It's funny—tell someone you're headed to Las Vegas and you'll usually get one of two reactions. Either the side-eye that says they don't approve, or an excited barrage of questions about what you're going to do.

The first few times we visited Vegas, we felt like we had to do it all, see it all, and hit all the highlights. These days we go with a plan and a purpose.

What that purpose is not? Gambling.

This year my husband treated me to seeing The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. What a great guy!

We were fortunate to have four complimentary nights at MGM properties through our Marriott and Royal Caribbean loyalty programs. Remember to always sign up for loyalty programs—you've earned those perks, don't leave them on the table!

Home Base: MGM Grand

This trip we stayed at the MGM Grand.

I will say check-in was a little chaotic. They seemed short-staffed and encouraged everyone to use mobile check-in. Unfortunately, mobile check-in would only work on my phone and not my husband's.

"No problem," we thought. "We'll just get him a key later."

Wrong.

Every day we looked for a help counter or assistance desk, but the lines always seemed long and busy. Somehow we survived four days sharing a key!

Here I am once again admitting that I failed to take room photos. I promise I'll get better.

The room itself was modern, clean, and comfortable. I especially loved the walk-in shower. We had what was considered a Strip View room, though our tower sat slightly off the Strip. What we did have was a fantastic view of the Sphere.

Watching the Sphere was entertainment all by itself. One moment it was a giant ladybug, the next it was displaying graphics, advertisements for The Wizard of Oz, or promotions for concerts. It constantly changed and was fascinating to watch from our room.

Our first evening was spent wandering through MGM Grand, playing a few slots, browsing shops, and enjoying dinner at TAP Sports Bar. We really enjoyed the food, drinks, atmosphere, and service.

Afterward we called it an early night because we had a big adventure planned for the next morning.

Floating the Colorado River

We were up early and headed to meet our tour with Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures.

Getting there was surprisingly easy. We walked through MGM Grand, crossed over to New York-New York, cut through the casino, and made our way to Excalibur. After grabbing coffee and breakfast sandwiches from Starbucks, we were ready to go.

Our guide Scott was waiting outside in a clearly marked van.

We were the only pickup on the Strip that day, which made it feel like we had our own private guide.

Scott was fantastic. He shared information throughout the drive and had an upbeat personality that made the ride enjoyable. Every once in a while, his East Coast accent would come through, which made me smile.

After a stop at the main office, we joined a small group that included travelers from New York, Texas, Oregon, Germany, and of course us.

Soon we found ourselves at the base of Hoover Dam.

The raft itself was similar to a pontoon boat. Our captain Tim reviewed safety procedures before launching into the history of Hoover Dam. He even brought along historical photo boards for us to pass around while he talked.

As we floated twelve miles down the Colorado River, we spotted nesting cormorants, bighorn sheep, unique rock formations, warm springs, and incredible scenery.

At our first stop, nearly everyone jumped into the river—including me.

Let me tell you, that 53-degree water was cold! Those warm springs need to do a better job heating the river.

At another stop we wandered along the shoreline where I found a touching memorial.

Lunch was included and served in adorable souvenir cooler bags that everyone got to keep. I even overheard the staff accommodating gluten-free requests.

After saying goodbye to Captain Tim, Scott picked us up for the return trip.

But before heading back to the Strip, he made one final stop at a bighorn sheep migration area.

There were sheep everywhere.

It felt almost unreal how close we could get to them while still respecting their space. What an incredible way to end the excursion.

Dinner with Saul

After cleaning up from our day on the river, we headed out for dinner at Nellie's Southern Kitchen.

What we didn't know until later was that the restaurant is owned by the Jonas Brothers and their parents.

The food was wonderful, but the real star of the evening was our waiter, Saul.

His confidence, charisma, and hospitality were contagious. He taught me about tequila and crafted a couple of watermelon margaritas that were absolutely fantastic.

Sadly, the restaurant was scheduled to close a few weeks later. I sincerely hope Saul landed somewhere great because he would be an asset to any hospitality team.

The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere

The day had finally arrived.

Do you know how hard it was to stare at the Sphere from our hotel room for two whole days knowing I had to wait?

Before the show we spent some time exploring New York-New York.
We played a few slots and stopped at Gonzalez y Gonzalez for what we decided to call brunch.
The table-side guacamole was a hit with John, and I happily worked my way through chips and salsa. The cucumber jalapeño margarita was fantastic.

Then it was finally time.

The Sphere.

It almost feels like an optical illusion. From the outside it looks enormous, but inside it somehow feels more intimate than you'd expect.

We rode what felt like endless escalators to reach our seat section, grabbed souvenirs and snacks, and settled in.

I don't want to spoil the show because part of the fun is discovering it for yourself.

But I will tell you this:
See that beautiful decorative ceiling? Fake.
Those hanging speakers? Also fake.

If you ever visit, spend some time looking around before the show starts. You'll be amazed by what isn't actually there.

This show engages every sense.

There are giant fans, flying leaves, sound effects that seem to come from everywhere, and details hidden throughout the visuals.

When Dorothy's house landed with a giant boom and the Sphere suddenly went dark, I jumped so badly that the gentleman sitting next to me nearly lost it laughing.

Honestly, my reactions seemed to entertain the people around us almost as much as the show.

The Wizard of Oz was beautifully done. While shorter than the original film, they added extra details that made it feel fresh.

And watch out for the flying monkeys.

If they ever create a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory version, I'm there in a New York minute.

The Wynn & Venetian

After the show we wandered over to the Wynn.

I've always loved the Wynn Atrium. Even though the floral carousel and giant flower displays don't change much, they still make me smile.

The overall feeling reminds me of a sophisticated version of Alice in Wonderland.

From there we headed to the Venetian, where many of the displays were themed around The Wizard of Oz.

We explored the shops, wandered along the canals, and eventually stopped at Rockhouse for drinks and a light meal.

Great atmosphere, great food, and somewhere I'd happily visit again.

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil

Our final full day in Vegas was intentionally relaxed.

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Avenue Café, did a little shopping, played a few slots, and took our time.

That evening we had dinner at Crush before heading to see KÀ.

We always try to see a Cirque du Soleil show whenever we're in Vegas, and KÀ did not disappoint.

In fact, it may have been one of the most emotional Cirque productions we've seen.

The stage itself was mesmerizing. Watching it move, tilt, rotate, and transform while performers continued their routines was incredible.

The theater design felt like a cross between a ship and steampunk architecture.

I love shows that force you to constantly scan the room because something could happen anywhere.

KÀ definitely delivered.

Afterward we returned to Crush for a few celebratory drinks. John's Old Fashioned was excellent, and my Lemon Drop was equally delicious.

A few more slot machines, one final walk through the casino, and then it was time for bed.

We had an early flight home waiting for us the next morning.

Final Thoughts

As we packed our bags and prepared to head home, we felt completely fulfilled.

We floated the Colorado River beneath Hoover Dam, experienced The Wizard of Oz in a way we never imagined possible, enjoyed incredible food, saw another amazing Cirque production, and created memories we'll be talking about for years.

Vegas may be famous for gambling, but once again it reminded us that it can be so much more than that.

And honestly?

We can't wait to go back.

Vegas Beyond the Casinos: Rivers, Wizards & KÀ