I'm thinking of staying at the Hard Rock over New Years Eve - got a good deal in the mail. I wanted to be on the strip for NYE, though. I can be on the strip in the afternoon before they shut down traffic, but I'm not sure how I would get back.

I was thinking that an hour or so after the fireworks, I could take the monorail to the Las Vegas Hilton, and from there take a taxi or the 108 bus down Paradise. I could also rent a car and park it at the Hilton or convention center.

Anybody have any experience taking the monorail on NYE? Is it completely packed? How about catching a cab at the Hilton? Or, even the bus?

Any other ideas?

Thanks for your answers.