Well, it looks like I'm back in one piece. Overheated maybe, but back. I knew it was hot, but on July 21, 2000, it was 116 degrees and the sidewalk was so hot it actually melted the sole of my sneaks which moved to the left and now part of my sneakers have soles and the other parts don't. I'm actually thinking of changing my Vegas stays to fall and winter.
In preparation of this visit to Vegas, I ran into a couple of problems and the biggest one was money. I had recently spent a small fortune for Fabulous Las Vegas magazines that I think are pertinent to the site. I had already spent over $4,500 for this site and information it contains and realized I had hardly any money to make my journey to pay my respects to the Thunderbird/Silverbird/El Rancho, and Desert Inn. I figured I was going to miss both the El Rancho sale, and obtaining anything from the Desert Inn. My On-Line Shopping Section has not returned a penny so needless to say I was worried.
I then came up with the idea of begging some of the ladies for their help by asking each one to either comp me a room or give me a big discount for a night or two, as well as entertainment. You may think this is easy but look at the resorts' position. I will be judge them as I see them. They will give me comps and I could very well give them a bad review. They will feel they were nice enough to do something for me, and I stabbed them in the back. If I were them, I certainly wouldn't do it.
I first e-mailed Chuck Wood at the Casino Royale and asked if he could donate anything to my cause. I didn't have to go any further. He offered to comp my room at the Casino Royale for the entire five days! Chuck must have decided his resort would be up to my scrutiny. I was amazed and indeed thankful for this act of generosity (not to mention putting his casino up for criticism). My thanks and appreciation go to not only Chuck, but to also owner Tom Elardi for allowing me to stay which took a huge load off my mind and bank account. I now didn't have to bother the rest of the resorts and continue my begging.
I then wanted to see An Evening At La Cage. Frank Marino fueled my curiosity. He helped with his part of the site giving his time, pictures, etc., and was actually interested in helping me. I have never seen a female impersonator show before and I was curious. I contacted John Neeland at the Riviera and asked him to comp me in. He granted my wish and I was able to see La Cage. I know, you ask why didn't I ask Frank since he cares about the site. The answer is I just didn't think of it. I have dealt with John since this site opened and he has kept me updated, and put up with tons of questions, requests, and everything else I wanted to document the 9th lady of the Strip. My thanks go to John and the Riviera for allowing me to see this show.
I really wanted to see Reboot: The Ride. I love IMAX and this show looked like it was something else. I contacted Reggie Burton at Circus Circus who also granted my wish by giving me a pass to The Adventuredome where Reboot is located. I had never gone to the Adventuredome before and this was to be first. My thanks go to Reggie and Circus Circus for allowing me to see the Adventuredome and especially Reboot.
Casino Royale has been one of my favorites and I had stayed there in 1996. My daughter, son-in-law, and myself went to Vegas to celebrate Heidi's 21st birthday and we stayed at this adorable resort located in the middle of Harrah's and Venetian. When we stayed there the rooms were clean but you can tell it was an older resort, and showed her age.
I was pleasantly surprised when I returned in that the rooms had been remodeled. Now mind you, if you are looking for marble, gold, and glitz, this resort is not for you. This is a quaint resort with very nice rooms, a counter with a coffee maker, liquor/snack bar, and the usual amenities. The front desk gave me three rooms to choose from (its called pick a number). I was in room 311 overlooking the pool. It was nice, clean, and a very pleasant experience. I loved the pool as well as it was well-kept with a nice patio.
The people there, as usual, were nice and friendly. I especially love the change clerk who gave me a roll of quarters, kissed them, and wished me luck. I changed that $10 into $60 at the slots machine. I think I'm going to get all my future change from that clerk. The cocktail waitresses were quick and friendly, and even found me as I wandered to various slot machines. I bought a sandwich from the Subway located in the casino and the guys were helpful.
The only problem I had with the resort is something I'm going to ask Chuck about. I wanted to cash a check there, and the Cashier's Cage wouldn't let me even though I was a guest. I was stunned as I stayed at Circus Circus in February, 2000, and had no problem cashing checks. I'm not sure whether this is a standard rule or did I get a cranky cashier. I could understand why as the Casino Royale is in no way, the megaresort Circus Circus is, but I still think guests who gave their credit card when checking in should have check cashing privileges. I will check into this and get back to you. Of course, I just ran over Flamingo and cashed a check, no big deal, but still...........
Overall, I give Casino Royale a 9 on on scale of 1 to 10, 10 being perfect. She is centrally located, good clean rooms, easy access to pool and casino, with friendly employees.
When Jay Sarno envisioned Circus Circus, he wanted it to be in a circus atmosphere with all the same elements that you would find at your local circus. Circus Circus has updated with the times taking out all of Sarno's midway games and side entertainment one would find at a circus. That has upset me a bit because what's a circus without all the little things people like to do. Circus Circus kept the acts which can be seen throughout the day as well as child games but the circus theme looked frayed.
I found out it wasn't abandoned, just relocated. The Adventuredome is the circus that Sarno had dreamed of. I was amazed when I went in. There were all the standard games, as well as updated themes such as hairbraiding, rice writing, places to eat, and really great rides. What I liked most about it is that it is all indoors so the 116 degree temperature stayed outside. I loved playing the games.
Then I saw a roller coaster fan's delight - The Grand Slam. I love roller coasters and I love going to Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA for this reason. I ran right over to it and jumped on. COOOOOOOL!!! This roller coaster is perfect. It had all the thrills and slowed down in parts just long enough for me to look at the roof of the Adventuredome, and everything on the ground and then the thrills started. I had a wonderful time and I do give it a thumbs up for children of all ages.
I then went to Reboot: The Ride which is located in the Adventuredome. I was the unlucky person to sit in front of a very obnoxious 10-11 year old boy who, in the beginning of the movie, had a smart mouth and thought he was entertaining. He was so entertaining I wished I had a cattle prod. Anyway, as the movie got into gear I noticed he was quiet and when I looked at him he was gripping the handrails with eyes that were about 3 inches big each. I think he realized this wasn't a simple ride. The movie was great and I loved it. I actually went twice and it is a new sensory experience that I highly recommend.
As I walked up to the doomed El Rancho I stopped and took a long good look at her. I know Las Vegas papers and locals call her an eyesore but I see much more. Not only is this a dream turned nightmare but the end of the fourth lady on the Strip. She tried so hard to stay alive. She had numerous owners and three name changes but nothing helped her succeed. There is nothing worse than a resort with no people enjoying her and here she sat since 1992 alone and empty. This is the worse fate any lady on the Strip could face. The embarrassment of no one wanting her. Again, the vision of Dunes came to my mind.
On previous visits it became a game in seeing if I could sneak time and each time getting caught. Now the gravity of the situation hits home.
Unfortunately, she will not be born again as a casino but as a time-share. I think that's a shame that the whole property will be a time-share but its a better fate than standing alone forgotten by everyone. The dream of Cliff Jones, Marion Hicks, L.B. "Tutor" Scheres, Guy McAfee, Vic Sayre, Harry Radger, Bill Deer, Joe Wells, Jack Lane, Jimmy Sahayler, Clifford & Stuart Pearlman, Major Auterburn Riddle (who owned the Dunes), and Ed Torres is gone, and the Thunderbird "The Sacred Bearer of Happiness Unlimited" will be no more.
As I walked towards this broken down and sad lady I noticed the sale was over. I know Howard Klein got a room key, bingo board, and menu for me, but I was hoping for something more. I took some exterior shots and then went inside. Now mind you, I never saw this resort opened so I looked at this lady with junk all around being prepared to be demolished, and saw what was a beautiful resort she was. I clicked away trying to preserve forever what skeleton was left.
I met the liquidator inside who told me he remembered her as the Thunderbird. He was also the liquidator for the Aladdin as well. We spoke a little while and then I met the engineer. They were both very nice men. The liquidator gave me a box of stirrers, a pile of postcards, and three menus as a special gift since I missed out on the sale.
A man showed up and told me under no circumstances was I allowed to take pictures (of course I didn't tell him I had been), he then escorted me out of the building explaining that this isn't his decision but Turnberry's. He was only doing his job which I understood. No hard feelings for him. Turnberry is another story. They are ripping up the fourth resort on the Strip, and they don't want anyone to have anything to preserve her part in history. Shame on you Turnberry for such coldness!
I've included the pictures I took on this site on the Thunderbird's page. Let Turnberry sue me. My entire asset is a 21 year old Dodge. Don't bother filing a lawsuit, come pick up the car with a list of repairs it needs.
Many thanks to the liquidator and engineer who took time out of their busy schedule to talk with me. If the liquidator or engineer reads this, can they e-mail me? I wanted to ask them a question.
As I left the premises I realized I had a big problem. The liquidator gave me a box stirrers, postcards and menus and I had no way to safely get them all to the Casino Royale. I looked around to see how I was going to get all this on a bus when I saw the Riviera. Oh hell, I've been more trouble to them!! One of these days I anticipating my picture being on the front of the resort with a statement "Don't let this person in."
While people are going in and leaving the Riviera with change cups or souvenirs, I'm marching in with menus, a pile of postcards and a big box of stirrers. What a sight I must've been!!! I marched over to the gift shop and the gentleman at the counter looked at me and my belongings with curiosity. I asked him if I could buy a big bag from him to store my El Rancho treasure. He gave me the bag stating no charge. I thanked him then sat right outside the gift store on the floor putting my treasures in the bag. I guess that's when I became a bag lady. I then proceeded to take the bus back to the Casino Royale, my possessions safe and sound.
As I stated above, I had never seen a female impersonator show and wasn't sure whether I really wanted to. My main reason for going was Frank Marino. This gentleman showed an interest in helping me with this site and on the phone didn't act like a "star" at all. I was a little hesitant about going because I didn't want to go to the show and hate it and have to tell you the same mainly because of Marino, but I felt he deserves me being honest and could take whatever heat I had. He didn't know which night I was going which made me felt better as I could just go and leave if I didn't like it.
La Cage is not for everyone. There is swearing, sexual themes, etc., which may offend some people (just in case you didn't know that what is La Cage is all about.) Marino is worth every cent he is making. He looks just like Joan Rivers and has her mannerisms down to an art form. His timing is quick and I have to say he is truly a beautiful woman (without make-up he is a nice looking male as well).
The other impersonators were just as fantastic. I saw Cher, Diana Ross, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Patty La Belle, Reba MacIntyre, Michael Jackson, and a couple of very funny shows that I don't want to give away now in the event you want to see the show. The jokes are risque and it does truly look like these impersonators are having fun which spreads into the audience. I would love to see this show again and I am very impressed with what these guys/dolls can do.
I had told John Neeland how impressed I was with Marino and he said when I see the show to look for him afterwards. He goes out and greets the audience afterwards and there are La Cage programs and his autobiography out there as well. Of course, having that hint, I knew to hung around.
I went out and there was Marino sitting and talking with people while either a Riviera or Marino employee was selling the programs and books. I went over to him and introduced myself saying I would like to use excerpts from his book and program on my website expecting him to say nay. How would he sell them if I use pictures, etc., from the items. He responded by saying I could use any and all of the items for my website. Everything I wanted or needed. I looked at him totally disbelieving and asked him again if he was positively sure he wanted to do this. He said all the items were his domain and he is giving me full right to use whatever I want to help my site as I see fit. Well, color me surprised!!
Now my next problem - I had no intention of going back to the Royale as I wanted to do some gambling at the Riv, and I had the book and the program. I know me and I will definitely do something to them so I go to the gift shop AGAIN. I looked at the clerk and said I didn't want to buy anything but a bag to put the book and program in. I felt less guilty about it this time as Marino does belong at the Riv. The lady gave me a bag stating no charge and I stored my second treasure securely in the bag. (Why do I have a feeling that the next time I tell John Neeland I'm going to the Strip he is going to store the gift shop with extra bags?)
During my bubble bath I started reading Marino's book, and at the young age of 37, he has had a life that has been full of tragedy as well as success, all the while maintaining a sense of humor. I have found that his perspective of subjects is unique and causes me to actually think! I am finding his book fascinating and when I'm done which should be tonight, I will put parts of it on my site. Many thanks to Frank Marino, not only for providing such a wonderful show, but also in his generosity in helping this site.
I then went on to visit the other doomed lady - the fifth one on the Strip to be exact. The dream of Wilbur Clark, and the home of Howard Hughes. She will soon be no more. Its hard to think she is leaving when just a few months ago she celebrated her 50th birthday with a huge party. One month you're celebrating, and the next you're given a death sentence.
I bought some souvenirs but unfortunately no chips. They were sold out. I then walked around the property picturing all the visionaries that occupied this lady - Wilbur Clark, Moe Dalitz, Wayne McAllister, Jack Lessman, Howard Hughes, Kirk Kerkorian, ITT-Sheraton, Sun International Hotels Ltd., and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. I took some pictures, and just sat and wondered why the fifth lady was going down. Her structures were so beautiful.
I've received e-mails from people who said they were denied access to the Bellagio. I also had a fellow employee tell me the same thing. Apparently, Bellagio was denying people other than her own guests, into the hotel. I was disgusted to say the least. These ladies were created for people to enjoy them. Nothing is more pathetic than to have an empty lady. I saw that at the Dunes a few years ago while it was still open. When I entered her casino, I was the only person there. It made my heart break to see something created to be enjoyed with human life inside of her so empty. She was so alone and helpless. I couldn't leave her because I didn't want her to be alone. I only left when two people came in. A resort needs people. Now I'm being told her successor is denying access into her interior! I was determined to find out why.
I marched into the Bellagio looking for a fight. I marched into the casino and waited to be confronted, Italian temper ready to flare. No one came. Boy doesn't that beat all. I walked around the casino, right past floor men with a look on my face daring them to come to me. They all said good morning - hmmmm, something is wrong here. I'm waiting for a fight and getting nothing.
So I approached one of the floormen and said "I hear you don't want patrons that aren't registered at the Bellagio." He looked at me like I was from another planet. He had no idea what I was saying. I explained what I had heard and his comment was classic. "Lady, I work here and I want a salary. I'm not going to kick out people who are spending money. I like my job. Since I like my job, do me a favor and go in and spend money!"
That night I went over to the Monte Carlo and took the tram to the Bellagio. That's where I saw the signs "People over the age of 18 or a registered hotel guest are allowed. Be prepared to show your room key." Okay, now I've hit something here. I marched on the tram like a soldier waiting for a full frontal confrontation and rode to the Bellagio. I got off the tram and there was another sign saying the same. I walked down the hall and two more signs, but as yet, no one approached me.
I found a couple of floormen and asked them about the signs and what I heard. Apparently Bellagio has had some problem with teenagers and drunks riding the tram and bothering patrons. This was their way of being able to evict them from the premises so true patrons could enjoy their visit in peace, and families wouldn't be accosted. I told them that a few legitimate patrons were refused entrance and they were flabbergasted. I told them one was a fellow co-worker who was more than upset. An upstanding lady of the community of Burbank being rejected.
The floormen couldn't figure it out but they gave me some advice I want to spread to you all and they asked me to tell you this as well. If for any reason you are denied entrance to the Bellagio, ask to speak the supervisor immediately. When the supervisor appears tell him/her what happened so things can be straightened out. Maybe the employee is new and didn't understand or whatever the reason. The Bellagio requests each of you to ask for a supervisor if you are denied access to this lady. She needs people or Wynn's dream and Kerkorian property will be built for nothing!
Have you ever gone to a resort and seen Vegas magazines either in the lobby or in the rooms? You know what I mean, "What's On", "Tour Guide", "Today in Las Vegas", and "Las Vegas Today"? Don't ignore those puppies. They are full of information as to what is going on. Let's take "What's On". I coupon clip. Yep, I do. Let me tell you, there are some money savers in that one.
I wanted to go to the Sahara and ride "Speed" and see the rest of the resort and what is happening to Bill Bennett's investment. After their initial help with this site, they refused to help me further so I have to fight to get information for that lady. In the magazine is a $1.00 off coupon for their buffet. Each coupon is good for up to four people. That adds up. There was also a coupon for $1.00 off Speed good up to four people. Another one was free entrance to Imperial Palace's class car show. Here are a few more but there are tons in this magazine.
These could add up to some substantial savings so pay close attention to these magazines!
With coupons in hand I went on down to the Sahara. I first went to the breakfast buffet and of course, got a buck taken off. The food was good and the drinks are self-serve. I definitely got my money's worth. There was a waiter there who I got a kick out of. I can't remember his first name but he is very social and was telling me about his ventures since moving from Hawaii. On his name tag it states his name and where he is from. He can't believe how many people ask him if his last name is Hawaii. Of course, others hearing him say this started giving him a bad time asking what his middle name was, etc. If you want to cause some trouble while at the Sahara find him at the breakfast buffet and ask him if Hawaii is his last name.
As I was sitting there enjoying my meal, I was thinking about this sixth lady on the Strip. She has quite a history behind her. She wasn't doing too well. Visionary Bill Bennett stepped in, took over, and added the roller coaster Speed, as well as the Nascar Cafe and updated the buffet. Hell, I remember going to the buffet when it was in another part of the resort and it was shabby. As a matter of fact, I'm in the process of trying to talk my daughter into going back there. She hated the buffet when we went there last and I'm trying to convince her to give the sixth lady another chance.
Not only is Bennett a visionary creating Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay, he is also a reviver. He gave Circus Circus a second wind and turned her into a megaresort, and now he is doing the same for the Sahara.
My thoughts turned to Kirk Kerkorian, that feisty man. One dream dies, build another one - don't ever give up. When he built his second MGM Grand, he turned the Marina into part of his megaresort. Marina sits peacefully, emerald green instead of blue and white knowing she is still a part of the Strip. Maybe her name is gone but her body is now part of a bigger and more beautiful megaresort. She will live out her days knowing she is part of a wanting family.
When Kerkorian bought the Flamingo he knocked down the champagne tower but didn't touch the building. He added on. Same is true with the Desert Inn and Sands. He doesn't destroy, he uses his imagination and incorporates what is already there. The only evidence of destruction was the Bonanza for the first MGM Grand. That is logical as it was a one-to-two story building and couldn't be incorporated.
Howard Hughes was the same. He bought the Sands and built that famous tower we see in the pictures. He didn't knock down the resort. He bought the Landmark, Frontier, and Castaways and did the same. He took what was there and built around it.
My question is why can't Wynn do the same thing. Can the architects who worked on Circus Circus, second MGM Grand, etc., call Wynn with ideas on how to incorporate the Desert Inn structure into his plans for the megaresort so the old need not die totally? Better yet, can Kerkorian or Bennett call Wynn and let him know there are other ways than destruction to rebuild an empire? Hey, Kirk or Bill, why don't you just buy Desert Inn from Wynn and show him how to preserve history while creating the new? You two know how its done! Where the hell is Howard Hughes when you need him?
All this was going through my head as I was eating and I thought I would share it with you.
I went over to Speed and took a ride. I know why its called Speed. That is one way out roller coaster. There is no other way to put it.
I proceeded with coupon in hand over to the Imperial Palace and got to see the car show for free just as advertised. Its located on the 5th floor of the parking structure and it is incredible. I saw Hughes' car as well as Elvis Presley's Cadillac. There are not only cars, but all kinds of things. I enjoyed myself greatly and took pictures of everything and everyone.
My precious Aladdin. I sat across the street from the new Aladdin just watching her being built, remembering her mother. What a grand lady she was. I am often critical of the new resorts as they take the old and discard it and I felt the same about this one. As I looked at her daughter with construction workers building in 116 degree temperature (God bless you people), I saw the family resemblance. Jack Sommer didn't completely destroy her but created her to look like her mother but larger and more beautiful. If you get past the facade at the front of the building you will see the old Aladdin. She is her mother. My gratitude, thanks, and admiration goes to Jack Sommer and his architects for building the daughter to look like her mother. I actually enjoyed watching her being built knowing she is just like mom. For the first time, I am looking forward to going to a new resort because Mom is throughout her daughter.
I won't be able to attend her opening on August 17th, but my daughter and son-in-law are going in my place to take pictures and see the daughter at her birth. Aladdin was always a favorite of my daughter as well and she is looking forward to the opening.
While Paris had her sister Bally's rally around her opening, and Mandalay Bay had her sisters Luxor and Excalibur do the same, Aladdin will be opening without sibling assistance. Just as her mother did in the 60s, Aladdin will be opening alone in a vicious competitive street. To complicate the situation, she is known to have a jinx already associated with the property. I truly hope that the daughter can break the jinx and become famous and successful. I'm hoping all of you will visit this the new offspring of a wonderful lady and help this property become a success. Aladdin deserves her day in the sun and maybe the daughter can accomplish what mom couldn't. Much luck to you Jack Sommer and the dream you're creating. You created the new while remembering the old.
While snapping pictures of the Aladdin I took a couple of pictures of two construction workers on this very hot day. They are part of history creating this resort. I did a dumb thing and took pictures without asking their names. I went back to the Aladdin but couldn't find them.
STARDUST
I joined my first slot club tournament while in Vegas. Most slot tournaments are too expensive for me but the Stardust has a daily slot tournament for just a $10 entry fee. The grand prize is $500, and it was a lot of fun. I lost with my points being 26,000 when someone else had 33,000 but I had a great time. I'm hoping they are still having it when I go back.
Speaking of Tony Cornero's dream, she had a face lift since I saw her last. She has a lot of shops and get a load of the water show on her right side. It is hysterical. If you approach this grand lady on the right side coming from Westward Ho, you will see what looks like planters with flowers around them. Very pretty, but keep watching. They have set up water to shoot like snakes all around. Not only are the snakes shooting to the pots next to them but they are actually crossing the walkways in between to the next set. I sat down next to these planters watching the snakes do their thing. Its really quite funny and I enjoyed the Stardust's free water show.
Have you ever joined the players clubs the casinos have? I've joined every one. Now mind you, I never collected a dang thing as I don't gamble that much to matter but I have every card. Yep, every one. Now there were some that made me just plain mad in the past. You know what I mean, the ones that won't register on anything but $1.00 up slot machines. Its like my quarters and nickels don't matter, just my dollars. I very seldom visited those casinos because if my quarters and nickels aren't good enough for them then they aren't good enough for me to visit them. Of course I'm talking about Caesars Palace, Mirage, Bellagio, New York New York, and Treasure Island.
Since the resorts have been playing musical chairs I decided to revisit these casinos to see if anything changed. Yep, in a big way. Now that Caesars Palace is under the watchful eye of Park Entertainment which also owns Bally's, Paris, and Flamingo, their cards accept all slot bets and is run under the same rules as all the other resorts that Park controls. Good going Caesars!
I then went over to Mirage, same thing. The card personnel told me that Wynn had changed the rules sometime ago that all slot machines be included in the Players Club. He went on to tell me that Kerkorian has left the rules stand with minor alterations to comply with the MGM rules. Likewise, I was happy to play at Bellagio, Mirage, and Treasure Island.
New York New York which is now owned by MGM, has the same rules as MGM, etc.
Now us little bettors count as well.
Before I left Howard Klein told me there was a chip show at the Tropicana with only a $2 entry fee. Definitely in my budget. I also needed to see Howard as when the Thunderbird/Silverbird/El Rancho sale began I asked Howard to get me things which he did and I needed to pick them up.
I breezed into the Tropicana which is always a pleasure. I like that resort. Something homey about it. This is my daughter's favorite and never goes to Vegas without seeing her baby Tropicana. Anyway, the show was in the old inside tennis court facilities as was the paper show I went to in February, 2000. Lots of neat things. I'm not a chip collector so I wasn't that interested but the Sellers were also selling paper goods and I got some real buys and finds.
After I left the show I did a little gambling and noticed they had a machine there where people can check their e-mails for $.35 a minute. Now that is a handy thing in the event someone was expecting an important e-mail. I wasn't expecting any so I didn't use the machine but I sat down and read the instructions and it seemed easy enough.
Overall my trip was very pleasant. I visited each of the resorts and highlighted the significant items above. I also went to the MGM Grand and saw the lion habitat. Cats are cats. One of the lion cubs there acted just like my daughter's cat Chloe. I had fun watching the guys play with the lions.
I went over to Excalibur to enjoy their breakfast buffet and was a little surprised her prices went up. It is advertising a "new" buffet but I didn't see anything new and the food was great as always. Maybe its the lunch and dinner buffets, I don't know, but the prices are definitely higher.
I also went on over to Treasure Island for their breakfast buffet. Food was great as well. Actually I've never had any problems with the buffets at any of the resorts. Staff is always friendly, food good, atmosphere pleasant.