TOC2 – Week 3 – Vegas, My Way
Las Vegas has gone back and forth between being a family friendly environment and an adults-only playground. Unfortunately, in order to drag the families in, you need a little of both. Circus Circus is probably the only casino that even bothers to approach the family friendly atmosphere, but it is out of the way and starting to feel run down. Or at least, that is what your main investor thinks. What he envisions is a place that reaches out to the families and the Millennials with a nice cross section of thrilling rides, family entertainment, casino, games of chance, and can serve as a place adults can dump their teenagers while they run off to the casino to try and win back the rent check.
The resort needs to have the best shopping with a lean toward Millennials, the best thrills, the best shows, and the best way to occupy teenagers while mommy and daddy are otherwise occupied.
Your major investor wants at least 7 different activities to be observable from the foot traffic outside the casino. But why stop at that? Your investor will likely make all of their money back in the first month of operation if you do it right…so this is a time to go big or go home….that is the Vegas way.
Make sure you let us know where you are putting your resort and what needs to be demoed in order to make room. Include full ride lists, layout, amenities, descriptions of the shows, restaurants, shopping, hotel, exterior, overall theme, and everything else that your ultra-Vegas destination will need to attract the crowds.
20% of your score will be how well you can keep teenagers’ attention for a long period of time.
Aurora Las Vegas
Even at the height of Vegas, Vegas has always been a hyper-competitive town. The only way to win in Vegas is to show people something they’ve never seen before, an experience they just can’t get anywhere else. From Scantily clad dancers to a million dollars in cash, to a theme park on top of a tower, You can only succeed in Vegas if you can give the public something they can’t get anywhere else - Vegas was born on this very idea.
Things haven’t gotten easier in Vegas as time has marched on. The Spectacles have gotten bigger, but the crowd has gotten harder to draw. The appeal of gambling has diminished as more areas legalised gambling and reduction in air fare costs brought attractions from further afield closer to home. Any new resort will need to offer an experience that can draw guests from the US, because they cannot get it anywhere else in the US - being the first in vegas isn’t enough. Although of course it should have a casino in order not to bleed guests to other resorts (and still should find ways to provide unique gaming experiences).
Welcome to Aurora. The Newest, hottest (or coolest) destination in Las Vegas.
Aurora, like many classic Vegas hotels (and theme parks) takes you to another place. Unlike others It doesn’t pretend to take you to any real location, but to the idea of a location, and it delivers on experiences you just can’t get anywhere else. That place being an idealised winter wonderland.
Aurora is located slighly back from the strip on East Harmon Avenue, next to Planet Hollywood, between Audrie Street and Kushner Drive. East Rochelle Avenue rounds out the bounds. This gives the resort access to the Monorail. The area is presently filled with derelict sites and car parking. Car Parks will be replaced with underground facilities. As the area is lying dormant but has unparalleled transport links. Its also back enough from McCarran Airport for the size of the resort not to be an issue. Koval Lane will be closed between East Rochelle Avenue and Kushner Drive, but will become the main access to the underground parking structure.
Immediately noticeable is the large artificial mountains. The Left side (from the main road frontage) makes up a mountain chain in an L-Shape, with its highest peak in the corner, and the mountains continuing around the back of the property.
On the Front Right corner of the public area stands a standalone conical mountain. But more on this later. To the right of this stands the challet district. A combination of short stay vacation villas and “vacation club” properties. Unlike a regular hotel rooms these are homes away from home with a kitchen; some even having small private pools
Connecting all of the mountains, at a very high level is one of the - if not the - largest glass roof in the world. This glass roof is tinted to a perfectly tuned degree. The Tinting is so dark that the sky when standing below it appears to be night, allowing just enough light to pass to see any clouds above. The glass is dark enough however to accept a projection, and projected onto the glass is a recreation of the Aurora Borealas and stars. This projection is dynamically created and tracks the current weather - stars do not appear where clouds are for example (presuming you’ve hit vegas on one of its rare cloudy days - 210 days on average are perfectly sunny).
Underneath the glass roof stands The Longhouse. A large Nordic like structure that houses the casino itsself.
The Ridge
The Ridge complex is the largest overground facility on the site. Within this facility lies Aurora’s keystone facilities. We promised you something that you can’t currently get in the US. Within the Ridge you’ll find our indoor ski facility "Aurora Slopes”.
Having One ski slope isn’t spectacular enough - this would be a feat easily matched (and a development in Texas will do just that), so in the best traditions of Vegas we The “Front Slope” a straight downhill slope thats perfect for beginners or sledders, and ends at a “Free snow play” area at a large cave opening near the road, allowing guests to see into the slope. The “Back Slope” offers a slalom course for more advanced skiiers with a range of obstacles. An advanced course stands out as extreme (and perhaps outrageous) even in the world of indoor skiing. Both slopes start in the back corner of the ridge, and a chairlift will take you to the top from either side.
If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, take a ride on Black Ice. Step into a 2-man sled which is then lifted up to the top of the Ridge giving you a peak at the surrounding vegas (and vegas a peek at you). The Sled then runs through an impressive series of helixes and turns through the inside-half of the ridge.
On the outside half of the ridge appear to be a series of small caves in the side of the ridge. These notches disguise windows, with the larger openings also functioning as small balconies. This makes the main hotel of the property.
You can take a walk on our Roaring Fourties Tight Rope from the peak of the ridge onto the Conical Mountain. There is no better way to see Vegas than up in the air with nothing around you, more than 40 feet clear of anything below.
Hidden in the ridge is Club Hillary. A club only for the highest of high rollers. We’d tell you what experiences you’d find in here, but you’re not cleared for that.
Conical Mountain
The bottom level of the conical mountain again has a large cave opening to The Cavern - a ice skating rink, with a large ice sculpture standing in the middle.
This isn’t all you’ll find in the Conical mountain. Above the Cavern sits the Midnight Sun nightclub. The Midnight Sun operates on two separate levels, with a stage in the centre of the club. The upper level of the club is strictly no-alcohol and intended for under age guests, whilst the lower level is completely inaccessible from the upper level for security and licensing purposes. Midnight Sun allows guests of all ages to experience the world’s hottest - or should that be coolest - acts without being excluded because the venue serves alcohol. Cave openings give a sense of what’s happening inside.
Above the cavern sits Lahasa. Lahasa sets a new standard for vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The dishes in Lahasa don’t try to emulate or pretend to be some meat-free version of a meat dish. These are honest to goodness vegetarian dishes that celebrate vegetables for their goodness and taste, rather than remind you of what you’re not eating.
Still higher, and seemingly clinging to the side of the mountain, stands the Ova Dweet (Jamacan for "Over Do it". This cocktail bar celebrates the Jamacan Winter Olympics team, as well as competitors from other Caribbean Countries. The bar is careful not to use the words “Cool” or “Runnings” anywhere, but does contain memorabilia from Caribbean winter olympic competitors.
For those with Energy to burn, why not climb the exterior Conical Mountain? You can climb it as high as you will dare.
The Longhouse
The Longhouse sits completely underneath the glass sky (its chimney hides a support), and appears, funnily enough, as a Nordic Longhouse - A giant timber building with a pointed thatch roof - except ours in a T shape, and with Viking style shields, flags and other viking paraphernalia.
Within the Longhouse you’ll find the Hall of Heroes. This is where you’ll find games that place player against player. This isn’t just limited to Poker; you can also find versions of BlackJack, Pai Gow, Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, and other table games where players have the opportunity to take the role of the “banker” - instead of playing against the house you play against another player with that player getting the same advantages as the house (the house takes a percentage of the banker’s cut). If you’d rather take the Houses’ money then you’ll find a large selection of table games in Odin’s hall.
In Asgard, at the top of the Longhouse, you’ll find a viking themed restaurant where the food is as delicious as big as the hearts of viking heroes, but the divine fine dining experience is suitable for any god.
The Environs
In the left hand gap in the T you’ll find the Lindt Chocolate cafe, whilst on the other side . Opening out of the Longhouse you’ll find a selection of European boutiques and outdoor exploration outfitters. On the right is Thor’s Bar, a great place for young heroes to revel in their victories (or in the victories of the various sports teams on the big screen).
Cool zone technology is used to keep the environs much cooler than the surrounds. When conditions permit condensers and snow blowers hidden in the buildings allow for a small amount of snowfall.
To the left of the Longhouse, and cutting into the Ridge is Fire and Ice. This recreates the experience of being in Icelandic Springs in a series of small pools. Exterior pools are filled with cool, bubbly water, whereas those inside the mountains are filled with warm water, however the air in the interior is kept to a very cool temperature to allow for the hot springs to be enjoyable.
Behind the longhouse and just beyond the glass roof you’ll be able to visit some Inhabitants of the Poles. Key amongst the inhabitants you’ll find here are some Polar Bears, several species of Penguins, Walruses, Seals, and Reindeer. But they’re not the biggest inhabitant you’ll find here… This is also the Summer home of one Santa Claus. You can take a ride through his workshop, and before the big day you can visit the man himself.
Conclusion
Aurora offers something new that other resorts in Vegas, and elsewhere in the US simply do not offer. A year round winter experience. Although in amongst the resort area and with amazing transport links, it uses land otherwise fallow making it the perfect project for Vegas.
There is no single kind of teenager. Trust me, I am one. It’s all too easy for adults to create a space that they think applies to the “typical teen,” but that’s a stereotype that applies to only a small group.
Teenagers are weird. Part of them is ready to be an adult. They want more independence and responsibility. However, and this is what adults always forget about, we’re not ready to stop being kids yet either. Just yesterday my entire Chapter of National Honor Society had a spontaneous water balloon fight after volunteering at an event. We occasionally break into songs from High School Musical, a reminder of our childhood. Some teenagers still rent bounce houses for their birthdays. Why? Because it’s just fun.
So, how do you appeal to both sides of the teenager? That’s the most difficult part. Even beyond that, teenagers all have different interests. There really is no “one-size-fits-all” for teens.
Camp Vegas has been built to meet all of these needs. A collage of themes, Camp Vegas is designed to appeal to every kind of teenager. It features big thrills, as well as low-key hangout spaces. It has scheduled activities, upcharge events, and plenty to do without making yourself a schedule.
At Camp Vegas, teens can do whatever interests them. We’ve got something for the music kids, the science kids, the sports kids, the outdoorsy kids and every other type of teen. Everybody can find something here they love.
The resort is broken down into “camps,” each one with it’s own theme. Guests can move freely from camp to camp, exploring everything the resort has to offer. Each camp has a designated floor, activities and things to do that are associated with it. Each is also home to a Common Room, where teens can hang out and meet each other. Teens are often afraid to meet new people, so by having Common Rooms that match up with specific interests, they will have a way to break the ice, and know they have something in common with the people there.
Each day, an easily-readable, color-coded schedule is released for all the scheduled events taking place during the day. These are coded by Camp that they belong to, and are often interdisciplinary, and relate to two or more camps.
So, what camps find a home in Vegas? Performance Camp, Science Camp, Sports Camp, and Adventure Camp, each of which has its own unique theming and activities. Adventure Camp goes outside the mold of the others, and is located outdoors. This is designed to be a draw into the resort for those staying elsewhere in the city.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the building is based on the 3D model below. The building is designed to evoke emotions of reaching up towards better things: The building is literally reaching for the sky. On the exterior of the building are massive stars that double function as digital display screens. The screens display all kinds of fun activities happening inside, turning on and off as the image moves around the building. The stars are representative of multiple camps: sports stars, performance stars, artistic stars, even literal stars for science camp.
Interior Design
Guests first enter the resort and find themselves in what feels like a camp cabin. As if entering a National Park, the lobby truly takes the “Camp” part of its name to heart. The lobby draws on the natural wonders of the West, and is reminiscent of the Adventure Camp located outside. Couches and Chairs carry traditional Native American patterns, and wood makes up most of the architecture. This is a striking contrast to the exterior design of the building, which makes sense for this resort. This resort is both sleek and hip, as well as being a return to the roots of the area. Therefore, this lobby is the perfect fit for the resort.
Excursions
Most casinos do their best to keep you inside the casino, spending money there. However, Camp Vegas provides opportunities for upcharge excursions to the stunning natural landscapes that surround the city. As part of Adventure Camp, guests of all ages can take trips to Red Rock Canyon, The Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Spring Valley, and the Grand Canyon (overnight camping excursion). Some of these excursions involve activities, like Horseback Riding or Whitewater Rafting. Many excursions are aimed specifically towards teens who do not have their parents with them. Others are more family-oriented. This gives everyone the chance to experience the natural wonders of the west.
Intensives
Camp Vegas offers week-long intensives in multiple areas, including Acting (film or stage), Singing, Dance, Space, Technology/Coding, Lab, Soccer, and Gymnastics. These are not all offered simultaneously, but rotate throughout the year, with up to 3 being offered at once. Occasionally, a “PLUS” intensive will be offered. For example, an Acting PLUS intensive may have a Hollywood movie star teach a masterclass, or a Soccer PLUS intensive may include a visit from David Beckham.
Intensive pricing starts at $1,000 for Monday-Friday, including room and board at the resort. Intensive PLUS pricing starts at $1,500, but many are upwards of $2,000. Pricing varies based on which incentive is selected, and activities involved. Teens can choose to stay with their families or with other teens in their intensive.
Intensives may include working with professionals, coaching, lessons, drills, or working with stars for PLUS intensives.
These intensives provide an additional level of fun for those truly serious about their craft. It provides an opportunity for kids to learn more about what they love, but still leaves enough free time to enjoy the resort.
Activities by Camp
Camp Vegas is filled to the brim with activities for teens and adults to enjoy. While The Game Room certainly provides plenty of opportunities for gambling, Camp Vegas makes an intentional effort to appeal to the guests who are not quite old enough to gamble.
The following is a description of permanent activities, arranged by the Camp where they are located. A ($) marks an experience which is not included in your stay, but is included with purchase of a length-of-stay “Camp Unlimited” wristband, available only to resort guests for $35 per day, with a discount for purchasing a full week. This low price works as an incentive to keep teens and parents at the resort, spending money there rather than elsewhere.
A ($$) marks an experience which has an additional fee even with the wristband. All upcharge experiences can be charged to your Camp Vegas Hotel Room.
Performance Camp
Performance Camp is the first camp on our tour. Decorated in Deep Reds and Golds, the Common Room of this area is designed to evoke the glory days of Broadway and Hollywood. Velvet chairs and couches with gold trim sit around the room, and red velvet curtains line the walls. This is a very attractive theme among teens right now, and hundreds of proms are based on it yearly.
Beats Dance Club is a hot attraction that’s a part of Performance Camp. This is a teen-only club. Here, guests can dance the day and night away, listening to the newest music with the greatest dance beats. The room is kept dark, with disco and strobe lights illuminating the room. It has a massive dance floor, as well as an area to just sit and relax when you get too tired to dance anymore.
As part of Dance Intensive, this area can be reserved for specific activities. This area also features some other activities open to all guests. These include dance contests, and “Dance Til You Drop,” a competition in which guests compete to be the last one on the dance floor.
High Notes Karaoke Lounge is a hit at Performance Camp. Here, the mic is always open for those who want to belt a showstopping tune, or just sing something everyone knows by heart for fun.
This is open to more than just karaoke, though. On select nights, guests of the resort can play instruments, have spur-of-the-moment jam sessions, or form a band. These nights highlight the musical talent that comes from an instrument, rather than a person’s body.
Scheduled Events at High Notes may consist of The Voice style competitions, and Singing PLUS intensive guests will be able to perform in that style of contest with one of the actual judges from the show.
The Jason Robert Brown Theatre($$) features a wide variety of performances. From student performances following Acting and Singing intensives to Blue Man Group to in-house Broadway-Style performances to full-scale Broadway touring productions, this theatre has it all. Groups from within the resort perform with free admission, but outside groups set their own ticket prices for their shows. Singing, Acting, and Dancing PLUS intensives all feature free orchestra tickets to touring Broadway productions.
Frank Sinatra Stadium is a concert venue the size of a Hockey Stadium. It is named for Sinatra because of his instrumental role in getting the city of Las Vegas to become what it is today. Here, pop stars often perform, giving huge concert to thousands of fans.
Overall, Performance Camp provides a fun place for the performers in your group to hang out, meet new friends, and do what they love most.
Science Camp
The Science Camp is a postmodern wonderland for the science teens. Decorated in shades of blue and silver, the common room double functions as a game room. It has massive TV screens connected to every imaginable game system, such as PlayStation, XBox, etc..
This area is also used to test out new gaming systems. For example, one might try a new system of VR gaming that combines a headset with a controller, with the VR image responding to your controls.
Attached to the area is a computer room, also set up for optimal gaming. The room has the vibe of an internet cafe, with comfy seats and dozens of monitors. This room also has Next Generation computers and computer software to try out, so teens can experience the newest thing in the world of computers.
The Lab($$) also finds a home in Science Camp. Only open for scheduled activities, this is a place where guests can try different chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology experiments. Because some materials are expensive, some activities have an upcharge. Others, however, are free. These activities can be lowkey, such as a baking soda volcano, or more intense, like dissecting an eyeball. There are really no limits in The Lab.
Science Camp also features indoor Space and Flight simulators ($). For an additional fee, guests can feel as if they are really going into space, or pilot their own fighter jet with 360 degrees of roll.
Other activities at Science Camp may include astronomy, coding classes, or engineering contests. Some of the Adventure Camp Excursions also have a scientific focus (these excursions are specifically notated). This may include a focus on local geology, wildlife, or native plant species. The possibilities really are endless at Science Camp.
Sports Camp
Sports Camp is the only camp that features both indoor and outdoor activities. With over 1000 feet of frontage along “The Strip,” the building is designed to be flanked by complimentary camps and overlapping camps, with Sports on one side and Adventure on the other,
It’s common room is decorated in greens and whites, reminiscent of a football or soccer field. Chairs and couches are scattered around the room, and a massive mural of the greatest athletes of all time covers all four walls. TV screens around the room show various games that are on in all kinds of sports.
Sports Camp is located in one section of the first floor, to ensure easy travel between the outdoor and indoor parts of the camp. The common room is adjacent to the outer wall of the building, and connects directly to the activities outside.
Climb!($) is an indoor rock climbing gym that sits within the resort. Here, guests can choose to climb relatively easy climbs, or go more intense, with some climbs that leave guests completely inverted. This is a gym designed for novice rock climbers, as well as competitive ones.
Sports Camp is also home to the resort’s fitness room, which features cardio, free weights, and nautilus equipment. All of the equipment is state-of-the-art, going far above and beyond the normal expectations for a hotel gym.
This Camp features indoor and outdoor courts that are always open for games of Tennis, Racquetball, Basketball, and Volleyball. These can be played either as pick-up games, or as scheduled events.
Spare Time Bowling Alley($$) is home to dozens of lanes of bowling, available to anyone interested. Here, guests can play a few rounds with their friends, or enter bowling tournaments with their teams.
Moving outdoors, Vegas Golf($) is an 18-hole miniature golf course. It features holes themed around each of the other Vegas Strip resorts and tourist attractions in a game that truly celebrates the city it calls home.
A series of trampolines, some designed for groups and others for singles, stand in a group outside. Some have bungee cords that allow guests to jump even higher, and perform flips more easily. These trampolines have an upcharge. ($)
Finally, a pool sits in the center of all of this. Featuring regular pool parties, this pool is more than big enough to accommodate the resort, but is open only to guests of the resort to prevent overcrowding. The pool also features several multi-story waterslides, making it an experience that is far more than just a pool.
For scheduled activities, Sports Camp offers Yoga and Cardio classes, Glo-ball (nighttime) mini-golf, and Midnight Bowling. It also offers several opportunities to compete in the sports already offered in a more competitive manner, such as tournaments. Intensives, like Soccer and Gymnastics, can occasionally close off part of the Camp for their own purposes, but never for longer than a few hours at a time.
Adventure Camp
Opposite Sports Camp sits Adventure Camp, a place where the thrills are high and so is the fun. This area is designed to bring out the thrill seeker in us teenagers, and it is a place that all teens will want to explore.
The area, while it could easily work unthemed, is designed to evoke images of the natural landscape that surrounds Las Vegas. The endpoint of the zipline looks like natural rock, as does Condor, the most impressive in the state of Nevada.
Here, guests can choose to zipline to a platform straight from the towers of the resort itself ($$). In this intense and unique experience, guests can almost taste the adrenaline as it builds up.
The Canyon Jump is also an available experience ($$). This is a bungee jumping experience in which guests can free fall before being caught by the cables and flying back up.
A massive ropes course is here as well ($). Extending upwards 5 stories, guests strap into a harness and climb through the labyrinth of ropes, having a new kind of adventure. Guests can explore the course by themselves or with friends, experiencing all of the obstacles at their own pace.
In addition to the ropes course, guests of the resort can try out American Ninja Warrior($), sponsored by the TV show. Here, guests can try out the course for themselves, and the show films at least one episode per season at the resort.
Adventure Camp also features three theme park style roller coasters ($). The first, Condor is a suspended looping coaster by B&M. California Condors are found as far west as Nevada and the Grand Canyon, so this is an appropriate name for this coaster, built to feel like flying through the air as guests feet dangle from the car.
A wooden roller coaster sits nearby: Coyote. Manufactured by Intamin, this coaster features high speeds and sharp turns. As a newer coaster, it is designed to eliminate much of the roughness that often accompanies wooden roller coasters, creating a smoother ride.
Finally, Adventure Camp features a third coaster called Cottontail. This is a B&M Hyper Coaster, which reaches high speeds and has no inversions. It features quick up and down bumps that feel like the hopping of a rabbit.
Adventure Camp is designed to bring out the adventure-seeker in all of us with a combination of adventurous activities and theme park style roller coasters. Teens are bound to love this area, as well as the rest of Camp Vegas
Beyond the Camps
Gambling
In addition to the camps, older guests can find fun in Camp Casino, a huge casino designed for adults. Here, guests can gamble the day away while their teens enjoy the camps. It gives a place for parents to stay close to their teens, but to make sure everyone has their own space.
Because teens will be having so much fun at the resort, parents will be hesitant to leave, making them want to gamble right here at their resort, rather than going elsewhere.
The casino is designed to emulate the four camps that make up the resort. The Performance Room features live music performing 24 hours a day (in the form of over a dozen different groups). The Sports Room features the spot to bet on sporting events and horse races. The Science and Adventure Rooms are designed to be reminiscent of the common rooms that correspond with their camps. Each room features card games, dice games, roulette, slots, and more. This is an extensive casino with a little something for everyone.
R&R Spa ($$)
This spa/sauna is a place to slow down and take a break from the wildness of Las Vegas. Here, guests can relax and enjoy a massage, facial, or manicure. This space is again designed to reflect the natural wonder of the American West, and is decorated in the deep reds and oranges it is known for. Every form of Rest and Relaxation you can imagine is available at R&R Spa
The Game Room
The Game Room is an arcade for those who can’t yet gamble. This arcade features everything from retro games to first-person shooters. This is a gamer’s wonderland.
The Game Room is more than an arcade though. It features a room with a 360 degree screen where guests work together to fight off enemies with their guns. This is an interactive gaming experience that is unmatched in it’s level of excitement and fun.
IMAX Theater
The IMAX Theater shows the latest films in IMAX 3D. The screen makes for optimal viewing of movies that teens love. The domed screen makes guests feel as though they are really in the action.
The Lounge
This is a space for both teens and adults to sit, enjoy a drink or a snack, play some Billiards or Ping Pong, and just relax. There is often live music playing here, and the whole lounge gives off the vibe of a 1920s jazz club. The Lounge is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the music, food, and drinks.
Marketplace
There is plenty of Shopping available at the Marketplace. Located on the top 3 floors of the building, this features over 30,000 square feet of shopping and dining. This area also features an observatory to look out over the city of Las Vegas.
These shops include, but are not limited to:
Abercrombie & Fitch
Adidas
Aeropostale
Against All Odds
American Eagle
Claire’s
Converse
Forever 21
Game Stop
GAP
Hollister
Hot Topic
Journeys
M&M
Michael Kors
Nike
PacSun
PINK
Sephora
Spencer’s
Sunglass Hut
Teavana
Theory - Skate & Snow
Ugg
...and many, many more
Marketplace also offers a souvenir shop: Vegas Emporium. Here, guests can find everything from trinkets to t-shirts to remember their trip to Camp Vegas. While it offers lots of goods that are souvenirs for the whole resort, it also has specific areas aimed at kids who are really into one of the camps. Not only souvenirs, but also band posters, sports jerseys, and science books can be found here.
Also found in Marketplace is the food court. This area, made up of over a dozen chain fast food restaurants, is prime for those looking to eat a quick meal.
With three stories and thousands of square feet of shopping, Marketplace is without a doubt the Number 1 shopping location for teens and millennials in Las Vegas.
The Mess Hall
This huge buffet is always open for business. At $14.95 for all-you-can-eat, this buffet is the perfect choice for teens, who seem to be a bottomless pit when it comes to eating. The buffet offers a wide array of choices from all over the world, including barbecue, mexican, chinese, and comfort food. Everyone is sure to find something they like at The Mess Hall.
1905
1905 is a higher-scale dining location. Here, guests find an atmosphere that celebrates the history of Las Vegas. Pictures on the walls show the progression of Vegas over time. The menu includes fine dishes that are sure to draw guests of other resorts to Camp Vegas.
Camp Fare
Also available for dining in Camp Vegas is Camp Fare. The rustic atmosphere and grilled and bar-b-que dishes make this restaurant seem as though guests are out camping, but without all the hassle.
Conclusion
All in all, Camp Vegas is a resort that appeals to all kinds of teens. With a wide collection of indoor and outdoor activities, there will never be a shred of boredom. The amount of activities ensures that teens will never want to leave Camp Vegas, and they will have the best vacation of their lives.
Camp Vegas is a resort that is truly marketed towards all teenagers, not just those who fit the traditional mold. It’s a place that everyone can enjoy, even if they’re nothing like what people think teenagers are like. Unlike other Vegas resorts, Camp Vegas is designed by teens, for teens.
Camp Vegas: Unique Like You
**DISCLAIMIER** Before I get started, I just wanted to point out that I’m STILL on the road and I only had time today to plow this out. I also erroneously interpreted this challenge to be a revamp of Circus Circus, so my entry this week is indeed rushed and a little disjointed. Apologies to my fellow competitors and judges on the misinterpretation of the challenge and the rushed nature of the proposal. I gave her my best with what little time I had available to me. Ok, with that out of the way, I present to you….
CARNIVALE
Rebranding Circus! Circus!-Welcome to Carnivale
The first step in transforming Cirucus! Circus! from its currently antiquated and rundown resort is a rebranding of the resort. Gone is the hokey and kitschy aesthetic. The resort will be rebranded as Carnivale, maintaining its core thematic component while allowing for a more refined and dignified aesthetic. Carnivale will retain it’s thematic center as a resort designed with the concept of a big-tent circus, but rather than focus solely on the Circus aspect, Carnivale will bring in aesthetic and thematic components of a roving Carnival in the heyday of Turn-of-the-century carnival shows. This aesthetic rebranding will be achieved primarily by rethemeing the hotel, casinos, and entertainment areas into beautiful turn-of-the-century Victorian aesthetic. Taking heavy cues from 19th and early 20th century World Fairs, the nostalgic charm of traveling carnivals and circuses, and the early roots of amusement parks and themed design from early parks such as Coney Island and Sea Lion Park, Carnivale will discard the run-down and, quite frankly, trashy look of the current Circus! Circus! resort. In its place will rise a unique aesthetic masterpiece, which will surely stand proud alongside its competition along the legendary Las Vegas Strip.
PHASE ONE: INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT
The first phase of the Circus! Circus! Revitalization project sees a complete infrastructure improvement. The land located directly west of the current Circus! Circus! Parking structure (across from Sammy Davis Jr. Dr.) is bought for the purpose of building a brand new parking structure. The current parking structure is leveled to make room for expansion purposes. The new parking structure will feature skyways which will allow easy access from the multi-floor structure to access the back entrance of the resort. This new parking structure will feed directly into the new grand entrance plaza, newly moved from its current facing towards Las Vegas Boulevard.
The current hotel entrance will be leveled to make room for the installment of The American Midway (Detailed below in the Phase Two plans). The two hotel towers remain standing, but all rooms are refurbished and the exterior façade is made to resemble a beautiful Victorian Hightower (surely a unique look if there ever was one). The Adventuredome stays in its current location.
The last major infrastructure improvement sees the addition of Big Top Pool and Water Recreation Center. Located in between the Adventuredome and the new grand entrance, this elaborate 4 acre pool and water relaxation complex will bring a world class pool to the Carnivale resort. Themed to the big-top circus tent shows of yesteryear, this pool is the ultimate family friendly themed experience. Featuring THREE large pools, this pool facility has something to offer everyone. The first and largest is the Big Top Cool Off. Located dead center of the complex and is over 80 yards in length and more than 40 yards in width. Here families will find an impressive line-up of top-knotch water slides, six in total, including a daring trap-door speed slide, body slides, and raft slides as they careen and wind their way through the big-top tents.
The Neon River is a slightly smaller pool yet it offers a veritable playground for millennials and teenagers, sitting a few yards away from the main pool and gated from the other pools, this unique pool features an impressive stage and swim-up bar in the CENTER of the pool which is always putting out the latest in EDM, country, pop, hip hop, and rock. The Neon River wouldn’t be appropriately named without a river, and for this reason a small lazy river, complete with tubes weaves its way around the perimeter of this pool as it passes under big-top tents and light theming to a charming carnie village. This Neon River is also unique in the fact that it is the only pool which is open late into the night—staying open until 11PM on weeknights and 12AM on weekends, where the hottest DJ’s keep the music (and the party) going. Of course, it’s namesake comes alive at night, where dazzling lazers, lights, and smoke effects fill the pool with a kinetic energy.
The third and smallest pool is the Oasis. An intimate and relaxing experience, this pool is located about 30 yards away from the other two pools. This pool is restricted to 18+ years old guests and includes tranquil settings, poolside drink and food service, and private cabanas for rent and use.
Phase Two: The American Midway Experience
World’s Columbian Exposition—An aesthetic forefather to the American Midway Experience
To effectively compete with the stiff competition which has constantly invested in new and sleek attractions, shopping and dining experiences, Carnivale will bring to the Las Vegas Strip The American Midway Experience, an elaborate attraction, shopping, and dining experience with a breathtaking aesthetic.
The American Midway Experience takes its aesthetic cue from the beautiful Victorian turn-of-the-century architecture which exploded in the late 19th and early 20th century. Facing the Las Vegas Strip, the American Midway Experience is just over a quarter of a mile long and offers a plethora of unique experiences to guests of all ages. Beautiful Victorian, Queen Anne, and Neo-Classical buildings house cutting edge attractions, shopping, and dining options. Primarily modelled after the many world’s fairs which took place in America in the 19th and 20th century (Particulary the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition ), as well as the beautiful boardwalk amusement parks which laid the foundation for modern-day themed design (Such as Sea Lion Park and Coney Island). Gaslamps light the plazas, as thousands of beautiful incandescent lights beckon and dazzle guests walking along the strip. The American Midway Experience will be proudly stand alongside recreations of Rome, Paris, and Venice as a distinctly American display of beautiful architecture
ATTRACTIONS:
Trapeze Academy:
Perhaps no act in circus history is as storied and exciting as the daring Trapeze artists which gracefully flew through the air at dizzying heights. Now guests will have the opportunity to train with professional Trapeze artists. This wholly unique experience offers guests the chance to fly through the air like the storied Trapeze artists of legend. Utilizing state-of-the-art safety mechanisms and technologies, guests will be strapped to safety harnesses as they train to perform daring swing-to-swing transitions high-above the ground. Learning from real trapeze artists, guests will be given a through and complete Trapeze experience. They will receive a brief history lesson on Trapeze as well as its impact on current day entertainment. They will then be given lessons on how to perform basic Trapeze maneuvers, such as how to transition from swing to swing and swing turns, all while guided by their professional training.
All of this is controlled chaos, of course, as guests will be safely harnessed to ensure if falls do occur they will not fall to injury. An added safety net is on hand to ensure the safety of all who participate. This unique experience will costs guests $50 for a 2-hour training course. Private, one-on-one lessons are available for $150. Hotel guests are offered a reduce price of $30 for the 2-hour course.
Electric Daisy Longue: Presented by Insomniac:
Electric Daisy Carnival is one of the largest Music Festivals in the world and brings in more revenue than any other event in Las Vegas throughout the years
No other event brings in more revenue to the city of Las Vegas than EDC—Electric Daisy Carnival. EDC is a yearly three-day Electronic Music Festival held at the neighboring Las Vegas Motor Speedway produced by Insomniac Entertainment. EDC is internationally regarded as the premier Electronic Dance Music Festival in the world—a lofty title given its stiff competition. It features the biggest names in EDM every single year, welcoming over 130,000 EDM fans, and boasts a staggering eight stages of the best EDM the world has to offer. This single event sees the entirety of Las Vegas filled to the brim with young festival goers who crowd the city and all the resorts and hotels. Now, Insomniac Entertainment is bringing EDC to Vegas permenantely with the partnership and opening of the Electric Daisy Longue at Carnivale. This large night club can accommodate up to 2,000 eager guests every single night. Insomniac’s trademark of festivals and concerts running well into the wee hours of the morning is preserved here, as the club will be open on weekdays from 9PM-3AM. Weekends see the club extended from 8PM-5AM. The Electric Daisy Longue will be unique amongst nightclubs in Vegas, as it will feature seasonal residencies from the world’s top DJ’s, switching out every four months to keep the club fresh, the music blasting, and the fans dancing. Cover charge is $30 on weekdays and $45 on weekends. Special events, performances, and DJ sets may see the cost increase or decrease depending on performer, event, or weekend.
CarnEVIL:
While the charm and nostalgia of turn-of-the-century Carnival’s is sure to entice many guests to the American Midway, there is a darker side and history to the Carnivale which many would prefer not to know about. From disenfranchised freaks, mentally unstable clowns, tyrannical and murderous show owners, and greedy mobsters, the Carnivale has a grim history. Now, guests will be able to step back in time and relive the dark history of the Carnivale. This is not your traditional haunt house. The first ever ‘procedural’ attraction in the world, CarnEVIL is an elaborate attraction, where guests embark on an epic 90-minute long trek through the Carnivale’s macabre past. Guests start by entering a puzzle room, where they are given a history lesson from Carnivale’s previous nefarious owner, before being trapped by his evil spirit. After this introduction, they must make their way through a series of attractions, including more puzzle rooms, haunt mazes, a KUKA dark ride, and a thrilling elaborate coaster-motion sim hybrid (think Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts) before finally escaping from the grip of the evil spirit. This attraction can accommodate groups of 25 at a time for a price of $30/guest. Groups are dispatched at 10 minute intervals. Private groups of 10 or less can experience this attraction for $50/guest. Individual guests can dare take on the attraction completely alone for the price of $100/guest.
Portal: Escape
Based on the critically acclaimed video-game series, Portal, this multi-room escape/puzzle room attraction sees guests utilizing cutting edge technology to create portals appear on floors, ceilings, and walls, as they attempt to escape from GLaDOS. Not much else to explain here, besides the fact that this attraction would be state-of-the-art, combining never before seen technology and age-old illusions to create the dizzying effect of floating objects, disappearing doors, and functioning portals. This attraction would take approximately 45-minutes to complete and costs $25 per player.
Barnum and Bailey’s New American Circus:
With the recent decision to discontinue the storied and historic Barnum and Bailey Circus, Carnivale has partnered with the storied entertainment company to bring their hollowed name back to prominence in the 21st century. This is not the Barnum and Bailey of old. While staples such as the Trapeze, the human cannon, and the ball of death will remain, they will be updated to bring 21st century thrills. The New American Circus will honor the tradition of the Circus by presenting a beautiful and elaborate narrative told through song, dance, and, of course, daring and exciting circus acts. To compete with the heavy influx of Cirque Du Soliel shows on the strip, The New American Circus will feature prominent new acts which display the extremes of which one can push the human body with new takes on classic acts such as the Strongman, the Sword Swallower, and the Fire dancer. This is a premier ticketed event, held inside a large theatre in the round, which can comfortably accommodate 2000 people. Shows are performed once on weeknights, from 7PM-9:30PM. On weekends there are two performances. One from 6PM-8:30PM and the second from 9:00 PM-11:30PM. Tickets range in price depending on seating area and range from $80-200.
Midway Gaming Casino:
The look of the Midway Gaming Casino would resemble this very closely
Standing proud in the middle of The American Midway Experience, in a massive and beautiful Neo-Classical Courthouse-like structure, stands a one-of-a-kind gaming opportunity. This is the true Midway, and like its predecessors, it offers guests to try their luck at games of skill and chance. The staplemarks of a Vegas Casino are here and in abundance. Slot machines of all varieties, blackjack tables ranging for low-entry to high roller, Texas Hold ‘Em, Classic Poker, Roulette, Craps…they are all here, in a beautifully adorned Victorian setting.
Yet there is more to this Casino than meets the eye. Now guests will have the opportunity to have a measure of control over seeming games of chance. Guests can now participate in classic Midway games. But rather than receiving an oversized teddy bear when they win, the prize is cold hard cash! Classic Midway games are wagered on in pools, with a group of contestants pitching in to compete for the collected pool. Games such as BB Gun Shoot, Dart Toss, Roller Ball, and Plate Toss are just some of the games guests can try their hand at.
The Midway Gaming section of The American Midway Experience is the heart and soul of the Midway Experience and will be sure to entice gamers of all types.
DINING:
The American Midway Experience brings to Vegas the finest and most unique dining experiences. From 5-star restaurants from top chefs such as Mario Batali, and Wolfgang Puck, to unique and fun fusion options such as The Cowfish, Guests will have the opportunity to pleasure their palette with a unique variation of dining unrivalled on the Strip.
SHOPPING:
Shopping at The American Midway Experience offers guests an eclectic and exhaustive catalog of chique fashion staples for people of all ages, including stores such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, Michael Kors, Hot Topic, H&M, Forever 21 to name a few. It also offers world renowned high-end designer retail options like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Christian Louboutin, Cartier, and Gucci.
Phase Three: Family Fun for Everyone
Phase three of the three part plan concludes with a full integration of Family Entertainment. The Adventuredome remains largely unchanged, though it offers free admission to all hotel guests to all attractions at least once. El Nino is redone to incorporate VR implementation.
The Museum of Carnival, Circus, and Themed Design History and Technology is a sprawling new museum which offers guests the opportunity to learn about the history of themed design in totality. Guests will learn how themed design blossomed from its roots as roving minstrels and troubadours, to its Medieval tradition of roaming Fairs, through the advent of World’s Fairs and Trolley parks and finally to amusement and theme parks (as well as their influence on Las Vegas). Along the way, guests will have the opportunity to interact with technologies of the past, present, and future. Admission is a meager $15 for this state-of-the-art museum which features a one of the kind focus on themed design.
The Carnivale Kid’s Club offers a unique opportunity for both parents and children alike. The Kid’s Club allows kids of varying ages the opportunity to experience everything Carnivale has to offer. They will be given priority access to all Adventuredome attractions, be taken for lessons at the Trapeze Academy, spend some time in the Big Top Cool Off, and attempt to escape the devious plots of GLaDOS in Portal: Escape.
Each group of Kid’s Club is carefully supervised and Chaperoned by professionally trained child-care specialists, who are medically trained in First Aid administration. Parents can sign their children up for the kids club for either a full-day of activities or a half-day.
The full-day package includes a full Adventuredome experience, two hours at the Big Top Cool Off, a lesson at the Trapeze Academy and a run through of Portal: Escape. This package also provides one lunch meal and two small snacks. These full-day packages run from 10AM-5PM and cost $200 per child.
The Half-day package includes the Adventuredome Experience, a walkthrough of The Museum of Carnival, Circus, and Themed Design History and Technology, a lesson at the Trapeze Academy and a small snack. These half-day packages run from 1PM-5:00PM and begin at $100.
After signing-up their children, parents can feel comfortable knowing their kids will enjoy all of the wonderful entertainment which Carnivale offers to younger guests while under the safe and watchful eye of professional specialists. Furthermore, this frees the parents up to spend their time in the Midway Casino, relaxing in The Oasis, or spending some time browsing the wonderful shops at The American Midway Experience.
CONCLUSION
With its eclectic line-up of attractions, shopping, and dining and its unique and beautiful aesthetic, Carnivale is sure to be a solid competitor in an ever-expanding market. The Victorian aesthetic will be sure to age well overtime as its nostalgic and beautiful architecture is now timeless and synonymous with a golden era of American Exceptionalism. With its strong focus towards demographics of all ages, Carnivale has poised itself to be a sure fire success.
Billed as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas is home to dozens of casino-hotels full of high-energy offerings. However, nearly every Las Vegas property is geared mostly toward the 21 and over crowd, leaving those below this cutoff unable to appreciate the place, and often requiring families to remain separated for the day. Coming soon, Las Vegas introduces the first all-audiences casino-hotel, where every member of the family can find something to enjoy.
The Terajoule
Location:
The Terajoule is located on the west side of the Las Vegas Strip between the Fashion Show Mall and Desert Inn Road. This 30+ acre site was slated for development as the Alon, but the project never got off the ground, leaving a nice vacant area to use for this new development. The Trump International, which stands adjacent to this site, will not be demolished, but all unused land around that hotel will be purchased to make room for the Terajoule. With this strategic placement, the Terajoule will be able to draw families from the slightly more family-friendly north strip, as well as foot traffic from the upscale hotels of the central strip.
Theme and Decor:
Following recent trends in Las Vegas, the Terajoule is not extensively themed but does have similar aesthetics throughout. Much of the decor gives the hotel a modern sci-fi look, with many elements designed to maximize visual appeal. Whenever possible, current (or slightly futuristic) technology is incorporated into the hotel, including automated check-in processes, digital directories, and a robotic room delivery system. Subtle tricks of lighting and background noise give the impression that this is a place to be active, not a place to relax. Outside, the hotel looks similar to the other glass-covered skyscrapers that line Las Vegas Boulevard, but at night chaser lights illuminate the building and transform it into a canvas for various imagery.
Hotel Layout:
The front of the Terajoule faces Las Vegas Boulevard. To the left of the entrance is the Kinetic Carnival, with Newton's Tower located behind. The area to the right is occupied by the Gigawatt Theater. Inside the lobby, guest check-in is located to the left, while the casino stretches out in front. Escalators on both sides of the Casino lead up to the Circuit, which forms a ring on the second story. Rankine's Kitchen is located near the right escalator, while Bernoulli's Aquatic Recreation Center is through a hallway under the left escalator (the actual waterpark is wedged behind Newton's Tower). In the back of the hotel, one tower of rooms is located along the south border of the property, while the other is along the north. Hundred Meter Mountain is sandwiched between both of them, and stands above the hotel's parking structure (accessed from the rear of the hotel and via an underground tunnel from the valet area).
Hotel:
The Terajoule is considered a midsize hotel by Vegas standards, with 2,800 rooms distributed between two 40-story towers. Standard rooms, which feature either one king bed or two queen beds and all the latest appliances expected at a 5 star hotel, start at around $70 plus resort fees and taxes. In addition, the hotel offers family rooms, which feature a king or queen bed and two sets of bunk beds $20-40 more. Lastly, two and three bedroom suites are available for those who can afford to drop several hundred dollars per night, and these rooms will hold their own against the Wynn and Encore across the Strip.
Attractions:
Aimed at keeping the entire family occupied, the Terajoule features over a dozen different activities. Included below are those which are considered marketable (i.e. not available at every major Vegas hotel, like a spa).
All-Ages Casino: Like all Las Vegas hotels, the Terajoule has a casino. However, unlike most, this casino is accessible to guests of all ages. Mixed in among the slot machines and table games are games of skill that reward prizes instead of cash, as well as redemption games where kids can win tickets to redeem for prizes. While some of these are common redemption games, others are modified versions of "adult" casino games that do not reward a monetary prize. In order to prevent underage gamers from playing the slots, anyone who wishes to gamble at this casino must obtain a free Terajoule Club Card to activate the machines. Lastly, to ensure the safety of children, smoking is not permitted within this casino.
Kinetic Carnival: Located at the front of the hotel and in full view to those on the strip, the Kinetic Carnival is a 6 acre amusement park full of rides guaranteed to thrill even the most seasoned enthusiast. While not up to the standards of a destination theme park, the Kinetic Carnival's 20 rides and attractions are sufficient to provide several hours of fun to most visitors. Headliner attractions include:
-Twisted Rails: The largest attraction in the Kinetic Carnival, Twisted Rails is a B&M Floorless coaster. While a bit on the small side compared to others of the type, the ride features a 95 ft. first drop, 45 MPH max speed, and 4 inversions within a 2,400 ft. course. With two 32 passenger trains and a ride time of approximately 90 seconds, this attraction can thrill 1,200 riders per hour.
-Vertical Plunge: A Gerstlauer Eurofighter, Vertical Plunge is the Kinetic Carnival's other major coaster. This attraction features a 66 ft. drop at a 90 degree angle followed by two inversions. While the top speed is only 41 MPH and the ride duration is just over a minute, the compact twisted 1,300 ft. course more than makes up for it. This coaster operates with four eight passenger cars, allowing for a capacity of nearly 1,100 riders per hour.
-Centripetal Force: The most intense of the park's non-coaster rides, Centripetal Force is a Mondial Top Scan. Seated on one of six arms, this ride takes 30 riders for a crazy ride on a multi-axis spinning adventure.
-Angular Velocity: A Zamperla Disk'O, this attraction features a spinning disk sliding back and forth along a U-shaped track.
-Vector Mansion: A customized version of Sally's Ghost Blasters shooting dark ride, this attraction tasks guests with capturing the ghosts inside an abandoned mansion. Unlike the base model, this version is a two story dark ride, featuring an ascent up a spiral staircase midway through and a surprise drop track at the end.
-Terajoule Airlines: A Flying Theater attraction, guests can choose from one of several destinations they wish to visit. After proceeding through a recreation of an airport terminal, guests board their flight and are off on a 5 minute aerial sightseeing tour of their chosen destination. Films in this attraction rotate periodically and typically feature destinations represented by other Las Vegas hotels.
-Pendulum Spin: A Zamperla Giant Discovery, this pendulum attraction swings up to 125 degrees in either direction. Riders board an outward facing ring of seats, and then swing to heights of over a hundred feet while the ring slowly rotates.
-Hydroflume: A log flume, this attraction winds throughout the park and culminates in a six story plunge. Riders are likely to get very wet on this ride.
-Hooke's Launch: A standard S&S Space Shot tower ride.
In addition to the above, the Kinetic Carnival features a couple other stock thrill rides, several amusement park classics (Carousel, Ferris Wheel, etc.), and a few kiddie rides (including a Zamperla Family Gravity Coaster).
The Kinetic Carnival opens at 10 A.M. daily and operates until 9 P.M. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. At night, everything is illuminated with LED lights, providing an instant draw to passers-by. Rides are on a pay-per-ride basis, with each ticket costing $3 and rides requiring 1-3 tickets. In addition, an unlimited day pass is available for $35. Hotel guests receive two complimentary rides per day, a $5 discount on day passes, and front of the line access on weekdays.
Newton's Tower: Located near (but not inside) the Kinetic Carnival stands Newton's Tower. Standing just under 700 ft. tall, Newton's Tower is home to the second highest observation deck on the Strip. In addition, this tower features two of the most extreme thrill rides in Vegas:
-The Polercoaster: Spiraling around Newton's Tower is a mile of brightly colored Intamin track. This is the Polercoaster, the world's tallest roller coaster. Following a vertical launch up the center of the tower, riders descend through numerous drops, twists, and inversions until they reach the base. The ride down takes over two and a half minutes, and while not the most extreme thrill ride ever created it is one of the most exhilarating.
-Apple Tree Drop: Complementing the Polercoaster is the world's tallest drop tower. Manufactured by Intamin, riders board an eight seat gondola and ascend inside the tower. At the top, the gondolas are pushed to the outside. Riders get approximately 10 seconds to enjoy the view, then they plunge 600 ft straight to the ground, reaching speeds over 100 MPH.
Newton's Tower is opens at 10 A.M. and operates until 1 A.M. on weekdays and 2 A.M. on weekends (rides close two hours earlier due to noise restrictions). Admission to the observation deck costs $20, with rides costing $15 each (a 2 ride combo is available for $25). Hotel guests receive one free admission to the observation deck during their stay, but do not get a discount on rides.
Bernoulli's Aquatic Recreation Center: All hotels have pools, but at the Terajoule, guests are instead greeted with a five acre waterpark. In addition to a standard swimming pool, the waterpark also features a kids' area with a water play structure, a lazy river, and three waterslide towers (all slides by ProSlide):
-Tube Slide Tower: Features three slides, all to be enjoyed on a single or double innertube. Slides include Vortex (CannonBowl 30), Pipeline (Pipeline with enclosed and open sections), and Wild River (Pipeline with completely open flume).
-Hydraulic Racers: 4 lane Octopus Racer, where riders race head first on mats. The ride begins in an enclosed spiraling tube, then riders emerge and line up for two dips to the finish.
-Body Slide Tower: Three body slides, where sliders ride on their backs. Rides include Serpentine (open flume Twister), Helix (enclosed Twister), and Freefall (enclosed Plummet).
Unlike most hotel pool areas, Bernoulli's Aquatic Recreation Center is open to everyone. Hotel guests receive free admission; while passes are sold for $25 for a full day (half-day passes get a $5 discount). The waterpark is open from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., but remains open until 9 P.M. exclusively for hotel guests.
Cirque Energie: A new production from Cirque du Soleil, Energie is a fast-paced performance held inside the Gigawatt Theater. Unlike other productions, this show focuses more on the stunts than on the story, with feats designed to thrill and amaze audience members. The 90 minute production is performed twice per night, ensuring that everyone who wants to see it will be able to do so.
VR Experience: Enter the Game: Located in the heart of the complex, Enter the Game is the world's first real-life video game. Guests don VR equipment and other accessories to sync their movement to that of a virtual character, then select a virtual adventure to participate in. Depending on their chosen game, guests may need to hunt down a crime boss, scale a series of platforms high in the air, or even battle legendary monsters. Regardless of which adventure the guest chooses, the entire experience happens in the real world...guests just see the virtual world they are in while crossing platforms or searching for hidden passages.
Hundred Meter Mountain: The largest tourist attraction at the Terajoule, Hundred Meter Mountain is an indoor ski slope. Like the name suggests, the slope features a hundred meters of vertical elevation change (approximately 328 ft.) along a slope length of a quarter-mile. The ski slope is serviced by a Doppelmayr fixed grip quad chair accessing intermediate level terrain (with an optional pitch considered advanced). For beginners, a surface lift accessing only the lower third of the slope is available. Lastly, for those who want some winter fun but don't engage in winter sports, a snow tubing hill with a carpet lift is available, as is an Alpine Slide. Four hours at Hundred Meter Mountain costs $40, and a ticket is good for all activities during that time. There is no need to bring your own equipment...the ticket includes equipment rental.
Dining & Shopping: While the main focus of the Terajoule is the activities, the resort does include a shopping and dining complex. Called the circuit, the complex encircles the casino from above and features a wide selection of restaurants, retail locations, and other hangout spots geared toward Millennials. In addition, the Terajoule features its own buffet: Rankine's Kitchen. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Rankine's Kitchen offers a wide selection of options with a focus on dishes best served warm.
While the Terajoule may not be the destination of choice for the adult visitor to Las Vegas, it is aimed to tap into the currently weak family market of the city. With numerous activities for visitors of all ages, the Terajoule is perfect for a long-weekend getaway and does not require any additional travel to ensure everyone has a good time.
Douglas Hindley – Shangri-La Vegas
It is a pretty good strategy to immediately go after a specific demographic, I just wonder at this point how well you will pull outside of that demographic. While I doubt the regular Joe Tourist is going to care much about this, it seems like you are trying a little hard to mash up different Asian influences and calling it good. The name comes from a British author and book, and having Nepalese items immediately inside the door is a surefire way to irritate the Chinese (Since there is a long-standing spat between Nepal and China). There is something similar between India and China, China and Japan, Russia and everyone else, North Korea and everyone else, etc. Therefore, while a mashup of themes for Joe Tourist is not going to matter to him, people steeped in the culture are going to be put off by this, negating the advantage you had going into this. I’m wondering about the relaxing pool…then added to the slides, which should not be relaxing, and the kids play area which would be about as far as you can get from relaxing, and since this is a rooftop area, it would be fairly difficult to keep the different items away from each other…and with the gardens, it seems like quite a lot of things going on for limited rooftop space. On your Golden Keys, you may want to include an RFID tracker so while the kids are in the resort, the parents can constantly monitor where they are in addition to what they are doing…to include the ability to have parental exclusions for the kids that the Golden Keys will send back notifications on the application if kids wonder into areas the parents have put a block on. Celestial Springs, seems like the standard outdoors Vegas show similar to the Mirage and Bellagio, that still pull a decent crowd. Tulpa sounds like a little “too” much excitement for your general Vegas visitor. Astral Traveler seems like a really good coaster with similarities to Nemesis coaster at Alton Towers. K1 Ropes Course seems like it would be extremely fun. The Scouting Expeditions also seem like a very good way to extend the resort for people who have visited many times. Your alternative to Cirque seems like it is a pretty good idea and I like the idea of repurposing the theater during the day. The backstage upcharges would be pretty cool, only just now are the resorts realizing that these types of things can be money makers. While you had the right shops, and plenty of family and teenager activities, I get the feeling that while it is a definite step in the right direction doesn’t seem to go far enough to distinguish itself from the rest of the high-end resorts on the strip. Yes, you will get a surge after you open, but then what happens after the honeymoon is over? While the ski hill will be a constant pull, and the Macau influenced games will have a curiosity factor, there is not much else here that screams “must do every time I go to Vegas”. I know that wasn’t your goal by creating a calming atmosphere, but the question does need to be asked. Since the bonus for this is how well do you keep the teenagers’ attention for a long period of time, I’m thinking that while they will enjoy the shopping mall and quite a few of the rides, this is not quite the magnet I was hoping for.
Chad H – Aurora Las Vegas
Mountains and skiing seem to be perfectly reasonably together. I like the idea of a player vs. player room. This would seem to open up the idea of tournaments in a wide variety of games. Tightrope walking and mountain climbing are interesting sports in Las Vegas they would need to be carefully monitored and excessively “safety-ed” before your insurance company would let a client anywhere near them. Thor’s (sports) bar seems like a fun place, particularly with the Raiders and Golden Knights, slated to come to come to town soon. Having Santa Claus seems a bit of a stretch. While I like some of the unique items you have on display here, particularly since you have a good theme to cover quite a bit of the reasoning…it would also appear that we have a bit of a problem once the honeymoon is over and the regulars have done the unique events a couple of times here. While it would be a must do for about half of a day, what about the rest of that day, or repeat visits. While your resort has a large footprint, it seems like there is not enough to do. In addressing the teenagers question, it would seem that many of the resort features would be prohibitively expensive to try more than once. This feels like “Ski Slope and a couple of other attractions”, and doesn’t have the draw for teenagers we were looking for in the bonus.
DPCC Inc – Camp Vegas
While this has nothing to do with your proposal, I think your insight into the teen mind is a good one, and quite in line with the difficulty of the challenge. Maybe the problem here is a perspective one, this appears to be appealing to the teenagers instead of the parents who will be paying the bills for it...since this was supposed to be written for the developer of the facility, you are making it very difficult to envision the entirety of the resort. While you have your resort group on different floors with different camps, it would appear that there are many different facilities laid out all over the resort that feature large event halls for different things, all repurposed in different ways at different times. I like the idea that this is a full week traditional camp style, but wonder if that is going to work against the bulk of the crowds that are only there for a portion of the week. And while it would seem that this is a heaven on earth for teenagers, there are other elements of the casino that appear to be ignored up to this point. Well, you get high points on the challenge, since it feels like you will only pull teenagers out of here kick and screaming, but at the same time, it appears that this isn’t much of a family resort in as much as a dumping ground for teenagers. Having re-looked at the requirements, you are exactly right that “a dumping ground for teenagers” is exactly what I was asking for. This doesn’t feel so much as a dumping ground as a babysitting service for teenagers, though, which is actually much more intuitive than my ham-fisted write-up for this challenge. I would have like for you to spend a little more time on the things that were happening outside of the camps…your shopping mall is a list of shops instead of a mental image of how it is going to work with the rest of the resort. Some of your descriptions seem to contradict themselves later, but at the same time, I get. What you have written is the sales brochure for the teenagers, I was also hoping to see the sales brochure for the adults as well. You don’t mention much of anything about the layout or exterior and what little you do mention seems to run counter to other things that you said. While I’m having a hard time picturing the full resort, I’m going to have to assume that it is there.
Blake Meredith – Carnivale
Since this is a bit of a miss so far as what the challenge was, I’m not going to outline all of the things wrong with it. But, at the same time, I think this is a brilliant redesign of Circus Circus, other than the possible miss of cramming the Adventure Dome full of rides…it currently is a high priced 2-hour tour. While I believe Mall of America has a bit more room, they also have 5 times as many rides with the same height restriction. The bonus of getting this to pull in the Millenials is also a miss. So we will just have to regroup and move forward.
AJ Hummel – The Terajoule
I like the futuristic aspect in play here, down to the lights on the hotel at night. While I’m not so certain about kids hanging around hardcore gamblers in the same area, you have a pretty innovative way to keep the kids on their own machines. HA HA!!! A freakin’ Polercoaster!! That does seem to take the wet-my-pants award this week. Particularly since you put a verticle launch on there instead of the spiral lift. With a drop tower. Those are extreme weenies that will be seen up and down the strip. I can’t believe you didn’t put a restaurant up on the observation deck, oh well, a slightly missed opportunity. While Cirque Energie is a cool name, I would have liked to know a little more about it. I would have liked to see much more about the shops that you have. It appears that you tacked them on at the last minute. I like the wide range of attractions that you have here and dig the water park idea, even while I would have liked something bigger and a steeper price tag for non-guest admissions. It appears that this was posted late, so I’m going to go with the standard rule of a letter grade penalty.
Douglas Hindley Shangri-La Vegas
When I was considering what I would do for this challenge, a Shangri-La theme was the first thought I had. I was glad to see this appear in your proposal, since the scope, spectacle and grandeur of the mythos and the Himalayan mountains is a source ripe for harvesting in Las Vegas, a city and culture built around spectacle and grandeur.
As always, your presentation is visually stunning, clearly organized and professionally presented. You offered a varied collection of attractions, rides and theatrical experiences for your guests and their families to keep them entertained and- most importantly- keep them on site and spending money. The attractions were themed at Millennials and their older children/teenagers, which was what the challenge asked for, but you did include several family-friendly attractions for everyone to do, and Base Camp Play Zone would provide a place for younger family members to play. So often the popularity of old-fashioned playgrounds for kids is overlooked in a theme park- not that Base Camp is old-fashioned, but kids don’t always have to have multi-million-dollar rides to be kept entertained. Rope nets, slides, etc., like you have here are a great way for kids to have fun, be safe and burn off energy when older kids are doing the coasters.
Going through each and every attraction you’ve included is not necessary, but I feel that, across the board, you have an excellent collection. The indoor ski attraction will probably be appearing in other proposals, but it fits especially well in Shangri-La. I would have included a skating rink in this location- I’m sure an underground cavern, home to a functioning Yeti, would have offered another attraction for all family members.
You show a moving walkway on your excellent map, but never mention it. I assume it is to carry visitors from the entrance motor lobby to the hotel lobby. If it’s important enough for a map label, it should be mentioned in the proposal, if just in passing.
Either you are already an expert in Asian mysticism or did in-depth research, or just (water) buffaloed me with your inclusion of so much cultural influence on your attractions and making that culture seem both interesting and accessible to non-Asian mystics. I did notice that you put the Casino in the heart of the resort, as it should be in Las Vegas, and at first I thought that it was so far away from the entrances to the resort that gamblers would either not bother going all that way to get to it, or they’d get lost or distracted on the way and never get there. Your inclusion of unique gambling opportunities with Fan Tan, Ma Jong and Sic-bo was a good choice, but while not especially popular or well-known in the West, they are hardly unknown to the East and absolutely not “exciting new games”- they’ve been around for centuries. Still, good inclusions.
It’s really hard to find anything to complain about with this proposal. You nailed every requirement of the proposal and expanded on them. Are there enough attractions to keep the “teen” interest? I think, with the combination of thrill rides, family rides with a long duration and activities such as the rope climbing, skiing and shows, that every family member would love a vacation in Shangri-La Vegas.
Chad H Aurora Las Vegas
Very interesting concept- the Polar Regions in Las Vegas! I liked the consistent theming of the Scandinavian/Norse/Northern Lights throughout the resort, and even the Jamaican bar didn’t seem out of place- instead it was a pleasant and unexpected inclusion and diversion, and would provide a needed burst of color (sorry, colour for you ;+) and cultural diversity.
I commend you for totally rejecting the inclusion of traditional theme park rides in this resort. A roller coaster, no matter how well themed, would fit in as well as a plastic palm tree. Black Ice was as close to it as you came, and I assume that this would be a traditional bobsled and not a raging bobs/”Avalanche Run” type of coaster. While you’re at it, you could have included a skeleton/luge attraction, since they use the same track as bobsleds.
Your description of the hotel facilities was weak, and you seem to have two totally separate areas, the chalet area and the more traditional hotel rooms in the Ridge. I think that the chalet area/vacation club section is an good inclusion, especially for people who just can’t get enough skiing in during the summer, and the location of the hotel rooms in the Ridge is a good one- EXCEPT- you say that the rooms are in the outer half of the Ridge. If you mean they look outside the complex, out towards the rest of Vegas, you are missing a major opportunity here. If they looked INWARD, into the complex and overlooked the huge area under the glass roof with the Longhouse in it, the view would be spectacular and would keep your guests from wanting to see what was going on over at Planet Hollywood, Paris and the Bellagio.
Your inclusion of a great variety of ice and snow attractions is perfect for this resort, and having an ice skating area was very wise. Looking at the Olympic Winter Games for your sources, you could have easily added a Curling attraction. Let’s face it, curling is really not that hard to figure out- a combination of shuffleboard and housekeeping- and you don’t need to be an athlete to do it. No need to know how to ski or skate, just stand and sweep. Another family attraction missing, one that should be extremely easy to include, is good old sledding. No experience necessary. Are the attractions you have, including the non-sliding sports and attractions enough to keep teenagers busy? Yes, BUT a limited number of teenagers. Those that are sports-minded would find plenty to do, and having access to training in skiing lessons would help, but this resort would primarily be a destination for families already used to going to the slopes.
In this, you aimed your resort at a very precise, very limited demographics, and if you could get them familiar with it you’d probably have a hit. This is a niche resort, focusing on attracting winter sports families. The other support facilities, the casino, restaurants, etc. would be adequate for this type of resort. Enough to make it a headliner in Vegas? Doubtful, but I don’t think that a resort of this type would be aimed at being a headliner. This is a limited-interest resort, but if done well and promoted well it certainly could be a commercial success, and would attract visitors from outside the resort. I can see families dropping the kids off for an afternoon or evening of skiing and sliding while mom and dad hit the tables or shows elsewhere.
The written proposal- you had a surprising number of strange things: plurals where singulars should be; Capitalization Of words for No reason. Chad, you know better- one critical proofreading would have cleared up 99% of those.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this proposal and think you have created an interesting concept for a Las Vegas resort, limited in scope but rich in activities for its target audience.
DPCC inc. Camp Vegas
You came into this challenge with an advantage that you acknowledged right away- it was aimed at teenagers and you are one. You established the unique needs of teenagers, quirks and differences, and how any sort of resort aimed at them would need to offer a wide variety of experiences for a wide variety of personalities.
You attempted to do this with Camp Vegas, and in many aspects, you succeeded. I have a teenage son (although I suspect that you are more of a “typical” teen- if there is such a thing- than he is) and I have seen that they are often searching for what they want out of life and what they can offer to the world. The varied camps offered here would give them a chance to either spend time focusing on activities that they already enjoy or experience activities that they perhaps have never tried or even had the opportunity to try.
In each camp you presented a good mixture of fun activities and focused activities in each theme. I also suspect that you created in Camp Vegas the ideal camp for you personally- and that’s perfectly ok. Many years ago (many) when I was in high school my speech teacher told us to never give a speech on a topic that we ourselves were not interested in, and that applies to this sort of competition, also. I would bet that you created in each of the four camps experiences that you yourself would want to do- if you ever walked into Camp Vegas, you would probably not emerge until you’re 45 years old.
Each camp has well-thought-out, interesting activities for participants, and having some of them up-charges would keep them from becoming overcrowded with people who just want to do things out of boredom compared to true enthusiasm. There are plenty of other activities for those with just a cursory interest in the theme.
There are some issues, though (you knew I was getting there). First of all, the coasters. They’re not bad at all, but they really felt plugged-in, like you needed to put some rides in somewhere and Adventure Camp was the place for them. However, you missed a golden opportunity to integrate the coasters from Adventure Camp into the activities of Science Camp. Many parks have special “science day” events where high school physics classes come to study the science of rides, coasters, spinners, etc. What more perfect place to study centrifugal force, weightlessness, g-factors, etc. than on amusement rides?
The biggest problem I see in your park is one that I don’t know exactly how to correct- it’s almost too focused on teenagers. Strange problem. It’s a seasonal resort, one that requires lots of teenagers to be there taking part year-round, and for most of the year the age of your focus group is- you guessed it- in school. There is usually a major blow-up about families taking their kids out of school to go to WDW for a week- imagine how the principal and school board would react when your parents said that they wanted to take you out of school for a week to go to Las Vegas?! The camps would either be jammed during the summer and holiday break periods, or mostly empty during the traditional school year. I have no idea how to make this business model work.
Marketplace on the top three floors of the resort. Disastrous choice of location. Retail operations rely on foot traffic, on shoppers walking by, looking at the window displays and strolling into the store. Nobody in Vegas would bother finding their way through a resort and up the elevators to go shopping.
There is so much good in Camp Vegas that I find it frustrating that so much good, especially the extra details you added about the dining, the gaming opportunities (not necessarily the adult gaming, but the computer gaming) and most especially the opportunity for teens to meet on neutral territory, dancing in Beats at Performance Camp, experiencing flight simulators in Science Camp, doing Midnight bowling in Sports Camp, and riding three really good coasters in Adventure Camp, are available in a location that would not be readily available to the very people it’s created by and for during much of the year. They’d be stuck in school.
Blake Meredith Carnivale
First of all, I have no problem with a demo/rebuild of Circus Circus. I’ve never been there but it sounds like it needs to be done anyway. I was a bit unsure at first, but the more I read the more I liked how you rethemed it from the rather tawdry, “modern” circus vibe into the more elegant, romantic visuals of the past, and utilizing the look of the 19th Expositions was a good choice to bring “class” to an entertainment medium that is now known more for low-brow entertainment than high-class experiences.
I have to bring something personal into this- reading your proposal and visualizing it, I was taken back to my old Americana 1900 proposal, and could imagine if parts of it, especially The Pike, was transported and rethemed for Las Vegas. I’m not inferring that my park “inspired” yours, but that we took our inspiration from the same era. I believe that the visuals of the American Midway Experience would attract millennials and older adults, and the activities would attract and keep the younger members of the family entertained. Having them share one location, as opposed to being segregated with a “teen land” and an “adult land” is a good idea.
Your activities are well-conceived, especially integrating the trapeze academy and the New American Circus into this area. They keep the circus-theme that by now has been so ingrained into the Vegas mythos for this location, but bring it both accessible and enjoyable, and helps maintain the circus culture that needs to be kept alive in today’s society.
Adventure Dome remains unchanged. I haven’t been there, but is it really in good enough shape to be bypassed for renovation? With so much more to do in this resort, won’t it get further ignored by the public without something new to attract visitors?
Two problems with names: Carnivale to me signifies Latin America/Brazilian festivals with outrageously-barely-costumed beautiful women dancing the Salsa, which has absolutely nothing to do with this new resort. CarnEVIL has, I’m almost certain, been trademarked by Cedar Fair as part of their Halloween activities- I know it’s used at Cedar Point as one of their main outdoor Haunts. Carnivale doesn’t fit for this resort- CarnEVIL is already taken.
Overall, I think that this is a very good solution to the challenge. You went a route that, afaik, has never been taken in Las Vegas, and if done well would be unique and very attractive to both visitors and guests. You provided activities for all ages, including the younger-than-teen family members. Would it be enough for teens to stay involved and entertained? There you might be on the low-end of the spectrum. A renovation/expansion of Adventure Dome would have helped, but the expansion of the water recreation area will do much to fill this need.
I think, for someone on the road and distracted by other activities, you did a terrific job of presenting a solid proposal to the challenge…just change those names!
AJ Hummel The Terajoule
This proposal presented a wonderful integration of rides, experiences and activities into the entire resort structure. You used every possible location to bring the maximum amount of experiences into the available space. This would be a resort with plenty of kinetic energy.
You do start out with a problem of ascetics when you say “Following recent trends in Las Vegas, the Terajoule is not extensively themed but does have similar aesthetics throughout.” If your resort looks like every other resort, what is there to attract people to it, especially walk-ins from other resorts. In a city as diverse as Vegas, with so many visually attractive resorts to catch the eye and attract the visitor, you need a distinctive look to bring them into the door. I didn’t read anything about a “weenie” to bring people inside- it sounded a bit like a run-of-the-mill high-techish building of glass/steel with a potentially-impressive light show at night but nothing in the day to catch the eye. I would take the new GOTG overlay on TOT as a cue- like it or hate it, it does catch the eye and make you wonder what’s inside, even if (or especially if) you had no idea what it is. A heavily-decorated cake looks like it would taste better than one with plain white frosting, and this is Vegas, baby! It’s got to look like it tastes good inside!
All-Ages Casino…I get what you’re going after, but this screams of problems. Integrating kid’s games with casino games, even with your method of keeping kids from playing adult games, would be inviting more issues than it would solve. Gamblers take their gambling seriously, and having kids noisily playing arcade games next to you while you’re trying to win the jackpot could be annoying enough to send serious gamblers across the street. Then there’s the issue of child protection and child predators…banning smoking won’t protect children in a setting like this. A separate child’s “casino” or game room, directly adjacent to the casino for parents to have easy access, would be a far safer solution.
Too bad we must consider this issue, but we must.
The Kinetic Carnival would do much to attract visitors to the resort- not mentioning it earlier made me create a preconceived notion of the resort’s outer appearance without all the facts. Don’t give me part of the story and leave out something this important until much later.
OK, you have packed a huge amount of activities into a small area, but then so does Knott’s Berry Farm. I think the variety of activities and rides is excellent, and including some rides for younger family members was good. Newton’s Tower takes your thrill rides to the next level, and the Polarcoaster and Apple Tree Drop would be remarkable experiences for thrill ride fans.
I appreciated the consistent use of scientifically-inspired names throughout this resort. Some were obscure, some were obvious but all were clever. Great use of a theme to bring some wildly-disparate attractions together.
Hundred-Meter Mountain…your passion for skiing is well- known, but does it fit in this resort? It seems to have been plugged in or built around, like the old lady who won’t sell her house so they build the skyscraper around her quaint frame cottage with a picket fence and a rose garden. Would it be fun? Yes, of course, but does it fit as part of a high-tech, high energy resort where the movement of the rides and attractions is so much a part of its theme? No. Unless you can somehow make the downhill attractions be visible to the outside and not look like a mountain that got built in the wrong place (and I’m sorry, but I can’t help thinking of the Matterhorn at Disneyland being right next to Tomorrowland- it’s fun, beautiful, but to me it’s in the wrong place) it doesn’t belong here. Perhaps if it was themed outside to match the rest of the resort it would be better, but to me, unless you call it something else and theme it externally as something else, it looks like a mountain stuck in the middle of Manhattan…or Vegas.. or any modern city with no mountains in the middle of town.
This really is a good proposal for this challenge, one that with more time to consider issues could really, really be a boon for Las Vegas. You did a fine job with answering the demands of the challenge, and the problems I noticed can be fixed with more time and thought…but you did post late. As a former and future judge, you certainly can appreciate the fact that we need to enforce the rules, so I did have to score you down lower than I would have as a penalty. Not much, but come on, bro! This is the Tournament of Champions! Where’s your priorities?! (I’ll now take my tongue out of my cheek).
Hey Everyone,
Three judges have posted scores, so we're going to get those up.
Week 3 Rankings
1. Douglas Hindley
2. DPCC Inc.
3. AJ Hummel
4. Chad H
5. Blake Meredith
Overall Rankings
1. Douglas Hindley
2. DPCC Inc.
3. Blake Meredith
4. AJ Hummel
5. Chad H
This discussion has been archived and is no longer accepting responses.
SHANGRI-LA VEGAS
Las Vegas, Nevada
High in the forbidden Kunlun Mountains of East Asia, the mystical utopia of Shangri-La has remained hidden for centuries. Safe from war and famine, Shangri-La safeguards Man’s achievements. This golden city overflows with wealth, but also transcendence. Its citizens, surrounded by opulence, embrace both enlightenment and pleasure, a Middle Path. Shangri-La is a hidden valley paradise where all are welcomed, and all are free to pursue their desires, be they material or ephemeral.
Shangri-La Vegas brings this enchanting land to the Strip, itself a place of worldly delights and outsized grandeur. Here in Las Vegas, every hotel and casino promises riches beyond your wildest dreams; only Shangri-La Vegas promises sensuality mixed with illumination. Shangri-La Vegas seeks to unite Vegas’ divergent identities. For high rollers and luxury travelers, Shangri-La Vegas offers world class dining, gambling and amenities. For families, and especially for Millennials, Shangri-La Vegas is proud to host rides, shows and shopping to rival the best of the theme park industry.
Fusing many disparate East Asian cultures – Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and more – into a stately pleasure dome, Shangri-La Vegas also appeals to Vegas’ emerging Asian market. Increasingly, Chinese tourists are enjoying Las Vegas, and comparing it to Macau (which actually outshines Vegas in gambling revenue). Shangri-La Vegas brings the lessons of Macau to the deserts of Nevada. East and West both are served by this unique cultural fusion.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has already made their name in China and beyond with numerous 5 star venues. Shangri-La Vegas will be their first venture in the United States, their first themed creation, their first gambling mecca. And they’re not dragging their feet! Their new destination resort is to be located directly across from the renowned Wynn/Encore complex, and just north of Fashion Show Mall. This 35-acre plot is already cleared and ripe for development, having been put up for sale last month following the abandoned Alon proposal.
Seen from Las Vegas Boulevard (The Strip), the resort altogether resembles a lush, undiscovered Himalayan valley, where waterways and outcroppings set the stage for towering minarets, all nestled amidst a tiered lamasery palace. The high hotel tower – an expected feature at every Las Vegas resort – continues this grandeur with contemporary Bhutan dzong architecture, its rooftop façade subtly suggesting the peaks of Everest. Nestled at the base, in full view of Strip foot traffic, is our flagship Lost Horizon park, overflowing with rides and activities!
Unlike past failed Vegas attempts to draw families – attempts like MGM Grand Adventures which hid their indifferently-made attractions behind the casinos – Shangri-La Vegas pushes our flagship attractions to the very front! All visible activities in Lost Horizon are exemplary and highly-themed, able to compete with the best of nearby Southern California. Beginning at this vibrant entrance, guests soon discover more and more of the resort’s amazing features... and so shall we.
HOTEL
Shangri-La Vegas Hotel exudes comfort. Hotel guests first arrive beside a flowing mountain stream framing a cliff-side Nepalese sanctuary. As Sherpa valets see to their luggage, guests enter the palatial atrium lobby, outfitted with oriental ornamentals and embroidered silk artworks. The centerpiece is a phurba statue carved from a meteorite. A curtain waterfall obscures views of meandering gardens. An exquisite sand mandala is refashioned daily by artisans. At check-in, our concierge happily explains all Shangri-La Vegas has to offer, and helps to plan every detail of a Vegas vacation.
Norgay Tower (in honor of legendary Sherpa Tenzing Norgay) stands 38 floors high above the main casino complex. Thirty-eight is perhaps the luckiest number in Chinese culture, meaning “triple prosperity.” Our tower is semi-circular, subtly hugging the Strip and Lost Horizon. It features 3,200 rooms, consistent with like-sized resorts, from family doubles to suites to penthouses. All are immaculately appointed with the very best of modern Asian décor, with furnishings all tying back to Himalayan adventure. Comfort is our quest, as every room is a wholly-enclosed sanctuary from the world outside, sound-proofed, air-conditioned, and overflowing with amenities.
Conway Wing (named for the fictional hero who immortalized Shangri-La) sits directly atop the northern Shamballa Bazaar shopping complex. From outside, their combined facades create the feeling of a lived-in Nepalese city, full of golden pagoda domes. Staterooms envelop guests in luxury. This is a lifestyle experience, with every room a meditative suite extolling the eternal majesty of Shangri-La.
AMENITIES
Nirvana elevates guests to the ultimate pampered state. This is a combined spa, salon and fitness center which puts hotel guests into transcendental relaxation. Tantric masseuses practice hot stone therapy, ayurvedic massage (an Indian method), fish pedicures, and facials. Fitness trainers lead guests in yoga and Pilates. Nirvana even employs an on-site guru to advise with meditation.
Enlightenment Pools sit on a rooftop garden atop Nirvana. Relaxing pools and slides spill forth from a sacred mountain spring. Far away from the energy of the Strip, Enlightenment Pools let guests unwind in the resort’s shady southwest corner, with all the same hotel services available from their rooms. Complete with Jacuzzis and a children’s play area.
Golden Keys - our hotel keycards – do more than unlock rooms. They may be synched with credit card or cash accounts, and to our app. Thus, every family member can play and pay under one system. Parents may enjoy the casino while their children explore Lost Horizon or Shamballa Bazaar, and still parents can oversee their spending. Attraction passes and show tickets may be prepaid. This grants younger guests a sense of freedom, while maintaining a familial safety harness.
Horizon Club is an exclusive loyalty program already used across the Shangri-La chain. Geared towards businesspeople and frequent travelers, Horizon Club members enjoy a personal concierge, private check-in, suit pressing, lounge space for meetings and events, casino high roller perks, and more.
ENTERTAINMENT
Lost Horizon is our flagship attraction complex, free to enter, surrounded by towers and peaks, with pathways leading deeper into the casino. This is an overgrown Eden dominated by sharp alpine crags and subtropical ferns. Rockwork resembles at times Everest, at times China’s Huangshan Mountains. Flowing waterways and temples suggest China’s West Lake. Nepalese prayer flags stretch overhead. Covered walkways, peach trees and fountains keep guests cool. At only 9 acres, Lost Horizon’s limited attraction lineup focuses on quality over quantity, emphasizing destination thrill rides and shows.
Typical to Las Vegas, Lost Horizon utilizes a pay-per-ride model. Individual attraction passes are $10, a discount by Vegas standards (which run from $12 to $14), while an unlimited all-day pass (The Mountain Pass) runs $45. Rides generally run from 10 AM to 12 midnight, as elsewhere in town. Like the fountains at Bellagio, Lost Horizon sacrifices profit-per-square-foot for greater ambiance, giving our resort an invaluable identity. Visible activities draw foot traffic deeper into Shangri-La, to our shopping, dining and gambling.
(* indicates a purchasable pass is required)
Celestial Springs – Pillars of Creation is what first draws attention from the Strip. Towering over the sidewalk and rising from a magical lake, geodesic crystal pillars rise from the earth’s core. Spring waters eternally flow. Every half hour, the island’s spires rotate, fireballs burst forth, and waters crash in a preprogrammed 5-minute show spectacular by WET Design. These shows are scored to a rotation of neoclassical orchestral music in the “epic music” genre, an emerging style able to instantly conjure up any mood – from serene to sad to bold to glad!
At nighttime these crystals (and similar stones throughout Lost Horizon) light up with LEDs and fiber optics, a kaleidoscope of colors to rival the wildest Vegas neon.
*Tulpa is Lost Horizon’s headliner, a record-breaking must-do boasting the most inversions of any roller coaster in the world! This Gerstlauer Infinity Coaster is inspired by the mystic “tulpa,” a physical creation of the mind apt to turn on its creator. From the queue, ancient Nepalese manuscripts warn of how such creatures manifest in mountain passes. Riders then contend with their own tulpas in an Indian Mountain Railway setting.
In darkness, mist screen projections depict riders themselves - or rather, their tulpa doppelgangers. Tulpas torment riders, then twist the tracks ahead – an indoors projection effect. Outside, railroad trestles seem to have folded in on themselves. Dreamlike rockwork combines with two vertical lift hills, a beyond-vertical drop, and a shattering 16 inversions - dive loops, heartline rolls, sidewinders, cobra rolls, and multiple consecutive corkscrews! Themed “scream tunnels” shield the hotel. Tulpa is as beautiful to watch as it is pleasurably disorienting to ride.
*Astral Traveler is an inverted B&M coaster which promises guests an “out-of-body experience.” Riders begin suspended within a lamasery where wafting incense and Tuvan throat chanting puts them into a meditative state, lifting upwards. Their astral forms hurtle through an indoors starfield. They then burst outside for an unbounded race through quartzite sandstone pillars inspired by Hunan’s Wulingyuan. Fog obscures ravines. Rock bridges loom. Waterfalls crash. Through 3 wild inversions, Astral Traveler flings riders mere inches from its undulating terrain, weaving over and under Lost Horizon walkways. Despite its sunken profile, Astral Traveler is a beautiful, sensual, breathless ride, altogether a premier coaster experience. Open your mind!
*Himalayan Air is a Flying Theater by Dynamic Attractions, one of the first in the U.S. This next-gen flight simulator loads like a theater, then tilts vertically to give every guest an unparalleled flying experience. Riders sail gracefully over astounding IMAX aerial footage of the Himalayas, Earth’s mightiest landscape. Over glaciers and peaks, past mountaineering expeditions and sheer drop-offs. In-theater icy blasts and wind effects add verisimilitude. Gentle yet thrilling, Himalayan Air will appeal to the widest possible swath of guests, gracing all with the wonder of flight.
*Dragon Bay Voyages float gently down lotus-filled rivers traversing the whole of Shangri-La Vegas. Upon festive Chinese dragon boats, guests glide along the canals of Lost Horizon, then inside through the casino floor and then Shamballa Bazaar. Boats enter catacombs inspired by Puerto Princesa, where glittering crystal caverns give way to the Chamber of the Wise Water Dragon – a full-scale animatronic in a peaceful grotto. Finally boats sail outside past Celestial Springs, for up-close views of our trademark fountain show.
Karakal Habitat appears inside an abandoned snowcapped temple near the entrance to Shamballa Bazaar. Here, visible from the sidewalk and Bazaar and Lost Horizon, “rope bridge” walkways showcase live Himalayan animal exhibits behind glass. Snowy habitats feature monal pheasants, black bears, wild goats and yaks. Shangri-La Vegas works in tandem with zoos to display, preserve and rehabilitate some of the Himalayas’ most endangered species, such as snow leopards and red pandas. Altogether, a collection to rival the Mirage’s tigers!
*Sichuan Tower stands 100 feet tall, a perfect replica of Qiang’s mysterious star-shaped watchtowers. Within its millennia-old stone interior, elevators – modern, but themed like Ming-era dumbwaiters – carry guests to the summit. Here under a pagoda rooftop is an observation deck overlooking Lost Horizon. Guests may ring a gong, or meet with the tower’s wise old hermit. Resort views are enchanting, not spectacular, a calming alternative to jaw-droppers like The Stratosphere.
*K1 Ropes Course introduces guests to the trials of an Everest ascent. Several challenging courses dot the rockwork over Lost Horizon and along the northern Shamballa Bazaar façade. Climb sheer rock walls. Rappel down glaciers. Ride a zip line from peak to peak. Or enter a haunted crevice and encounter a tusked, yak-horned Yeti! Our talented crew ensures a hair-raising adventure with the utmost safety.
Base Camp Play Zone lets smaller adventurers play mountaineer at the base of the ropes course. Playground slides, poles and nets resemble a Katmandu base camp. Classic midway games of skill and chance are here reimagined around Nepalese culture – for instance, the ring toss becomes a lama relic mat.
Fountains of Peace are interactive water spigots rising deep from a symbolic mandala underneath a Bodhi tree. This geyser dances to music, oft in synch with Celestial Springs. Fountains of Peace are free to view or run through, a cooling respite between journeys.
*Kunlun Scouting Expeditions expands the dimensions of Lost Horizon with several challenges to awaken the mind’s eye. Receiving a Sherpa Field Guide, guests must explore the resort’s grounds seeking mystic artifacts and ancient secrets hidden amidst the walkways. Solutions to these mind puzzles may be returned to the guru’s hut for souvenirs.
Ski Shangri-La is the very first indoors ski attraction in Las Vegas, and only the second in the Western Hemisphere! Discover snow all year round in an enclosed attraction simulating the Himalayan heights of Mount Kangchenjunga. Ski, snowboard or toboggan down many different slope classes, with a free chairlift leading to the top, 20 stories high. Or simply enjoy a snow play area and ice cavern. Complimentary winter wear and skiing equipment are provided to all, young or old, with adult day passes starting at $50.
(All entertainment venues such as Ski Shangri-La - which are technically separate from Lost Horizon - receive advertising on the Strip. A pagoda-shaped billboard, complete with video screens, crows about Shangri-La’s many treasures.)
Shen Yun Theater is Shangri-La Vegas’ premier stage for quality live entertainment. While the MGM Resorts hotels enjoy exclusive access to Cirque du Soleil, our resort is the first permanent setting for the world-famous Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe. Based in New York, Shen Yun practices the ancient Falun Gong dance discipline outlawed in Mainland China. Their touring performances (which sell out months in advance) combine Falun Gong with martial arts, acrobatics, western music and eastern myth. Here in Las Vegas, Shen Yun joins forces with Franco Dragone, casino show specialist, to develop Cintamani, a hard-ticket theater-in-the-round production retelling the tale of Shangri-La.
During afternoons, Shen Yun Theater hosts *Shaolin Stunt Show, a 15-minute kung fu display which operates as a daily Lost Horizon attraction. And while Shen Yun Theater sits opposite the casino from Lost Horizon, perimeter pathways provide access around the casino floor for younger guests. Within the theater is a crowd-pleasing stunt spectacular of high-flying action. As an upcharge, guests may even train backstage with our cast, and learn the timeless Shaolin mysteries!
Lo-Tsen Fine Art Gallery, accessed from either the hotel lobby or via Lost Horizon bridge, is host to a masterfully curated rotating gallery of fine contemporary Asian artwork. The galleries are free to explore – respectfully, of course - while all our art is for sale. A permanent collection of wrathful dharmapala masks acts as the gallery’s centerpiece.
SHOPPING
Shamballa Bazaar graces the resort’s northern boundary (supporting Conway Wing), a two-story enclosed shopping promenade inspired by China’s Lijiang Town. Within, Shamballa Bazaar resembles a centuries-old Chinese village at the foothills of the Himalayas, with nighttime stars glistening overhead. Red lanterns abound. A canal runs through the center. Stone bridges cross it. Dragon Bay boats float underneath. As a crossroads of cultures, Shamballa Bazaar is a trading post for all eclectic manner of contemporary boutique brands. We cater to both Millennials and high-end Vegas crowds. To fully experience Shamballa Bazaar is to stretch a rich day at Shangri-La Vegas even further!
Featured shops and restaurants include:
*Aeropostale
*American Eagle
American Threads
Anthropologie
*Apple Store
The Art of Shaving
Burberry
Calvin Klein
*Free People
*H&M
*Hollister
*Hot Topic
Levi’s
*Nike
*Nordstrom
*PacSun
Patagonia
Prada
*Ralph Lauren
*Ray-Ban
Sephora
Sur la Table
Tiffany & Co.
Tumi
*Urban Outfitters
*UGG Australia
*Victoria’s Secret
Zara
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Bahama Breeze
Firehouse Subs
Krispy Kreme
The Habit Burger Grill
Starbucks
(* indicates a “Top 10 Brand” in a recent survey of Millennials)
Towards the front of Shamballa Bazaar is Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the most intriguing movie theater chain in the U.S. today. Alamo offers in-theater meal service, comfortable seating, and niche film events. Best of all, they are 100% dedicated to a “no talking, no texting” policy, all of which makes Drafthouse the best film going experience in Las Vegas!
The Stupa Stage is a live stage within the very center of Shamballa Bazaar. This plaster stupa arena is graced by prayer bells and endless knot frescos. An ongoing rotation of live musical acts – contemporary pop, live DJs, freestyle rap – is meant to attract passersby and extend a visit to our resort. Careful acoustic design ensures performances are never too loud for nearby shoppers.
Tesla presents a specialty dealership within the Shangri-La Vegas Hotel lobby, ideally situated so that arriving guests may admire Elon Musk’s famed high-end electric cars. Test drives remain rarified, by reservation and down payment only, starting from a dedicated driveway on Fashion Show Drive. Our partnership with Tesla is a response to the Wynn’s in-resort Ferrari dealership. Game on, Wynn!
RESTAURANTS
Dining at Shangri-La Vegas ranges from upscale to family-friendly. True to our resort’s theme and heritage, many restaurants present authentic Asian cuisine, even while providing nonthreatening options for other palettes. Eating is a very big deal in Las Vegas, with each resort boasting dozens of eateries. Below is but a sampler platter of what Shangri-La Vegas has to offer:
Ultima Thule is our flagship pan-Asian restaurant by Ming Tsai, a Michelin Star contender which trades white sheet stuffiness for freeform culinary fun in an exciting Himalayan throne room filled with flowing water. Live sitar music rounds out a wondrous dining experience.
Annapurna Harvest Buffet is the inevitable all-you-can-eat extravaganza, found in a night market setting. Kitchen windows look out onto the casino floor, allowing players to watch as food is prepared.
Buddha Bar extends its popular, hip chain to Las Vegas. Their East Asian style is perfect for our resort, and their trendy atmosphere adds crucial nightlife zest. A swanky multi-floor complex flawlessly combines temple and nightclub styles.
Din Tae Fung makes Chinese dim sum accessible to all! This renowned restaurant chain began in Hong Kong, and has lately been taking the Los Angeles area by storm. In Las Vegas, Din Tae Fung recalls their origins, with a recreation of a traditional Chinese dim sum palace.
Morimoto Asia comes to us from Iron Chef’s Morimoto, whose menu features safe American favorites like steaks alongside pan-Asian fare. The setting subtly recalls the Iron Chef stage, with the kitchen staff seen working atop a platform.
Katsuya is a contemporary take on classic Japanese cuisine, with only the Strip’s freshest sushi. A minimalist, modernist dining room clears the senses, all the better to enjoy the subtle delicacies we serve.
Wolfgang Puck’s at Shangri-La Vegas brings in European influences – French, Italian, and more! Diners feast in a southeastern Asian plantation, where robust mahogany Western furnishings compliment hearty foods.
La Cocina by Rick Bayless refines traditional Mexican food for American tastes, here with just a dash of Asian influence. Rick Bayless’s techniques make exotic foods accessible to the least adventurous eaters, without sacrificing quality.
GAMBLING
The Casino at Shangri-La Vegas is at the center of our resort, at the foot of Norgay Tower. Our casino floor is an adult playground under a vaulted golden ceiling, cut through by the peaceful Dragon Bay boats. Tastefully bedecked in gilt and jade, this 120,000 square foot casino features classic games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, craps, slots and keno. More uniquely, for the first time in Las Vegas players can enjoy Macau casino favorites such as Mahjong, Fan-Tan and Sic Bo! Lessons are available to patrons wishing to learn these exciting new games.
As another gift from Macau, Shangri-La Vegas offers an exclusive “rolling chip program” to Horizon Club members. This allows pit bosses to accurately track gaming patterns, all the better to comp the big spenders. Additionally, 10% of our casino’s income - not profit – will to go Sir Edmund Hillary’s charitable Himalayan Trust, dedicated to improving education and health throughout Nepal!
Perimeter pathways keep the casino optional but easily accessible. Children under 21 are still allowed to pass through, as is common Vegas practice, but this is not forced upon families like at competitors’ resorts. Additionally, all our casino grounds are smoke-free and ventilated. Shangri-La Vegas is committed to a well-rounded vacation, where exceptional gambling is just one part of a greater whole.
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Shangri-La Vegas makes every guest feel like they’ve entered a mountain paradise. Here they encounter luxury, transcendence and treasure in an exotic realm of legends. A verdant hidden utopia in the Nevada desert, filled with family fun and high-end class. There is plenty to do for guests who are too young – or too wise – to gamble, from Lost Horizon’s many quality attractions, to indoor skiing, amazing shows, movie theaters, extensive shopping, and more! East Asian influences appeal to an emerging tourist market. We are distinguished in a crowded field. Our resort is proud to host world-class rides, shows, films, shopping and dining. Our hotel and spa excel in top-notch comfort. Truly, Shangri-La Vegas is a gift for the curious, a mystical wonderland of adventure and illumination which exemplifies the very best of Las Vegas!
“In life’s journey, may you climb from peak to peak.”