Poll : 26 December - 08 January 2013

Analysis

We have to agree with the reader quoted below, who described this year's promised new offerings as somewhat lackluster, although we'd also make the point that what may be fewer and less ambitious projects actually coming to fruition would be preferable to the grandiose schemes of yesteryear that never, or barely, got off the ground. We can only greet with a wry smile the fact that we've gone without a single water park for so many years, despite constant clamor from the public, both locals and visitors alike, now to be greeted with the prospect of not one, not two, but perhaps three new water attractions in the works (it really is just like waiting for a bus). And two observation wheels would seems somewhat excessive, but it looks like one of them may already be dead in the water (unlike the promised aquatic attractions) -- time will tell.

As far as Echelon goes, throwing what's effectively a large blanket over it, as you might do with a throw to an ugly old sofa, is about the best we can hope for right now, and it worked better than we'd expected for Palazzo's St Regis hulk.

On a much more positive note, we too are excited by the approach of the Downtown Grand, and with questions about the former Lady Luck having dominated the QoD "in" box since the property first closed, it's no surprise that this was our clearcut poll winner.

The new Slotzilla zipline may not be a game-changer in itself, but the current downtown zipline is already lots of fun, and making it bigger and badder can only be another good thing contributing to the rise of downtown and diversification of the entertainment and nightlife offerings around the Arts District. Finally, and obviously we have a vested interest in this one, but we are excited and intrigued to see the Curtas vs. Mancini Eating Las Vegas double act on Travel Channel, which promises to bring some colorful and flavorful TV into our living rooms this year.

Plus, Vegas being Vegas, who knows what other wild and wacky projects will pop up during the course of the next twelve months -- there could be something awesome in the works that none of us has even dreamed of yet, so stay tuned to Today's News, just in case. In the meantime, here are some of your comments.

• "How can I pick just one? What keeps us coming back to Vegas time after time is discovering all the changes; new restaurants, new shows, new hotels, etc. Keep it coming! If all the entertainment, dining and hotel options never changed, then Vegas would quickly lose our attention."
  
  
• "In 2013 I most look forward to me coming to Vegas and leaving with more money than I came with, for a change!" [Ed: I think we can all raise a glass to that aspiration!]
  
  
• "What a lackluster list. I guess we won't be looking forward to anything new in 2013. (We'd like LV to begin catering to gamblers again)."
  
  
• "Shania Twain at Caesars.
  
  
• "I guess I am just tired of so many beginnings that fail. I wish all the buildings not finished would be torn down. I have never liked some of the newer buildings that simply look crammed in. I love Vegas but I would like to see it become less aggressive in the belief that new is better. This town needs to become financially responsible and stop making so much debt. I feel the same way about our USA. Less debt - use what you have and get it paid for."
  
  
• "Association of Tropicana with Hilton (Doubletree). I'm hoping this association will give those of us who are Hilton gold card holders a new place to receive perks."
  
  
• "Voted for Slotzilla only because I welcome anything that would help revive the downtown area, and that it is the only item in the poll that would be attractive to a low-budget visitor such as myself. I don't have guts enough to actually ride it, but I'd enjoy being underneath to watch."
• "What I would look forward to the most, and not included on your poll, is a water park on the Strip or Fremont district. Since I tend to rent a car, I probably WILL make my way over to one of the new water parks on my next visit, but something walking distance from a tourist area would be more welcome." [Ed: Check the LVA newsletter and "Today's News" archives for word of a possible water park planned for Circus Circus.]
  
  
• "Actually, none of the above. I am one of those "newer is not better" guys and I would be most interested in the re-opening of the Sahara (no easy task) or the Stardust (pretty much impossible). Thanks to LVA for a wonderful year!! [Ed: You're welcome -- thanks for coming!}