Complete College Guide to Las Vegas

By Julianne Cozens, Elizabeth Jung and Jillian Mundhenk

With the fall semester coming to a close, spring break is right around the corner. Why not take a trip to Sin City, also known as Las Vegas, Nevada, for a spring break get-a-way? Remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Vegas’ Venetian Hotel is home to the popular Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The history of Madame Tussaud’s dates back 200 years. There are several locations across the world including New York, Hong Kong, Berlin, and Amsterdam to name a few. Visitors can see, pose, and take pictures with lifelike wax statues of popular icons. Shoot baskets with Shaquille O’Neal, sit on the judges’ panel with Simon Cowell, or sing a tune with JLo. These are some of the figures featured at the museum, along with other cultural, pop, world, and sport icons. Tickets to the museum are $25.

Sin City’s Mirage Hotel has many amenities to offer their guests who are looking for a good time on vacation. With a casino, pool, lounges, restaurants, and sports bars, there is never a dull moment. But that’s not all it has to offer. The Mirage is home to a dolphin habitat where guests can be a dolphin trainer for the day. Guests who don’t want to get their feet wet can check out the hotel’s own aquarium. Each night, guests can take in the exhilarating sight of a volcanic eruption. The hotel has its very own volcano, which was first unveiled in 1989, that erupts every night. Nightly prices range from $115 during the week day and $165 on the weekend. These prices are based off of dates in March; just in time for Bloomsburg’s spring break!

New York New York Hotel and Casino is also a popular hotel in Las Vegas. Over twenty-one year olds will enjoy the casino, bars and wild nightlife. Hotel amenities also include a pool, spa, and shopping. All ages will enjoy the roller coaster located just outside the hotel. The coaster takes you on a taxicab ride through a themed New York City where riders can enjoy a view of a replica of the Statue of Liberty. New York New York sounds like a great place to stay for college spring breakers. Prices start at $105 a night and guests have their choice of one king sized bed or two queens. At a reasonable price travelers can get the taste of New York and Las Vegas in just one vacation!

With a plethora of shows to choose from in Vegas, the toughest decision becomes which shows are worth seeing during your stay. Here are four must-see shows including prices, location, dates, and a little preview of what to expect before entering the theatre.

Blue Man Group, one of Las Vegas’ most famous acts, is located at The Venetian Hotel and Casino. “This visually stunning and widely inventive show”, according to venetian.com, “features a combination of music, comedy, and multimedia theatrics for those of any age”. This show is preformed inside the Venetian’s 1,760-seat theatre, which was built especially for the Blue Man Group. Tickets range from $71.50-$143.00 and some dates have special offers on tickets. Nightly performances occur at 7:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for 105 minutes. One word of advice though… definitely book your tickets early.

Criss Angel’s Believe Magic Show is located inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Angel interacts with the audience as he saws audience volunteers in half and walks through people right in front of your very eyes. Show times are 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday-Saturday, with tickets starting at $70.00 per person.

David Copperfield’s 90 minute Magic Show takes you on a trip around the world, as he vanishes the Statue of Liberty in New York City and walks through the Great Wall of China. This must see show calls the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino its home. Performances are 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. nightly, plus a 4:30 matinee on Saturdays. Tickets range from $69.00-$99.25 per person. Beverages are allowed inside the theatre as well.

Finally, the Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil created by George Harrison of the Beatles and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, celebrates the music of the Beatles by playing many of their original recordings. According to LOVE show attendee Julie Cozens, the show is “amazing, the way they incorporated the music, dancing and acrobatics was indescribable”. Performances by 60 artists take place as you listen to the sounds of this world famous band. Show times are 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday-Monday with tickets ranging from $93.50-$150.00.

This guide will certainly make your trip to Las Vegas unforgettable and we hope you enjoy your stay!