John

[ParkTrips]

They were only running one train the other day, so stacking was impossible

 

At least it was still better than the Manhattan Express crew even though they had 3 trains on the track

 

OK and the stuff on your tower scared the crap out of me, thanks for meeting up!!

 

As for the initial question, I'd say that Speed was my favorite in Vegas. Other than a couple of jolts, it was a fun ride!

[RaptorBoyASU]

^Actually the sky changing part with the shops and restaurants is the forum shops at Caesars.

 

Actually, I think the other guy was right, he probably saw The Fremont Street Experience featured on TV. It's on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas (the old strip). It's a pretty neat show. Loud music, lots of lights, and best of all free.

 

Fremont street's casinos are a little more claustraphobic and smoky, but they have their own charm. The best "cheap buffet" is at The Golden Nugget down there (around $10-15 for dinner, cheaper for lunch and breakfast).

 

The best free show is the light show at The Wynn IMHO (most people don't realize there is a music light show in their fountain too goes like every 30 minutes during the evening), with Bellagio's light show a close second (depends on the song)

[bigstevet07]

Fremont streets canopy has a whole bunch of different light shows. Ceasars forum shops have the sky above them, and it changes from day to night like hourly or something like that. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, then hang out downtown. The strip is mostly people walking around looking at the sites now a days. That is outside on the strip. You go anywhere downtown and it seems like a huge party.