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Mother-Daughter Aria/Cosmo Trip... food, debauchery, $20 gambling budget and fried iPads!

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Multifarious5, Jan 2, 2020.

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  1. breanna61

    breanna61 Super Moderator

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    Congratulations on your wedding multi!

    Bummed we were at Cosmo at the same time and didn’t meet :(

    Looks like you and your Mom had a fabulous time. Looking forward to hearing about Part 2 at Aria.
     
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  2. Vegasdriven58

    Vegasdriven58 Low-Roller

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    Cannot believe how many on this forum were at Cosmo on Christmas Day (us too, and with my Mom, though she stayed at Aria on a 2 night Myvegas comp). We both stayed at Luxor for the previous 3 days, but we spent time at Cosmo then, too.

    I started a trip report on our way to Vegas, but failed miserably at completing it, but I am thinking of doing a post tr just to give some of my impressions of a Vegas Christmas as this was our first one, and we really enjoyed it. Anyway your report has inspired me, so hopefully I will get to it soon.

    Really enjoyed reading yours.
    Happy 2020
     
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  3. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    Seriously I missed you too? It was like my own little hotbed of beloved VMBers, and I can't believe how many of us were there at the same time!

    We probably DID cross paths Carve! I was probably the nightmare jumping from slot machine to slot machine. Oh wait that's half of Vegas :) (Though you are a bit more refinined than I am in Vegas, remember I'm like a five year old on attention span!)

    I am so glad you went with sis and BIL. This was one of my BEST trips enjoyment wise. Selfishly that is when I should post more, but skeptically I get scared of rocking the boat and go dark, ergo why I missed everyone.

    The silver lining is, we all know we'll be back, and probably relatively soon!

    I'll be updating the Aria portion in a few days, but HAD to jump on your post Carve.... it made my day!

    Ps grinning we are "samies" on buffet pics. Mine are never pretty but they are yummy!


    And Retro, I would have LOVED to have met you! Like Carve you have a great big heart, are very kind, yet also are extremely analytical and have a dry humor streak which I adore.

    As I told Carve we all might have missed this one, but we will be back! :D
     
    Last edited: Jan 4, 2020
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  4. Horseplayer1

    Horseplayer1 High-Roller

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    My mom's foray into gambling was this. I talked her into going to lunch on her 80th birthday at a casino near her home (about an hour away)then gave her a $20 and said "Go for it". She had no idea what to do, finally stuck the 20 in a slot, hit max bet ($4)immediately got a bonus, made $110 and said" I'm done-how do I get my money out?"
     
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  5. BellaBlvd

    BellaBlvd Low-Roller

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    Great trip report! I so wish I could do the same with my mother but she would drive me batty complaining about the cost of stuff on the strip :(
     
  6. luck.ofthe.draw

    luck.ofthe.draw VIP Whale

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    Sounds like an amazing recap so far @Multifarious5 !!!

    The experience you had taking your mom to Vegas sounds incredible! For personal reasons I could never take my mother to Vegas, but that would be amazing!

    Can’t wait for part 2!
     
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  7. jmn3

    jmn3 Low-Roller

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    Sounds like a great trip! I've only been with my Dad once and my Mom twice, but I really enjoy those trips and think they do too! They're both from a long line of degenerates, but Dad's a little conservative. My Grandma on my Mom's side, on the other hand, believed in the "if you can't play dollar machines, don't even bother!" motto with slots and my Mom has followed in her place!
     
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  8. Nittany1

    Nittany1 VIP Whale

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    Just catching up and sorry I missed you by a day at Aria.
    I wish I would have had the opportunity to take my parents to Las Vegas.
    Nice TR and thanks for posting .As always ,love the photos.
     
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  9. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    Soooo, I've been a big slacker, apologies! But back in the real world (VS Magic Land) and its been a hectic week.

    Back to the fun stuff....

    Phase Two: Aria!

    My mom hasn't been to Vegas in like 8 years, and she's only been a few times in her lifetime.

    Our teenage daughter-mom Circus Circus stay when road-tripping (eons ago) was our first together, and then we had two Mirage stays over 8 years ago, standard room. Mom mom was never that excited to go back.

    (I will let you know if this excitement wanes, or peaks, later during thd cycle!)


    Needless to say, Cosmo knocked her socks off, and it was magical! She was REALLY bummed leaving.

    I did try to console her though at Cosmo on checkout, saying that she wouldn't stay sad once we hit Aria. My only concern about Aria was that it had very few true "Penny slots" But, as I saw at Cosmo, she couldn't even play true penny slots for 10 cents a spin! She'd get mad losing $3 dollars, FURIOUS at $6.

    Since penny slots were no longer a concern? I knew she'd go bat s* crazy over the Aria suite. I was just hoping that it was a layout that she liked (she wanted a corner living room) .

    Back to the room. It turns out It WAS the layout she loved, and she DID go semi crazy on excitement. My mom ADORED aria, and this is her on the first day. . Comming!

    IMG_20191226_150957820.jpg

    My mom is the queen Cheapo. Not frugal, but true, red-blooded Cheapo. (And I'm famous for being frugal!)

    Cheapo MOM Snacks VS. Normal Vegas snacks! I told my mom we'd have a fridge at Cosmo AND Aria, so I suggested that she pack her preferred munchies. Short flight, so suggested cheeses, smoke meats, crackers, etc.

    Nope.

    She hit dollar store. They had tuna pouches for a buck, so she stocked up for Vegas. WHO BRINGS DOLLAR STORE TUNA POUCHES TO VEGAS?

    My point being, beloved El Cheapo's nightmare cousin in law kept saying she LOVED the high life. She actually kept saying, maybe he should buy something like this in Vegas. (Good daughter than I am, I rained on her parade and told his family that I probably a million or more, plus HOAS for this type of condo.

    But NON sarcastic daughter, I told her not to worry, we WOULD be back.

    And other pics of the room... IMG_20191226_150945885.jpg IMG_20191226_150932342.jpg IMG_20191226_150916573.jpg IMG_20191226_150910676.jpg

    She went bonkers over the room, literally bat s.

    So, Ms. Dollar Store Tuna packs has now has a better feel for why I love Vegas! It was a truly EPIC, relaxing, lazy, but bonding trip for us, and my mom even on day seven was not ready to leave.

    Ready to leave? I'm jumping ahead! I have the whole Aria trip to replay for you all! As with all my trip reports, it's low-keyed and lazy, but I DO have a surprise or two in store once I report back.

    For now, I just wanted to add another Rung, my mom's impression of Aria.

    Next? Some food pics, degenerate slot pics, and a surprise or two. One for me, was a whopper....

    So if not bored yet, stay tuned, and I'll report back soon! Or semi soon!
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2020
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  10. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Wow dollar store tuna?

    And I thought I was bad for buying 6 pints of "Natty Daddy" (8% abv) at Walmart for $4 today. Lol
     
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  11. Traveling1

    Traveling1 Low-Roller

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    I am really enjoying your report! What great memories you made!
     
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  12. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    Lol that is SO something my mom would do.
     
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  13. carolineno

    carolineno VIP Whale

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    Well your mom has me beat! I do bring fresh fruit but not tuna packs. Bravo! :nworthy:
     
    Ladies getaway, somewhere on the strip with a pool :)
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  14. jpw711

    jpw711 Is that your cat?

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    No reason to go home yet.
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  15. Richard Alpert

    Richard Alpert LOST

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    We might be related! :cowboy: (For me it's the dollar store jerky.)

    What a great TR to record such an awesome trip!

    I'm looking forward to the rest! :D

    Thank you, @Multifarious5!

    RICHARD
     
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  16. BoVegas

    BoVegas Low-Roller

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    Dollar Store, wow, that is cool, love it, neat TR.
     
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  17. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    Richard, dollar store jerky, NO problem. I also buy dollar store bath salts for trips.

    The tuna packets were what grossed me out, and I like tuna OK. (In her defense, it was still Starkist, not some off brand, but it still cracked me up!)

    Ok, sorry for the delay all I'll finish the TR this weekend. @jpw711 high five to you for being such a good secret keeper! :)
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2020
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  18. jpw711

    jpw711 Is that your cat?

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    When the secret is as scandalous as this, I figured it was best that I let you tell it yourself!
     
    No reason to go home yet.
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  19. Multifarious5

    Multifarious5 VIP Whale

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    Soooo, if I don't finish this now, it's going to be 2021! (I've been falling asleep early like I'm 95 years old, sorry!)

    SOOO, here goes..... Aria.

    Well you saw the pics of the room with my mom stoked.

    She also was a trooper and hoofed in through Crystal's, despite a bad knee. (I was going to Uber it for her l, but she said no way! Her cheapo side might make her a dollar store tuna aficionado, but it also makes her tough and a trooper!)

    And she loved the Tower Suites Lounge.

    The problem was, she liked our room a little TOO much....I couldn't get her out much, and she'd only go with me, never solo. Even with me, I had to pry her out!

    Now, my mom has traveled and moved all over the country, and she's a bit of a loner. (Family trait!) She also loves exploring. Maybe it was because 2019 was a rough year (aka cocooning it in the room), but she simply LOVED just hanging out in the room and looking out through the windows for hours!

    So, our M. O. was me sleeping in, and her just relaxing. (You all know I'm an overgrown teenager) I woke up "early" a few times for her, but it was funny, it seemed to put more pressure on my mom to "do" stuff! So, we found my sleeping in let me catch up, and it let her gorge on quiet-time without pressure!

    We DID also go out lots of course, we just never left either Cosmo or Aria. :eek:

    Remember, my Vegas style is VERY boring, and sleep/relaxation is a big part, as I'm a stressball much of the year. Like mother, like daughter, she needed the relaxation/chill part too, so the rest of the TR is pretty bland, but here goes!

    Food-wise, I've always wanted to try Lemongrass due to so many eave reviews, and my mom LOVES Thai food. It was a wait list, so we hit the bar, Drunken Noodles and Thai basil, I believe, we shared, which I love. Don't ask me about the photo, with the blank spot/plateless center. I hadn't had one drink. That was sheer, raw talent on the photo. .. but the meal was wonderful! IMG_20191226_185753839.jpg

    From there, we played a bit and walked around inside of Aria. Then, my mom got sleepy, so I walked her back to the room, we hung out for a bit, until she wanted a soaky bath and bed, and at that point, I went to howl on the slots.

    Speaking of slots. I knew I was going to be slightly over budget for the trip, but it had been such an amazing trip, I decided to just go with it. I had gotten myself back close to budget from the first two nights at Cosmo, but I decided I was going to give myself a slightly increased budget for my 3 nights at Aria. This trip had been stress-free and magical, and I wasn't going to add the stress of sticking to a tighter daily allowance. I DID give myself a budget for my final Aria nights, but I was giving myself a little more wiggle room. It really had been a magical trip!

    Well, Aria is a funny beast. Some trips have been tight, others loose. All in all, for some reason, I just really, really like playing at Aria. I feel relaxed, happy and serene, which always does better for me on the machines. :rolleyes:

    First night slot porn:

    I found a shark game that turned into what I call a "comp maker" .....running the same money in for HOURS, and it was fun! It's by the tower suites lounge. It was quite popular. I'd always up the bet during th bonus round, and low bet the rest, and it just REALLY worked great on coin-in, again, it was fun!
    IMG_20191226_220813531.jpg

    And another, same game.... IMG_20191226_215438817.jpg Oy! Since slots and cocktails go hand in hand, I will share Aria has moved to one of those cocktail machines, and the waitresses do NOT like it. So, if you're ordering, let's say a vodka Collins, tall, or a lemon drop with xyz vodka, it's tougher for them. Again, don't be mad at the waitresses, all of them were pretty pissed about it. It turns out when really busy, the machines crash, and they get to deal with the unhappy customers who are waiting. So, I I stuck to my absolute soda water. (Prefer Cosmo's Grey Goose, but hey!)

    Back to first night slots....

    Piggies... For @jpw711 ! IMG_20191226_223455425.jpg
    And as you see, I'm hitting $3.00 + a spin, which means I've had some liquid courage.

    And below, $5.00 a spin, which means martinis.... (Apparently I didn't even take a Pic of the name of the game!)

    IMG_20191226_225637244.jpg

    And to close out the night, my beloved QH Riches, and a solid one!

    IMG_20191227_020253738.jpg

    Yes, yes, naughty on drinks if betting $5 a spin, but I went to bed before 1:30 am (early for me) AND came back under budget! First day was a hit!

    Day Two, Friday! Wash, rinse, repeat.

    I slept in some, (Though up early for me in Vegas, as I love visiting with my mom) and we just hung out for hours.

    We then hit the Aria Cafe (yes, it's still open)! Well, since @thecarve chimed in he was at Aria at the same time, even BEFORE he said this, when in line, we had a guy behind us that TOTALLY reminded me of the Carve. Dapper, said he knew Aria VERY well, and comfortable solo. Very charming and nice. I didn't talk a ton as, while I behaved the night before, I still wasn't an ANGEL, and it showed. (If it WAS you Carve, my apologies on looking like a trog!)

    My mom and I shared plates again, so fun! I had the turmeric/currant raisin bread club sandwich, and my mom had the Reuben. Both plates under $20 WITH fries. Eat that MGM!
    IMG_20191227_135724987.jpg


    After the meal, we did play a little, but I found my mom just really doesn't like slots anymore now that she has an iPad, which is free.

    Totally OK, this vacation was 100% about what made us happy, so we adjusted and just enjoyed the stellar room more!

    Here are some slot pics from our day session (I never play during the day, except with her). My mom liked the Pegasus game, and I targeted fifty cents a spin as this was my "visiting" play, not bankroll play. I did get a solid hit on fifty cents a spin. IMG_20191227_145355886.jpg

    We probably played and walked half an hour, then back to the room. We then hung out, just visited, and loved relaxing. Once bath time came in the evening (for my mom) it was back to sleepy time for her, and slot time for me.

    Slot porn for night 2

    Back to my shark game! I probably don't want to know HOW many hours on this trip this game consumed... IMG_20191227_151337846.jpg

    Ok, this one is for @jENBEAU . I really don't like Video Poker. I want to. I like LIVE games of Texas hold em', but Video poker just is NOT my happy spot.

    Sooooo, I walk by Keno.... In Jen's beloved Aria. And it's CAVEMAN Keno. I HAVE to honor Jen by trying it!

    IMG_20191227_200757706.jpg

    Turns out, for some reason, Keno really relaxes me. I spent hours on various Keno games. I was able to go into idle mode thinking-wise, and just relax....I will definitely make Keno part of my trips. Just not too much, as I bugged a slot attendant and they said it tallies coin-in on V/P stats, not slot stats. Still @jENBEAU I see why you love Keno, I am now a believer, and I had some very nice hits!:woohoo:

    As the drinks went on, of course the wagers got looser, but not too loose, as I was serious about stinking to my budget (even with cocktails).

    Some love for @jpw711. ...anytime I see this game I have to hit it for you! IMG_20191227_210950305.jpg

    And more...i was liking this game.... Thanks @jpw711
    IMG_20191227_212724222.jpg

    And a little more slot porn for second night... I always like this Shark Game.... Raving mad shark. Oh... Wait... $5 a spin.....we know what that means!!!!:blink: IMG_20191228_015430284.jpg


    And finally, final slot for second night, one night left.. on my beloved, end of night QH winning times, which I also love, and I moved to QH Riches later! (I'm too cheap to play until I have a few drinks in me) IMG_20191228_010540284.jpg

    I had a blast on slots, but was naughtier on drinks, and ALMOST did a money run, when I moved to my "end of night, QH riches" tradition.

    But, then (Luckily) I had my every trip “Chatty Cathy/I'm sad" person come up, and I always have a hard time shutting down a nice but venting person.

    Annoying, but it did save me a money run, as I talked some, and then just went to my room, albeit too late this night!

    Still, I did NOT go over budget, so happy, and an amazing day with my mom!

    So, one more night left, my FINAL night at Aria, which I will post later.... It deserves its, own spotlight. (But no scandal guys, sorry, @jpw711 is just THE best spin doctor out there on marketing/wetting interest!)

    So, over and out, the third and final chapter will be pretty short and sweet, stay tuned!
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2020
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  20. Flowers

    Flowers VIP Whale

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    There are no adequate words. I just have to say ...

    :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

    The love and relaxed vibe between you and your mother just shines through. I have much the same kind of relationship with my mother, except she loves quarter WOF and can play it until the wee hours of the morning at 87!!!!

    Your report fills the heart. So happy you had a wonderful, loving, relaxing and fabulous time. My April trip with my mom I hope will be the same.

    Thanks so much for sharing. :blowkiss:

    Edited to add: What I loved reading most honestly was hearing about how much your mother enjoyed your room and sleeping in. It made me a bit weepy actually. My mother has some physical challenges now so I am a bit of a caregiver on our vacations but it is not burdensome. I know I need to go to the RFB lounge to grab her coffee and a breakfast treat so as she is waking she has her coffee. Warms my heart to see her so happy to have the coffee in bed, have a mini muffin or croissant, drink some water (which I make her do) and then fall back asleep for maybe another hour or two. My father now has significant health challenges so she can rarely do that at home.

    Thanks so much again for sharing.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2020
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