Mandalay Bay will soon be the newest home of the much-loved Disney stage adaptation of The Lion King!

Performances will begin May 2, 2009 with previews starting April 20th. The Mandalay Bay joins six other venues around the globe, including New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka.

Ticket prices and performance schedules haven’t been announced yet but you can bet my three little Disney experts will keep reminding me to check!

[image: flickr]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Tickets for the last performances of Mamma Mia! at the Mandalay Bay Theatre will go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am. The international hit, based on ABBA songs, will hold its last performance on Sunday, January 4, 2009.

The show has been on the Strip for nearly six years now, which comes out to 2,100 performances and two million guests to date!

The current performance schedule for Mamma Mia! is Sunday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m. There are no performances on Fridays.

Tickets are $110, $82.50 and $49.50, tax inclusive. Tickets are available by calling the Mandalay Bay Box Office at 800-632-7400, Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000, or online at mandalaybay.com or mamma-mia.com.

Mandalay Bay Theatre
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South

[image: flickr]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Mandalay Bay’s free “dive-in” movies at the Mandalay Bay Beach are coming to an end for the season but there are still two chances to see a free movie this week!

Tonight they’re showing “Pulp Fiction,” and the last movie on September 26th will be “American Pie.” Keep in mind both movies are rated R! Admission to the movies and beach are free, but you need to be 21 years old.

The gates will open at 8:00pm and the movie starts at 9:00pm.

Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South

[image: flickr]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

The always anticipated Labor Day weekend is only a week away and ask you can imagine there are a lot of great deals available!

Several Strip hotels are offering package deals that not only make your stay more fun but will help you save a few bucks as well:

Mandalay Bay wants to take the “labor” out of your Labor Day weekend with rates from only $109.99 from August 27 to September 4, 2008. With world-class restaurants and nightlife, to the highest rated beach in Vegas and the coveted cabanas that overlook the shore, you don’t want to miss this deal! Call (877) 632-7800 or book online and ask for promo code “PLABOR-P2”
Cost: Rates from $109.99 per night plus tax

Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Reservations: 877-632-7800 or online

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MGM Grand is offering a very unique deal: Their Maximum Vegas package is making it easier for you to return and enjoy your stay again! Participating guests receive a $300 return trip airfare credit award, $25 activity credit for dining or entertainment, 15% off spa services from Grand Spa, 15% off retail shopping at selected retail outlets at MGM Grand and two complimentary poolside cocktails.
Cost: Rates from $100 per night plus tax

MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Reservations: (866) 929-1111 or online

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New York-New York’s Fifth Avenue Package offers guests several ways to save money: Book with this special offer receive a complimentary upgrade to a Park Avenue Strip View Room, two welcome cocktails, 2-for-1 breakfast at Il Fornaio, $15 off a spa treatment and 2-for-1 passes to The Roller Coaster.
Cost: Rates from $75 per night plus tax

New York-New York
3790 Las Vegas Blvd South
Reservations: online

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Excalibur’s End-of-Summer Celebration lets you pick the Las Vegas vacation that’s right for you! Book this offer and receive 2-for-1 Tournament of Kings Show Tickets and a $25 food and beverage credit.
Cost: Rates from $41 per night plus tax

Excalibur Hotel & Casino
3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Reservations: (800) 937-7777 or online

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Circus Circus’s Be Adventurous package includes a $10 resort credit, 2-for-1 dinner at Circus Buffet, 2-for-1 entrées at Mexitalia X-Press, a complimentary pitcher of margaritas from The Garden Grill, a coupon for $4 off a ride pass for The Adventuredome Theme Park, and a Circus Circus Fun Book worth $100 in savings.
Cost: Rates from $42 per night plus tax

Circus Circus Hotel & Casino
2880 Las Vegas Blvd South
Reservations: (800) 937-7777 or online

[image: sxc]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

There’s so much more to Vegas than loud casinos and flashy showgirls!

Over the years a lot of hotels and developers have been mindful of the fact that people also come to Vegas to relax, and maybe even get the kids out of the house or the hotel room once in a while too.

~ Shark Reef at the Mandalay Bay is a fantastic experience for kids and adults alike. It’s been over a year since we went last and my kids are still talking about it! Their favorite part was the 20-foot-long acrylic tunnel you can walk through while fish swim above and around, mine was the jellyfish tube.

3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Cost: $15.95 for adults; $9.95 for children 5-12; free for children under 5. Nevada residents receive a discount with valid ID.

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~ The Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage is also a memorable experience. The Dolphin Habitat is home to eight Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and you get the chance to see them underwater from a small windowed room. The Royal White Tigers of Nevada and the White Lions of Timbavati make it that much better! The majority of the Habitat and Secret Garden is outside, so make sure you bring some water and wear your hats and sunscreen.

3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Hours: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays during winter, fall & spring and 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Cost: General admission is $15 for adults; $10 for children 4 to 12; and free every day for children 3 and under, when accompanied by an adult.

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~ The Lion Habitat at MGM Grand can house up to five lions at any given time in a habitat surrounded by Acacia trees, waterfalls, and ponds. The habitat is inside and a gift shop is located right next door.

3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Shop is open 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
Cost: Admission is free.

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~ Bonnie Springs at Old Nevada is the only petting zoo around the valley. Ride a cute little train from the parking lot to the town (or just walk) to see goats, horses, ducks, and sheep.

1 Gunfighter Lane, Blue Diamond
Hours: Open daily 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Cost: $20 per car load up to six people

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The Henderson Bird Preserve is a 90-acre migratory and desert bird stop and wetlands that encompasses basins, lagoons and ponds. The majority is outside and though there are trees, trails, benches and kiosks, bring your hats and sunscreen!

City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility
2400-B Moser Drive
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily
Cost: Free

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is celebrating its 8th anniversary next week and the visitors are the ones who get the gifts!

The largest surprise is the unveiling of Nevada’s first Komodo Dragon, the most deadly and feared reptile on Earth. It will join the rest of the aquarium’s 2,000 predator animals.

All kids who come to see the Komodo Dragon will receive a free temporary tattoo designed by Starlight Tattoos!

Tickets for the celebration on June 20th only are $8 (a 50% discount off the regular ticket price, and 40% off children’s prices). Starbucks will even be on hand to pass out complimentary Komodo Blend coffee to those waiting in line!

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South
1-877-632-7800

[images used with permission from Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Whether you plan on bringing Dad to Sin City for a weekend of relaxation or you live here and need to find something to do, check out the restaurants and concert venues below to make sure Dad gets the day he deserves!

~ Becker’s Steakhouse will be celebrating Father’s Day on June 13th and 14th by offering a “King Cut Prime Rib Dinner,” (22 oz!) for $21, in addition to enjoying 2 for 1 beverages!
2400 N. Buffalo Drive; 702-216-2700

~ Dick’s Last Resort at Excalibur, which dubs itself the “wackiest spot on The Strip,” will have a sizzling Prime Rib dinner served with a baked potato and green beans for just $23.95, as well as specials on Jim Beam, Crown Royal Reserve and 2-for-1 draft beers just for dads. Children will also be provided with paper ties that they get to decorate and personalize for each feasting father! The restaurant opens at 11 a.m., prime rib dinner available after 5 p.m.
3850 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-597-7700

~ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will be hosting a Father’s Day brunch for $32.95 that will feature a choice of Manhattan seafood chowder or chopped salad; choice of filet mignon benedict, crab cake benedict, apple wood smoked pork chop or seafood newberg puff pastry with loaded mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans served family style and choice of berry cobbler with oatmeal crust, chocolate espresso creme brulee or walnut turtle pie. Whew! Specialty drinks include a Prime royale — champagne with a hint of French raspberry liqueur — or a Fleming’s Mary, each for $6.95. Served 11:30am to 3pm. (Regular menu also available.)
8721 W. Charleston Blvd; 702-838-4774

~ Smith & Wollensky Steakhouse will offer a special Three Course Prix Fixe Menu for Father’s Day on June 15. The price is $65 per person plus tax and gratuity and the service hours are 11:30am to 1am. (Regular menu also available.)
3767 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 702-862-4100

~ Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck at Springs Preserve is hosting a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the Springs Cafe with a special “BBQ and Blues” brunch on June 15 from 11am to 4pm. Live music will be provided in the cafe by the Pete Contino Band along with a special cameo appearance by “The World’s Greatest Accordionist” Dick Contino. The first 100 dads to visit the museums and galleries will receive free admission! Brunch prices are $45 per adult and $12.50 per child aged 10 and under.
333 S. Valley View Blvd.; For reservations call 702-822-7705

~ T.G.I. Friday’s has announced they will treat fathers across the United States to a free order of crispy beer-battered onion rings with roasted green Chile sauce with the purchase of an entree on Father’s Day at participating restaurants. There are four locations in Las Vegas: 1800 E. Flamingo Road; 4570 W. Sahara Ave.; 4500 W. Tropicana Ave.; and 4330 E. Sunset St. in Henderson

Concerts and Music:
~ June 13-14: Johnny Mathis, Hilton Theater, Las Vegas Hilton
~ June 13-15: Day in the Life – John Lennon Anthology Concert, Showroom, Suncoast
~ June 13-15: Ron Stubbs, Showroom, South Point
~ June 14: Patty Smyth & Scandal, The Railhead @ Boulder Station
~ June 14: Grand Funk Railroad, Ovation Lounge, Green Valley Ranch
~ June 14: Ted Nugent, House of Blues, Mandalay Bay

[image: sxc]

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

“Mamma Mia” at the Mandalay Bay is celebrating five years on the Strip. To date, the full-length Broadway show has broken sales records for the hotel and can boast over 2 million visitors spanning 1900 shows.

It was scheduled to end this August, but due to popular demand and a possible upcoming feature film starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan it has been extended to at least January of 2009.

The production features performances to ABBA songs like Dancing Queen, I Have a Dream, Voulez-Vous, and Take a Chance on Me, and is set to a story of love, laughter and friendship:

“On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited 20 years ago.”

Mamma Mia
Theatre at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South

7:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursdays
6 and 10 p.m. Saturdays
Tickets: $49.50-$110 (632-7580)

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Unless you plan to pay for it, that is! I was surprised to learn last night that several hotels along the Strip are now using scales and even motion-detectors with their minibars that charge you if items are moved or removed. It doesn’t matter if you’re just looking at the label or change your mind – once the device registers that an item has removed you’re charged for it.

The Wynn was the subject of the post linked above (the scale is built into the wooden tray), but at least a few other hotels are also employing the feature: Red Rock Resort, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and Caesars Palace.

Not having to have stayed in a Strip hotel I can’t say how annoying these really are, but according to some of the comments and experiences the majority of bars had notes with the mini bar that tell you how long you have to replace the item or warn that you will be charged, and the hotels seem to be accommodating when it comes to taking the fee off the bill when necessary.

Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer

Jan. 26 Brad Paisley @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
Jan. 26 Social Distortion @ House of Blues, Mandalay Bay
Jan. 26 Miss America Pageant @ Planet Hollywood Theatre, Planet Hollywood

Feb. 1 Jonas Brothers @ Planet Hollywood Theatre, Planet Hollywood
Feb. 1-2 Jerry Seinfeld @ The Colosseum, Caesars Palace
Feb. 2 George Strait @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
Feb. 8 James Blunt @ The Pearl, The Palms
Feb. 9 Alan Jackson @ Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena
Feb. 9 Terri Clark @ Ovation Lounge, Green Valley Ranch
Feb. 14-17, 21-24 George Carlin @ Showroom, The Orleans
Feb. 20 Bette Midler @ The Colosseum, Caesars Palace
Feb. 22-24 The Osmond Brothers @ Showroom, Suncoast
Feb. 23 Sarah Silverman @ The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel
Feb. 28 Doodlebops @ Orleans Arena, The Orleans

March 8 Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler @ Mandalay Bay Events Center, Mandalay Bay
March 18 Matchbox Twenty, Alanis Morrissette @ The Pearl, Palms
March 19-April 6 Elton John @ The Colosseum, Caesars Palace
March 22 Blue Oyster Cult @ Railhead, Boulder Station
March 29 Joss Stone @ The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel

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Post from: The Las Vegas Adventurer