Being from Massachusetts it’s always a very long, 5 – 5 ½ arduous hours of flying to get to Las Vegas.
However this trip it was a short one ……… only one hour in the air, since we flew in from San Diego
after a weekend visit with relatives there.
This was our 20th straight time staying at The Orleans, (we love it there) and 22nd time overall in Las Vegas.
Our room had a new flat screen TV, ….. seemed about 46 inches.
I don’t know if all the rooms in all three towers now have them, but our room on the 20th floor in Tower 3 did.
But once again we never watched TV while there.
Our theory is that we don’t have video poker machines in our house, so we can watch TV when we get home, Right ?
Not a good picture, but you get the idea.
We always start our Vegas Vacations gambling together playing quarter Loose Deuces at The Orleans.
This time was no different, except that we didn’t hit any 2-2-2-2 at this time.
Once, a couple of trips ago, I hit four Deuces ($625) after about 10 minutes of playing time.
Then after about another 10 minutes I hit a Royal ($1,000) after holding 2 cards,
then finished with another 4 Deuces ($625) before I even lifted my cute little butt off the seat.
With our tradition done, we now ventured to the Strip as we had an agenda to follow. LOL
For this trip we only scheduled two shows.
We have seen many of the current ones, and arriving on Monday and leaving Saturday morning,
we actually missed some of the weekend shows. So off to the Strip to get our tickets .....
I had read somewhere here about the free balcony tickets to Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show,
and that we should get them a few days ahead to make sure they were available.
I used the LVA coupon, but there are coupons in the free books all around town. ????
So the Flamingo was our first stop. Got the tickets for Friday with no problem.
We walked through the new Margaritaville casino. Nothing great in my opinion,
just a little theme here and there.
I was surprised that the table chips were not the same chips the Flamingo uses.
They actually say Margaritaville on them, so we each bought a dollar chip for our collections.
Then we walked up to the Imperial Palace for Human Nature tickets for later that night.
We first checked the price at the 1/2 off place,
but the Box Office price with the LVA coupon was just about the same. ???? ..... so we got them there.
We also dipped into Harrah’s to play their Pick ‘Em or Pick a Pair or whatever it’s called.
You could make some serious $$$ on those machines IF you win,
as the games are not just the traditional Pick‘Em,
but also Pick‘Em Deuces and Pick‘Em Double Double Bonus, .... we had a little action, but we both ended up losing here.
Now it’s either Caesars or the Mirage Buffet for dinner using the $5 off coupon or 2/1 LVA coupon respectively.
But wait a minute !!!! .... I had a thought. What about the Wynn Buffet,
with their “earn so many points / get a buffet for two” offer.
As we walked in, there was a Red Card Booth to the left in the main aisle with the stores.
I stopped and inquired, knowing that I received this buffet twice on my card,
and I think only once on Rock’n Rita’s card. So I’m basically looking for the second on her card.
I hand the boothling both of our cards ..... Yada, yada, yada, can I see your license, blab, blab, yak, yak,
new members only, blah, blah, 300 points now, yada, blab,
you haven’t been here since ???? (ya ya I know) ..... yada, yada, yada, blah, .... yak, yak.
Okay, I’ve had enough, and I’m not dropping a dime here, ……………… Ba-Bye.
Outside I’m thinking, Hey ?!?!?!? ….. what about all those offers that I get in the mail ?
Some in very nice envelopes, fancy stationary, free this and free that ….. I want to talk to a Host.
So back inside we go and I explain the entire scenario to a very nice host who asked for my Red Card.
Before I was even finished I was handed my card back loaded with two buffets. Score !!!!
The Wynn buffet is one of the best in Vegas. I would place it in the top 3 or 4.
The Host also gave me a business card suggesting that I call before my next trip to see what could be done for me.
Thank you very much for excellent customer service.
Now the Video Poker tables are not very favorable at Wynn, but still with that in mind,
I thought that it was only fair to give their casino some play before we ate
…………………… “some play” huh ???
A $500 WYNN !!!! ......... LOL
Notice the 100 credits for a Wild Royal, …… and of course I hit four Wild Royals while on this machine.
After dinner we headed back down the Strip to the Imperial Palace to see Human Nature,
four guy singers from Australia who have tight harmony and cool crisp dance moves.
They previously toured with Celine Dion and Michael Jackson, and have many top selling records.
The theme of their show was “Celebration of Motown”, and with the seven very talented musicians
Backing them up, they had a wall of sound
(guitar, bass, drums on the left, and trumpet, sax, trombone, piano/keyboard on the right).
They did feature some “a cappella”, as I think that’s how they originally started,
and that portion of the show was also very entertaining.
They will be featured on a PBS Special later this year.
I think they said it was to air in December. This is a very good show for a reasonable price.
Today is Tuesday, and we plan on meeting up with friends at The Orleans later that afternoon,
so we didn’t want to venture out too far.
Usually on a day like this I’d get some pool time in, but this week in Vegas was unusually cool,
sometimes windy, and here in there an occasional shower or a few rain drops, even though once in a while it was sunny.
Did I miss anything ??? LOL
We took the shuttle over to the Gold Coast and planned on walking to the Rio and the Palms.
Every time we’ve planned this mini-jaunt in the past, one of the two “walk to” places gets scrubbed,
and this time it was the Palms. We went to the Rio first, basically just to walk the stores, .....
I’ve never gambled in that place eh-vah.
Then to the Gold Coast where back in May I had “earned” a single buffet pass using the LVA coupon.
At that time I gave it to Rock’n Rita so she could go in and make an Ice Cream Sundae (while I played WOO and lost).
Unfortunately she came back and told me the buffet at the Gold Coast closes when they make the switch,
so she couldn’t use it then, so she saved it for this trip.
This trip the timing was right and she came back a happy little camper,
after having some pizza, tea and cookies and ice cream.
Back to The Orleans, where I was playing dollar Joker Poker when I was dealt two 6’s and a Joker
and drew two more 6’s for Five of a Kind ($1,000).
It’s always nice to start of a Las Vegas Vacation with some early hits ………… so VERY nice.
Later we met up with friends who drove in to visit with us for two days at The Orleans.
We have gambled together for nearly 20 years now, and always have a good time.
Dinner tonight was at The Prime Rib Loft. We were seated in the area that overlooks the casino.
I’ve never sat there before, and for those of you that watch all the Las Vegas Travel Channel shows,
this is where the above shots of the casino floor were shot from.
We all shared the Tempura Vegetables and Lump Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps over drinks,
I ordered my usual Beefeater Martini which was excellent.
Rock’n Rita and I always get the Queen Cut (10 ounce, $16).
This comes with a salad and potato of choice, along with rolls and butter.
Not a bad deal, and always very good. I closed this all out with an espresso. Hit the spot.
Back to gambling where Rock’n Rita hit the quarter Loose Deuces,
unfortunately I forgot to take a picture this time ……… Sorry folks.
Around this time I was lured by the Wizard of Oz. He can be quite friendly at times, and quite mean at others.
I put $100 in and only got the Bonu$ (boom, ...... Boom, ........ BOOOOM) once, and not for much $$$.
I scored better once with the Fairy thingy when I hit for $144.
However in the end the Wizard won again when he handed Rock’n Rick a Big Fat Zero.
Wednesday we were going to venture to the Strip, but then decided to hang out.
We gambled and caught a movie.
The Orleans has eighteen movie theaters, so you can always find the movie you want.
It’s a nice complex, and with the free small popcorn coupon received at check-in for hotel guests
it’s a relaxing respite between gambling sessions.
Rock’n Rita suggested “Money Ball”, mostly because I’m not a big movie person and she knows what I might possibly like,
and she was right on with this one.
It was a cool movie starring Brad Pitt as the Oakland A’s General Manager and the team’s record setting 20-game winning streak.
This movie had a lot of Boston Red Sox references interwoven throughout,
and since I was born in Boston and follow all four pro teams here, I could relate to a lot of it.
The pictures of Fenway Park were wicked cool to see also.
Met back up with our friends and had dinner reservations for Canal Street.
I relaxed with a Martini , and we ordered “Antpasto Caldo”
(Fried Mozzarella, Sausage/Roasted Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms, Shrimp, Fried Calamari with a Spicy Italian Red Sauce for dipping)
for an appetizer. We both usually get the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, and split a baked potato.
This time the baked potato was the largest that I’ve ever seen in at any time in any restaurant.
Couple all this with a salad and the variety of rolls and we were totally stuffed.
Add a wine later for me, and the bill totaled $111 and change, and I believe another great meal for the price.
BTW, our waiter there was excellent.
Later that night my friend hit a quarter Royal, but I wasn’t near him for a picture.
Sometime Wednesday I used the $10 LVA Matchplay playing roulette.
I put it on red and hit. Yeaaaa.
Now I’m off and running, ….. had my chips up to about $130 +/-,
then kind of got bored with it and instead of cashing out, I increased my bets and lost my wins.
Bad Mistake.
While I was there I saw a guy buy $300 in nickels and place them all over the board.
Zero came out and he didn’t have it covered.
Then he bought $700 in quarters and placed them all over the board.
I can’t remember the number that came out, but you guessed it, he didn’t have it covered this time either.
$1,000 in two spins, ……… and I felt bad because I actually only lost my Match Play bet (well kinda, lol).
Thursday, our friends left for home early morning and Rock’n Rita and I planned a Downtown day.
Last May when we were at the El Cortez, I was inquiring about the promotions at the slot club.
Yada, yada, yada, earn, get, blah, blah, .... Jacket in October, ....... blah, blah ..........
WAIT A MINUTE !!!!!!! ....... Did I hear “Jacket in October” ? Well I’ll be back in October, tell me more.
“Get a Jackpot of $200 on Slots or $300 on Video Poker and win a Jacket”
Holy Crap, I’ll be back for that I thought ..........
So here we are, it’s October 5th, and I’m back at the El Cortez for MY Jacket.
Well I know my best chance is to play at the dollar level.
My video poker game of choice is Joker Poker (Kings or Better),
but to get a $300 Jackpot or better, I would have to get either a Wild Royal ($500) or Five of a Kind ($1,000) or a Royal Flush …
...... all hard to get, but I gave it a try, …. Nada.
Well let me try Bonus Deuces … maybe I’ll get lucky and either hit four Deuces or five Aces, …… Naaah-DAH, AgainaaaaaAH.
BUT WAIT !!!!!
Double Double Bonus gives me more opportunities with all of the four 3’s, four 4’s, four 5’s,
and 4 Aces options along with just maybe a Royal.
Soon after switching I was dealt two 4’s and the other two 4’s fill right in for $400,
................ and MY Jacket !!!!
I just love it when a plan comes together.
BTW, the jacket comes in 5 colors. I got the black.
With Mission One of our Downtown strike completed, we now headed to Main Street Station for Mission Two.
Again last spring we noticed Main Street Station had quarter Loose Deuces with a Royal Progressive.
It was then that Rock’n Rita caught those elusive four 2’s for $625.
This time, as we stealthfully approached, I asked her which one is your lucky machine.
She instantly put her hand on the back of a chair and sat down. Within 5 minutes she hit those four Deuces again ($625).
Also as an added bonus, when you get any natural Four of a Kind on Video Poker at Main Street Station,
you get a scratch ticket (could be $2 to $5,000, but most are for $2 or $3).
When Rock’n Rita was done, she had cashed in all her tickets. They added up to $17 !!!
........... But BEFORE she was done, I hear her yell in shock “HOLY SHIT !!!!“
... as she hit the Four Deuces a second time, and this time they were DEALT !!!!!
Mission Two Accomplished.
We are now in Cruise Control (squelch) ............... Roger That. (squelch) …… OVER.
We later strolled around Fremont Street walking toward the Deuce stop after first visiting the Plaza.
So this place was re-done ??? We really didn’t notice anything different,
and if I didn’t know, would have only guessed there was a just new machine here or there.
Some of which were nice non-glare video poker machines, but the Wild Royal on Deuces Wild was only for 100 coins.
I’m slowly seeing this 25 coin reduction, especially when I’m at Foxwoods in CT, but now in Vegas too.
I just hope this is not a precursor of things to come.
Come to think of it, I thought I read that the casino formally known as the Barbary Coast was somewhat re-done too.
Nothing looked different to me there either.
Back to the Strip, and it’s about 7:20 and we still haven’t eaten dinner.
Caught the shuttle back to The Orleans and devoured their evening buffet.
This time, before I had a little of everything, I made myself two delicious tacos. Mmmmmm Gooooood.
Now back at The Orleans we are once again drawn to those Loose Deuces where now it’s my turn to hit them. ($625)
Then a very short time later Rock’n Rita once again hit them. ($625)
This is her third time hitting Loose Deuces today.
Where did the time go ………… it’s Friday already and our last full day in Vegas.
We were able to get by the pool today, so I got my last chance to maybe hold onto some of my summer tan until spring.
It was relaxing to be in the sun and vegg-out before heading out to the Strip.
We had already secured the free Nathan Burton tickets, and were a bit early, so Rock’n Rita
wanted to try those Pick’Ems at Harrah’s once again. This time they were even crueler than before,
but we didn’t play long, as we could feel the machines not wanting to cooperate.
Ya win sometimes, …….. Ya lose more times.
The Nathan Burton show was in the showroom where Donny and Marie perform, and we arrived a bit early,
so we took a walk around the shops in the Flamingo first.
Not a huge mistake, but if we had gone in first,
our seats would have been at the tables in the first balcony row (the free tickets are not assigned seating).
We sat up a little higher, but still okay seats.
The show starts with an MC / Magician / Comedian who came out a few times and was very good.
Then other acts came out, some comedy, some magic, some just of the variety type.
……… but I’m still waiting for Nathan Burton ????
He was a no-show, and the thing that mildly irritated me was that there was no announcement was made at all.
The show was still pretty good, especially for free, just no Nathan Burton and no announcement. ???
After the show we headed back to the Orleans where we ate at Canal Street once again.
This time Rock’n Rita suggested adding the 2 shrimp (for an addition charge) to the Filet instead of a large appetizer.
This was an excellent idea. I had my Martini, and everything is fine.
After dinner we strolled to the quarter Bonus Deuces Progressive Royal located near the buffet.
Once again Rock’n Rita hit four Deuces ($250), .......... and once again they were dealt.
It’s now getting that time where you can feel the vacation-ending clock clicking away the fun like a slow, loud, persistent bass drum.
I don’t like to gamble the morning we leave because of “tripping” the system, so just about now
I’m basically shutting down, and in a short while will get my Ca$h Back from the slot booth.
Okay $200 more, and I’m done. I usually saunter through the old dollar reel slots once during my trip,
and I hadn’t done this pre-programmed route yet on this trip.
I start at Megabuck$, cause ya just never know. A few spins here, move, a few spins there, move, rinse and repeat.
Now I’m at my favorite machine. There are 2 or 3 of these so the exact location shall not be revealed.
Back in May I hit this machine for $2,700 with a Triple Star – Seven – Triple Star, ......... and now I’m Baaaaaaack !!!!!!
After maybe fifteen or twenty spins I get this for $4,000 !!!!
Now I will play more. Yippppeeeeee !!!!
I choose Dollar Triple Play Deuces Wild. I’m dealt three Deuces. I hit DRAW.
No more deuces appear. Aghhhh.
Now I play .50 cent Five Play Double Double Bonus. I’m dealt three Deuces. I hit DRAW
No more deuces appear. Aghhhh.
But I did hit four Aces on this machine so I’ll take it, Thank You.
I stroll around and then play the Loose Deuces a little more with Rock’n Rita, ... No luck, hit Cash Out, and tell her I’m now done.
I walk to the Players Booth, get my Ca$h Back and call it a night.
Saturday, and we have an 11:00AM flight.
Just enough time to eat the breakfast buffet at 8:00, go up to the room, organize,
do the final packing and then shut down the show.
The ride to the airport was quick and we were through the screening probably the fastest ever.
We were surprised that it was so fast for a Saturday morning.
Good, because that now gave us time for more video poker in the terminal before we board.
I was playing some Triple Bonus game with Sprinkles and was dealt 4 to a Straight Flush.
BINGO !!!! ……… The needed card appeared on the draw,
and because I had chosen the game “with Sprinkles”, a Straight Flush was worth 500 coins !!!!, and not the traditional 250.
Cool Huh ????
I Played for awhile more, cashed out with a small profit, and we boarded.
Now all of the above is from what I can recall as accurately as I can.
It’s pretty hard trying to get all the dates and hits lined up in chronological order.
However, there were other pictures on my camera that I thought you might find interesting.
I don’t remember every nuance of every picture, but these were all at The Orleans sometime during the week.
So I thought I would end this Trip Report by giving you just a little more Video Poker Porn for you to lust over.
Thanks for reading.
I hope you enjoyed the show.
Rock’n Rick
WILD ROYAL ON DOLLAR JOKER POKER $500
FOUR 6’S ON DIME STP WITH 5X FOR $125
FOUR ACES ON DIME STP WITH 3X FOR $240
STRAIGHT FLUSH ON DOLLAR JOKER POKER FOR $250
FIVE ACES ON DOLLAR DEUCES WILD DOUBLE BONUS FOR $800
However this trip it was a short one ……… only one hour in the air, since we flew in from San Diego
after a weekend visit with relatives there.
This was our 20th straight time staying at The Orleans, (we love it there) and 22nd time overall in Las Vegas.
Our room had a new flat screen TV, ….. seemed about 46 inches.
I don’t know if all the rooms in all three towers now have them, but our room on the 20th floor in Tower 3 did.
But once again we never watched TV while there.
Our theory is that we don’t have video poker machines in our house, so we can watch TV when we get home, Right ?
Not a good picture, but you get the idea.
We always start our Vegas Vacations gambling together playing quarter Loose Deuces at The Orleans.
This time was no different, except that we didn’t hit any 2-2-2-2 at this time.
Once, a couple of trips ago, I hit four Deuces ($625) after about 10 minutes of playing time.
Then after about another 10 minutes I hit a Royal ($1,000) after holding 2 cards,
then finished with another 4 Deuces ($625) before I even lifted my cute little butt off the seat.
With our tradition done, we now ventured to the Strip as we had an agenda to follow. LOL
For this trip we only scheduled two shows.
We have seen many of the current ones, and arriving on Monday and leaving Saturday morning,
we actually missed some of the weekend shows. So off to the Strip to get our tickets .....
I had read somewhere here about the free balcony tickets to Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show,
and that we should get them a few days ahead to make sure they were available.
I used the LVA coupon, but there are coupons in the free books all around town. ????
So the Flamingo was our first stop. Got the tickets for Friday with no problem.
We walked through the new Margaritaville casino. Nothing great in my opinion,
just a little theme here and there.
I was surprised that the table chips were not the same chips the Flamingo uses.
They actually say Margaritaville on them, so we each bought a dollar chip for our collections.
Then we walked up to the Imperial Palace for Human Nature tickets for later that night.
We first checked the price at the 1/2 off place,
but the Box Office price with the LVA coupon was just about the same. ???? ..... so we got them there.
We also dipped into Harrah’s to play their Pick ‘Em or Pick a Pair or whatever it’s called.
You could make some serious $$$ on those machines IF you win,
as the games are not just the traditional Pick‘Em,
but also Pick‘Em Deuces and Pick‘Em Double Double Bonus, .... we had a little action, but we both ended up losing here.
Now it’s either Caesars or the Mirage Buffet for dinner using the $5 off coupon or 2/1 LVA coupon respectively.
But wait a minute !!!! .... I had a thought. What about the Wynn Buffet,
with their “earn so many points / get a buffet for two” offer.
As we walked in, there was a Red Card Booth to the left in the main aisle with the stores.
I stopped and inquired, knowing that I received this buffet twice on my card,
and I think only once on Rock’n Rita’s card. So I’m basically looking for the second on her card.
I hand the boothling both of our cards ..... Yada, yada, yada, can I see your license, blab, blab, yak, yak,
new members only, blah, blah, 300 points now, yada, blab,
you haven’t been here since ???? (ya ya I know) ..... yada, yada, yada, blah, .... yak, yak.
Okay, I’ve had enough, and I’m not dropping a dime here, ……………… Ba-Bye.
Outside I’m thinking, Hey ?!?!?!? ….. what about all those offers that I get in the mail ?
Some in very nice envelopes, fancy stationary, free this and free that ….. I want to talk to a Host.
So back inside we go and I explain the entire scenario to a very nice host who asked for my Red Card.
Before I was even finished I was handed my card back loaded with two buffets. Score !!!!
The Wynn buffet is one of the best in Vegas. I would place it in the top 3 or 4.
The Host also gave me a business card suggesting that I call before my next trip to see what could be done for me.
Thank you very much for excellent customer service.
Now the Video Poker tables are not very favorable at Wynn, but still with that in mind,
I thought that it was only fair to give their casino some play before we ate
…………………… “some play” huh ???
A $500 WYNN !!!! ......... LOL
Notice the 100 credits for a Wild Royal, …… and of course I hit four Wild Royals while on this machine.
After dinner we headed back down the Strip to the Imperial Palace to see Human Nature,
four guy singers from Australia who have tight harmony and cool crisp dance moves.
They previously toured with Celine Dion and Michael Jackson, and have many top selling records.
The theme of their show was “Celebration of Motown”, and with the seven very talented musicians
Backing them up, they had a wall of sound
(guitar, bass, drums on the left, and trumpet, sax, trombone, piano/keyboard on the right).
They did feature some “a cappella”, as I think that’s how they originally started,
and that portion of the show was also very entertaining.
They will be featured on a PBS Special later this year.
I think they said it was to air in December. This is a very good show for a reasonable price.
Today is Tuesday, and we plan on meeting up with friends at The Orleans later that afternoon,
so we didn’t want to venture out too far.
Usually on a day like this I’d get some pool time in, but this week in Vegas was unusually cool,
sometimes windy, and here in there an occasional shower or a few rain drops, even though once in a while it was sunny.
Did I miss anything ??? LOL
We took the shuttle over to the Gold Coast and planned on walking to the Rio and the Palms.
Every time we’ve planned this mini-jaunt in the past, one of the two “walk to” places gets scrubbed,
and this time it was the Palms. We went to the Rio first, basically just to walk the stores, .....
I’ve never gambled in that place eh-vah.
Then to the Gold Coast where back in May I had “earned” a single buffet pass using the LVA coupon.
At that time I gave it to Rock’n Rita so she could go in and make an Ice Cream Sundae (while I played WOO and lost).
Unfortunately she came back and told me the buffet at the Gold Coast closes when they make the switch,
so she couldn’t use it then, so she saved it for this trip.
This trip the timing was right and she came back a happy little camper,
after having some pizza, tea and cookies and ice cream.
Back to The Orleans, where I was playing dollar Joker Poker when I was dealt two 6’s and a Joker
and drew two more 6’s for Five of a Kind ($1,000).
It’s always nice to start of a Las Vegas Vacation with some early hits ………… so VERY nice.
Later we met up with friends who drove in to visit with us for two days at The Orleans.
We have gambled together for nearly 20 years now, and always have a good time.
Dinner tonight was at The Prime Rib Loft. We were seated in the area that overlooks the casino.
I’ve never sat there before, and for those of you that watch all the Las Vegas Travel Channel shows,
this is where the above shots of the casino floor were shot from.
We all shared the Tempura Vegetables and Lump Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps over drinks,
I ordered my usual Beefeater Martini which was excellent.
Rock’n Rita and I always get the Queen Cut (10 ounce, $16).
This comes with a salad and potato of choice, along with rolls and butter.
Not a bad deal, and always very good. I closed this all out with an espresso. Hit the spot.
Back to gambling where Rock’n Rita hit the quarter Loose Deuces,
unfortunately I forgot to take a picture this time ……… Sorry folks.
Around this time I was lured by the Wizard of Oz. He can be quite friendly at times, and quite mean at others.
I put $100 in and only got the Bonu$ (boom, ...... Boom, ........ BOOOOM) once, and not for much $$$.
I scored better once with the Fairy thingy when I hit for $144.
However in the end the Wizard won again when he handed Rock’n Rick a Big Fat Zero.
Wednesday we were going to venture to the Strip, but then decided to hang out.
We gambled and caught a movie.
The Orleans has eighteen movie theaters, so you can always find the movie you want.
It’s a nice complex, and with the free small popcorn coupon received at check-in for hotel guests
it’s a relaxing respite between gambling sessions.
Rock’n Rita suggested “Money Ball”, mostly because I’m not a big movie person and she knows what I might possibly like,
and she was right on with this one.
It was a cool movie starring Brad Pitt as the Oakland A’s General Manager and the team’s record setting 20-game winning streak.
This movie had a lot of Boston Red Sox references interwoven throughout,
and since I was born in Boston and follow all four pro teams here, I could relate to a lot of it.
The pictures of Fenway Park were wicked cool to see also.
Met back up with our friends and had dinner reservations for Canal Street.
I relaxed with a Martini , and we ordered “Antpasto Caldo”
(Fried Mozzarella, Sausage/Roasted Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms, Shrimp, Fried Calamari with a Spicy Italian Red Sauce for dipping)
for an appetizer. We both usually get the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, and split a baked potato.
This time the baked potato was the largest that I’ve ever seen in at any time in any restaurant.
Couple all this with a salad and the variety of rolls and we were totally stuffed.
Add a wine later for me, and the bill totaled $111 and change, and I believe another great meal for the price.
BTW, our waiter there was excellent.
Later that night my friend hit a quarter Royal, but I wasn’t near him for a picture.
Sometime Wednesday I used the $10 LVA Matchplay playing roulette.
I put it on red and hit. Yeaaaa.
Now I’m off and running, ….. had my chips up to about $130 +/-,
then kind of got bored with it and instead of cashing out, I increased my bets and lost my wins.
Bad Mistake.
While I was there I saw a guy buy $300 in nickels and place them all over the board.
Zero came out and he didn’t have it covered.
Then he bought $700 in quarters and placed them all over the board.
I can’t remember the number that came out, but you guessed it, he didn’t have it covered this time either.
$1,000 in two spins, ……… and I felt bad because I actually only lost my Match Play bet (well kinda, lol).
Thursday, our friends left for home early morning and Rock’n Rita and I planned a Downtown day.
Last May when we were at the El Cortez, I was inquiring about the promotions at the slot club.
Yada, yada, yada, earn, get, blah, blah, .... Jacket in October, ....... blah, blah ..........
WAIT A MINUTE !!!!!!! ....... Did I hear “Jacket in October” ? Well I’ll be back in October, tell me more.
“Get a Jackpot of $200 on Slots or $300 on Video Poker and win a Jacket”
Holy Crap, I’ll be back for that I thought ..........
So here we are, it’s October 5th, and I’m back at the El Cortez for MY Jacket.
Well I know my best chance is to play at the dollar level.
My video poker game of choice is Joker Poker (Kings or Better),
but to get a $300 Jackpot or better, I would have to get either a Wild Royal ($500) or Five of a Kind ($1,000) or a Royal Flush …
...... all hard to get, but I gave it a try, …. Nada.
Well let me try Bonus Deuces … maybe I’ll get lucky and either hit four Deuces or five Aces, …… Naaah-DAH, AgainaaaaaAH.
BUT WAIT !!!!!
Double Double Bonus gives me more opportunities with all of the four 3’s, four 4’s, four 5’s,
and 4 Aces options along with just maybe a Royal.
Soon after switching I was dealt two 4’s and the other two 4’s fill right in for $400,
................ and MY Jacket !!!!
I just love it when a plan comes together.
BTW, the jacket comes in 5 colors. I got the black.
With Mission One of our Downtown strike completed, we now headed to Main Street Station for Mission Two.
Again last spring we noticed Main Street Station had quarter Loose Deuces with a Royal Progressive.
It was then that Rock’n Rita caught those elusive four 2’s for $625.
This time, as we stealthfully approached, I asked her which one is your lucky machine.
She instantly put her hand on the back of a chair and sat down. Within 5 minutes she hit those four Deuces again ($625).
Also as an added bonus, when you get any natural Four of a Kind on Video Poker at Main Street Station,
you get a scratch ticket (could be $2 to $5,000, but most are for $2 or $3).
When Rock’n Rita was done, she had cashed in all her tickets. They added up to $17 !!!
........... But BEFORE she was done, I hear her yell in shock “HOLY SHIT !!!!“
... as she hit the Four Deuces a second time, and this time they were DEALT !!!!!
Mission Two Accomplished.
We are now in Cruise Control (squelch) ............... Roger That. (squelch) …… OVER.
We later strolled around Fremont Street walking toward the Deuce stop after first visiting the Plaza.
So this place was re-done ??? We really didn’t notice anything different,
and if I didn’t know, would have only guessed there was a just new machine here or there.
Some of which were nice non-glare video poker machines, but the Wild Royal on Deuces Wild was only for 100 coins.
I’m slowly seeing this 25 coin reduction, especially when I’m at Foxwoods in CT, but now in Vegas too.
I just hope this is not a precursor of things to come.
Come to think of it, I thought I read that the casino formally known as the Barbary Coast was somewhat re-done too.
Nothing looked different to me there either.
Back to the Strip, and it’s about 7:20 and we still haven’t eaten dinner.
Caught the shuttle back to The Orleans and devoured their evening buffet.
This time, before I had a little of everything, I made myself two delicious tacos. Mmmmmm Gooooood.
Now back at The Orleans we are once again drawn to those Loose Deuces where now it’s my turn to hit them. ($625)
Then a very short time later Rock’n Rita once again hit them. ($625)
This is her third time hitting Loose Deuces today.
Where did the time go ………… it’s Friday already and our last full day in Vegas.
We were able to get by the pool today, so I got my last chance to maybe hold onto some of my summer tan until spring.
It was relaxing to be in the sun and vegg-out before heading out to the Strip.
We had already secured the free Nathan Burton tickets, and were a bit early, so Rock’n Rita
wanted to try those Pick’Ems at Harrah’s once again. This time they were even crueler than before,
but we didn’t play long, as we could feel the machines not wanting to cooperate.
Ya win sometimes, …….. Ya lose more times.
The Nathan Burton show was in the showroom where Donny and Marie perform, and we arrived a bit early,
so we took a walk around the shops in the Flamingo first.
Not a huge mistake, but if we had gone in first,
our seats would have been at the tables in the first balcony row (the free tickets are not assigned seating).
We sat up a little higher, but still okay seats.
The show starts with an MC / Magician / Comedian who came out a few times and was very good.
Then other acts came out, some comedy, some magic, some just of the variety type.
……… but I’m still waiting for Nathan Burton ????
He was a no-show, and the thing that mildly irritated me was that there was no announcement was made at all.
The show was still pretty good, especially for free, just no Nathan Burton and no announcement. ???
After the show we headed back to the Orleans where we ate at Canal Street once again.
This time Rock’n Rita suggested adding the 2 shrimp (for an addition charge) to the Filet instead of a large appetizer.
This was an excellent idea. I had my Martini, and everything is fine.
After dinner we strolled to the quarter Bonus Deuces Progressive Royal located near the buffet.
Once again Rock’n Rita hit four Deuces ($250), .......... and once again they were dealt.
It’s now getting that time where you can feel the vacation-ending clock clicking away the fun like a slow, loud, persistent bass drum.
I don’t like to gamble the morning we leave because of “tripping” the system, so just about now
I’m basically shutting down, and in a short while will get my Ca$h Back from the slot booth.
Okay $200 more, and I’m done. I usually saunter through the old dollar reel slots once during my trip,
and I hadn’t done this pre-programmed route yet on this trip.
I start at Megabuck$, cause ya just never know. A few spins here, move, a few spins there, move, rinse and repeat.
Now I’m at my favorite machine. There are 2 or 3 of these so the exact location shall not be revealed.
Back in May I hit this machine for $2,700 with a Triple Star – Seven – Triple Star, ......... and now I’m Baaaaaaack !!!!!!
After maybe fifteen or twenty spins I get this for $4,000 !!!!
Now I will play more. Yippppeeeeee !!!!
I choose Dollar Triple Play Deuces Wild. I’m dealt three Deuces. I hit DRAW.
No more deuces appear. Aghhhh.
Now I play .50 cent Five Play Double Double Bonus. I’m dealt three Deuces. I hit DRAW
No more deuces appear. Aghhhh.
But I did hit four Aces on this machine so I’ll take it, Thank You.
I stroll around and then play the Loose Deuces a little more with Rock’n Rita, ... No luck, hit Cash Out, and tell her I’m now done.
I walk to the Players Booth, get my Ca$h Back and call it a night.
Saturday, and we have an 11:00AM flight.
Just enough time to eat the breakfast buffet at 8:00, go up to the room, organize,
do the final packing and then shut down the show.
The ride to the airport was quick and we were through the screening probably the fastest ever.
We were surprised that it was so fast for a Saturday morning.
Good, because that now gave us time for more video poker in the terminal before we board.
I was playing some Triple Bonus game with Sprinkles and was dealt 4 to a Straight Flush.
BINGO !!!! ……… The needed card appeared on the draw,
and because I had chosen the game “with Sprinkles”, a Straight Flush was worth 500 coins !!!!, and not the traditional 250.
Cool Huh ????
I Played for awhile more, cashed out with a small profit, and we boarded.
Now all of the above is from what I can recall as accurately as I can.
It’s pretty hard trying to get all the dates and hits lined up in chronological order.
However, there were other pictures on my camera that I thought you might find interesting.
I don’t remember every nuance of every picture, but these were all at The Orleans sometime during the week.
So I thought I would end this Trip Report by giving you just a little more Video Poker Porn for you to lust over.
Thanks for reading.
I hope you enjoyed the show.
Rock’n Rick
WILD ROYAL ON DOLLAR JOKER POKER $500
FOUR 6’S ON DIME STP WITH 5X FOR $125
FOUR ACES ON DIME STP WITH 3X FOR $240
STRAIGHT FLUSH ON DOLLAR JOKER POKER FOR $250
FIVE ACES ON DOLLAR DEUCES WILD DOUBLE BONUS FOR $800
