I was on the strip today and it is noticeably more crowded than usual.
Expect LARGE crowds for New Years. Also watch out for inflated prices for food
on the strip. Harrahs "Mings table" - a part of the coffee shop is charging
$60 for a New Year's dinner - ouch!
You are advised to advance book any dinners on New Year's eve or day if you
are eating in a casino. Make full use of any slot cards/clubs to get line
passes for buffets to avoid long lines.
As I went from Bally's to Wynn it looked to me like one of the better places
to stand for New Years might be in front of the Wynn (or across street in
front of Fashion Show Mall). The area in front of the Venetian will be very
bad because they are closing off the Venetian plaza with a fence and only
Venetian room holders will be permitted inside. Another viewing area might be the
side of the Wynn, along Spring Mountain, because you'd have a good view of
the Venetian's rooftop from there, and probably less crowding.
I'm expecting record crowds on New Year's eve. Also expect higher than
normal table limits and large crowds inside casinos.
For those venturing onto the strip, as I mentioned previously, be aware that
most casinos will lock their doors unless you have a room key, so be
prepared for that for bathroom access in hours before midnight. Many will also stop
elevator service about 10 pm (even if you have a room).
Obviously watch out for pickpockets during this busy time of year! One year
we watched fireworks in Philadelphia and had a good vantage point looking
down at a pickpocket working the crowd who was looking up at fireworks!!
Weather forecast isn't looking too good for New Year's. If wind kicks up
they could cancel the fireworks so keep abreast of that if you plan to see
them. Possible showers are also in the forecast.
Have a happy....
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