I went only once in 1997 with my late mother. We stayed at the Excalibur. We went to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. She wanted to see the Liberace museum. We didn't gamble a penny, but loved walking up and down the strip and inside the hotels, especially Caesar's Palace. She died 3 1/2 years later, and this trip is one of my favorite memories of her.

The Las Vegas everyone loved died in the 90's.

Vegas switched from being a place where the hotels attracted gambles by having amazing and amazingly inexpensive drinks and buffets. Now that it is totally corporate it is like Disneyland where they have so much business that they expect tourists to pay whatever they charge (and they get it).

I'm glad that I got to see old Vegas including the old Aladdin, the Dunes, the Stardust, the Frontier, the Imperial Palace with its FREE car museum Bob Stupak's Stratosphere. I stayed at the Plaza for a week for $15 a night and no resort fee. 99-cent shrimp cocktails large and could be found all over town. Coin machines were so much more entertaining then. This was in the 80's/early 90's.

As someone who's been to vegas fifteen or so times it really saddens me that everything thats nostalgic is gone. It seems to be The motto that if it doesn't make money get rid of it.

If you’re talking about Vegas from the 90s, the Las Vegas you knew is long gone

Yup Bring old vegas back😢

I've only been to Vegas once...in 1999. The Paris was nearing completion. I'm really surprised they're doing away with the themes! The whole attraction for me of going to Vegas was the weirdness/trippiness of the themed hotels and the free shows...like the galleon battle outside Treasure Island, the Mardi Gras show in the Rio etc. etc. Shame :(

Kurt, my best friend of over 40 years used to work at the Stratosphere. His wife died out there several years ago and he moved back to Florida with his dad. One year later his dad died. He moved to where I live in Georgia trying to get back on his feet and get reestablished, and sadly he got the covid mess and died in 2021. We had been friends since the 70s. I really miss him everyday.

It's changed so much. I remember the first time I ever visited was in the 90s. I loved it. It just had a good vibe about it. All the casinos had their own themed buildings and decor. They were fun to walk through and you could find a buffet for $3-$4. I was just there this last March and it definitely is feeling more and more "corporate". with the hotels all turning into glass towers. It just has a colder feeling. I miss the old Vegas.

Been living here since 1987 and that Vegas is long gone . Frontier and the Stardust used to be in that spot.

I’m definitely into the themed spots too. My first visit was in 94 when I was 13 so my nostalgia just kicked in hard when I saw Excalibur and circus circus and Luxor

This was a great video! The wife and I have only been going to Vegas for about 5ish-6 years. We were always those "why would you go to vegas" people. But we got hooked. And now we have a vegas problem. We 99% percent of the time don't gamble, we are food and shows vegas people. But missing out on the 90s/2000s vegas always bums us out. We learned quickly on how ridiculously expensive that place is. 9-12 bucks for a bottle of water is not even a joke in some properties these days! But anyway, it was great hearing a perspective from someone that got to live in that vegas time. The pictures were spot on. OMG, the home movie footage that your wife had....Holy cow 🤯🤯🤯. Great video, you guys did probably the best of the family friendly activities, looked like a great trip!

I love your content and I’ve been a fan for a couple years now. I appreciate the 90’s as much as the 80s. I was born in 88 so I grew up in the 90s. I appreciate the 80s content but I hope you can start doing more 90s content. Thank you for your hard work I bet editing is a MFER. Keep it going man I’m constantly watching. Nothing but the best to you and your family.

I stayed at the Tropicana as a kid and coincidentally it was the grand opening of the MGM grand I had a perfect view of that lions head for the ceremony.

87-93 Vegas was increíble 🎉

Went there in the early 1990s. Street Fighter 2 was off the hook at the places that hard arcades. I enjoyed your video today!

I'm with you, totally enjoyed the 90's Vegas! I would vacation in Vegas 3 times a year! Things were more affordable (flights, hotels, rental cars, buffets, etc). Nowadays, I go there like every 5 years.

Hi, I really liked the video. Very cool memories, and sights of the past and the present Vegas.

I started going to Vegas at 17 (late ‘90s), went with a friend whose cousin had connections to get us into the Mirage. In the early 2000s, I was able to go into Vegas with my stage magician boss/mentor as his assistant/protege. We performed at some of the off strip resorts/venues as opening acts or what not. I moved to Vegas in ‘08, lived there until late ‘09 before moving back to California before moving out of there in 2018. While I lived in Vegas, I auditioned for Jubilee, but my stupid psoriasis flared up that day and scared the casting director and others who were auditioning. I did busking on the strip as a costumed character, and whatever else I could to earn additional cash. Last time I was in Vegas was in 2017.

The last time I was in Vegas was '83 and it still had a lot of the old casinos and small town charm, what's there now is an abomination.....you couldn't pay me to set foot there now.

wow you did a lot of history with this video, i thought it was awesome great job sir!!!!!!!!!!

...gotta luv❤them 80's baby - all the time, come rain or shine!😎💖🖤💯💥👍✌🤍!

I have no wish to ever go back there. It used to be a great place to have cheap food and drinks and gamble a little. Now it’s just really expensive resorts and super aggressive time share salesmen

I met a woman there by the Luxor once. I told her I was staying at Treasure Island,she told me she was staying at Pleasure Island.

No reason to go to Vegas anymore. Developers ruined it

The boardwalk was my favorite casino. Back in the 90’s. They used to sell big hunks of strawberry shortcake for like a $1.50

The Vegas of the 90's, and prior, was when things were a lot cheaper with the overall desert experience being a fun alternative for an affordable, fun vacation! Back then, the comps meant something, food and buffets were cheap, and people just seemed more friendly. Once the big corporations took over, it's been about money, greed, and profit!!! Sad!

As always, great work.👍

Great vid Kurt……..! Thanks for making it.

I used to come to Las Vegas in the 70s to visit my grandma's sister. Also when going to cali we stayed in the circus circus rv park. I lived in Vegas in early 2000s and worked at Imperial Palace.

The best part of that video is your son & the Elvis glasses, so cool!! 😂😂

I actually worked at the steel fab shop that made the roller coster for the new york ny hotel in the mid to late 90's

I enjoy your videos. I do the same thing where I'm from. I look at how things have changed so much. Its sad actually.

“I gotta get back to Los Angeles where I belong” I sure wish it was me saying that!! lol Another great video! 👍🏼

My first trip to Vegas was in 1991 to see the Grateful Dead and I went ever year until 1995. That Las Vegas barely exists anymore. The Excalibur was the hot new hotel and then in '94 it was the Luxor. Downtown/Fremont St was really run down. The demographics were also much different. The city was just starting to try and cater to young people and families. Back then I remember a lot of folks my grandparents age. It haven't yet become this cool hip place with the pool parties and clubs with famous DJs. The one thing it did have though is lots of cheap buffets. I was young and poor so I'd eat my fill and then throw food into my backpack for later. $4.99 would keep me fed for a couple days. Good times.

I’m done with Vegas, haven’t been back in 6 years. I stopped going when they started to charge for parking.

My Vegas is anything before the Mirage

I was lucky to go right before the Sands & Hacienda was Demolished. They had $1.99 Steak & Eggs !!

I can't believe how much Vegas has changed

I agree with all what you said about LV- and your son sounds cool lol .. love your fam brother cheers

I first visited Vegas in 1985 when I drove up from Los Angeles at the age of 17, it was a lot dingier back then

You must see Carrot Top. It is a great show! Super nice and down to earth guy also

Great video

My first trip to Vegas was in 1992, just after I turned 21, nothing really is the same there anymore for sure. In 92 at least some of the old school stuff was still around, and Fremont street was still seedy and not covered. Harrahs had the prime rib buffet for 9.99 still.

I'm 44 the best time to live in Vegas was 80s and 90s

Lovely Dead Milkmen reference!

Thanks for the Vegas memories! 👻

My first trip to Vegas was in 1993. Love it then. Went back every year for about 10 years. Last trip was 2016. Changed a lot! Enjoyed your video.

COPS TV Show will always capture 90’s Vegas & honey I blew up the kid movie lol there’s something about Vegas in the 90s ❤

Went to Vegas first time in 1994, with only $150.00 which lasted me three day. Stayed at Stardust and played$ .25 craps/roulette at Silver slipper. Great times.

Great video.

Danny Gans was so great. R.I.P..

Vegas is becoming Dubai...

The story of the MGM Grand lion head and why is was removed had to do with all the Chinese high roller/whales. Most of them chose not to go to the MGM because they are/were very superstitious. They felt that going in there, with that big lion head, was walking into the lion's mouth which they considered bad luck. So to please their majority of the high rollers at that time, they redid the entire front entrance.

That was great. I was there in May 2010. That fancy shopping mall with Tom Ford et al was 80% built. Coming from Europe, I knew the name "ESPN" ... there was a sports bar by that name. We sat eating food and a business guy in a suit came in and had a drink at the bar. Middle aged and over-weight. Soon a very slim, young woman in a short dress came in and although all the other seats at the bar were free, she chose to sit beside him. "It's like in the movies with a married travelling salesman alone in Vegas, and the hooker who is having a slow night", says my companion. Sure enough after 10 minutes he left with her ! Just like in the movies ! I had arrived alone at the bus station after Hertz in LA had let me down on a car rental reservation. It was after dark, and that bus station was _scary_ I asked these two Scandanavian backpackers from the bus could I walk with them for safety. So we walked the whole way down the strip chatting. I was backpacking around the world, and treated myself to a couple of nights in Hotel Paris. If I remember well the Osmonds were playing The Flamingo. I didn't know of Carrot Top at the time, but I've seen his stuff since, and have seen a couple of longer interviews with him. He's very talented, very funny, and genuinely seems like a nice guy. I'd definitely go and see him now !

excellent video

Great video!

My first trip to Vegas was in 1972. I thought I was James Bond. Stayed at the ThunderBird and Englebert Humperdink was there. We had dinner at the Flamingo and Rosie Greer was at the next table. The memories of this trip still is clear in my ancient mind.

The Stratosphere replaced the old Vegas World. Used to be a Waterpark on the Strip.

The Boardwalk was my favorite as well, I miss it

I've live in Vegas for the past 31 years. Seen many things changed over the years. Used to be able to drive across town in 15 mins. Now if you are lucky , 45 mins. I paid $600 / month for a one bedroom apt about 26 years ago. Cost of living was cheap , less crime , less traffic , less stress. It will only get worse for Vegas with people keep moving here and turning it into new L.A.

Haha nice Chairman of the Board reference 😄 Norm MacDonald referred to that movie as "box office poison" 😂

Tell your son that those glasses are 🔥🔥 Great choice!

I grew up in Las Vegas and it’s been good to me and are family.. lots of opportunities and great friends.. Yes, it’s changed a lot but compared to other cities it’s still a great place to live❤️😊

The only thing that's constant, is change. Good video Kurt!

Las Vegas is the kind of place one has to visit Once in order to understand America. Like NYC. IMO

It makes me sad as well, I have so many fond memories of Vegas from the 80's and 90's. It's just not the same, from the atmosphere to the service. Vegas would practically hand you the key to the city, now they take and take,with little in return.

Never been to Vegas still wanna visit just once

I watched Purple Reign (for free!) at the Boardwalk back in the 90s too. It was awesome! Also watched them at Planet Hollywood a few years ago.

My first trip to Vegas was at Bally's to see Celine Dion for my 40th birthday back in 2013. Came back last year in August 2023 to attend the big Star Trek convention at Rios for my 50th. Things are definitely different, but I hope that Vegas magic will always be there.

I’ve visited Las Vegas as a kid with family during the 70’s & 80’s. I moved to Las Vegas in 1992 and lived there for 17 years. A lot has changed during that time. I missed the old look of Vegas from the 70’s, 80’s and some of the 90’s. One of the places that you mentioned that I once worked at was the Holiday Inn Boardwalk. I was a casino slot attendant back when Trent Carlini (R.I.P.) was performing his Elvis impersonation show. I still like to visit Las Vegas now and then. But I have no future plans to ever move back there. Also… I saw at the end you were passing by Primm NV. I also worked at all 3 of the casinos there before it became more of a ghost town like it is today.

I loved your video! I remember and loved Serendipity. It was my favorite brunch spot. I remember the Boardwalk Casino had 99 cent margaritas and hotdogs. The most obvious change at NYNY that I remember, there used to be water at the base of lady liberty now it’s astroturf. Do you remember the Westward Ho that was next to Circus Circus? I remember they had a taco bar and 99 cent margaritas too. The lion habitat MGM was always a must for us. My first Vegas trip was in 2000. I do miss the old stuff.

We had the very same experience with "accidentally" popping in to see " Purple Reign " for FREE and were blown away. Still visited the Boardwalk casino each time we came to vegas for the cheap table games.

I lived there during the 90s with 3 kids. There was a theme park behind the MGM.The kids went to two WWE events. Everything was built for families. I miss the Neon at night. Also Cheap food specials. Building skyscrapers in Vegas just takes the ambiance away!

I remember being in Ballys over 15 years ago, among other times, but found myself ....after quite a few drinks, in the middle of an Elvis impersonator convention......they took it really seriously too, met some nice Elvis'....it was kinda surreal. Really made that trip....Vegas just felt so real then

❤

Lav Vegas Love my favorite one fan BIG 💖 💖💖💖🎶

The neon museum is so awesome. I love going there.

I was part of the Vegas transformation of the 1990's. Mandalay Bay,, Luxor, New York New York, Paris, and the Stratosphere were all new. By the mid 2000's the strip started to lose a lot of what made it fun. Wet N Wild closed, the free live entertainment Battle of Buccaneer Bay... later Siren's of the TI closed. All the 3-D motion rides disappeared. The Rio ended their Masquerade ball in the sky. I remember when Caesars gave away tickets and other prizes during the Christmas season. The old casinos Stardust, The Riviera, and the New Frontier were falling apart it was understandable why they demolished those.

My first time was 1988. The Stratosphere was called Vegas World at that time.

Cruising Vegas with Kurt very cool

Great memories about the Boardwalk. I stayed there in 2004 and remember the Prince tribute band. They were very good. The one thing I remember about the casino was the miniature craps table, where there were only the stickman and the dealer.

Vegas in the 80s was the golden age. Championship boxing match’s, comps were easy. Food was great. Crowds were much classier!

Thxs for sharing. And yes, its gone. Why Idont go as often.

This should earn the channel many new subscribers as a lot of Vegas tourists are 45-60 years old and were young in the 80s.

"Cold Beer...Dirty Girls"...nuff said.

Obrigado por compartilhar essa viagem a las vegas. Lembro quando criança assistia a série Vegas com Robert Urich, eu adorava

The price point to have fun in Vegas is too high not in terms of affordability but value. Traveling internationally is the thing for me now. I'd still do Vegas for a major event though.

I went as a kid in the 80's because my dad went to the computer convention. We stayed at the Hacienda (long gone) and I was bummed because we were not in the tower but the motel part. Now I realize I probably stayed in OG 50's Vegas room. Also there wasn't much for kids other than circus circus so we went to Wet N Wild for a day. The family friendly Vegas stuff started in the 90's for sure. We went a few times in the 90's. I'd much rather see the kind of tacky but themed and fun style Vegas than the boring upscale kind with overpriced designer stores I care nothing about and the sad grey Mcdonald's vibes. The world needs themeing again.

A good nostalgic Vegas movie to watch is Corvette Summer.

Back when I still lived in Long Beach, I'd get to Vegas every couple years. Lots of places whose lights are now in that neon museum. Those were the best times. Caesars Palace was so stunning in the early 80's. My favorite for the room service. It's sad how the great places are second rate or just straight up dumps now. I remember going to Circus Circus with my mom in the 70's. The hotel part was new, clean, and certainly respectable. Now? Not so much. Sweet memories of the candy shop they had. It was awesome!

I miss the boardwalk had some of the best memories in that place when I lived in Vegas.

I totally agree with you. We started going on the mid 90s. We usually stayed at MGM. Monte Carlo, Ny Ny Paris, Venetian. We are probably the same generation. I haven't been to LV since 2013 it was a huge change then. Haven't been back since.

I have so many memories of Las Vegas. When my father was working in Vegas and I was not in school, I would spend time with him. We often stayed at the Showboat Hotel and Casino at the edge of Fremont Street and Boulder Highway, but it is long gone. I also remember going to the Circus Circus when I was younger and going to the arcade. They had a knock-off of Space Invaders. I could play that game all day if I had enough money. We also used to have a family reunion there every year where my aunts, my cousin, my brother, and whoever else would meet in Vegas during the Columbus Day weekend. We had a cousin who was a nun and was stationed in Vegas, plus a few other relatives who lived in the area, and it was always a blast. I have always enjoyed going to Vegas, as things were cheap and you did not have to spend a lot of money. I don't drink or gamble, but we always had a great time. Today, Vegas is gone; our family reunions stopped after my father passed away, and I just don't really have that much desire to go to Vegas except maybe to visit the Pinball Hall of Fame.

I srarted coming to Vegas in the early 90s. Steak dinners were $5.99. Flights were cheap. Hotels were themed like the MGM and thre wizard of oz theme. The Mirage was so nice and the tropical theme was just beaitiful. We just got back a few weeks ago from Las Vegas and stayed at Resorts World. It aas nice but not like it was 30 yeatrs ago. Resorts world and Fountainbleau, i feel, have totally changed the direction of Vegas, more upscale. I have a feeling the themed casinos in the coming years will be gone.

I was stationed at Nellis AFB in 1973 and you can imagine how much Vegas changed from those days. I did take a date to see Elvis in 1974 at the Hilton. Also, during the 1976 oil embargo Vegas casinos reduced the lights to save on electricity. Weird seeing the Strip all dark.

It's funny because I came to Vegas in 1983 and 1990 both times we gambled at the Frontier. This was with different people and it's funny how we still gambled at the same place. I remember a cowboy being in the front of it a big statue.

Nice, Vacation reference. LOL

I stayed at Excalibur tower 2 yearly in the 90's. 1997 was the last time I was there. B was about to open in 1997.