Vegas Volcano Lives
JULY 17, 2024 UPDATE: The volcano is history. It was fun while it lasted. If you missed it, we covered it from a couple of different angles for you.
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We visit the Mirage and its volcano in Vegas before it disappears. (With some slot play and side trips to Casino Royale & Harrah's).
Steve Wynn made The Mirage appear in November of 1989, on what used to be property occupied by The Castaways. At the time, it was one of the world’s largest and most expensive resorts, and the first real Megaresort in Vegas, featuring dolphins, tigers, and a “volcano” that provided free streetside entertainment.
Siegfried & Roy headlined at The Mirage with their famous white lions and tigers act from 1990 – 2003.
MGM Resorts acquired ownership in 2000.
In 2023, the Hard Rock takes over the Mirage from MGM. They have the right to use the name for three years. At first, Hard Rock said they’d close the volcano for good, and maybe close the casino temporarily while they devise new plans for the place.
Now they say they are in no hurry to make big changes. Their target date for a whole new resort is 2025. But one never knows. So, we decided we better take a look at the Mirage as we know it before it fades away forever.
For updated information on what will and will not change after Hard Rock takes over, go to https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mirage-...
CHAPTERS
00:00 Open – Mirage volcano from a distance.
00:24 The drive across Vegas to The Mirage.
00:42 News headlines about The Mirage being sold.
01:03 Arriving at The Mirage. Parking. Finding the pedestrian bridge to the casino.
01:24 Escalator to the hotel lobby.
01:40 Arrive Hotel Lobby area / front desk check- in /aquarium.
01:50 Inside the dome / waterfalls.
02:20 Heading into the casino.
02:31 Cirque Du Soleil / Beatles LOVE show Box Office.
02:41 Beatles LOVE show entrance / gift shop / snack bar.
03:21 Back to the casino, past high limit area, Sports Book, and a stroll around nearby shops and restaurants.
04:41 Taking a chance on $1 video keno.
05:23 $100 Keno win.
05:53 $120 cash out. Found some nickel keno machines. Hit double 6 of 7 spots for $39.
06:10 $30 cash out. Headed outside to see the volcano.
06:37 Arriving too late to see the fire and drum show. We’ll head across the street to Casino Royale and Harrah’s, then come back for the next big explosion.
07:30 Approaching the strip – Las Vegas Blvd. – encountering people, busses, scooters, and then crossing the street to go to Casino Royale.
08:49 Inside Casino Royale. They have an Outback Steakhouse, Fat Tuesdays, Denny’s, and more.
09:22 Casino Royale backdrop for picture taking. Food court with a pizza place, Subway, and Foot Long Hot Dog stand.
09:33 Foot Long Hot Dog Menu.
09:42 .25 cent Wheel of Fortune machines. Let’s play!
10:25 First SPIN-SPIN-SPIN.
11:14 Second SPIN-SPIN-SPIN. What happens if you don’t press the SPIN button?
11:40 Who has time to wait around to find out? Slow Mo to 2000? Or?
12:03 My rewards balance is zero. How do I get my $20 in free slot play? Hmm. Onto the Gold Standard and Green Machine. More spinning? $2.50 a pop to find out.
12:52 Yes! We get to spin their wheel. 9 possible outcomes, including the Grand jackpot.
13:23 I earned my $20 bonus.
13:33 Old school Dollar Wheel of Fortune machines.
13:47 Found a 4 Card Keno machine to play my bonus money on.
14:09 Punching in the code to get the bonus.
14:48 The bonus went nowhere, so we’ll go elsewhere.
15:20 Someone sleeping in a dining area. We’re headed to Harrah’s.
15:38 Inside Harrah’s. Lots of empty tables and chairs. Mid-week doldrums. Still, some interesting characters, statues, a sports book, and a piano bar. Are we in a video game?
17:42 Leaving Harrah’s. More characters. Show ads. Pizza cake and Purple Zebra.
18:10 We’re just in time to miss a close look at the Volcano, now "blowing up real good" across the street.
18:29 Sneak explosion after a volcano pause.
18:48 Fast forward to a close-up of the next eruption.
19:05 Any minute now…frog sound effects? Or real frogs?
19:22 Here we go! Cue the volcano…Cue the drums…and ACTION!
22:05 All she wrote. It’s been fun!
22:12 No trespassing!
22:22 Hard Rock takes over next month. When did they put that bear and tree there?
22:33 NVPC outro video. Be sure to visit NevadaPlayersClub.com at some point in your busy life! Thanks for watching!