{"id":7242,"date":"2014-03-31T07:00:51","date_gmt":"2014-03-31T14:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/?p=7242"},"modified":"2014-03-31T08:22:22","modified_gmt":"2014-03-31T15:22:22","slug":"las-vegas-ferris-wheel-opens-takes-breath-away","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/las-vegas-ferris-wheel-opens-takes-breath-away\/","title":{"rendered":"Las Vegas Ferris Wheel Opens, Takes Our Breath Away"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s been two years in the making, but the High Roller Ferris wheel<\/a> in Las Vegas has officially opened to the public, and this spectacular attraction promises to change the way we see the Las Vegas Strip forever.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/a>
You thought we were kidding?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Caesars Entertainment provided a couple of days of free rides to employees and members of the public, presumably to work out any kinks in the process of welcoming guests to the High Roller. We didn’t notice any kinks during our visit, so whatever they did worked.<\/p>\n

There were throngs of people in The Linq shopping and entertainment district, many drawn by the 550-foot tall observation wheel.<\/p>\n

Tickets are now available online<\/a>. How much to ride, you’re asking? Finally, we know for sure. Prices have initially been set at $24.95 for daytime rides and $34.95 for rides at night. Hint: Splurge and go at night! Even better, sunset!<\/p>\n

\"Las<\/a>
Express Pass: Ride any time, one day, skip the line. One- and Three-Day Flex Passes let you ride one time during a one or three-day window. Group rates start at $23.95 per person.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The High Roller will be open 365 days a year.<\/p>\n

The whole High Roller operation appears to have been thoroughly thought through, so the waits are short, and guests are provided with various diversions (like artwork and video presentations) while they wait.<\/p>\n

\"High<\/a>
This mural shows off the High Roller and all the Caesars Entertainment hotels in Vegas. Note “The Quad” doesn’t appear because the hotel is going to be given another name soon. Mark our words!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While guests can’t bring outside drinks onto the High Roller, they can bring along drinks purchased at the bar inside the attraction’s “wheelhouse.” Hey, this giant-ass wheel isn’t going to pay for itself.<\/p>\n

The bar was hopping!<\/p>\n

\"High<\/a>
Cocktails were in the $9 range, so not outrageous for The Strip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It should be noted that the High Roller Ferris wheel doesn’t have restrooms in its passenger capsules. The ride takes 30 minutes, so make sure to look for this sign before you get onto the ride!<\/p>\n

\"High<\/a>
You’re welcome.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loading up passengers into the wheel’s cabins is an interesting feat.<\/p>\n

The wheel doesn’t stop revolving, but moves very slowly (.89 feet per second, to be exact) so riders have the chance to enter the passenger capsules on one side while riders finishing their ride exit on the other side.<\/p>\n

\"Las<\/a>
There’s a net, so don’t freak out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yeah, it’s complicated, so here’s a magnificently slapped-together video that might illuminate the process, as well as giving some sense of the incredible views from the High Roller.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n<\/span>