stratosphere hotel in las vegas features the big shot ride at over 1,000 feet - by Kiki

Stratosphere Hotel In Las Vegas

Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas has the highest thrill rides in the world. The number one highest ride is the Big Shot at 1,081 feet, followed by Insanity the Ride at 900 feet and the XSCREAM at 866 feet. Forget about staying in your hotel room or playing the penny machines. When you're in Vegas you MUST go on these rides. One of the best times to go is at dusk for a full view of the city and the sunset.

The Big Shot ride at the top of the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas.

Well, there are lots of big shots (VIPs) in Vegas, but only 1 ride like this. It's worth the thrill and the spectacular view of the Strip. You will blast straight up at 40 mph and gravity will do the rest. It takes nerves! It's scary no matter how many times you've been on it. Be prepared to blast right off your seat. It's wild! They'll also catch that petrified look of yours in a photo. Don't eat before this ride or your stomach will be in your mouth. Ugh.

Insanity the Ride is just that! You'll be dangled over the Stratosphere Tower and twirled around at 40 mph. If the winds are blowing hard, I don't recommend this ride because there's an automatic 'safety mechanism' that shuts the ride off and you'll be stuck out on a limb for who knows how long. It's happened twice since it opened in 2005 and people were stranded out there for an hour or more.

You'll definitely scream on the XSCREAM at the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas. If you're afraid of heights, you have to try this. It preys on your fear of falling. Only a few people can ride single file at a time in this canoe-like rigg. Sit in the front seat for the most thrill. This teeter-totter machine releases you over the edge of the tower and literally drops you 3-4 times at different angles.

If you are a thrill-seeker, these rides are made for you. They are not for the weak of heart and you will definitely get a rush. They are even more thrilling than the roller coasters at the New York, New York and the Sahara.

To get your tickets for the rides or the tower at the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas, you need to purchase them downstairs. Proceed through the mall to the elevators. Be warned that on weekends, the line can be long due to security checks just like security at McCarran International Airport.

You and your friends can have your picture taken in front a green screen. When you are done with the rides, turn in your tickets and there's no obligation to buy the photo, so what the heck, go ahead and do it. You'll be getting off the observation deck and gift shop level when you get out the elevators. For the rides, you'll need to take additional elevators. It's a long way to the top for the best rides at the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas.