Las Vegas remains the world’s largest producer of awestruck in the world.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you visit the Bellagio Conservatory on a regular basis, you start to see patterns (repetition) in the seasonal displays, so we were pleased to see an entirely new display unveiled for the summer of 2015.<\/p>\n
The new display features a mermaid, sunken ship, a 26-foot tall coral reef, multiple water features and a variety of vividly-colored sea life, including massive jelly fish and seahorses.<\/p>\nThe coral reef is 26 feet tall and 35 feet long. But this isn’t time for measuring things, it’s a time for being agog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThis is the first time the Bellagio’s Conservatory has plumbed the depths of the ocean for inspiration.<\/p>\n
Our first visit to the new summer display was during the day, and while impressive, the true magic of this new motif happens at night. We recommend making two visits. During the day, you can get a good look at the attention to detail. During the evening, your inner child will take over and you’ll be transported into the undersea world populated by Nemo and Ariel<\/span> and Bambi, had Bambi ever shown the ambition to be scuba certified.<\/p>\nAmong the highlights of the display is a sea turtle fashioned from red carnations and yellow Fuji mums.<\/p>\nWe like turtles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA fishermans’ wharf plays host to live music. Performances happen daily 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\nLadies and gentlemen, Carlos Sandtana.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn keeping with a recent trend to include more marketing aspects in the Conservatory’s displays, there’s also a sandcastle replica of Bellagio.<\/p>\nHey, somebody has to pay for all this whimsy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAnother stand-out aspect of the summer display is a mermaid with 1,500 fresh-cut flowers in her tail. Yes, we counted.<\/p>\nInsert your favorite “getting tail in Las Vegas” joke here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe artist who fashioned the mermaid’s face is named Ruel G. James, and he used a Las Vegas model for inspiration, a friend of ours, Tarra Scarff Proctor. Tarra would hate it if we included a photo of her here. So, we’re definitely doing it.<\/p>\nIf Tarra looks familiar, you may have bumped to her at Flamingo Las Vegas where she promoted shows to work her way through nursing school. Exclusive!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe mermaid has some impressive touches, like her hair, made from hundreds of seashells.<\/p>\nNo clams or scollops were harmed during the making of the mermaid’s hair.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBellagio’s summer display also has a 35-foot-long sunken fishing boat made of teak, mahogany and cedar wood. It’s difficult to see the whole boat from ground level, so we fired up our drone.<\/p>\nActually, we put our camera on a monopod, but that doesn’t sound nearly as cool as “we fired up our drone.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere’s also a larger-than-life treasure chest that would make the “The Goonies” proud. Related: How the hell is that movie 30 years old?<\/p>\nWhile a popular myth, only one pirate is known to have actually buried treasure, William Kidd.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAs with all displays at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, flowers play a big part in the overall wow factor.<\/p>\n
The summer display will feature 6,000 flowers per week, or 80,000 for the duration of the exhibit.<\/p>\nBotanical experts are available in the Conservatory each morning, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to answer questions from guests. Yes, even the annoying ones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn addition to the flowers, the attraction also boasts 600 shrubs. That’s a lot of shrubs. Sadly, shrubs don’t get nearly the attention or glory the flowers do. Shrubs are like the Jan Brady of the Bellagio Conservatory. “Fuji mums, Fuji mums, Fuji mums,” the shrubs exclaim.<\/p>\nYou’re definitely not looking at the shrubs. This animated clam is five feet tall and six feet long and opens up every seven minutes. Note: The Animated Clams would make a great band name.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThis latest Bellagio Conservatory installment is a captivating reminder of just how lavish, creative and ingenious these exhibits can be.<\/p>\nThe hanging jellyfish are 20 feet in diameter. Definitely a nighttime thing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThankfully, the Bellagio understands there’s a benefit to providing unforgettable, free things to do on The Strip. Given ongoing belt-tightening at Las Vegas casinos, we’ve worried the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens would be sent to Davy Jones’ Locker. Hang in there Bellagio!<\/p>\n
So, catch this new Bellagio Conservatory display while you can!<\/p>\n
And don’t miss the animated fishies.<\/p>\n