If you are planning to go to the strip this year to see the fireworks, be
aware of several things. The strip will close to vehicular traffic earlier
this year, due to larger crowds. It could close as early as 4 to 5pm (no one
knows when they will close it off, it might be later than that - even as late
as 8pm). The monorail will continue to run but might close during the time
close to midnight. It also will take awhile to reopen the strip.
If you are going to the strip to watch fireworks, be aware that many casinos
close their doors and only allow those in who have room keys. Sometimes a
slot club card will gain you admittance. This means that toilets and places
to warm up will be few.
Also the strip is EXTREMELY CROWDED at midnight. From 11 to 1 am expect
conditions to be shoulder to shoulder, a totally packed crowd. Such a thick
crowd can be scary, and even dangerous if you are small. Do not take children!
My advice is to try to pick a location to stand that is a little wider than
normal. The police will rope off the 2 middle lanes of Las Vegas Blvd.
While it seems like there should be a lot of space, in actuality there isn't.
Walkways over the strip will also be closed. One wider area I would suggest is
in front of the Mirage, which has a good view of several fireworks spots.
Less crowded areas may also be further down like in front of the Wynn, where
there are fewer casinos. The area between T.I. and Aladdin is jam packed.
Get to your preferred viewing area by about 11 pm. After that the walking
to get anywhere is terrible. Also be aware that friendly crowds also may
include revelers who are yelling, drinking beer, or acting up. Older folks will
want to be in a safe area where people are not constantly walking by you --
again, look for wider areas such as parts of Caesars or the Mirage.
Once the fireworks have finished, stay where you are if you are far from
your hotel. It will take awhile for crowds to disperse. One year we stood at
the Mirage and then attempted to walk back to Harrahs after the fireworks. In
front of the Mirage wasn't too scary, but when we started walking
immediately after the fireworks, the crowds became dense rows of moving people and we
were afraid of falling and getting crushed. Wait until things disperse more
and then you can walk more safely.
Also be aware that there are only a few places to walk across the strip -
for example from Venetian to T.I. You can't just cross directly, the middle
part of the strip is roped off. You have to walk a little ways down to the
area left open.
Also crowds will swell at the entry and exit points into casinos right
before and after the fireworks. When we walked from the Mirage, we got caught up
in a crowd of people trying to enter the Mirage, while we just wanted to walk
past the Mirage.
Now there are many good areas to see the fireworks. One safe one with an
excellent view is the back parking lot (near the convention area) of The Rio.
Some people go to the top of parking garages such as the Palms or Gold Coast.
From the Las Vegas Hilton you can get a good view of the strip.
Also be aware that many hotels turn off their elevators for an hour to
several hours around midnight. I guess this is to keep hotel guests who are at
various parties from going up and back and around, but it can be annoying. Be
sure to check the policy in your hotel.
If you are going to a New Years party, sometimes these run til past
midnight, so you are forced to choose to either see the show or see the fireworks.
This happened to us at Harrahs where we wanted to see Clint Holmes perform. He
didn't start performing til about 11:30, so we had to miss him to see the
fireworks.
Be aware that it will probably be cold outside, so dress warmly because if
you are out there, and have to get into position, this could leave you out in
the cold for 2 hours or more.
If you want to take children, I suggest going to a nice, safe area such as
the Rio back parking lot.
Public buses will be running, but will change their routes during the hours
when the strip is closed. For example, the Rt. 202 on Flamingo will stop at
Valley View. Shuttle buses from casinos will have shortened hours (Coast
buses may only run til about 3:30 pm). I believe public buses may be free on
New Years.
Being on the strip is fun, interesting, and exciting. But the crowds are so
thick it can also be scary. We've done it twice, also viewed from the Rio.
This year we will be at Bally's where we've asked for a room with a great
view down the strip (I'm just hoping we can get up to it if the elevators are
stopped since we also want to go to their party).
Many people wear strange hats, outfits, glasses, and so on. It is
interesting to see them on the strip!
You can also watch the fireworks on TV - but it isn't the same! The best
view is directly under the fireworks, such as in front of the Mirage/T.I. with
excellent views of fireworks set off at the Venetian, Flamingo Hilton, and
other nearby areas. Most of the fireworks will be set off on the Venetian side
of the street. The fireworks will run from the Stratosphere to Mandalay
Bay. All the fireworks are pretty much the same from each property. Last year
they only lasted about 10-15 minutes I would say -- so if you are going for
the fireworks, don't expect a long show. This year's show is reputed to be
longer. There is also special music. From the Rio you won't hear it.
Actually with the noisy crowd it is difficult to hear the music if you are down on
the strip.
Have fun, be safe, and Happy New Year.
-- MissCraps
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