I forgot to mention that on day 2 (monday) we went to the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. We had free admission thanks to Wagerworks. We really enjoyed this- stayed for almost two hours. It was so calm and peaceful and the dolphins were so much fun to watch.
Day 3
This was actually a business trip for my husband, so duty called on this day. We went to the Convention Center so he could attend his workshops and go through the exhibit hall. I hung out with him for awhile then headed over to the Hilton to play. My losing streak continues!
After my husband was done, we headed over to Caesars and walked around the Forum Shops then went over to the Bellagio for our Wagerworks buffets. I eat there for the crab legs! They make it so easy there- no cracking, picking, digging, etc. Just pull the crab meat off the shell with your fork and enjoy!
We stuffed ourselves then headed over to MGM to see EFX. My husband and I were teenagers in the early-mid eighties, so we were both fans of Rick Springfield. It was fun to see him live and up close. We had great seats- directly behind the little stage in the middle of the audience where he performs a couple of times. He grabbed my hand once when he ran by- a vicarious thrill for my little sister who was and still is a huge fan! 
Overall, we thought the show was o.k.- we liked Blue Man Group better, but this show was free (Wagerworks) so we are not complaining- especially given the great seats!
After the show we headed back to TI to lose a little more of our money.
Day 4
This was the day I was really looking forward to! While my husband did his thing, I went to the TI spa and relaxed. I had a 50 minute massage which was wonderful, then just hung out for a while, taking advantage of all the spa "amenities" (whirlpool, steam room, etc.) I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to "escape" for a little while!
We met for lunch at the Mirage buffet (Wagerworks). We were not impressed. Typical buffet fare and not all that great. We had heard really good things so were quite disappointed. The only bright spot for me was the mini creme brulee. It was wonderful!
After lunch went back to TI and had a drink at Kahunaville. I had a strawberry daquiri- o.k. but not the best I've ever had. A little too tart for my taste, although it was better than the one I had from one of the TI bars the day before. Kahunaville was pretty loud- not the place to go if you want to have a quiet conversation!
We played some more at TI (lost) and then ate at the TI buffet for dinner (free with our room package). The TI buffet was pretty much what we expected. The quality of the food was o.k. but not a lot to choose from.
After dinner played some more. I struck up a conversation with a woman who was playing a Top Cat machine. She said she had hit big on a Winning Streak machine the day before. As she was telling me this, she hit a couple of decent payouts on the Top Cat Machine. I figured she might be good luck, so I moved down to the next Top Cat and started playing. I started winning for the first time this trip! I played for quite awhile and finally had some fun at a slot machine! My husband was also doing pretty well on an Odyssey machine nearby. We figured it was about time! My husband ended up losing all of his winnings and I cashed out with a few more dollars than what I started the evening with. We were still in the hole after 31/2 days of losing, but at least we got to play with the casino's money for awhile!
Day 5
Our plane was supposed to leave at 10:30 a.m. so we had to be up early. We got ready then had breakfast at the TI buffet. Once again, not a lot to choose from, but we were in a hurry so it was fine. Got to the airport about 8:40. Southwest check-in line was wrapped around several times, but it moved very quickly. Getting through security took about 10 minutes. This was not long considering the number of people waiting. Our flight was about 45 minutes late (unusual for Southwest)but they made some good time in the air! Got in about 15 min. late.
It was so good to see the kids again. It is nice to get away, but they are what life is really all about!
Overall, this was a fun getaway. As you can tell, we are not big gamblers. Vegas is an escape from reality for us. The gambling just adds a little more excitement to that.
Ratings-
Treasure Island- Very nice hotel, great location, we would stay there again
The Range- one of the best steaks I've ever had, great service
Mizuno's- great food, atmosphere and service- can't wait to go back!
Bellagio Buffet- really great when it is free!
Mirage and TI buffets- probably won't go back unless some changes are made
Dolphin Habitat- loved it! If you need to get away from the Vegas pace for a few minutes, spend some time there!
Blue Man Group- Thoroughly enjoyed this show- would see it again.
EFX- o.k. but probably wouldn't spend the money to see this show again
Spa at TI- totally worth it!
Sorry this report was so long winded! It is easy to get carried away! Thanks to everyone for all of the great advice and for sharing your opinions and experiences on this board. It is amazing how much I learned in such a short period of time!
Day 3
This was actually a business trip for my husband, so duty called on this day. We went to the Convention Center so he could attend his workshops and go through the exhibit hall. I hung out with him for awhile then headed over to the Hilton to play. My losing streak continues!
After my husband was done, we headed over to Caesars and walked around the Forum Shops then went over to the Bellagio for our Wagerworks buffets. I eat there for the crab legs! They make it so easy there- no cracking, picking, digging, etc. Just pull the crab meat off the shell with your fork and enjoy!
Overall, we thought the show was o.k.- we liked Blue Man Group better, but this show was free (Wagerworks) so we are not complaining- especially given the great seats!After the show we headed back to TI to lose a little more of our money.
Day 4
This was the day I was really looking forward to! While my husband did his thing, I went to the TI spa and relaxed. I had a 50 minute massage which was wonderful, then just hung out for a while, taking advantage of all the spa "amenities" (whirlpool, steam room, etc.) I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to "escape" for a little while!
We met for lunch at the Mirage buffet (Wagerworks). We were not impressed. Typical buffet fare and not all that great. We had heard really good things so were quite disappointed. The only bright spot for me was the mini creme brulee. It was wonderful!
After lunch went back to TI and had a drink at Kahunaville. I had a strawberry daquiri- o.k. but not the best I've ever had. A little too tart for my taste, although it was better than the one I had from one of the TI bars the day before. Kahunaville was pretty loud- not the place to go if you want to have a quiet conversation!
We played some more at TI (lost) and then ate at the TI buffet for dinner (free with our room package). The TI buffet was pretty much what we expected. The quality of the food was o.k. but not a lot to choose from.
After dinner played some more. I struck up a conversation with a woman who was playing a Top Cat machine. She said she had hit big on a Winning Streak machine the day before. As she was telling me this, she hit a couple of decent payouts on the Top Cat Machine. I figured she might be good luck, so I moved down to the next Top Cat and started playing. I started winning for the first time this trip!
I played for quite awhile and finally had some fun at a slot machine! My husband was also doing pretty well on an Odyssey machine nearby. We figured it was about time! My husband ended up losing all of his winnings and I cashed out with a few more dollars than what I started the evening with. We were still in the hole after 31/2 days of losing, but at least we got to play with the casino's money for awhile! Day 5
Our plane was supposed to leave at 10:30 a.m. so we had to be up early. We got ready then had breakfast at the TI buffet. Once again, not a lot to choose from, but we were in a hurry so it was fine. Got to the airport about 8:40. Southwest check-in line was wrapped around several times, but it moved very quickly. Getting through security took about 10 minutes. This was not long considering the number of people waiting. Our flight was about 45 minutes late (unusual for Southwest)but they made some good time in the air! Got in about 15 min. late.
It was so good to see the kids again. It is nice to get away, but they are what life is really all about!
Overall, this was a fun getaway. As you can tell, we are not big gamblers. Vegas is an escape from reality for us. The gambling just adds a little more excitement to that.
Ratings-
Treasure Island- Very nice hotel, great location, we would stay there again
The Range- one of the best steaks I've ever had, great service
Mizuno's- great food, atmosphere and service- can't wait to go back!
Bellagio Buffet- really great when it is free!
Mirage and TI buffets- probably won't go back unless some changes are made
Dolphin Habitat- loved it! If you need to get away from the Vegas pace for a few minutes, spend some time there!
Blue Man Group- Thoroughly enjoyed this show- would see it again.
EFX- o.k. but probably wouldn't spend the money to see this show again
Spa at TI- totally worth it!
Sorry this report was so long winded! It is easy to get carried away! Thanks to everyone for all of the great advice and for sharing your opinions and experiences on this board. It is amazing how much I learned in such a short period of time!
