nswanzy
10-01-2006, 08:40 AM
Wednesday:
We flew Allegiant for the first time, out of Killeen. Check in was a breeze as usual from that airport, and the flight was on time with a shorter flying time than scheduled. One hint, when Allegiant says no frills, they mean no frills! Nothing is free, not water, a soda, a pillow, ANYTHING...so come prepared. Flight was pleasant, smoothe, and arrived about 20 min early.
We picked up our car from Thrifty after a very short wait for the shuttle (maybe 3 minutes) and were promptly off in our Royal Blue P T Cruiser. A cute and comfortable little car, but I must tell you I saw us looking like the Munsters everytime we loaded my Mom and Pops into the back seat!
Arrived at Circus Circus ( I know, I know) to find a LONG line at check-in, and of course the skeptic in me thought " well, here we go!" We made it through in less that 15 minutes, and quite painlessly at that. I had called ahead to request rooms near the elevators, close to valet, and both were accommodated. Mom & Pops room was empty, but not cleaned, (another here we go) but within 5 minutes of a call to the front desk, housekeeping was there and on it. We headed downsatairs to the Buffet (I know, I know), because we had a 2-4-1 coupon, and were pressed for time. I have to admit we were pleasantly suprised. It was around 5:30 (7:30 our time) so things were fresh, and pretty good for buffet fare. The salad bar was great, desserts good, and for $12 a couple we were happy.
We were then off to the Greek Isles for the Tribute to the Rat Pack. This is not a Hotel I have any desire to stay at, dark, dank and dated. The casino is TINY, and 2 of the 3 machines hubby tried wouldn't accept his bill, (that we got from THEIR cage) and the 3rd machine just ate it with nothing even close to a hit. We went to stand in line for the show, and ended up standing in front of the wedding chappel.....HEAVENS!.... antiquated bride dolls and fading flowers in glass cases, a life size manaquin in a wedding gown behind glass... creeped me out! It felt like a funeral home!
The Rat Pack show was great, all the old favorites, comedy bits ( very adult content and language) and a good bit of audience interaction. Cost :$59.50 per couple, cheap for any show these days, and well worth a look.
We headed back to CC, Mom and Pops turned in and Hubby and I made a round in the casino. Hubby was up around $30 within a few minures, we strolled around a bit more, walked over to Slots-a-fun ( a SCAIRY place at night!) and back to CC where his favorite machine was calling him again. He said he knew it was going to hit, and headed that way. Within 3 minutes he was up $280. Another stroll around the floor and a few more small donations from the clown sent us to bed around $300 ahead for our first day (after show and dinner)....not off to a bad start!
Thursday;
We were up and off to Belagio around 10am, I wanted Mom to see the lobby and consertatory. As are most people, she was impressed. After a short stroll through the shops (notice I said stroll, not shopping) we dipped into the casino. Hubbys favorite machine quickly accepted his $20, belched and sent him on his way. I found one of my old standbys, won back hubbys $20, and a little for myself, and we tipped our hat to Mr. Belagio and left $35 up.
We stopped by will call at the Venetian for our Phantom Tickets, then went to Aladdin to get Nathan Burton tickets.The printable BOGO coupons on the Aladdin website are deceptive. States buy 1 $27 ticket get 1 free. Well those 2 tickets ended up costing $39..showed the box office lady the small print, she insisted there were taxes and service fees....$12 tax and service fees?? Better be some service! But this is who Mom wanted to see.
We went back to the coffee shop for lunch....now being frugal (OK cheap) it broke my heart to pay $6.95 for a hot dog and fries, but it was a "Pinks" hot dog, the chili was good, and the fries plentiful. Hubby and Pops split a plate of mini-Ranch burgers that they both said were great...the 4 of us were out of there well fed for under $25.....can't complain. Plus while we were waiting on our food, I took a stroll to the ladies room, found a slot machine I had never seen before, something to do with chainsaws and wild toasters, slipped in a $20 and within a minute or 2 this magical ATM turned my $20 into a $50!
Nathan Burtons show was good, alot of what we had seen on Americas got Talent, but was fun to see upclose and personal. Met him briefly after the show, he is quite pleasant, and I hope things get big for him, he does need a nicer show room (the place was Black, black and accented with black).
We headed back to CC for a while then to the Freemont street experience. Strolled around there for a while, had $5.99 steaks at Binions, that were OK, but not as good as times past ( we know from experience it's hit or miss)Pops had a Ham & Cheese omlett that was to die for, along with a mountain of hash browns and toast.(Note to self: remember this next time) We dipped into a couple of casinos, Mr Binion contributed $40 to our cause, then were off to see Larry G. Jones. This man puts on a great show, a mile a minute, and non-stop. There is alot of humor, good music, and audience interaction. (and ladies, he ain't too bad to look at either!;) )The show room is nice and clean, with music memorabilia on the walls. A great show for $17 a ticket.
Back at CC, we strolled around the casino, yet again, picking up little bits here and there and called it a night.
Friday:
We headed to the big junk, er - uh souveneir shop on Saharah and LVB, and as I fugured, they had all the usual piddlies you can't get home without. After picking up the obligatory t-shirt, cap and miscelaneous stuff for the grandson, we headed to Palace Station. A quick and painless sign up for their players card yielded a 2-4-1 buffet coupon. This was a pretty good buffet, in fact very good for $7.50 a couple, with usual buffet items, and a great desert selection. Everything was fresh and hot (it was shortly before noon). The place was clean, service was fair, and we all went away happy.
We headed to the casino to see what our free slot play amount was. We had been told that upon insertion of our card we would be given anywhere from $3 to $500 in slot play......anyone care to guess how much ours were?:)
We were out of there within about 10 minutes, and off to the Elvis-a-Rama museum. I of course had BOGO coupons, but they got us no where, so I ended up begrudgingly forking over some $25 per person for this thing, as this was Pops BIG reason for coming to Vegas. The museum was fair at best, just not well maintained. You may consider it OK if you took the time to read the placards, and watch the videos. Their last day open was Sept 30, and I couldn't help but think I wasn't suprised. After a $5 souvenier photo of Pops in Elvis' dream car we were off to the 2pm show. We were lead tiny little "show room", with air-brushed paintings lining the walls, and I was begining to stew over what we had paid for this. The show began and I was floored! This man was without a doubt the best Elvis impersonator I have ever seen. Looks, voice and moves, he had it all figured out. An hour and 15 minute non stop show hitting on all the favorites from the 60s to 70s. Costumes were good ( no fake sideburns or big shades), the music was good, this man was great, and Pops had a ball! We spoke to him after the show and asked where he was to end up with the demise of the Elvis-a-Rama. He says he tours all over the US and even in other countries, but has no future Vegas venues planned at this time. I wish him all the best, he is quite a performer!
Out of there we made a pit stop at CC to redeem our free slot play. Mom walked away with $11 free cash, hubby didn't fair so well, and after a Krispy Kream donut we were off to see Phantom. This show is nothing less than spectacular! We sat orchestra right, 4th row, and loved every minute of it. Even Pops, who had no real desire to see it, made a few positive comments afterwards (ya just gotta know Pops to understand!) This one comes highly recommended in my book. It has advanced to among the top of my favorites list, and we plan to see it again.
We made a quick and disappointing stop at Ellis Island and headed back to CC to pack it in. I took a run to Slots-a-Fun (now a VERY scairy place on a Friday at 11pm) for Subway sandwiches (had coupons of course) and Mom and Pops turned in. We took our usual last night stroll around the casino with no big wins, but picking up a little here and there. Arriving back at our room about 1am I find a note on my door "Nancy, come to my room as soon as you get back", Mom. Hubby and I looked at each other, franticly digging for cell phones, knowing that sure enough, both were off as we neglected to turn them back on after leaving Phantom. As we knock again and again we both retrieve messages from Mom saying the same thing as the note. Now, can we all say "heart attack!" Pops is 83 and a diabetic, Mom is 75, and for her to be trying to reach me at this time of day we are both expecting catastrophy! I was sick until Pops fiinally opened the door and I learned it was only that Mom broke her glasses and neither of them couldn't see to fix them. Gees! I was relieved, but no sleeping for me now! ADRENALIN RUSH! (But I did fix the glasses!)
Flight out was at 8:30 so we were standing at Valet by 0600. A qiuck stop at Thrifty got us to a 30 minute line at curbside and into a mob at security. It all went pretty smoothly though, and they announced the boarding of our plane as we walked up to the gate. Flight back was nice, and we arrived 22 minuted ahead of schedule, but waited 30 minutes on luggage (did it have to catch up?)
Overall Circus Circus was fine for us despite our fears and reading of bad reviews. Clean affordable and though very no frills, we were quite comfortable.
Only "big" win was hubbys $280 on night one, but several small pay outs later we came home with everything we took, plus about $300 after paying for shows, piddly stuff, tips and food (as cheap as it was).
Not bad, not bad at all!:)
Nan
We flew Allegiant for the first time, out of Killeen. Check in was a breeze as usual from that airport, and the flight was on time with a shorter flying time than scheduled. One hint, when Allegiant says no frills, they mean no frills! Nothing is free, not water, a soda, a pillow, ANYTHING...so come prepared. Flight was pleasant, smoothe, and arrived about 20 min early.
We picked up our car from Thrifty after a very short wait for the shuttle (maybe 3 minutes) and were promptly off in our Royal Blue P T Cruiser. A cute and comfortable little car, but I must tell you I saw us looking like the Munsters everytime we loaded my Mom and Pops into the back seat!
Arrived at Circus Circus ( I know, I know) to find a LONG line at check-in, and of course the skeptic in me thought " well, here we go!" We made it through in less that 15 minutes, and quite painlessly at that. I had called ahead to request rooms near the elevators, close to valet, and both were accommodated. Mom & Pops room was empty, but not cleaned, (another here we go) but within 5 minutes of a call to the front desk, housekeeping was there and on it. We headed downsatairs to the Buffet (I know, I know), because we had a 2-4-1 coupon, and were pressed for time. I have to admit we were pleasantly suprised. It was around 5:30 (7:30 our time) so things were fresh, and pretty good for buffet fare. The salad bar was great, desserts good, and for $12 a couple we were happy.
We were then off to the Greek Isles for the Tribute to the Rat Pack. This is not a Hotel I have any desire to stay at, dark, dank and dated. The casino is TINY, and 2 of the 3 machines hubby tried wouldn't accept his bill, (that we got from THEIR cage) and the 3rd machine just ate it with nothing even close to a hit. We went to stand in line for the show, and ended up standing in front of the wedding chappel.....HEAVENS!.... antiquated bride dolls and fading flowers in glass cases, a life size manaquin in a wedding gown behind glass... creeped me out! It felt like a funeral home!
The Rat Pack show was great, all the old favorites, comedy bits ( very adult content and language) and a good bit of audience interaction. Cost :$59.50 per couple, cheap for any show these days, and well worth a look.
We headed back to CC, Mom and Pops turned in and Hubby and I made a round in the casino. Hubby was up around $30 within a few minures, we strolled around a bit more, walked over to Slots-a-fun ( a SCAIRY place at night!) and back to CC where his favorite machine was calling him again. He said he knew it was going to hit, and headed that way. Within 3 minutes he was up $280. Another stroll around the floor and a few more small donations from the clown sent us to bed around $300 ahead for our first day (after show and dinner)....not off to a bad start!
Thursday;
We were up and off to Belagio around 10am, I wanted Mom to see the lobby and consertatory. As are most people, she was impressed. After a short stroll through the shops (notice I said stroll, not shopping) we dipped into the casino. Hubbys favorite machine quickly accepted his $20, belched and sent him on his way. I found one of my old standbys, won back hubbys $20, and a little for myself, and we tipped our hat to Mr. Belagio and left $35 up.
We stopped by will call at the Venetian for our Phantom Tickets, then went to Aladdin to get Nathan Burton tickets.The printable BOGO coupons on the Aladdin website are deceptive. States buy 1 $27 ticket get 1 free. Well those 2 tickets ended up costing $39..showed the box office lady the small print, she insisted there were taxes and service fees....$12 tax and service fees?? Better be some service! But this is who Mom wanted to see.
We went back to the coffee shop for lunch....now being frugal (OK cheap) it broke my heart to pay $6.95 for a hot dog and fries, but it was a "Pinks" hot dog, the chili was good, and the fries plentiful. Hubby and Pops split a plate of mini-Ranch burgers that they both said were great...the 4 of us were out of there well fed for under $25.....can't complain. Plus while we were waiting on our food, I took a stroll to the ladies room, found a slot machine I had never seen before, something to do with chainsaws and wild toasters, slipped in a $20 and within a minute or 2 this magical ATM turned my $20 into a $50!
Nathan Burtons show was good, alot of what we had seen on Americas got Talent, but was fun to see upclose and personal. Met him briefly after the show, he is quite pleasant, and I hope things get big for him, he does need a nicer show room (the place was Black, black and accented with black).
We headed back to CC for a while then to the Freemont street experience. Strolled around there for a while, had $5.99 steaks at Binions, that were OK, but not as good as times past ( we know from experience it's hit or miss)Pops had a Ham & Cheese omlett that was to die for, along with a mountain of hash browns and toast.(Note to self: remember this next time) We dipped into a couple of casinos, Mr Binion contributed $40 to our cause, then were off to see Larry G. Jones. This man puts on a great show, a mile a minute, and non-stop. There is alot of humor, good music, and audience interaction. (and ladies, he ain't too bad to look at either!;) )The show room is nice and clean, with music memorabilia on the walls. A great show for $17 a ticket.
Back at CC, we strolled around the casino, yet again, picking up little bits here and there and called it a night.
Friday:
We headed to the big junk, er - uh souveneir shop on Saharah and LVB, and as I fugured, they had all the usual piddlies you can't get home without. After picking up the obligatory t-shirt, cap and miscelaneous stuff for the grandson, we headed to Palace Station. A quick and painless sign up for their players card yielded a 2-4-1 buffet coupon. This was a pretty good buffet, in fact very good for $7.50 a couple, with usual buffet items, and a great desert selection. Everything was fresh and hot (it was shortly before noon). The place was clean, service was fair, and we all went away happy.
We headed to the casino to see what our free slot play amount was. We had been told that upon insertion of our card we would be given anywhere from $3 to $500 in slot play......anyone care to guess how much ours were?:)
We were out of there within about 10 minutes, and off to the Elvis-a-Rama museum. I of course had BOGO coupons, but they got us no where, so I ended up begrudgingly forking over some $25 per person for this thing, as this was Pops BIG reason for coming to Vegas. The museum was fair at best, just not well maintained. You may consider it OK if you took the time to read the placards, and watch the videos. Their last day open was Sept 30, and I couldn't help but think I wasn't suprised. After a $5 souvenier photo of Pops in Elvis' dream car we were off to the 2pm show. We were lead tiny little "show room", with air-brushed paintings lining the walls, and I was begining to stew over what we had paid for this. The show began and I was floored! This man was without a doubt the best Elvis impersonator I have ever seen. Looks, voice and moves, he had it all figured out. An hour and 15 minute non stop show hitting on all the favorites from the 60s to 70s. Costumes were good ( no fake sideburns or big shades), the music was good, this man was great, and Pops had a ball! We spoke to him after the show and asked where he was to end up with the demise of the Elvis-a-Rama. He says he tours all over the US and even in other countries, but has no future Vegas venues planned at this time. I wish him all the best, he is quite a performer!
Out of there we made a pit stop at CC to redeem our free slot play. Mom walked away with $11 free cash, hubby didn't fair so well, and after a Krispy Kream donut we were off to see Phantom. This show is nothing less than spectacular! We sat orchestra right, 4th row, and loved every minute of it. Even Pops, who had no real desire to see it, made a few positive comments afterwards (ya just gotta know Pops to understand!) This one comes highly recommended in my book. It has advanced to among the top of my favorites list, and we plan to see it again.
We made a quick and disappointing stop at Ellis Island and headed back to CC to pack it in. I took a run to Slots-a-Fun (now a VERY scairy place on a Friday at 11pm) for Subway sandwiches (had coupons of course) and Mom and Pops turned in. We took our usual last night stroll around the casino with no big wins, but picking up a little here and there. Arriving back at our room about 1am I find a note on my door "Nancy, come to my room as soon as you get back", Mom. Hubby and I looked at each other, franticly digging for cell phones, knowing that sure enough, both were off as we neglected to turn them back on after leaving Phantom. As we knock again and again we both retrieve messages from Mom saying the same thing as the note. Now, can we all say "heart attack!" Pops is 83 and a diabetic, Mom is 75, and for her to be trying to reach me at this time of day we are both expecting catastrophy! I was sick until Pops fiinally opened the door and I learned it was only that Mom broke her glasses and neither of them couldn't see to fix them. Gees! I was relieved, but no sleeping for me now! ADRENALIN RUSH! (But I did fix the glasses!)
Flight out was at 8:30 so we were standing at Valet by 0600. A qiuck stop at Thrifty got us to a 30 minute line at curbside and into a mob at security. It all went pretty smoothly though, and they announced the boarding of our plane as we walked up to the gate. Flight back was nice, and we arrived 22 minuted ahead of schedule, but waited 30 minutes on luggage (did it have to catch up?)
Overall Circus Circus was fine for us despite our fears and reading of bad reviews. Clean affordable and though very no frills, we were quite comfortable.
Only "big" win was hubbys $280 on night one, but several small pay outs later we came home with everything we took, plus about $300 after paying for shows, piddly stuff, tips and food (as cheap as it was).
Not bad, not bad at all!:)
Nan