Trip planning -- bringing first timer--what am I missing?

With air tickets purchased, I'm feeling optimistic about the upcoming trip with my eldest kiddo, to celebrate their 21st birthday. Of course, they are now 22 due to the pandemic delays:-(.

I've got a running list of things to do/see....what am I missing that a first-timer should see/do/experience? We're there Sun-Weds.

Things to do….in no particular order….
*Do Anytime*
Cosmo (VP at Chandelier bar)
Bellagio conservatory & fountains
Strip casino crawl (play & drink at every casino)
Craps (downtown or off strip like Ellis Island or OYO)
Flamingo habitat
Crystals art exhibit
Downtown LV casino crawl (Circa, Plaza, The Cal, Main Street Station, Binions, etc)
Photo with 1 million dollars downtown (Binions)
Pool time (check pool hours)
Watch hockey at a sportsbook bar

*Book Ahead required*
Neon Museum & Brilliant light show - Monday?
Mac King magic show (Excalibur) Tuesday March 15 - 3:00 PM
Potted Potter show (Bally’s)-if tickets reasonable
Nightclub (Omnia or Marquee or On the Record) - depends on crowds

*Dining*
Breakfasts at Eataly/Mon Ami Gabi (reservation required for latter)
At least one steak dinner (reservation required)
Bavette's Steakhouse & Bar Sun, March 13 · 6:00 pm 2 guests
Cosmo food court lunch or dinner, Secret Pizza - late night (no reservation needed)

 

I'll be following along! I am taking my twin boys in November for their 21st Birthday. I wish we could have a pool day but too cold.

 

Check goldstar or travelzoo for potted Potter discounts - we bought through goldstar for a good discount!

Hubs and I brought my sister for her 21st (I'm 11 yrs older). We made a "rule" list for her - had to try a new drink every day (she doesn't really like much - we wanted her to see if there were things out there she would enjoy). We gave her gambling money and she had to try new games or spend a certain amount or percentage - can't remember back exactly I took her to the spa, we tried some fun places to eat (again, she doesn't like much so trying to expand her options a little - she was not the pub or food crawl type, alas....) Have fun!!!

 

Have you seen Potted Potter? I'm not really a PotHead, but I found it hilarious. Definitely worth it.

I don't know if Binions still has the $1M photo opportunity. It wasn't there when I stayed downtown in June.

Have you watched a game at Circa's book yet? That was an experience when I went. Large crowd that was into every shot.

 

Don't forget the Mirage and the Volcano show, since it may not be around for much longer when the Hard Rock start their renovations/construction of the guitar hotel.

 

Pinball Hall of Fame and that weird grocery store art installation thing... Area 51 or something??

 

My regular plea to NOT overplan. Make a few important reservations but be flexible for things you might want to do more of, things that might come up once you're there, etc. I personally hate over planned trips (though I am totally compulsive about planning - I do it so I know the options, know the few MUST do things, and have a nice collection of other things to do/see in reserve, depending on mood for the day.....

 

Neon Museum and Mon Ami Gabi caught my eye, both are fantastic!

Neon museum schedule this in advance, you need tickets. Have the option of doing it during the day or at night with the old signage lite up. Both super cool (this is pre Covid), your voulenteer guide will talk about the original sign, why it was used, all have humorous background. My favorite might be the aspirin headache sign folks saw while leaving Vegas. Tour is a bit over an hour, but a blast. Would also stop a Gold and Silver Pawn shop as it’s close, can see where pawn stars is filmed. They have some pretty cool art (Picasso) watches (Rolex / channel) and rings (pats super bowl).

mon ami gabi - this food is LEGIT and more importantly inexpensive. Highly recommend doing breakfast, their hash with sugar rubbed bacon, it’s the new wave forward. Can easily walk in and grab seat at wooden bar or do a reservation. Make sure the 22 year old checks out some vodka and oj or a Bloody Mary, things to prep for a big day in Vegas. For lunch they have very good sandwiches and dinner steaks and frites is mid $30. This is probably Paris’s best all around restaurant. Enjoy!

 

Also plans are made to be broken! Have a great time with the kiddo!

 

Depending on when in November, pool time can still be great. I enjoyed the Luxor and MB pools just about every day on my recent early November trip.

 

Yes! I saw it a few trips ago, and it was pretty funny. My kiddo was a big HP fan in middle school/high school.

I only spent a little time downtown on my last trip; didn't make it to Binion's. May as well check since I plan to go downtown anyway.

I've seen it but not watched a game there. It's huge!

 

I definitely don't want to overplan, but ... since I've been so many times, there are things I just skip anymore (ie. Bellagio fountains) that are something a first timer should see. Hence, the master list of options!

And, with the restaurant situation, definitely need to plan ahead for the sit-down meals.

 

Maybe one of the Cirque shows?

 

I often suggest. (strong encourage) letting the newbie have some time on their own. But, if not with someone, maybe not. We are taking granddaughter for 21st birthday in March. Her Dad will be with her, so we will let them do some stuff on their own.

Gonna follow this list though. We are already doing downtown Sat/Sun and strip Mon/Tues. I know downtown will be crazy, but that is good.

 

That's a huge list for a short trip, especially if the kid gets a taste for some seroius drinking and gambling plus where's the downtime in this whistlestop LV experience?

 

Just noticed Sujn-Thurs

May want to downtown on Sunday - depending on dates. Often have bands then but not week nights

 

For a Vegas first timer I always do this list:

1. Top of Stratosphere
2. Bellagio Fountains & Conservatory
3. Mirage Volcano
4. Venetian/Palazzo Grand Canal Shoppes/Gondola ride
5. High Roller ride
6. Visit inside Luxor
7. Top of Eiffel Tower
8. Visit Fremont Street at night

 

For 1st timers, do a vista. Drinks at Skyfall, the Eifel Tower, Strat tower...

 

What you might want to avoid here is approaching this trip like you would a museum exhibit or a fast-paced tour. Vegas is an experience, and I would advise you treat it as such. Strolling up to and leaving the Bellagio fountains at night Ocean's 11 style, leisurely sipping a drink at the Parasol Down patio at the Wynn while the Lake of Dreams show is going on after dusk (or getting steak at SW Steakhouse), betting on a sports game and watching it alongside many others at a sports book, and punctuating a day of drinking and gaming with a few hours of a spa and massage, are all things I think you can do to make the trip memorable.

 

Your list seems like a lot of things to do in a short time. If your "first timer" does everything on their first visit they may not want to come back.

If you do it right you'll have a companion in Vegas for life. They might say "on our next trip let's (fill in the blank). When are we going?"