Walt Vegas, Las Disney

While in Vegas, I decided it was the equivalent of the Disney theme parks...for adults.  Don't get me wrong, I'd rather spend time in Disney any day, but hear me out here.  

Disney hotels offer the nicest in accommodations.  I've never stayed in one of their hotels, but I've walked through several.  These pictures are from our hotel.  It was absolutely beautiful.  There were two drawbacks...first off sections often smelled like a funeral parlor being that they had decorated with thousands of lilies, and secondly it was literally a ten minute walk from our room to our car.  Other than that, it was perfect.

 Here is one of the outdoor gardens.  There was no spare in detail.

 Just like Disney, there was traffic in abundance and people everywhere.  I'd recommend going to Vegas mid-week as it is much easier to maneuver than it is on the weekend.  The crowds of people are just crazy.

 Just like Disney, they have recreated places from around the world.  My favorite hotels were The Venetian and Caesar's Palace.  They were so beautiful.  They really made you feel like you were there.

 Just like Disney, there was something to see around every corner.  This is not a statue, it is a real man.   He didn't move, but I'm pretty sure if #1 had reached over and touched his tips he might have broken character  :o)

 Inside the Venetian.  Doesn't this seem like Disney for adults??

 Like Disney, there are shows everywhere.  We didn't pay to see a show, but saw several spectacular things outside the hotels.  This is the volcano outside of our hotel.  Pictures don't do it justice.

 Disney at night is awe inspiring.  So is Vegas.  Thousands of lights, so much to look at.

 They both have palm trees.

 They both have people in character that you can get your pictures with (only at Disney you aren't expected to tip them).

 Another show (Atlantis in Caesar's Palace).

 There were even some Disney characters in Vegas.

 Another re-creation of a real place.  I believe that Epcot has a replica of the Eiffel tower too.

 Hey Buzz!

 Of course, most of the characters we saw were not Disney themed.  I didn't take pictures of MANY who were not dressed appropriately.  But like I said, Vegas is Disney for adults.  Not that I want that kind of entertainment as an adult, but I don't think I am exactly who they are marketing to!

 The big guy himself!

 Just like Disney, there are tons of beautiful pools to relax by.

 This was one of the pools at our hotel.  We spent a few hours relaxing here.

 There was no spare to detail.  I didn't get pictures, but there is a roller coaster on TOP and hanging OVER one of the hotels, and outside of another.

 This is Vegas' Pirates of the Carribean.  I think it was called Sirens of Ti, but whatever.

 We watched the ship above as it traveled down the canal, but not the actual show.  Unlike Disney, the Sirens were not dressed for a male audience.  Excuse me, they were dressed for a male audience, but not my male.  I couldn't believe how many people had their little kids there.  Not just at that show, but everywhere.  One o'clock in the morning?  Kids of all ages, everywhere.

 A fountain show.

 At Disney, you can see cutting edge technology.  In Vegas, we saw some too.  This is a spiral escalator.  Yep, you just stepped on and it took you up.  It was amazing.

 I guess I did get a picture of one of the roller coasters.  Not as many rides as Disney, but you get the idea.

 Money.  There was so much money being spent in Vegas.  You want it?  You can buy it.  There were stores EVERYWHERE.  I saw stores I've only ever heard about with brand names I can't even afford to look at.  People spent money like water.  Not us.  We're debt free and proud.  But seriously, people spent money like crazy.  We watched as people lost hundreds of dollars in slot machines and at game tables.  I lost 54cents.  Viva Las Vegas  :o)

In the elevator on the way down to the lobby one morning, we encountered a group of college age girls.  One girl was telling her friends how she has "literally lost a $100 bill and didn't care".  She went on to say how "this place just makes me feel rich".  #1 and I wanted to know exactly where she had last seen that money.  Vegas didn't make us feel rich.  

Just like Disney, food prices in Vegas were outrageous.  We tried to stick to the cheapest food possible (in the hotels, most of the restaurants started at $40/plate).  However, as we discovered, even McDonald's was expensive.  A Big Mac extra "value" meal?  Upwards of $8.  Double cheeseburger?  Over $3.50 for the sandwich alone.  There were three things on the dollar menu.   chocolate chip cookies, apple dippers, or a small parfait.

Denny's was our best friend.  Denny's had regular prices.  Now, here at home going to Denny's would be a special thing, we don't get to eat out often.  However, being able to walk in, order breakfast to go (the line to actually get a table was usually a 40 min. wait) and spent $8 total...that was a blessing.  We'd get something, split it, and have eaten enough-Denny's has great portions.

Ok, here's the Animal Kingdom part.  Inside the MGM there are live lions.  The day we were there we got to see two cubs play together.  

They were so cute!!!!  They acted very much like out kitten, Oliver.

So here is why we thought Vegas and Disney are similar:

Beautiful accommodations

Attention to Detail
CLEAN (inside the hotels)
Tons to spend money on...without even realizing what you've spent.

Expensive food

Tons to do/see
Lots of shows
Rides/thrills
Pools and palm trees
People acting childish

I am glad I got to go.  It was quite the experience.  It was all a little overwhelming!!!!