On the Value note

Based on big empire's trip report in 2003, Mac King comedy show used to be $6.95. http://www.bigempire.com/vegas/pleasureometer.html

Based on vegas.com, today it is $33.99. http://www.vegas.com/shows/magic/mac-king-comedy-magic/?_guid=1-_-100000000000000252215-_-12195387144&cm_guid=1-_-100000000000000252215-_-12195387144&cm_mmc=google-_-Shows-_-Magic%2BMac%2BKing-_-mac%20king%20las%20vegas|21c6471b-2fe1-2fc8-22c3-00007b94c56c&gclid=CPXGm-zr2rACFVPftgodvWEc2Q


In less than a decade, the price of this afternoon show has quadrupled. It goes back to the "biggest rip in Vegas" thread, not because shows in Vegas are necessarily the biggest rip in Vegas but because the prices for showsin Vegas have dramatically increased...and yet we do not see much greater value.

Now, if your income has equally quadrupled in the past decade, then I am sure this will not seem an issue.

However, what makes Mac King or any show for that matter more valuable than a decade ago?

Let not the economics of it all be the main focus here though but the value.

 

I was surprised, like you, to see how much Mac King has gone up. I saw it in 2004 & 2006. Can't remember how much I paid but it was around $10.00 and even included a drink. It's a good show but I wouldn't pay the going price now.

 

I sure I wish I was visiting Vegas then. Gosh. It really made me take a step back and reevaluate how much I am willing to spend for a Vegas show. Sheesh.

Or maybe I should thoroughly enjoy the shows now before they get more stratospheric.

 

I'm not familiar with the Mac King show, but perhaps the reason for the price increase is that its popularity has also increased, therefore allowing them to charge greatly increased prices due to greatly increased demand?

 

i remember back in the 90s you could get a "steak dinner" anywhere for like $5.95 or something. prices are always increasing, but as far as this show quadrupling in price, that's more to do with popularity and less with inflation. most things haven't increased 4x in that short of a time.

 

I'm not so sure. If you're on the strip now you'd be hard pressed to find a decent steak dinner for even under $20

 

I'm not so sure that you get it. Shifter wasn't referring to today's steakhouse displays of oneupmanship. In the 90's, 5.95 basic steak dinners were available on the strip. Nick was there.

Nick

 

I don't think it has anything to do with the show's popularity. It's all about CET's greed.

Unless things have changed, the Mac King show is performed in the afternoon in a relatively small theater. In the past, people would pass out flyers for the show in the Carnival Court and the cost was around $10 which included a drink. It was a great way to get people into Harrah's casino.

Now, with CET controlling the north end of the strip and MGM controlling the south end, prices for food, drink, and entertainment have continued to increase because CET and MGM can do it.

About 5 years ago when my wife and I stayed at the IP, a Mai Tai cost us $5 at the pool. Last summer at the Monte Carlo, the same drink cost about $15.

 

Well, with inflation and stuff, things cost more, and Vegas is hurting. Also room prices have comedown A L O T in the past 10 years, but in return, I think I spend far more on everything else, but it kinda of psyches you out. What major resort $1.99 steak and eggs anymore haha?

Also I think the last era built in Vegas was the extravagant 5 star, every amenity in the world resorts. I mean, what was built in the past 10-15 years that isn't a 5 star? So I think with those resorts coming in, people were drawn towards that (or so Vegas thought) so a lot of the other stuff went to the wayside.

 

My non expert thoughts on this; it has to do with less competition (CET and MGM own most of the strip now) on the strip, and the fact that food-booze-shows are no longer loss leaders to get people in the door to gamble and in 2003 Vegas was still shaking off the "family friendly" days of the 90's.

 

I saw Mac King early on ( I think way before 2003 ), it was in a very small theater - maybe 150 seats, and then a few years ago in the larger theater at Harrah's.
Many shows start out low price until the performer has name recognition and command a better contract with the casino.
I'm sure you probably can get tickets for 1/2 at Tix4Less or 2-for-1 coupons.
Mac King has a good show that's also suitable for kids.

I saw Terry Fator when his show first started at the Mirage and the tickets were $35. Now they're $95.

Big Elvis show was free, now you need to buy a drink at the bar to see him.

Take Nathan Burton that has a show for free or $10. How long do you think it will be at that price.

When I saw Siegfried and Roy at the Frontier ....

 

I've gone from frequenting only the big-ticket shows to making a point of downsizing to budget shows much more often. Not because of finances, but out of curiousity. What I learned is that it's fun to be thoroughly entertained by something far less costly than the equivalent of a car payment. Mike Hammer, Nathan Burton, Jeff Civillico, Absinthe, Dirk Arthur, Rick Thomas, Carrot Top, Human Nature, Divas, and Gordie Brown were all a blast, and most are under $30 dollars.

Cirque's new Zarkana is opening up on November 1st and Cat A seats are $198.00 plus fees and taxes. That is absolutely insane to me, just like paying $250 to see Garth park his wide rear end on a stool.

Some people enjoy spending gobs of money and telling people about it later. If that's your thing, Garth is waiting. Go for it. But there are many many other ways to have a blast and not drive up the credit card balance, or feel buyer's remorse when the vacation is over and you're back to real life.

The choices are out there, but I've chosen to be more frugal. And now I can go to Vegas every 6 weeks or so instead of twice a year.

 

Is this 100%? I wasn't aware of that. I was planning on grabbing a couple Michelobs from Casino Royale and then standing around to watch the show.

 

It seems to me that the show was more likely underpriced in 2003 than it is overpriced now.

 

Damn Capitalists! (note the green?)

Damn Capitalists! (note the green?)

 

OK...

No one should pay $33 for Mac King. They are giving out coupons for FREE tickets to his show--you can walk up to TR at Harrahs & ask for the coupon. NOW it does require the purchase of a drink...$13 w/ tax, at least it was in January.
Honestly, we have never paid full price to see ANY show--not even LOVE, Mystere, Phantom or Terry Fator. Even those go on sale. And second tier (or maybe 3rd tier...)shows have 2/1 coupons all over the internet & Vegas (free coupons) Tickets4Tonight is an option for all but the top shows as well (and even for many of them except on very busy days)
Buffets are the craziest thing to me--they used to be cheap & solid. Now most seem to be expensive & mediocre at best.
Yes, prices have gone up, as everywhere. But you can still find cheap rooms, shows, drinks, meals, & even gambling if you are willing to look.

 

It was free in May, The way the room is laid out I don't think they would try charging.

 

Thanks, 10 days til Vegas!