A few observations from last week (10/25-10/31)

The Gold Line: We finally rode the Gold Line; which compared to the Deuce . . . well, there is no comparison. It got us between Paris and Downtown nearly as fast as a cab and a heck of a lot cheaper. For whatever it's worth - on the way downtown, tickets were checked two times by different "inspectors" and once on the way back. We saw one couple put off at the next stop for not having a ticket. They were lucky.

Zip Line (while we're on lines): Yes, we know it's garnered a lot of enthusiasm on here; but especially after seeing it, my original negative comment stands. It's not like it takes you over a scenic rain forest in Kauai, but . . . well, it's just plain dumb! About the only thing I've seen as stupid is those dual seating giant Wheel of Fortune Machines. Oh well, at least it helps keep some of the "tourists" out of the casinos.

Ellis Island: We were a bit apprehensive after reading posts about the quality and service going downhill. NOT TRUE! We ate on the patio and found the chicken and ribs combo (and beer) as great as always. No complaints about the service either. We've been there many times and have never had anything less than good experiences.

Tuscany: Good grief – what happened to this place? We stopped in Thursday afternoon on the way to Ellis Island to find only two open BJ tables. Here's where it gets "fun. The dealer called for a "do over" after a player made the "normal" size cut. As the dealer explained, it has to be at least an entire deck's worth of cards! Huh? I wonder what they do on the two deck games. Maybe they have to count to make sure it's exactly in the middle. It gets better. After another player sat out a hand, he was prevented from getting back into the game until the next shuffle. This was near the top of a 6 deck shoe, penetration was no better than 2/3, and there was no mid-deck entry sign. Who ever heard of no mid entry on a shoe game anyway? Holy crap Batman – no wonder this place was deserted. (They did explain, after I asked, that if a player had to go to the bathroom, he could still get back into the game upon his return. I didn't inquire how many times he could go or if his "business" would be monitored.) At least they had DDAS and surrender.

Maybe I'll think of something to add before returning in 2 weeks. Yep, just booked it today. Yikes!

 

Thanks for the updates!

BTW, have seen the BJ scenarios you described before.

 

Where do you catch the gold line, and how much is it?

 

It will take a little hunting, but http://rtcsnv.com is the place. Sorry, my mistake, evidently the "Gold Line" is now called the "Strip and Downtown Express." Names and routes change all the time. More changes will be coming as the Downtown Transportation Center is replaced by the new Bonneville Transit Center – this month, I believe.

Anyway, I caught it from Paris to Casino Center, and with the old fart (reduced fare card) it cost $2.50 each way. Normally, the 2-hour pass goes for $5, while $7 will get you a 24-hour access pass. (I'm still trying to figure this out, as I didn't see the reduced fare for the 24-hour pass on the ticket terminal.)