By Jason Gonzalez: Contributing Writer for The Bronx Chronicle
Madame Tussauds Las Vegas turns 20. The celebrity wax museum located at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian is celebrating two decades in the entertainment capital of the world. The Bronx Chronicle was on hand to celebrate the milestone anniversary with the staff at the popular tourist attraction.
“I have been lucky enough to be on board for the last three years,” said Duty Manager Mr. Lou, who is referred to by his colleagues as “Papa Lou”. “When people come out to Vegas, they are looking for the ‘party experience’ and they want to do it right. We encourage our visitors to interact with figures. Go ahead touch them, we don’t mind because at the end of the day it’s about having fun during your Vegas experience. We have figures that are set up in exhibits that our demographic can easily relate to. I’ll admit it, it can get a little crazy at times, but it’s so much fun. The audience feeds off of the energy that our setting gives off.”
There’s a surplus of engaging interactive activities throughout the variety of settings on the premises. Besides hanging out with one of your favorite celebrities, the Sports Arena Exhibit allows visitors to go one-on-one with Shaquille O’Neal, as well as measuring the distance of a put standing beside Tiger Woods.
Credit: Jason Gonzalez
In the case that sports may not be your forte, then maybe replicating a pop-star is, if it is, then you have the option of “coming in” just like a wrecking ball. There is a large ball and chain in which people can sit on, swinging back and forth, just like Miley Cyrus did in the video for that respective song. And if neither sports, nor pop music is your thing and consider yourself as being more of the mellow low-key type, feel free to absorb the “highs” and “lows” on Snoop Dogg’s custom joint see-saw. [The see-saw is in the shape of a large marijuana joint cigarette.]
“The wrecking ball and the see-saw are very popular here [the Las Vegas location],” Papa Lou said while holding back the laughter. “Once you see the customers sitting on the wrecking ball or going up and down on the [joint] see-saw, you know they are hooked. You got em’ man. They [guests] are having fun, and if need be l will volunteer to push em’ back and forth.”
There are some stop off points during the tour of the museum. There is a station and a bar that can both be utilized as a rest area to recharge your emotional and psychological battery per say, and your cell phone while you’re at it. Madame Tussauds offers its patrons an opportunity to purchase a wax model of your hands, that you create by dipping in a wax molding. It’s an activity that we recommend doing at the site. Trust us, it is both “cool” and “hot” at the same time.
As for the bar, it’s named after the hit comedy The Hangover. The movie which was filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada 10 years ago was a big hit amongst fans worldwide. The bar’s theme is the film itself. The cocktails on the drink menu are named after parts of the flick as well as its characters. There are plenty of quotes heard in the picture that written throughout the walls of the place.
Not to mention that Bradley Cooper [Phil], Zack Galifianakis [Allan], and “Iron” Mike Tyson are on hand to play host to their already captive audience. However, there is no need to be concerned, all of the present members of the “Wolf Pack” receive their guests with open arms each and every time.
“The people get a rise out of the bar,” Papa Lou said jokingly. “The Hangover [movie] is a modern-day classic. It was a funny movie man, let me tell you. At the bar you can enjoy a drink or a beer while charging your phone at the same time. Believe me you are going to need it [charge] after taking all of the pictures that you took prior to getting here. You still have plenty of pictures to take after. The tour doesn’t end at the bar. By the way the drinks are really good here and I am not just saying that to say it. It’s the truth.”
At the conclusion of the wax figure fiesta there is still stuff to do, and activities to participate in. Guests have the option of viewing a 4D animated presentation of The Avengers featuring Spider Man. This excursion is included in the original price of admission.
Lastly, Madame Tussauds recently added a new attraction that allows their guests to save a virtual world from ending. For an additional cost, visitors can don a pair of headsets, while grabbing two controllers for their virtual reality mission. This feature allows groups ranging from two to four people to participate in a 15-minute timed challenge. Places in the game include Ancient Egypt, the Medieval Ages, the moon, and sea.
“The virtual reality challenge is a really awesome feature that we offer at Madame Tussauds. It really is,” Papa Lou said. It’s a great way to wrap up the tour. The V.R. game gives your visit that final ‘gloss’ per say before you exit the facility. As I said before, we are all about having fun.”
Who knew that the key for this business’s survival on the strip in ‘Sin City’ is simply having fun? If Madame Tussauds continues to adhere to their philosophy and principle of having fun, then it would be safe to bet on Madame Tussaud celebrating many more milestone anniversaries in the future.
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