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Stratosphere Entertainment
Thrill Rides
The thrill rides at the Stratosphere all depend heavily on one trait: The rider's fear of heights. Really, if you're not afraid of heights, you're going to have a good time on these rides. If you are, good luck. terror awaits.
The great thing about hanging 900 feet off the ground with absolutely nothing between your feet and the faraway pavement is that people with no fear discover, deep within themselves, a little bit of timidity. It's a feeling unavailable anywhere else.
Imagine a mine car on a teeter-totter, and you've got the idea behind the X-Scream. The car starts on the low end of the teeter-totter, safely on the platform of the tower. The lever tilts and the car rolls to the end, now dangling far out over the gulf. Riders are stopped short of falling, and linger for a moment, staring downwards at the street at a 45 degree angle, before the lever tilts again and they slide backwards to safety.
It's fun to ride, but it might be even more fun to watch. The riders are pretty entertaining, and the people who were afraid to buy tickets and are observing from the inner deck are hilarious. Observers have fallen over backwards, hyperventilated, screamed, and shouted expletives in every language known to man.
Insanity
Like the swings at the county fair, the Insanity spins up to ten riders in a widening circle. The difference lies in the fact that these swings hang from an arm that carries them out over the edge of the tower, and riders face inwards, which turns into downwards as the circle spreads out. No other ride at the Stratosphere can rightfully be accused as being a vomit-inducer, but this one comes close. The feeling of staring straight down at a huge city in the open air, then spinning that whole field of view over and over, can't be experienced anywhere else. Not reccommended for those with weak stomachs, but everyone else should be okay to ride. The spinning motion is quite gentle, with no abrupt starts or stops. It's actually pleasant.
Big Shot
Possible the best thrill ride in Las Vegas, the Big Shot is a straightfoward accelerator similiar to rides in many amusement parks. The difference here is the same as in real estate: location, location, location. The Big Shot begins at almost 900 feet off the ground, and reaches almost 1,100 at it's pinnacle. Although it's built on the solid center of the tower's crown, the feeling of flying and falling with nothing beneath you but air is immense.
Up to sixteen riders sit in an outward-facing circle around a massive spike. The Big Shot then rockets them straight upwards. The trip up is exciting, but peaking is where the real thrill lies. Butts levitate from seats, stomachs climb into throats, and riders free fall back to base, exhausted from screaming. The ride bounces a few more times and settle back home about 45 seconds later. Sure it's short, but those 45 seconds are mind-blowing.
The newest and most expensive addition to the family of Stratosphere Thrill rides, the Skyjump finally gives visitors the chance to jump from the Tower... and live.
The Stratosphere hosts some of the best artists in the west on level 108 of the tower. Each artist has undergone months of training in caricature and cartooning, and the results are amazing. Passers-by are always shocked to witness a drawing go from start to completion in the time it takes to stroll the full circle of the observation deck.
Cartoon Vegas will draw guests Vegas-style, loaded with bold strokes and edgy glamour. Thanks to a good location, they are also just about the cheapest caricature artists in Las Vegas.
Shows
Erotic vampires meet 80's power ballads. Who will win?
Bite is about a group of female vampires led by the WWE's Undertaker ('s look-alike). He wants them to find more food, and audience members are occasionally called up on stage and "bitten." All of this is accomplished via singing, dancing, acrobatics, 80's rock, and toplessness. Make sense? It doesn't matter. Bite is cheesy, sexy Vegas fun, and no one should expect any different.
Tickets to Bite cost $49.95, but ask around for comps, promotions, and 2-for-1 coupons. They're everywhere.
This celebrity tribute show focuses on doing a few celebrities well, instead doing tons of celebrities. It's been reformed around the Michael Jackson impersonator since the King of Pop's death, and with good reason: the Michael Jackson impersonator can dance. Another luminary is the Elvis impersonator... the winner of a worldwide Elvis impersonation contest. Britney and Christina make their appearance as well... possibly appearing a little too much to bring the kids. The show is not topless, but showgirls and sexiness abound. It is still Vegas.
Expect cheesy fun and some great impressions. As is the case with Bite, American Superstars is often discounted, 2-for-1, or comped. Ask the concierge for details.
Pools
Resort Pool
Now that pools in Las Vegas are becoming big business, the most common complaint is: "I paid $$$ to get in, and I couldn't even get a place to sit!" Relax, then, on the Stratosphere pool's 67,000 square foot deck. The gigantic pool was built before the heyday of the hectic "Las Vegas pool party," and it's designed for comfort more than profits. The Vegas standards are in place, such as bikini blackjack and a well-stocked pool bar. The hot tub becomes beneficial at the beginning and end of summer, when the air is cooling off.
Beach Club 25
The cheapest and most mellow of the topless pools in Las Vegas, Beach Club 25 is free to ladies and just $10 for men. It's a small pool, not overbuilt, and full of simple pleasures: plenty of seats, an attentive bar, and water volleyball. The pool area is generally not too crowded, so it's a peaceful and tasteful place to aquire a better tan in Vegas.
