Free Vegas

(GONE AND MOSTLY FORGOTTEN)

Since most of the Strip was taken over by two corporations, the model of what built Vegas has been largely abandoned. The free attractions that collectively helped lure millions of visitors annually became viewed as a costly entry in the corporate books and drag on the individual resort's bottom lines resulting in the loss of the following iconic attractions (among others):

Pirates and 'Sirens' at Treasure Island (1993-2013)

Beginning in 1993, cast members performed seven times daily from 90-foot tall ships in ‘Buccaneer Bay’, which fronted Treasure Island resort. The original show was retired in 2003 to make way for the hotel’s 10th anniversary celebration and name change, replaced by the similar but adult themed ‘The Sirens of TI’ show that ran from until 2013. Only the ships remain.

The new MGM Grand

Opened in 1993, themed as a ‘Wizard of Oz’ hotel (thus the still gleaming green glass exterior). Its Emerald City motif along with Oz memorabilia, live character actors and a yellow brick road were removed in 1996. Also gone is the original lion’s mouth entrance, replaced with a Hollywood vibe featuring the MGM lion (the largest bronze statue in the U.S.). For a time, there was also a live lion habitat, where real lions lived in a glass-separated habitat at the entrance from 1999 until 2012.

Rio Show In the Sky (1997-2013)

A Mardi-Gras themed parade could be viewed above Rio’s Masquerade Village Casino floor nightly from 1997 until 2013. The ‘Masquerade Show in the Sky’ featured flying floats with singers and dancers traveling along the ceiling, tossing beads to the crowd below. Guests could also schedule a ride-along on the float.

Excalibur Dragon Show (1993-2001)

Excalibur opened in June 1990, with a mechanical Merlin and one of the largest animatronic dragons in the world arriving in 1993. The dragon breathed fire and roared in a moat surrounding the hotel’s entrance evenings until 2001.

The 70-foot long, three story tall dragon can now be seen ‘resting’ under the entrance.

Luxor's 'Nile River' (1993-1996)

The Egyptian-themed Luxor opened in 1993 with an interior at 30 stories that was the world's largest atrium. At the top of the glass pyramid was the brightest light on Earth with output of a staggering 12.7 billion watts (since dimmed by lighting only half the lamps). There was also a 300,000-gallon lake with more than 100 fountains, and a free 18 minute boat ride on a river, passing through tunnels and artifacts. Outside at night, lasers shot from the sphinx’s eyes, activating more lasers as Egyptian-themed images were projected onto a 60-foot screen of water. Luxor officials had hoped the spectacle would draw visitors away from the Mirage volcano. It didn’t. The attraction lasted only 3 years, ending in1996.

Mirage Volcano, Waterfalls and Atrium (1989-2024)

The original ‘themed hotel’ - a Polynesian theme with an indoor atrium and 50 foot tall volcano that spewed lava and flames nightly launching steam and fire with music and sounds of an actual volcano eruption. Also lending to the theme were paid attractions - a Dolphin Habitat, Siegfried and Roy’s White Tigers.

Speed at the Sahara

Speed, the short, swirling, double-loop roller coaster, closed in May 2011 along with the shuttered hotel. The ride that ran partially through the hotel’s interior and shot out to the building exterior along Las Vegas Boulevard would accelerate to 70 mph.

Tropicana

The Miami vibe hotel had Tiki Statues with glowing eyes. A ‘Wildlife Walk’ habitat was added in 1993, featuring exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles, in a walkway that linked the two hotel towers. And of course the 3,745 square foot Tiffany style glass ceiling that adorned the casino floor.

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