Las Vegas Honeymoon?

thefuturemrshawks

My FI and I are going to Vegas for our honeymoon (Dec 1 to Dec 6). Neither of us have been, and we are pretty excited. We will be staying at the Mandalay Bay. Does anybody have any suggestions for fun activities, or good shows to see?

Starfish622

Love Vegas. Actually here with my mom right now. What type things do you like doing and not doing (What type night life / food/ activities)? I'd be happy to give tips! Depending on the room manadalay bay has some amazing views of the strip!!

annathy03

Awesome! I live in Vegas and recommend checking out the local board for it- there are several threads on shows, etc. Mandalay is awesome and has an amazing pool with a lazy river, it's one of the best for that. Also MIX, a club at MB opens early and you should be able to get in with a free pass from someone handing them out or possibly when you check in as long as you go before 10, and the strip view from there is amazing. Another amazing view is the bar in Mandarin Oriental (22nd floor?), which is one of the only areas in that hotel open to the public. The Cosmopolitan has a Chandelier bar which is literally a three story chandelier you can go inside that is cool to see, and right next to the Bellagio and it's fountains. Great restaurants include Joes Stone Crab in Ceasers forum shops, and Mon Ami Gabi in Paris. Avoid the eiffle tower and stratosphere restaurants, the food is meh and you're paying for the view which IMO can be had elsewhere. Off the strip Firefly is a lovely tapas place with great sangria. Since you're staying there, Mandalay has a good steak place that is overpriced but constantly has certificates available on restaurant.com. Show wise it depends what you're into, but Absinthe or Penn & Teller are always highly recommended.

AprilH81

Most of the casinos have a several free attractions that are fun (the Bellagio fountains are my favorite).

There are a few parks nearby that are beautiful (like Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire) and you can do a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

thefuturemrshawks

We like to eat! My FI is a meat and potatoes type of guy, so a steakhouse type place would be great. We want to see a magic show I think, what do you guys think is the best one? As for night life, I will be in a walking cast/wheelchair if we do a lot of walking. Clubbing is probably out. We like people watching, and I think we kind of want to do some romantic activities. Are the gondolas worth it?

We also saw something about a jousting show at Excalibur. Has anybody done that? If so, what did you think? We do like gambling occasionally, I like slots and he likes blackjack and poker.

Thank you guys for all the suggestions! I really appreciate it!

annathy03

thefuturemrshawks said:

We like to eat! My FI is a meat and potatoes type of guy, so a steakhouse type place would be great. We want to see a magic show I think, what do you guys think is the best one? As for night life, I will be in a walking cast/wheelchair if we do a lot of walking. Clubbing is probably out. We like people watching, and I think we kind of want to do some romantic activities. Are the gondolas worth it?

We also saw something about a jousting show at Excalibur. Has anybody done that? If so, what did you think? We do like gambling occasionally, I like slots and he likes blackjack and poker.

Thank you guys for all the suggestions! I really appreciate it!

There are plenty of people watching spots, but the third floor open-air bar in Margaritaville is my favorite.  You can see everyone on the strip, but they aren't looking up at you so it's not obvious you're starting at people.

Slot machines are best near the casino entrances (people are drawn in by seeing others winning), and blackjack/poker minimums will be lower during the day.  Craps is the only table game I play, and most casinos offer a "class" on weekday mornings and then open a low minimum table right after for those learning it.

I haven't seen any of the magic shows, but I'd stay away from the Cirque one, I've heard it's sort of like a futon- technically acts as both things but isn't great as either.

thefuturemrshawks

annathy03 said:

thefuturemrshawks said:

We like to eat! My FI is a meat and potatoes type of guy, so a steakhouse type place would be great. We want to see a magic show I think, what do you guys think is the best one? As for night life, I will be in a walking cast/wheelchair if we do a lot of walking. Clubbing is probably out. We like people watching, and I think we kind of want to do some romantic activities. Are the gondolas worth it?

We also saw something about a jousting show at Excalibur. Has anybody done that? If so, what did you think? We do like gambling occasionally, I like slots and he likes blackjack and poker.

Thank you guys for all the suggestions! I really appreciate it!

There are plenty of people watching spots, but the third floor open-air bar in Margaritaville is my favorite.  You can see everyone on the strip, but they aren't looking up at you so it's not obvious you're starting at people.

Slot machines are best near the casino entrances (people are drawn in by seeing others winning), and blackjack/poker minimums will be lower during the day.  Craps is the only table game I play, and most casinos offer a "class" on weekday mornings and then open a low minimum table right after for those learning it.

I haven't seen any of the magic shows, but I'd stay away from the Cirque one, I've heard it's sort of like a futon- technically acts as both things but isn't great as either.

Perfect, we will definitely have to check out the open-air bar! Also, great tips about where the best slot machines are.

Pepper6

thefuturemrshawks said:

We like to eat! My FI is a meat and potatoes type of guy, so a steakhouse type place would be great. We want to see a magic show I think, what do you guys think is the best one? As for night life, I will be in a walking cast/wheelchair if we do a lot of walking. Clubbing is probably out. We like people watching, and I think we kind of want to do some romantic activities. Are the gondolas worth it?

We also saw something about a jousting show at Excalibur. Has anybody done that? If so, what did you think? We do like gambling occasionally, I like slots and he likes blackjack and poker.

Thank you guys for all the suggestions! I really appreciate it!

IMO, no.  They aren't even worth it in Venice, let alone in Vegas, but it's fun to watch them go by while they are singing.

Since you are staying at Mandalay Bay, they have a pretty cool (pun intended) bar that's worth checking out called Minus 5.  It's an all ice bar, and while it's a little pricey (I think $30 for entry w/one drink included), it's a unique experience.

Also, if you are interested in seeing shows, check out the Tix 4 Tonight booths, they offer discounted show tickets for same night shows.  Only the very popular shows, like O, don't come up on there.  But most of the other Cirque Du Soleil shows and others are available. 

thefuturemrshawks

Wow, we will definitely put that bar on our list! I'll keep those ticket booths in mind too. It could be fun to be spontaneous and get tickets the day of!

Starfish622

For cool people watching spots I enjoy Mon Ami Gabi in Paris depending on the outdoor seating sometimes you can get a good view of the fountains at Bellagio. My favorite restaurants though are Sensi at Bellagio, Fleur at Mandalay Bay and Holstein's at Cosmopolitan, also, The Wynn has a seafood restaurant ( can't remember the name but it's very good). If you like sushi barMasa is neat as well.

As for shows Le Reve at The Wynn is wonderful and for cirque shows I LOVE Ka (MGM), O at Bellagio, and I just saw the Michael Jackson one at Manadalay which I thought was great (I love his music though so if you aren't a fan not sure). I believe the one @annathy03 is talking about is Cris Angel and I have heard that's terrible. I have not seen the blue man group there but they are great in Orlando. The Tix booths do have some good deals but if you want to see a cirque show I would look on Travelzoo they had better prices then the booth when I looked the other day. Oh and Penn and Teller is very good (terry fador too) and I have seen tickets for 50 on travelzoo a few times.

bkgerke

When you check in they give you a discount book and since Mandalay Bay is owned by the same group as The Luxor you may get a deal on a Chris Angel show who has daily shows there.

leelabear

I live in Vegas. There is a lot that you can do. Red rock has amazing rock climbing. Valley of fire is good for a day trip to drive through. You can take a helicopter ride to the grand canyon, hoover dam, the strip, etc. if you afford it.

I don't like the magic shows but the Blue man group is magical enough. Its a great show! Any of the Cirque Du Soleil shows are good. There is a lot of free stuff to do. So I wouldn't spend the money on a gondola ride. I've been. Its nice but VERY short. Check out the free Bellagio fountain shows. They do different ones all night. There are some small garden areas to walk through and are good for photos. The Bellagio has the nicest I've seen so far. The newer hotels are just amazing to walk around, like the Venetian, Aria, and Wynn. If you gamble, the slots are boring and have horrible odds. Table games are fun. The dealer will show you how to play. Free drinks when you gamble. Don't forget to tip (cocktailer waitress, vallet, etc.)

Vegas is also known for great food. Ya buffets are awesome but take yourself out at least once to an upscale place. Some of the best ones are hidden too. Like the steak house in Circus Circus.

If you are not a big drinker, then on a busy night like Saturday, take a few minutes to "people watch" on the strip. The drunk tourists are entertainment enough for me. And if you are a big drinker... then you can be the entertainemnt.