Las Vegas Super Saver: Madame Tussauds with Gondola Boat Ride

Experience the Best of Las Vegas with the Madame Tussauds & Gondola Combo

If you’re planning a visit to Las Vegas and want to combine some of its most iconic attractions in one go, this Las Vegas Super Saver package might catch your eye. It offers a chance to get up close with celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds and then glide along the Grand Canal in a classic Venetian gondola ride.

What we particularly like about this deal is that it allows some flexibility—you can enjoy both activities in one day or spread them out over your stay, making it adaptable to your schedule. Plus, the price point of around $65 per person makes it an attractive option, especially considering the included experiences.

However, a key consideration is that the gondola ride is shared and requires reservations made in person after visiting Madame Tussauds, which could affect your timing or availability. This combo is best suited for travelers who want a taste of both fun celebrity encounters and a romantic, scenic water ride without breaking the bank.

This tour appeals to those eager to see two of Vegas’s most accessible attractions with the convenience of a bundled ticket. It’s a solid choice for first-timers wanting a snapshot of Vegas’s glitz and glamour, or for anyone looking for a relaxed, enjoyable way to spend part of their day.

Key Points

• Affordable combo experience combining wax figures and gondola rides
• Flexibility to enjoy attractions on the same day or separately
• Shared gondola ride with scheduled reservations required in person
• Photo opportunities with celebrities and scenic water views
• Expect a shorter Madame Tussauds visit, which some find underwhelming
• Most travelers find the gondola serenade charming and fun
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan transportation accordingly
• Good for those interested in quick, iconic Vegas attractions

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Your adventure begins at Madame Tussauds, located inside The Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by an impressive lineup of wax figures of celebrities, historical icons, and pop culture stars. This wax museum is one of the city’s top-rated attractions, and it’s easy to see why.

We loved the way the figures are displayed under bright, flattering lighting, which makes it easy to take great photos. Visitors often comment on how the lighting helps everyone look good, and there are plenty of spots to pose with your favorites. You can pretend you partied with Bradley Cooper in a penthouse, jammed with Steve Aoki, or even shared a VIP moment with Beyonce.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that some reviews mention the visit can be quite brief. One reviewer, paul_m, called it “the shortest and worst I’ve visited,” feeling it was more about spending money than an engaging experience. If wax museums aren’t your main interest or you’re expecting a lengthy tour, it might feel a little underwhelming.

The Ticket and Timing

When you purchase this combo, your ticket for Madame Tussauds is valid for the time indicated on your voucher, and you’re required to visit first to get your gondola voucher. After your museum visit, you’ll return to the same location to make your gondola reservation in person. This part is key—reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and the boat does sell out, so arriving early or securing a reservation promptly is advisable.

The Gondola Ride: A Slice of Venice in Vegas

Once you’ve collected your gondola voucher, you’ll head over to The Venetian Resort for your ride. This outdoor Grand Canal experience is, without question, a highlight. It’s not just about the ride itself but the atmosphere—the painted ceiling mimics the sky, and the bridges you pass under create a sense of crossing through an Italian city.

Most travelers seem to enjoy the serenades by singing gondoliers, which add a romantic and humorous touch. Anna_f shared that her gondolier even sang “happy birthday” in Italian, making the experience memorable.

The gondola ride lasts about 15 minutes, and because it’s shared, you’ll be in a boat with other parties. If you’re craving privacy, there’s an option for a private boat, but it involves an extra fee. Keep in mind that reservations are required and cannot be made over the phone, so plan accordingly.

What Makes It Worth It?

The gondola ride is praised for being very cute and fun. Many reviews highlight the serenades and friendly gondoliers making it a relaxing, almost whimsical break from the usual Vegas hustle. Despite some mentions of the boat being on a small body of water, most agree that the experience is very memorable.

Additional Experiences and Shopping

The Grand Canal Shoppes offer an immersive shopping environment with luxury stores and eateries. While the tour package doesn’t include food or shopping, you might find this a nice spot to browse after your rides.

One reviewer, Angela_K, enjoyed the wax museum especially for the photo opportunities. It’s a quick visit, but if you love snapping pictures with celebrity wax figures, it’s a fun stop.

The Reviews: The Good and the Not-So-Good

On the whole, the tour has a solid 4-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, but opinions vary.

Positive experiences often mention the great value—you get two popular attractions for a reasonable price. Cecilia_M called it a “super day out,” despite some wind that kept them from doing the outdoor gondola. She appreciated that her gondola ride was inside with a singing gondolier, which she found lovely.

Other travelers find the wax figures delightful for photos and enjoy the serene, scenic ride. Lisa_c described it as a “great time,” and Anna_f loved the “very cute and funny” serenade.

However, not everyone was thrilled. Paul_m was disappointed by the wax museum, citing the experience as “poor” and feeling it was rushed. Michael_C called the gondola “not worth it” because he found the ride to be “just in a circle,” much smaller than expected.

A frustrating review from Kyla_R mentions a technical issue with the QR code, leading to a paid ticket that couldn’t be used. While this isn’t a common complaint, it highlights the importance of securing your tickets and reservations in advance.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Visit

• Timing is key: You must visit Madame Tussauds first. Afterward, you’ll get a voucher to reserve your gondola ride in person. Arrive early at Madame Tussauds for a smoother experience.
• Reservations for the gondola: These are required, and you cannot book over the phone. Make your reservation in person—so plan to arrive promptly after your wax museum visit.
• Duration: Expect about 2 hours total, including the museum visit and gondola ride.
• Price: At $64.99 per person, this offers decent value considering you’re getting access to two attractions. Remember, the gondola ride voucher is valid for up to a year, so you can plan to do it later if you prefer.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers should be able to participate. Just be aware that the gondola is shared and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• No hotel transfer: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from both venues.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This combo experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Vegas wanting a quick, fun snapshot of the city’s glitz without committing to a full-day tour or expensive ticket. It’s also suitable for those who love taking photos with celebrities or want a romantic, scenic ride.

It works well for travelers looking for a relaxing, low-pressure activity that combines indoor and outdoor attractions. If you’re someone who appreciates a bit of whimsy and scenic views, you’ll enjoy this.

However, if you’re craving a longer, more immersive experience or are looking for something more adventurous, you might want to explore other options. The wax museum, while popular, can feel brief, and the gondola, though charming, is somewhat small and shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations for the gondola ride must be made in person after visiting Madame Tussauds. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure your preferred time, as the gondola can sell out.

Can I do the attractions on different days?
Absolutely. The ticket for Madame Tussauds is for that day, but the gondola voucher is valid for up to a year, so you can plan the gondola ride for another day.

Is the gondola ride private?
By default, the gondola ride is shared with other parties. For a private boat, an extra fee applies, but reservations for the shared ride are required and are first come, first served.

What if I can’t make it to Madame Tussauds early?
You risk missing out on your gondola reservation since the gondola vouchers are distributed after your museum visit and reservations are limited.

Is it suitable for children?
While the tour doesn’t specifically mention children, most travelers find it family-friendly, especially since the gondola ride is short and fun, and the wax figures are entertaining for all ages.

Are food and beverages included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the package, so plan to grab a snack or meal elsewhere.

How long does the entire experience take?
Expect about 2 hours in total, including museum time and the gondola ride.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are best, especially since you’ll be walking through the museum and waiting for the gondola.

Wrapping It Up

For those wanting a light yet memorable taste of Vegas, this combined ticket offers a decent balance of fun and scenic beauty. You get to pose with wax figures of your favorite stars, which provides some great photo opportunities, and then enjoy a relaxing gondola ride reminiscent of Venice’s romantic waterways.

The value for money is clear—two popular attractions at a reasonable price, with the flexibility to spread them out over your stay. While the wax museum might feel quick for some, many people enjoy the quirky photo ops and the chance to see celebrities up close. The gondola, especially with serenades, adds a charming, almost whimsical touch that many find memorable.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates a relaxed pace and loves capturing good photos, this is a nice little combo to add to your Vegas itinerary. Just remember to plan your reservations carefully, and you’ll likely find it a delightful way to enjoy some of the city’s iconic sights without a lot of hassle.

Happy travels, and enjoy your time in Vegas!