Dear Mark,
We are deciding to make a family trip to either Las Vegas or Disneyland.
We have three children all under the age of eight. I would like to know
your recommendations and experiences (good/bad). Elise G. Tulsa, OK
Elise, if you're looking for total family entertainment, choose the latter
and take your family to Disneyland. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Las Vegas-just
not as a family destination. Because it's only fair you get a second opinion,
let me bring in my expert on such matters-the biggest Las Vegas promoter
I know. No, not Steve Wynn, my 10-year-old son, Nick.
Mark: All right, Nick, tell my readers your choice of a vacation,
Disneyland or Las Vegas? Nick: Las Vegas! It's rad. Mark: Come on, it's not for kids. We were there on a Tuesday during
a school break and I could count all the families I saw on one hand. (Note:
Before you write in and call me a numskull stating it's during the school
year, so don't expect kids, we were at Disneyland the following two days
and it was swarming with families.) Nick: That just means we have the whole place to ourselves. Mark: OK, name some of the things you thought were "rad." Nick: The Luxor arcade. The coolest I've ever seen. Mark: In two hours, you spent more in quarters than a Disneyland
Passport costs for the day. Nick: We both liked that pirate stuff at the Treasure Island Casino. Mark: The pyrotechnics and the pirate ship battle were good, but
don't forget we waited for one hour so we could view it from the front,
and you complained you were being squished to death. Plus it lasted only
five minutes. Nick: I've got something, big fella. I can't wait to go on that roller-coaster
on that tall building. Mark: I'm drawing the line here, Nick. No way am I going to allow
you to get on a roller coaster that's 1149 feet in the air. Wait till you're
18, better yet, 21. Case closed. Nick: Chicken! Mark: And one further thing about the Stratosphere tower roller coaster.... Nick: Bawk, bawk, bawk, bawk, bawk.... Anyway, I thought the amusement
park at the MGM was way cool. Mark: We were there off season, not during the summer, when the temperatures
rise to over 110 degrees, there are long lines and you're limited to just
12 rides. Overpriced, no matter what they charge. (Currently, you must be
over 48 inches tall to go on any of the rides.) Nick: You have to admit, Dad, the MGM building is awesome. All the
buildings are. Mark: You mean I've got a future architect in the family? NOT! You
just wanted a $20 souvenir from each location. Nick: Well, they at least offer you something to do once you're inside. Mark: Whether it's the boat ride on the Nile at the Luxor or viewing
the Emerald Forest in the MGM, cha-ching, cha-ching, it cost bucks, very
little is free. And all the walking to and from, I've got blisters.... Nick: Your whining! Mark: True, but I don't know what's worse. Blisters from all the
concrete afoot, or our taxi bill for two days: $148. Nick: Well, I know something the big guy really liked-the buffets. Mark: Guilty as charged. Nick: And when I went on stage during Lance Burton's Magic Show,
not once, but twice! Mark: Nick, you couldn't find a prouder father. Of course, not everyone
scores front row, center seats and has a son with the best "pick me"
handwave in his fourth grade class. Let's take a break, Nick.
Elise, the "Sin City" element of Las Vegas is still alive and
well, so don't expect Vegas to be the "Orlando of the West." Example:
I took a solitary walk between the Flamingo Hilton and the Luxur, estimation
one mile, and 47 times I was approached and handed four color brochures
of fantasy girls, willing and able, to make my visit to Las Vegas worth-use
your imagination. Retreating with my wife and Nick in tow, discretion worked
to a point, with only nine handbill distributors pushing their wares on
me. I guess on the plus side, 38 respected the institution of the family,
but the visual effects remain. Those circulars are scattered all over the
sidewalk.
Nick: I'm back. Any other questions, snoop doggie Dad? Mark: Sure, one more, Nick. Your final word on Las Vegas. Nick: When can we go again? Mark: My final thought, Elise. Baby strollers and high rollers don't
mix.
Before I Shuffle: Total expenditures for two days in Las Vegas, $739.
Disneyland, $466. This part is directed to the gaming industry. Guess how
much I gambled (total) when our family went to Las Vegas? $20. And when
the "Nickster" doesn't go? Let's just say, MORE! Your "family
theme" idea is way off the mark.
Got a question about gambling? Write to: Deal Me In, 774 Mays Blvd.
Suite 10, Incline Village, NV 89451 or e-mail:winners@winner.com
· To order Mark Pilarski's "Hooked on Winning" audio cassettes--laminated
win cards package ($12.95 plus $2. S&H) call (800) WINNERS.
Return to Main Menu