We waited all week for the winds to calm down enough for this one to be operating, and it was worth the wait. We chose to go at night, to take in all the lights from the strip. It's amazing, all those lights flickering and how busy it all is and then just a few miles out, complete and total darkness.

The ride is a roller coaster that snakes around the base of the top of the Stratosphere Hotel. Note that I said the base of the TOP as in the SPIRE. It's high!!

The roller coaster isn't as thrilling as the other attraction -- THE BIG SHOT. That's the killer here. You get on the seat, they strap you in, shoes optional and then they tell you to count down from 10. And you do, 10, 9, 8, 7 WHOOSH! You're launched into oblivion. Screams were heard and falling shoes were seen.

For those observing, a sturdy railing keeps you "safe" from the strip below, or there's always the air conditioned and glassed observation area that encircles the sphere. Take your cameras here people, the view is incredible, even at night.

Souvenir photos are a must, as they truly capture the terror as the ride is started on 7 or 5 instead of 0, as you think it will be. Other souvenirs are also available, as are refreshments. Long lines are the norm, but there is plenty to look at - time flies really.

This is a stop NO ONE should miss on their Vegas vacation. Our kids loved it and they still talk about to this day. Ride if you dare -- I warned ya.

However, having said that, there is nothing else to recommend about the Stratosphere. The two thrill rides at the top are a waste of your money. The "High Roller" roller coaster has a nice view but the ride is suitable only for the very meek. The "Big Shot" is marginally better and also has a nice view, but is a rip-off for about 30 seconds of ride time. As for the Stratosphere itself, it is located in a neighborhood where you wouldn't want to go out on foot, the service is bad, and the slot club promotion is useless unless you intend to come back in the next nine months or so. The bottom line: if you want to see the view, just get the ticket for the tower ascent and skip the ride tickets (all attraction tickets are ala carte), and don't spend any time at the Stratosphere doing anything else. It's a good quick pit stop on the way to or from Freemont Street. If you must ride the rides, there is a two-for-one coupon in the "Las Vegas Advisor" coupon book, but don't say I didn't tell you that it is still a waste of your money.