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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, September 21, 2008

GOING VEGAS
New volcano '10 times bigger'

By Anthony Curtis

Details about the next version of the Mirage's iconic Strip volcano have been released. The $25 million remake will create an attraction "10 times bigger" than the former volcano, says the Mirage.

Water will shoot more than 100 feet into the air, accompanied by jets of flame propelled from 120 "fire-throwing devices." The shows will run every hour and last 4 1/2 minutes, nearly double the previous run time. This marks the attraction's second upgrade (the first was in 1996) since it debuted in 1989 as the first of several "free spectacles" to come. The new volcano is set to spew anew in December.

NOT AS ADVERTISED: A previous report in this column that there's a fee to get your photo taken with the new display of $1 million at Binion's casino was misleading. While it's true that you have to pay $20, you get back $25 in free slot play, which you can cash out after playing through a machine once. So while it's possible that you can come out behind, you're actually a favorite to make a small profit. You also have to be a new member of the players club to get the deal.

ANOTHER DELAY: After first delaying preview performances for the new show Criss Angel's Believe at Luxor, it's now been announced that the gala premiere has been pushed back from Oct. 10 to Oct. 31. The preview shows are still scheduled to begin Sept. 26.

BELLAGIO DISPLAY: Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has unveiled its fall display, which features a 35-foot-tall cider mill, giant carved pumpkins, and an animated apple tree that "watches and speaks to passers-by." The free display will show through Nov. 29.

Q. Is there any truth to the rumor that Britney Spears will launch her comeback on New Year's Eve at the Palms?

A. Britney is a frequent guest at the Palms and a friend of owner George Maloof. Plus, the Palms has a great concert venue, the Pearl. But insiders here are skeptical that a full-blown performance is in the works. A cameo appearance at one of the casino's hot nightspots would be more likely.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.