Las Vegas - Venetian's Gondola: Is it really worth your $$$$?

Do many of you out there really believe that going around on that wooden boat floating inside a man-made pond inside a casino really worth the $12.50? I personally find it to be one of Vegas' biggest ripoffs.

The wife and I did it during one of our trips but it was during our anniversary. I probably wouldn't have done it if it wasn't our anniversary and I wouldn't do it again. But the wife either liked it, liked the idea of it, or liked that I was actually willing to do it with her. Still not sure which one.

Do many of you out there really believe that going around on that wooden boat floating inside a man-made pond inside a casino really worth the $12.50? I personally find it to be one of Vegas' biggest ripoffs.

I think if you are going as a couple, its a nice romantic thing to do while in Vegas. The Gondoliers are entertaining and friendly. It's a nice ride, even in the crowded shopping piatza.

BTW, during nicer weather, they also operate outside.

Michael
http://www.biztrip.com

Do many of you out there really believe that going around on that wooden boat floating inside a man-made pond inside a casino really worth the $12.50? I personally find it to be one of Vegas' biggest ripoffs.

Personally, I find it one of Vegas' biggest vulgarities.
Or is that an oxymoron?

Personally, I find it one of Vegas' biggest vulgarities.
Or is that an oxymoron?

Both! :D

I dont know which of the following is worse, in either case both far out weigh the Gondolas.
being charged $4+ for that bottle of warm water that is placed in your room

or the waitresses who bring you a small bottle of Water and try to get a $1 out of you for doing so. Thats after you've been waiting upwards of an 1/2 hr for her to return with it.

Then lets not forget about ones arrival at the Valet Parking. The guy who parks the car and opens your door wants a tip, a different guy takes the bags out of the car and then hands it off yet again to the guy who will bring it to your room. 2nd & 3rd tips. ONLY to be repeated when you check-out. Nothing like SELF-PARKING.

Even though it is old, children-like atmosphere, and costs $50 for admission, I find the "It's a small world" at Disney theme parks seem to be more worth it considering the unlimited repeat rides you can take advantage within a full day plus all the other unlimited rides within the parks. I'd rather invest $12.50 for a breakfast buffet at Mandalay Bay than boarding that Gondola.

it is a good way to get laid!

If you wanna get laid with your mate, it will be worth the moola

I stay at the Venetian 4 times a year, and I've never been tempted to try it. My wife would refuse to go with me, for sure!

BTW, they will sing any song ever written, as long as it is "O Sole Mio".

I don't think the REAL gondolas in Venice are worth it. Personal opinion, only, but why would someone want to ride on an imitation (and a pale one, at that) of a tourist attraction?

I don't think the REAL gondolas in Venice are worth it. Personal opinion, only, but why would someone want to ride on an imitation (and a pale one, at that) of a tourist attraction?

True, in Venice we order a sleek water taxi for an hour for the same cost & go all over the back canals, see the schools, hanging clothes, businesses, etc. Ask for a driver that speaks English - makes it more enjoyable & a bit of a guide - one of the best hours of my life!

Correct me if I am wrong but I swore I saw on an A & E program about the Venetian Casino that the gondoliers only pretend to "row" the LV gondolas and the boats are actually operated by some sort of mechanical system ( al Disney) that keeps them apart and evenly spaced.

I recently stood and watched them carefully and the gondola path/tracks are eerily similar.
Anybody know it that true?

mike

Never understood why people think it's cool.

You are on a fake little boat on a pool, it ain't the real thing.

But then again, it is Vegas, and what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. :cool:

I think we are all guilty of doing things in Vegas that we wouldn't admit anywhere else :o

I think we are all guilty of doing things in Vegas that we wouldn't admit anywhere else :o


or even paying for things in Vegas that you wouldn't normally pay for anywhere else... I talking about the gondola rides, of course! ;)

Never understood why people think it's cool.

You are on a fake little boat on a pool, it ain't the real thing.

But then again, it is Vegas, and what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. :cool:

I think we are all guilty of doing things in Vegas that we wouldn't admit anywhere else :o


Not all fake things are terrible :D

Correct me if I am wrong but I swore I saw on an A & E program about the Venetian Casino that the gondoliers only pretend to "row" the LV gondolas and the boats are actually operated by some sort of mechanical system ( al Disney) that keeps them apart and evenly spaced.

I recently stood and watched them carefully and the gondola path/tracks are eerily similar.
Anybody know it that true?

mike

Correct. If you look closely, you'll see the propellers under the boats, and if you watch carefully you'll see the gondoliers pressing buttons on the floor of the boat to control motion.

Correct. If you look closely, you'll see the propellers under the boats, and if you watch carefully you'll see the gondoliers pressing buttons on the floor of the boat to control motion.
Such a kick back job I should say.

Do many of you out there really believe that going around on that wooden boat floating inside a man-made pond inside a casino really worth the $12.50? I personally find it to be one of Vegas' biggest ripoffs.

Yes. Chicks dig it. Also it will keep her out of the Venetian mall shops with their overpriced dreck. Has the Tsunami Asian Grille changed its name yet?

Do many of you out there really believe that going around on that wooden boat floating inside a man-made pond inside a casino really worth the $12.50? I personally find it to be one of Vegas' biggest ripoffs.

It is, if you and one of your football-watching buddies do it. But, as has been pointed out, chicks dig it, just like they dig flowers and other indulgences that guys think are a waste because they're totally frivolous and non-utilitarian. Take her on a gondola ride, arrange to stay at a really nice hotel for once, get her a massage at the Canyon Ranch Spa, and then report back to us on the payback (then again, don't report back -- this is a family forum ;) ).

Such a kick back job I should say.

Yeah, except you have to stand up all day and sing, which gets tiring. I hear most of the gondoliers are UNLV voice students.

Yes. Chicks dig it.

I am being somewhat facetious, of course. The fact that you brought your SO to the Venetian proves that you are not entirely a misogynist cad. Aside from the gondolas and a mud pack at the Canyon Ranch, there are so many other opportunities to make her feel special and wanted at the Venetian, some of my personal favorites include dinner at Emeril Lagasse's Delmonico; a trip to the Sephora fragrance store; and room service!