Massive efforts have been made in recent years to make Las Vegas a family-friendly vacation destination. Rooms are cheap, particularly in the summer when the kids are out of school, and attractions for all ages are plentiful, offering guests everything from world-class links to 4D-thrill rides. Among the many choices, the Excalibur emerges as a shining example of a kid-friendly Las Vegas hotel. From the moment you enter the gigantic white castle, you will find yourself surrounded by the mythical world of King Arthur--and just outside the moat, you'll find an excellent selection of nearby greens.
Rooms
The majority of the 4,000 rooms housed within the castle are geared for those who seeking "fun" rather than "fancy." The remodeled, earth-toned decor has created a lighter, more airy atmosphere, resulting in rooms that feel more spacious than their predecessors. Standard amenities include a hair dryer, cable TV, iron and ironing board, and 24-hour access to room service. For an additional fee, you can also book a "widescreen room" which includes a 42-inch flat screen plasma television and an iPod input.
Entertainment
The main event at the Excalibur, aside from the casino itself, is the Tournament of Kings Dinner Show. Daily at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., knights in shining armor prepare for war. The Cornish game hen dinner is served by fully decked-out serfs and beer wenches, and while you enjoy your feast, the battle rages all around, complete with jousting, sword fights, fire-breathing dragons and powerful wizards. It is not uncommon for guests of the 900-seat theatre to go hoarse from cheering for their king and country as the realistic fighting action keeps them on the edge of their seats.
Attractions
While mom and dad might want to enjoy the 100,000-square-foot casino or tee off from one of the six nearby golf courses, kids head to the first-floor Fantasy Faire Midway. Open from 10 a.m. to midnight, the midway features carnival-style skill games, such as ski ball and dart throwing, as well as a video arcade with all of the latest games. Beyond the Midway, you'll find the Court Jester's stage where free puppet shows, medieval minstrels and court jesters perform throughout the day. Outside the hotel, there are two large swimming pools with waterfalls, slides and cabanas in an area designed to comfortably accommodate more than 800 guests. If your youngsters get bored with all of that, they can make their way to the Castle Walk promenade above the casino to browse the shops or grab a bite of their favorite snack foods.
About The Author
Lisa Parris is a freelance writer covering a variety of topics, particularly health and wellness. Her work has appeared in various publications, including the "Journal of Comparative Parasitology" and "The Monterey County Herald." She holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Peru State College.
