Not a TR, rather itinerary for my upcoming trip, submitted for your review

I appreciate a good plan. Part of the fun is in the planning, for me (I tend to have color-coded spreadsheets). I think you've hit a good variety of sights in your itinerary.

 

I have not been to DV but am sure that it will require at least one day to check out the major sights and that is in a hurry. Try to get an extra early start on that trip. You could check out Hoover Dam on Friday since it is close to town or check it out on the return trip from VOF. You will have to pay to go through the Lake Mead recreational area on the way back from VOF. It is $10 per vehicle. We went in June and decided to come back on i-15 instead because of time constraints. Make sure to also check out the observation bridge if you go to Hoover Dam. You could also take a quick drive through Red Rock on Friday as well to snap some pictures although VOF has better sights to check out and they are much the same, desert, mountains, rocks of all colors.

If you have never been to Vegas the deuce is a good way to check out the strip especially if you are tired but on the other hand it is very slow going and makes LOTS of stops. There are are quicker buses if just want to get somewhere like downtown. The monorail is too much out of the way to make it an efficient way to get around in my opinion.

The High Roller is cool at least once if you've never been but expect to pay about $27 a person for a 30 minute ride. I think the price goes up at night. I have seen groupon discounts for the ride at various times.

The Mirage and the Bellagio shows happen once every hour (I think) and can be checked out if you are just in the area or walking by.

I don't know how much you are paying for the rental car but if it's at or less than the $40 I would just keep it. I much prefer my own car than have to put up with cabs. That leaves the issue of parking. Self parking is not too bad in the area of the Luxor and takes just a relatively short walk and remember valet parking is free, all you have to do is tip a few bucks (I tip around $3 or if I feel generous maybe $5) and if you are talking about weekdays the valet will not be too busy. If you drive downtown you can park at Main Street Station or El Cortez. Parking is free or cheap especially on weekdays, probably free if you walk into the casino and get validated. Individual mileage will vary.