 Last weekend we made our annual trek to Las Vegas for the Holidays and of course, lots of amazing fun, food, a show and drinking. The casinos were all decked out for the holidays and it was a rather calm weekend in Vegas, probably due to the proximity to Christmas. All around it was a very awesome trip. Written by Gregg Condon Snow on the mountains as we made our trip through the desert  View from our room at NY/NY  It was our first time staying here, and it won't be our last. We just love all the casinos in this area of the strip.  We were quite prepared for our weekend  Fun to look at, but no winners. :(  This one however, the bonus game just kept going and going. It wasn't a very exciting bonus game, but hey, I'll take $125 in pennies!!  Did you know Vegas has a Chocolate World too?  A tradition, checking out the conservatory at The Bellagio      And the next morning too     Chocolate Fountain!!!  Our Friday Night dinner was at Noodles, it was most excellent.     We had leftovers. Lol  We followed up dinner with some Gelato  Saturday morning we headed to Flamingo for their champagne brunch  There is Golden Knights stuff EVERYWHERE. EVERY-WHERE!!! It's awesome to see the town so enthusiastic about Hockey. However, it's going to be REALLY annoying when the Raiders come to town.  We hadn't been inside the Forum Shops at Caesars in awhile  The best part was the spiral escalators  Nice to see the fountains still there  We had to check out The Atlantis Show. Hasn't changed in, well, however long it's been there.  We also of course had to check out the Bellagio Fountain show   After a quick nap it was time to head to Luxor for Blue Man Group. We couldn't find the sky-bridge for some reason, so we ended up on the back-side of Excalibur. Lol.  An Egyptian Christmas  Still fascinated by this hotel    My wife has been trying to shut me up for 23 years, Blue Man Group finally did it  The show was AMAZING. So much fun and definitely family friendly. So feel free to take the kids.  Our last morning in Vegas we headed over to MGM  And on the way home stopped at Seven Magic Mountains  They were painted rocks. And that's pretty much all you need to know. =)  We had an AMAZING time in Vegas, we'll be back in a few months for our sons 21st birthday (how is that even a thing) and we'll have more "theme parky" stuff that trip since he hasn't been to Vegas since he was about 5 and needs all the credits (other than Miner Mike). Related Updates: +
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 Last weekend we headed to Las Vegas to celebrate our 22nd Wedding Anniversary, we also were excited to check out one of the preview rooms for the upcoming MGM Life Hotel (new name for the Monte Carlo). We ate all the food, saw an amazing show and had a fantastic time. Written by Gregg Condon First, let's take a look at the fancy new MGM Life Rooms  The rooms are great. They've definitely gone with a more "modern" feel.  Fancy ...  Spacious bathroom and shower   If we had to be a bit nit-picky, this is the only "dresser" in the room. Which is fine for a weekend stay but if somebody is staying longer than that, they will still have to live out of their suitcase, which is weird. The only other very small thing we noticed was there was only 1 small trashcan in the room, and none in the bathroom. Could have just been an oversight in our room.  But other than those VERY small things, we loved it. The bed was very comfortable, we couldn't hear our room neighbors AT ALL and it was all in all a very pleasant stay. We can't wait until the entire hotel finishes it's renovation!! Oh, and the view wasn't bad either.   After freshening up a bit after our drive we headed over to Aria to have a fantastic meal with our friends from Is It October Yet?. Seven Magic Mountains display!! We decided we'd stop at the actual one on our next trip.  We ate at Javiers at Aria ,and it was simply fantastic.  After lunch it was just a quick tram ride over to Bellagio to check out the glorious holiday decorations.
Lots of bears for our bear fans   They always do such an amazing job here   We hadn't been to the Mirage in about 10 years so we figured we were overdue for a visit.  Our original plan was to see Beatles Love for our anniversary but sadly it was dark last weekend.  Because the Rodeo was in town, cowboy hats were everywhere. Even on the Dolphins.  Penguins!!!   The Venetian, always one of our favorites. We played some computerized (kind of) blackjack that had an actual dealer, everybody got the same card and then there were "community" cards. It was weird. If anybody knows how it works, let us know!!!  Beautiful  One thing I want to give Kudos to all the casinos we visited this weekend is the elimination of cigarette smoke. Not sure if it's less people smoking or if they've finally found a way to effectively recycle air, but as somebody with asthma, it was greatly appreciated!!!   After sun went down we headed back to Bellagio to check out the fountain show   Hi Paris, we didn't come visit you this time, sorry.  After a quick rest in our hotel we headed over to NY/NY for dinner ... Zumanity has me.  We ate at the Burger Bar ... and it was quite yummy  Like seriously yummy  Next Morning was Anniversary Day that was kind of filled with our Vegas traditions. First up, the buffet at Flamingo since they are Kristi's Favorites.  I promise I didn't do anything ...  Since we got married at Circus Circus we had to go pay it a visit. This property is very #sad. It really needs to just be imploded at this point.  After heading back to our hotel and playing some at NY/NY (where we've already decided we are staying next time) we headed over to Rio to see Penn and Teller.  It was a totally amazing show, we recommend it highly!!  Oh, and if you ever do see the show, stick around and you may just meet the stars!!   After sleeping in a bit on Sunday we headed over to MGM Grand and had brunch at Avenue Cafe, highly recommended!! We will definitely be back.  And that's that. Another amazing Vegas weekend in the books and we are already talking about our next trip. Hope you enjoyed!!! Related Updates: Tis the season ... no, not that one, the better one. It's time for Haunt Season, Horror Season, Fright Season ... whatever season you want to call it. It's time to get scared!! Below you will find a list of all of the Haunts you should be taking the time out to visit over the next 2 months. Every year the season gets longer and we couldn't be more thrilled. Most of these are in CA but if you have others you'd like to share please include them in the comments below. Thanks to Theme Park Adventure for inspiring and encouraging us to create this list. Check out their SoCal Haunt Directory for even more Haunt stuff. Los Angeles County LA County probably has the biggest number of Haunts that features theme parks, home haunts, in-between haunts and ones that have been around for awhile. Fright Fest - Six Flags Magic Mountain Weekends beginning September 27 In addition to the world-class line-up of thrill rides, the theme park will be transformed into a haunted "scream park" for six frightfully fun weekends through November 1. Be sure to check out our Fright Fest Preview Halloween Horror Nights - Universal Studios Hollywood Begins September 19 After 80 years of blood-curdling horror film production, Universal Studios brings you the most terrifying 360 degree Halloween event in Los Angeles with More Dead Than Ever! This year, experience an all-new nightmare featuring scares from some of Hollywood's most terrifying movies, TV shows and music at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights® 2014. Be sure to check out our Halloween Horror Nights Guide for tips on making the most out of this years event. Dark Harbor - The Queen Mary Begins October 2 The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will once again rise from the depths of a rich, haunted history to frighten those who dare October 2 through November 2. This year’s Dark Harbor is thrilled to unveil a spectacle of new attractions that include two brand new mazes and the new Voodoo Village. Beloved veteran characters including The Ringmaster and all grotesque spirits of the Queen will make a chilling return for 20 nights of delightful terror amidst freaks, food, and live entertainment. if you'd like to see our update on Dark Harbor, click here. Sherwood Scare - Northridge Weekends Beginning October 17 One of the best Home Haunts in Southern California. Be sure to support their Kickstarter and get advanced tickets. Boo at the Zoo - The LA Zoo Weekends Beginning October 18 Check out the Creepy Creature Encounter at the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo—then take in a live Halloween show in the Adventure Theater. Learn sweet and scary animal facts while watching some of our resident creatures enjoy enrichment surprises. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride - Griffith Park Beginning October 3 The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride has become an Iconic Hollywood tradition that remains unparalleled and unmatched. This year, the extended trail is back bringing an entirely new twenty-five (25) minute experience to those who think they've "seen it all." Armies of demonic forces and dark presences litter the grounds and are frantic to strike at their favorite "hayriders." This year's sets are truly spectacular as the creative team takes on new special effects challenges not yet done in the live haunted attraction realm that will make the most unique haunted attraction in LA a show stopping vision of Haunt, Creep, and Bone Chill. Haunted Hollywood Sports - Bellflower Weekends Beginning October 3 Haunted Hollywood Sports is a terrifying Halloween event in Southern California based at Hollywood Sports Park, located in the city of Bellflower. Continuing its reign for its third year, offering extended interactive mazes, adrenaline pumping interactive killhouses where you shoot the monsters, terrifying scarezones, and many other sideshows and side attractions. Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns - La Cañada Flintridge Weekends Beginning October 3 Lighting up the night once again this October is a unique all-ages Halloween extravaganza – RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns! More than 5,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns created by professional artists and sculptors are arranged in artful displays throughout a 1/4-mile scenic trail. The entire family-friendly stroll is a multi-sensory experience that is sure to be a lasting annual family tradition. Urban Death Tour of Terror - North Hollywood Weekends Beginning October 10 URBAN DEATH TOUR OF TERROR Haunted Theatre Attraction - Urban Death Tour of Terror Maze & Show Alone (an existential haunting) - Greater LA Area (location only revealed to ticket holders) Calendar TBD ALONE is an immersive and artistic exploration of fear, loneliness and self preservation. It’s a thirty minute walkthrough experience where you become a willing victim to your own inner demons. Borrowing the structure of a typical haunted house, but ditching the blood, guts and psychotic clowns with chainsaws, ALONE explores the deepest regions of the bizarre, and places you as a participant in your own nightmare. Each participant must enter by themselves. Completely alone. This event is full contact. You will be touched. Delusion Lies Within - Los Angeles Beginning September 25 Touted as “the future of live entertainment” and “the single greatest event in LA” this moving play immerses you in a living, breathing world as you play your part in a pscyhologically disturbing tale of horror, suspense, mystery and adventure. You will interact with actors, perform actions, retrieve objects, solve mysteries, choose paths and sacrifice yourself if need be to further the story along. Raymond Hill Mortuary - South Pasadena Weekends Beginning October 18 Our 2014 haunted house will return to the Fremont Centre Theatre. The building will be transformed back to its original mortuary roots, where the operators of the Raymond Hill Mortuary have a very, shall we say, unique way of dealing with the dead. Boney Island - Sherman Oaks Beginning October 18 The Skeletons at Boney Island are up to their old tricks again. There will be even more Jaw Dropping Illusions to Thrill and Amaze you this Halloween. Orange County Knott's Scary Farm - Knott's Berry Farm Beginning September 25 This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm conjures up unprecedented experiences and show-stopping entertainment, including the debut of Special Ops: Infected, where guests fight zombies in an interactive six acre war, and the return of Elvira – Mistress of the Dark in an all-new stage show. Be sure to check out our Knott's Scary Farm Preview Click here for our look at Knott's Scary Farm "Scare School" and Fright Fest preparations. Mickey's Halloween Party - Disneyland Beginning September 26 During Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Park, there’s so much delightful and frightful family fun! This sensational seasonal event, part of Halloween Time at Disneyland Park, is held on select nights and continues past regular Park hours. The Empty Grave - Laguna Hills Beginning October 3 The Empty Grave Haunted House is ALL NEW for 2014! We’ve moved! The Empty Grave is now located at The Laguna Hills Mall, just off the 5 Freeway and El Toro Rd. Just look for the fog! Sinister Pointe (Beyond The Mirror) - Fullerton Beginning September 26 The name Sinister Pointe may not seem too familiar to some of you, but if you are a haunt enthusiast in the Southern California area, my guess is that you have probably been to at least one of our Haunted Attractions created by Sinister Pointe Productions.. Fear Station - Stanton Beginning October 17 A charity haunted attraction in Stanton CA featuring two mazes Freak Show of Fears and Shadow Walk Manor Boot Hill - Irvine Beginning October 17 BOOT HILL rises from the fog for it's 15th year to haunt the residence at 16 Goldenrod in Irvine, California. The unearthly spirits from the Old West town of Bridgewood will materialize for NINE haunting nights, transforming the residence at 16 Goldenrod into the old church and cemetary that once occupied this hallowed ground. San Diego and Inland Empire Brick Or Treat - Legoland California Beginning October 4 Brick-or-Treat Party Nights features a variety of family activities including the Ghost Cruise Scavenger Hunt, Brick-or-Treat Trail including a LEGO® Legends of CHIMA™ toy giveaway, a new bonus treat station and dance party at SEA LIFE® Aquarium and LEGOLAND Hotel is joining in the fun with its own Brick-or-Treat entertainment. Click here for the full press release. Halloween Spooktacular - Sea World San Diego Weekends Beginning September 27 Dive in and explore an enchanting underwater fantasea at SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular®. Enjoy silly spooky shows, fun-fishy activities and photo ops with wacky characters. Grab gobs of ghoulish goodies and so much more! Come in costume with the kids and have fun trick-or-treating! Click here for more information on the Halloween Spooktacular. Crossroads Haunted Village - Corona Beginning October 10 Five Haunted Houses and The Pandemonium Magic Show featuring: Chambers of the Mausoleum - Coffin Creek Manor - Nightmare Harvest Trail - Labyrinth of Lost Relics - Shady Hollow Hay Ride The Scream Zone - Del Mar Beginning September 26 The Scream Zone, now in its seventeenth year, is assembled from various body parts and roughly stitched together into four terrifying haunts and other attractions. This year, The Scream Zone opens Friday, September 26 and continues through Saturday, November 1. Field of Screams - Lake Elsinore Beginning September 28 The Inland Empire's #1 Halloween tradition comes screaming back for yet another year of new attractions, new scenes, new characters, and more! The Haunted Hotel - San Diego (Gaslamp) Beginning September 26 Make your way through the creepiest doll island you will ever visit, try to escape the torturous grasp of The Dissectors, and watch your step as you come aboard our Clown Subway. The Haunted Trail - San Diego (Balboa Park) Beginning September 26 Located in San Diego’s world famous Balboa Park, The Haunted Trail is a stroll through the park you will never forget. Enter the mile long Trail through the twisted grove of pines and gnarled oaks. Visitors watch your back, you’ll never know which way the terror will hit you. True to form, the Trail is not for children under 10 or the faint of heart. Experience an outdoor terror that is simply too big to house indoors. This year The Haunted Trail features an additional maze called “The eXperiment”. For five extra bones you can find out what happens when Mother Nature takes her eye off the ball for even just a second. Ventura County and Northern California Reign of Terror - Thousand Oaks Beginning October 4 Voted Best Walk Through House in Southern California, Reign of Terror features 5 mazes including: The Haunted House - The Asylum - Blood Manor - Miners Revenge - Quarantine Mourning Rose Manor - Simi Valley Dates TBD Mourning Rose Manor is a FREE Halloween yard display in Simi Valley, California. We've been haunting Simi Valley for 19 years. Halloween Haunt - California's Great America Beginning September 26 The Halloween Haunt at California's Great America is more than mazes, scarezones, and live shows, it's the experiences that may have you paralyzed in fear and will forever haunt your deepest of sleeps. Fright Fest - Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Beginning September 27 Enjoy frightful fun and spine-tingling adventures that bring Northern California to a new level of terror. Visit the park for Fright Fest starting Saturday, September 27 from noon to 10 p.m., and Fridays and weekends through November 1 for scary, spooky fun! Outside of California Fright Dome - Adventuredome Circus Circus Las Vegas, NV Beginning October 3 Created from the mind of hauntrepreneur Jason Egan at the young age of 23, Fright Dome at Circus Circus has been horrifying the masses since 2003. Egan’s numerous years in the industry and passion for all things terrifying culminate to make Fright Dome one of the top five haunted attractions in the nation year after year. Located inside of the Adventuredome at Circus Circus, Fright Dome transforms the five acre theme park. Freakling Brothers - Las Vegas, NV Beginning October 3 By concentrating on primal fears, relying on the power of live performers, and employing the art of theatrical illusion, Freakling Bros. has been and continues to remain a leader in the haunted attraction industry, with a reputation as "one of the best in the business" for over 30 years. Fright Fest - Six Flags Beginning Various dates All Six Flags parks will be holding a Fright Fest event this year. Check your local park for dates, times and hours. Click here for the full release and information for Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party - Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World Beginning September 1 Don your favorite costume and get ready to trick-or-treat at this Halloween-themed event in Magic Kingdom park—select nights from 7:00 PM to midnight, September 1 to October 31, 2014! Halloween Horror Nights - Universal Orlando Resort Beginning September 19 Step right into some of the most pulse-pounding moments in horror history at Universal Orlando® Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights®, the nation’s premier Halloween event. Select nights Sept. 19 – Nov. 1, you can explore eight terrifying haunted houses, multiple street experiences, two outrageous live shows, and many of your favorite rides and attractions. Howl O' Scream - Busch Gardens Tampa Beginning September 26 Howl-O-Scream 2014 is a yearly Halloween fright fest held at Busch Gardens Tampa. Each year, visitors are thrilled by the terror they face walking through the evening's nightmare. Creatures from the living and otherwise roam Busch Gardens, seeking to terrify each guest brave enough to walk through the gates. Howl O' Scream - Busch Gardens Williamsburg Beginning September 12 Busch Gardens' Howl-O-Scream® offers chills and thrills to guests brave enough to venture into this cursed park. Navigate through Wendigo Woods™, one of five Terror-tories™; brave a darkly entertaining show like Monster Stomp™ on Ripper Row™ or explore six haunted houses waiting for those daring enough to enter the park after dark. |
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