High Roller ferris wheel
May 30th, 2014 at 10:02:25 PM
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For the first time in over three years, I finally wrote a new article. It is on the High Roller ferris wheel. I also invite you to watch my video of the experience.
As always, I welcome comments, questions, and especially corrections.
As always, I welcome comments, questions, and especially corrections.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 30th, 2014 at 11:20:49 PM
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Quote: WizardFor the first time in over three years, I finally wrote a new article. It is on the High Roller ferris wheel. I also invite you to watch my video of the experience.
As always, I welcome comments, questions, and especially corrections.
Nice. Great and to the point article that should help people decide if they want to do it.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
May 30th, 2014 at 11:38:02 PM
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Wizard how long was that walk from the building entrance to entering the wheel?
May 30th, 2014 at 11:59:14 PM
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Wow, the place is empty.
Like riding a revolving tomb.
Like riding a revolving tomb.
"What, me worry?"
May 31st, 2014 at 12:29:48 AM
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I liked watching the reflections of your passengers.
I have been on other tall wheels and there were long lines for those. It looks like CET made another bad decision
I have been on other tall wheels and there were long lines for those. It looks like CET made another bad decision
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
May 31st, 2014 at 1:11:06 AM
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Quote: GWAEI liked watching the reflections of your passengers.
I have been on other tall wheels and there were long lines for those. It looks like CET made another bad decision
Yep. There's just so many things that feel 'wrong' about this that I'm not really sure if I'm just picking at it to mock it, or if they're legitimate concerns. Like it looks like you have to walk really far to get there, a security checkpoint or two, expensive (especially since nobody's going up in this solo...), an abject lack of seating for a decently long ride...
I admit, I was more interested in going up before seeing the video.
May 31st, 2014 at 1:15:41 AM
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Quote: VenthusYep. There's just so many things that feel 'wrong' about this that I'm not really sure if I'm just picking at it to mock it, or if they're legitimate concerns. Like it looks like you have to walk really far to get there, a security checkpoint or two, expensive (especially since nobody's going up in this solo...), an abject lack of seating for a decently long ride...
I admit, I was more interested in going up before seeing the video.
I wonder why you can not ride it solo?
I would be more interested in riding it solo than waiting for a group to go.
Maybe the AC only turns on when there are people in it so it is cost effective to keeping some empty?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
May 31st, 2014 at 4:10:55 AM
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Good article, good pix, I haven't watched the video yet.
It seems to me like this might be something people do once, you know, so they can say they have done it. I wonder what some other good observation viewing areas are in Vegas, and how much do they cost ? These come to mind:
- Paris Tower
- Stratosphere (there is a Bar/Lounge near the top of the tower, and at least a couple of years ago it was "free" with a 1 or 2 drink minimum. So the cost of that would be about $ 12 to $ 14, depending on what you drink.
- Nightclub at Rio (sometimes they pass out free admission passes in the Casino, and when we went up early in the evening it wasn't crowded).
- Helicopter rides (I haven't done that).
- Others ?
- Wasn't there a blimp ride for a short period of time several years ago, or am I losing it ?
It seems to me like this might be something people do once, you know, so they can say they have done it. I wonder what some other good observation viewing areas are in Vegas, and how much do they cost ? These come to mind:
- Paris Tower
- Stratosphere (there is a Bar/Lounge near the top of the tower, and at least a couple of years ago it was "free" with a 1 or 2 drink minimum. So the cost of that would be about $ 12 to $ 14, depending on what you drink.
- Nightclub at Rio (sometimes they pass out free admission passes in the Casino, and when we went up early in the evening it wasn't crowded).
- Helicopter rides (I haven't done that).
- Others ?
- Wasn't there a blimp ride for a short period of time several years ago, or am I losing it ?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 31st, 2014 at 4:18:11 AM
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My wife and I did this is April right after it opened and we were given 2 free passes as she has a CZR Diamond Card. We rode with one other couple and enjoyed it very much. We purchased a beer for the ride, which are sold at the entrance. We both enjoyed it and recommended it to friends for the views. I felt the 30 minutes went by quickly.
I still think it will do fine over time but they may have to run more promotions and coupons to get the cost down for tourists.
Nice job on the review and pictures/video Wizard!
I still think it will do fine over time but they may have to run more promotions and coupons to get the cost down for tourists.
Nice job on the review and pictures/video Wizard!
May 31st, 2014 at 5:01:42 AM
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I don't like how their huge waiting queue area is not visible before comitting to the queue.
May 31st, 2014 at 6:23:46 AM
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Quote: rainmanWizard how long was that walk from the building entrance to entering the wheel?
You can see the whole walk in the video. Just remember the video is sped up by a factor of 2.5. In my case, it was about a one-minute walk.
Quote: MangoJI don't like how their huge waiting queue area is not visible before comitting to the queue.
That would bother me too if I didn't just walk right up to the boarding area.
I didn't mention, which I should, that when you buy a ticket you indicate a specific time, by increments of 10 minutes. So, if they control it right the wait shouldn't be longer than ten minutes.
Quote: VenthusYep. There's just so many things that feel 'wrong' about this that I'm not really sure if I'm just picking at it to mock it, or if they're legitimate concerns. Like it looks like you have to walk really far to get there, a security checkpoint or two, expensive (especially since nobody's going up in this solo...), an abject lack of seating for a decently long ride...
I still think it was well done. The walk wasn't that long and was probably done to keep the crowd cool if a line does form. There is a much longer walk to get through the Linq shopping area to get to the building.
This could be promoted better. If I couldn't actually see it, I don't think I would even know it was there.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 31st, 2014 at 6:32:22 AM
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I did not get the impression it was all that far to walk. Maybe the length of a parking garage at most.
I think they have it overpriced now for the newness of it, and the cost will come down soon, maybe about 1/2 of what it is now. I don't think the queue area is all that intimidating when you figure each car can hold 40 people and the ride is never stopped; it only takes about 2 minutes between cars. I also sort of like that they have several smaller rooms under air; if they start to get crowds, they can have little pre-shows in each to keep the waiting from being boring, like Disney/Universal do.
I have to admit, once you got up there, I got a bit bored of the view. I think it would be more fun if they sold a double-circuit dinner thing, where you had a butler/waiter with a drink cart and appetizer table go round with you the first circuit, then load on a hot table of dinners for the second circuit, with him serving, tables for up to 20. That's what I'd do with it, anyway. Price it at 1000-2000 all-inclusive depending on size of party and menu. They could outfit 4-8 bubbles like that, depending on demand, and leave the others as bare.
I think they have it overpriced now for the newness of it, and the cost will come down soon, maybe about 1/2 of what it is now. I don't think the queue area is all that intimidating when you figure each car can hold 40 people and the ride is never stopped; it only takes about 2 minutes between cars. I also sort of like that they have several smaller rooms under air; if they start to get crowds, they can have little pre-shows in each to keep the waiting from being boring, like Disney/Universal do.
I have to admit, once you got up there, I got a bit bored of the view. I think it would be more fun if they sold a double-circuit dinner thing, where you had a butler/waiter with a drink cart and appetizer table go round with you the first circuit, then load on a hot table of dinners for the second circuit, with him serving, tables for up to 20. That's what I'd do with it, anyway. Price it at 1000-2000 all-inclusive depending on size of party and menu. They could outfit 4-8 bubbles like that, depending on demand, and leave the others as bare.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
May 31st, 2014 at 6:42:42 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
May 31st, 2014 at 9:21:04 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesFor sure. I'd rather drive a couple of hours to mid/northern Ohio, pay an extra $10 or so and be able to ride this and everything else there all day.
http://youtu.be/jbXPhOFRxTc
I grew up there. Nothing like having summer passes as a teenager.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
May 31st, 2014 at 9:30:35 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
May 31st, 2014 at 9:47:26 AM
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Once a week my partner and I ride the monorail ($1 for locals) up to LVH for the local's lunch special and pass by the wheel both coming and going. You can see into the bottom 4 or 5 cars or pods, and most of the cars are empty. Granted this is always a weekday between 11 and 2, which I suspect is slow time.
May 31st, 2014 at 10:08:12 AM
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When I visited the Linq, I was quite impressed with how tall the ferris weheel is. It's HUGE.
Just the same, given the price and having seen Vegas from the Eiffel tower replica and from the Stratosphere as well, I wasn't what you'd call desirous of riding the High Roller (wasn't that the anme of the rollercoaster they used to ahve on the Strat tower? BTW).
Now, from the Eiffel replica you don't get too see much apst the Strip,a dn from the Strat you don't get too see much of the Strip. But from the Paris attraction you have a great view of the Bellagio fountains, and from the Strat you get spectacular views of everything else.
Just the same, I'd pay to send Doc up there with a camera. I'm sure the results would be worth it.
But the palce to see a total solar eclipse from, next time one passes over Vegas, would be from the Strat tower.
Just the same, given the price and having seen Vegas from the Eiffel tower replica and from the Stratosphere as well, I wasn't what you'd call desirous of riding the High Roller (wasn't that the anme of the rollercoaster they used to ahve on the Strat tower? BTW).
Now, from the Eiffel replica you don't get too see much apst the Strip,a dn from the Strat you don't get too see much of the Strip. But from the Paris attraction you have a great view of the Bellagio fountains, and from the Strat you get spectacular views of everything else.
Just the same, I'd pay to send Doc up there with a camera. I'm sure the results would be worth it.
But the palce to see a total solar eclipse from, next time one passes over Vegas, would be from the Strat tower.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 31st, 2014 at 10:20:18 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesThe yearly passes are extremely reasonable in price too. I just looked at their website and it looks like they're $120 each.
Personally, I can't understand why anybody would want to ride it more than two times.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 31st, 2014 at 10:42:25 AM
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DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
May 31st, 2014 at 11:03:42 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesThe wheel there in Vegas or the roller coaster at Cedar Point?
The wheel. That roller coaster I could do lots of times, as long as each ride was at least a couple hours since the last one.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 31st, 2014 at 11:57:51 AM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesThe yearly passes are extremely reasonable in price too. I just looked at their website and it looks like they're $120 each.
I have a season pass to Cedar Point this year. And yep, I take some Dramamine/bonine before I do the rides. Unfortunately, between their maintenance program (or lack thereof) and the complexity of the high tech thrill rides, they have an unacceptable amount of downtime on their rides (Top Thrill Dragster/Raptor). My favorite thing to do there is to go to the Extreme Wheels stunt show.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 31st, 2014 at 1:49:10 PM
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Quote: MangoJI don't like how their huge waiting queue area is not visible before comitting to the queue.
I counted four different "queueing areas", if you include the long walkway between the first two sets of bars. It reminded me of the line to see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Something tells me this was meant to handle Friday and Saturday nights, which might explain the lack of people there when Wizard rode it.
May 31st, 2014 at 1:56:31 PM
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Wizard I never you were such a classical music aficionado. Great song choices!
casino's money disappears
the execs worry when the wizard is near
He turns tears into joy
Everyone's happy when the wizard walks by
May 31st, 2014 at 2:16:31 PM
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Quote: OzzyOsbourneWizard I never you were such a classical music aficionado. Great song choices!
Thanks! To be honest, YouTube is going after everybody for using contemporary music. They even sent me a warning for the Mission McNuggets video because a Shania Twain song could be heard playing in the background. If you get enough strikes for this they can take countermeasures, like taking all your videos down. So classical music is about the only thing safe. Some of my skiing and bike trail videos use obscure Klezmer music, which YouTube evidently isn't familiar with.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
May 31st, 2014 at 5:15:47 PM
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Nice video and review! I love heights and I'm sure I'll end up checking out the High Roller next time I'm in Las Vegas and probably at night. One of my favorite things to do is go up to the top of the Stratosphere before sunset and watch the sunset and the strip come alive with lights. It's a great way to spend an early evening. I think the price of the High Roller does need to come down and if they don't get enough business it will.
June 18th, 2014 at 1:38:13 AM
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I went to The LINQ on Sunday (Father's Day) afternoon/early evening and the line for the High Roller was out the door. Apparently it's fairly popular. They are giving locals half off on Tuesdays this summer.
I planned to ride it but didn't have time.
I planned to ride it but didn't have time.
June 18th, 2014 at 5:53:08 AM
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For anybody wanting to experience a "VIP Package" there is a groupon available http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-high-roller-at-the-linq , although I don't think it is actually anything different than a normal ride. The VIP package just looks like extra stuff you likely wouldn't be spending money on anyway.
June 18th, 2014 at 7:39:41 AM
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Quote: wudgedFor anybody wanting to experience a "VIP Package" there is a groupon available http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-high-roller-at-the-linq , although I don't think it is actually anything different than a normal ride. The VIP package just looks like extra stuff you likely wouldn't be spending money on anyway.
As a point of reference, the night pass is 35$, and the Groupon is 65$ for 2, so there's already a savings by getting it, regardless if the BOGO coupons are used. (And Flex is 45$, if you're so indecisive that you can't decide if you want to go in the morning or evening, and want to pay a premium for that...?)
June 18th, 2014 at 12:46:33 PM
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The theme I keep hearing about the High Roller is that it's an empty ghost town with no lines and very few passengers. So I'm wondering: if Ceasars lowers the price, will ridership increase? I'm not sure where the sweet spot is for the right price, but surely Caesars would benefit more from 300 passengers an hour buying $7 tickets rather than 40 passengers an hour buying $30 tickets. More passengers = more alcohol sales. More passengers = more gift shop sales. More passengers = more Linq foot traffic. More Linq foot traffic = more gaming revenue at Flamingo & Quad.
How long will it take for Caesars to come to their senses? Don't hold your breath...
How long will it take for Caesars to come to their senses? Don't hold your breath...
June 18th, 2014 at 4:58:59 PM
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Quote: renoThe theme I keep hearing about the High Roller is that it's an empty ghost town with no lines and very few passengers. So I'm wondering: if Ceasars lowers the price, will ridership increase? I'm not sure where the sweet spot is for the right price, but surely Caesars would benefit more from 300 passengers an hour buying $7 tickets rather than 40 passengers an hour buying $30 tickets. More passengers = more alcohol sales. More passengers = more gift shop sales. More passengers = more Linq foot traffic. More Linq foot traffic = more gaming revenue at Flamingo & Quad.
How long will it take for Caesars to come to their senses? Don't hold your breath...
When I was there Sunday afternoon the line was out the door. Lots of people walking around the LINQ.
June 18th, 2014 at 5:11:01 PM
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Quote: wudgedFor anybody wanting to experience a "VIP Package" there is a groupon available http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-high-roller-at-the-linq , although I don't think it is actually anything different than a normal ride. The VIP package just looks like extra stuff you likely wouldn't be spending money on anyway.
$65 for two night time rides is a small savings.
How much are the souvenir drinks and souvenir photos that are offered as 2-for-1? I'm thinking of $15 drinks that are light on alcohol and served in a big plastic cup and some ridiculous price for the photos.
15% off one gift shop item is probably nothing to get excited about.
ETA - I found this page:
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2014/4/4/144259/7049/vegas-travel/What+You+Can+Expect+When+Riding+The+High+Roller+Observation+Wheel
$17 souvenir drinks
$25 souvenir photo, $30 for two. I'm thinking you get two for $25 if you use the Groupon.
So...
Spend $65 to save $5 vs. buying two regular night time tickets.
Daytime tix are only $20 and the Groupon would be wasted on a daytime ride.
Spend $82 for two nightime tix + two souvenir drinks, a savings of $22 over list prices.
Spend $107 and get two photos as well as all of the above.
Forget the gift shop offer.
I'm headed to LV in July with the wife and another couple. I'm not sure it's worth $5 to pay in advance.
August 7th, 2014 at 12:42:47 PM
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Grumpy cat rides the high roller.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/aug/06/its-bird-its-plane-its-grumpy-cat-high-roller-linq/
http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/aug/06/its-bird-its-plane-its-grumpy-cat-high-roller-linq/
August 7th, 2014 at 1:55:30 PM
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I imagine thats what Bob cat would look like.Quote: rudeboyoiGrumpy cat rides the high roller.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2014/aug/06/its-bird-its-plane-its-grumpy-cat-high-roller-linq/
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
July 4th, 2015 at 2:26:24 PM
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Can you imagine being up near the top mid afternoon say July or August and well everything shuts down? How long would it take to bake you in one of those pods>?
The reason I ask is ..............
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-orlando-eye-stuck-20150703-story.html
The reason I ask is ..............
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-orlando-eye-stuck-20150703-story.html
July 4th, 2015 at 4:00:21 PM
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Based on the article:
"Incredulously, more than 1,500 fans lined up at the Linq Promenade, formerly the Linq, on the Strip on Tuesday for an opportunity to meet the overnight-sensation scowling kitty Grumpy Cat."
I think CZR should have grumpy cat there every day !
AND CZR could charge extra for cleaning out GC's litter box.....
"Incredulously, more than 1,500 fans lined up at the Linq Promenade, formerly the Linq, on the Strip on Tuesday for an opportunity to meet the overnight-sensation scowling kitty Grumpy Cat."
I think CZR should have grumpy cat there every day !
AND CZR could charge extra for cleaning out GC's litter box.....
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
July 4th, 2015 at 7:06:03 PM
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Quote: coilmanCan you imagine being up near the top mid afternoon say July or August and well everything shuts down? How long would it take to bake you in one of those pods>?
The reason I ask is ..............
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-orlando-eye-stuck-20150703-story.html
Trust me...it's been HOT here all week. Those folks were sizzling like eggs on a sidewalk. Like ants under a magnifying glass. Like...stuck on the Linq in Vegas in July.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
July 4th, 2015 at 8:52:54 PM
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Grumpy Cat and Owner Article
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
July 5th, 2015 at 11:31:30 PM
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My husband and I went this past Valentines. There was a groupon available so the cost wasn't bad. Maybe $60 for two on the all you can drink bar pod. We managed to kill three beers a piece and take two with us so not a bad deal. There was seating along the edge, not too crowded even with a full pod, great views. I probably won't go a bunch but I would take friends and family there when they visit.
I like the view from the Mandarin bar better.
I like the view from the Mandarin bar better.
