There are 2 observation decks: one indoors and another one
outdoors. Indoors, you'll enjoy comfortable seats and air
conditioning. The outdoor observation deck, however, gives
visitors a special thrill---the feeling of nothing between
them and the fabulous views of the city below. On both
decks, you may stroll in a circle, giving you
sweeping views of Las Vegas in all directions.
The Stratosphere's observation deck takes visitors 866
feet above the ground---over 100 stories tall! It's a
Las Vegas landmark which can be seen from miles around
(and even helps visitors keep from getting lost as they're
driving towards The Strip.)
However, if that's not high enough up in the air to suit
you, then try riding the Big Shot thrill ride, which will
take you higher---to a whopping 1,081 feet above Las Vegas
Boulevard. The trouble is...you won't have time to enjoy
the scenery. You'll be too busy screaming!
The Big Shot hoists you up to the heights of the
Stratosphere Tower---then mercilessly drops you! First,
you'll be launched from the base station at 45 MPH. You'll
have a moments pause at the top to contemplate the
horrifying drop to come. Then without warning, you'll
suddenly find yourself falling at warp speed back to the
observation deck below.
Will you enjoy the Big Shot? If you enjoy free-fall rides
at your local theme park, the answer might be yes. However,
at your home town amusement park, you're not so high up that
the cars below look like ants---and the people are
practically invisible! Care to give it a dare? Needless
to say, the Big Shot thrill ride is NOT for people with
heart problems.
Would you care for a more daring look at the ground 'way,
'way down below you?
Try "Insanity, the ride!
Though the Big Shot takes you higher into the sky than any
other ride at the Stratosphere Tower, you'll always have
the "security" of knowing that the farthest down you could
possibly fall is the observation deck which remains solidly
below you.
There is absolutely nothing but air below the Insanity
ride, however. When you look down, you'll see the sidewalk
and streets below you...866 feet away! Your stomach will
churn and your palms may start to sweat!
The Insanity ride itself, however, is relatively tame. The
ride is shaped like a giant claw... which simply opens up
and circles the riders through the air at a moderate pace.
If this ride were sitting on solid ground, you'd surely
pass it by...and let your preschool children hop on board.
But there's just something about being 100 stories up into
the air that's enough to turn this ride into an
unforgettable, thrilling...and INSANE...moment that you'll
probably never forget!
Is all that too tame for you? Then try the
Stratosphere Tower's X-Scream ride
The action of the Stratosphere's X-Scream thrill ride is
simple: you go up, you roll down, you roll backwards,
you roll forwards again. (If you've ever taken a child
to Knott's Berry Farm, it's very similar to the Great
Skate ride at Knott's Camp Snoopy.)
However, the X-Scream ride may be the most terrifying
of the 3 Stratosphere Tower thrill rides! It's similar
to the Insanity ride because there's nothing below you
except air...until your eyes meet the sidewalk 100
stories below you. There's one thing more, though...
You'll be looking straight down at the ground!
The Insanity ride positions riders so that they're facing
forwards looking at the other riders. They may glimpse the
ground straight below them...but, on the other hand, they
don't HAVE to.
When you roll forwards on the X-Scream, you WILL be
looking downwards! That's the direction in which the ride
will point you. The only escape is to close your eyes!
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