Vegas Vacation Cast: Meet the Stars & Plan Your Trip

Las Vegas is a city of bright lights and big dreams. Many movies show its magic. One famous film is 'Vegas Vacation'. This comedy came out in 1997. It is the fourth movie in the 'National Lampoon's Vacation' series. The story follows the Griswold family. They go to Las Vegas for a fun holiday. Things go very wrong in funny ways. The movie is a classic for many people. It shows the wild side of Vegas trips.

This blog post will explore the 'Vegas Vacation' cast. We will look at each actor's role. We will also see how the movie shows Las Vegas. Then, we will give you tips for your own trip. You can visit the places from the film. You can have adventures like the Griswolds. But hopefully with better luck! We will cover everything from planning to packing. Let us dive into the world of this hilarious film.

Meet the Main Cast of Vegas Vacation

The 'Vegas Vacation' cast is full of talented actors. They brought the Griswold family to life. Their performances make the movie so funny. Let us meet the stars.

Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold

Chevy Chase plays Clark Griswold. He is the father of the family. Clark is optimistic but clumsy. He wants the perfect vacation for his family. In Vegas, he tries gambling. He loses a lot of money very fast. Chevy Chase is perfect for this role. He is famous for his comedy timing. He also starred in the other Vacation movies. You can learn more about his career on his IMDb page.

Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold

Beverly D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold. She is Clark's wife. Ellen is patient and kind. She tries to keep the family together. In Vegas, she gets attention from a singer. This makes Clark jealous. Beverly D'Angelo is a great actress. She has been in many movies and TV shows. She also plays Ellen in all the Vacation films.

Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie

Randy Quaid plays Cousin Eddie. He is Clark's strange relative. Eddie lives in a trailer in the desert. He shows up unexpectedly. He causes more problems for Clark. Randy Quaid is very funny in this role. He makes Eddie both annoying and lovable. He is a key part of the Vacation series.

Ethan Embry as Rusty Griswold

Ethan Embry plays Rusty Griswold. He is the teenage son. Rusty is smart and observant. In Vegas, he uses fake ID to gamble. He becomes very successful. He is called 'The Count' by casino staff. Ethan Embry does a great job. He shows Rusty's confidence and cleverness.

Marisol Nichols as Audrey Griswold

Marisol Nichols plays Audrey Griswold. She is the teenage daughter. Audrey wants to be independent. In Vegas, she meets a young man. He is a blackjack dealer. She thinks he is a river guide. This leads to funny moments. Marisol Nichols portrays Audrey's innocence well.

Supporting Cast and Cameo Appearances

Many other actors appear in 'Vegas Vacation'. They add to the fun and chaos. Here are some important ones.

Wayne Newton as Himself

Wayne Newton plays himself. He is a famous singer in Las Vegas. In the movie, he meets Ellen Griswold. He gives her a scarf. He also invites her to his show. Clark gets very jealous. Wayne Newton is a Las Vegas legend. He has performed there for decades. His cameo is a perfect Vegas touch.

Wallace Shawn as Blackjack Dealer

Wallace Shawn plays a blackjack dealer. He is the man Audrey likes. He tells her he is a river guide. He takes her on a fake tour. Wallace Shawn is known for his unique voice. He is in 'The Princess Bride' and 'Toy Story'. His role here is small but memorable.

Siegfried & Roy as Themselves

Siegfried & Roy appear as themselves. They were famous magicians in Las Vegas. They perform with their white tigers. In the movie, they do a magic trick with Clark. This scene is very funny. Siegfried & Roy were a huge part of Vegas entertainment for years. You can read about their legacy on the Las Vegas tourism site.

Other Notable Appearances

• Mickey Jones: Plays the security guard who takes Clark's money.
• Sid Caesar: Plays the old blackjack player who gives Clark advice.
• Julia Sweeney: Plays the hotel clerk.
• Miriam Flynn: Plays Cousin Catherine, Eddie's wife.

Iconic Las Vegas Locations Featured in the Film

'Vegas Vacation' shows many real Las Vegas spots. Some are still there today. Others have changed. Let us tour the film's locations.

Las Vegas Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is the heart of the city. The movie shows its bright lights. The Griswolds drive down the Strip. They see all the big hotels and casinos. The Strip is about 4 miles long. It has most of the city's famous resorts. Over 42 million people visit it each year according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace is a major casino resort. It is in the movie. Clark gambles here. He loses his money very quickly. Caesars Palace opened in 1966. It is one of the most famous hotels in the world. It has a Roman theme. You can still visit it today. It has shops, restaurants, and a big casino.

Hoover Dam & Lake Mead

The Griswolds visit Hoover Dam. They also go to Lake Mead. These are real places near Las Vegas. Hoover Dam is a huge concrete dam. It is on the Colorado River. Lake Mead is the reservoir behind the dam. It is a popular place for boating. The movie shows a funny boat tour scene here.

Fremont Street Experience

Fremont Street is in downtown Las Vegas. It is older than the Strip. The movie shows its classic neon signs. Fremont Street now has a light show canopy. It is called the Fremont Street Experience. It is a pedestrian area with music and shows. It is a must-see for visitors.

How to Plan Your Own Griswold-Style Vegas Vacation

You can plan a trip inspired by the movie. Do not worry. Your trip can be fun without the disasters. Follow these steps for a great vacation.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

First, decide how much money you can spend. Clark Griswold did not do this. He lost all his cash. Be smarter. Make a budget for hotels, food, shows, and gambling. Stick to your budget. This will prevent stress.

Step 2: Choose Your Travel Dates

Las Vegas is busy all year. Some times are more crowded. Holidays and weekends are busiest. Prices are higher then. Consider going on weekdays. The weather is very hot in summer. Spring and fall are pleasant. Winter can be cool.

Step 3: Book Your Hotel

Many hotels are on the Strip. You can choose based on your budget. Luxury hotels like Bellagio or Wynn are expensive. Mid-range hotels like Paris or New York-New York are good options. You can also find cheaper hotels off the Strip. Book early for the best prices.

Step 4: Plan Your Activities

Las Vegas has many things to do. Do not just gamble. Plan a mix of activities. Here are some ideas:

• See a famous show like Cirque du Soleil.
• Visit a museum like the Neon Museum.
• Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
• Pool time at your hotel.
• Try famous restaurants.

Step 5: Learn Basic Gambling Rules

If you want to gamble, learn first. Do not be like Clark. He did not know the rules. Learn simple games like blackjack or slots. Set a limit for how much you will lose. Then stop. Gambling should be for fun, not for making money. The National Council on Problem Gambling offers responsible gaming tips.

Practical Tips for a Successful Las Vegas Trip

Here are important tips for your vacation. They will help you avoid problems.

Money and Spending Tips

• Bring both cash and cards. Some places only take cash.
• Use ATMs inside banks. Casino ATMs have high fees.
• Look for hotel resort fees. They add extra cost per day.
• Drinks are free when you gamble. But you should tip the server.
• Many buffets are not cheap anymore. Check prices first.

Getting Around Las Vegas

• The Strip is long. Walking can be tiring.
• Use the monorail. It goes behind the hotels on the east side.
• Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are available.
• Taxis are also an option. They can be expensive during busy times.
• Do not rent a car unless you plan to leave the city. Parking can be hard.

What to Pack

• Comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot.
• Nice clothes for shows and fancy restaurants.
• Casual clothes for daytime.
• Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. The sun is strong.
• A light jacket. Casinos and restaurants can be cold.
• A reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated.

Safety Tips

• Las Vegas is generally safe for tourists.
• Stay in well-lit areas at night.
• Watch your drinks. Do not leave them unattended.
• Be careful with your wallet and phone in crowds.
• Know your limits with alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is 'Vegas Vacation' a good movie for families?

'Vegas Vacation' is rated PG. It has some adult humor. It talks about gambling and has mild language. It is probably best for older kids and teenagers. Parents should watch it first. Then decide if it is right for their family.

2. Can I visit the exact casino from the movie?

The main casino in the movie is Caesars Palace. You can visit it. It is a real hotel and casino on the Strip. It looks different now. It has been renovated many times. But it is still a famous place to see.

3. How much money should I bring for gambling?

Only bring money you can afford to lose. Do not use money for bills or food. A good rule is to bring a set amount for each day. When it is gone, stop gambling. Never try to win back lost money. That is how people get into trouble.

4. What is the best time of year to visit Las Vegas?

March to May and September to November are best. The weather is nice. It is not too hot. Summer (June-August) is very hot. Temperatures can be over 100°F (38°C). Winter is cooler. Some pools may be closed.

5. Are there free things to do in Las Vegas?

Yes, there are many free activities. You can see the Bellagio Fountains. They have water shows set to music. You can walk through the hotels. They have amazing decorations. The Mirage has a volcano show. The Fremont Street Experience has free light shows. You can also people-watch. It is very entertaining.

6. How long should I stay in Las Vegas?

A 3 to 4 day trip is perfect for most people. This gives you time to see shows, gamble a little, and explore. You can also take a day trip. If you stay longer, you might get tired. The city is very stimulating.

7. Is it easy to find food for special diets?

Yes, Las Vegas has food for everyone. There are vegan restaurants, gluten-free options, and many international cuisines. Big hotels have many restaurants. You can find something for any diet. It is a good idea to check menus online before you go.

Real Examples: Modern Vegas Vacation Stories

Many people visit Las Vegas every year. Here are some real trip ideas. They are inspired by the movie but updated for today.

The Family Adventure

The Johnson family visited Las Vegas. They have two teenagers. They did not gamble. They stayed at the Excalibur Hotel. It has a medieval theme. They saw a magic show. They visited the Shark Reef Aquarium. They took a bus tour to the Grand Canyon. They loved the Hoover Dam. They ate at buffets and tried different foods. They had a great time. They proved Vegas can be fun for families.

The Friends Getaway

Three friends went to Las Vegas for a weekend. They stayed at The Cosmopolitan. They saw a concert. They relaxed by the pool. They visited a spa. They ate at a fancy restaurant. They gambled a little at the Bellagio. They set a $100 limit each. They took many photos. They enjoyed the nightlife. They returned home happy and relaxed.

The Couple's Retreat

A couple celebrated their anniversary in Vegas. They stayed at the Venetian. They rode in a gondola inside the hotel. They saw a Cirque du Soleil show. They had a romantic dinner with a view of the fountains. They took a helicopter ride at night. They saw the city lights from above. It was a special trip they will always remember.

Las Vegas by the Numbers: Key Statistics

Las Vegas is a city of big numbers. Here are some important statistics.

• Annual Visitors: About 42 million people visit Las Vegas each year. (Source: LVCVA)
• Hotel Rooms: Over 150,000 hotel rooms are in the city. It is one of the highest numbers in the world.
• Most Popular Show: Cirque du Soleil shows are very popular. 'O' at Bellagio has sold over 15 million tickets.
• Economic Impact: Tourism brings over $60 billion to the local economy every year.
• Weddings: About 150 weddings happen in Las Vegas every day. It is the wedding capital of the world.
• Slot Machines: There are over 160,000 slot machines in the city. That is more than any other place.
• Average Gambling Loss: The average visitor loses about $500 on gambling per trip. This is according to a study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Vegas Vacation Awaits

'Vegas Vacation' is a funny movie. It shows a family's crazy trip. The cast is excellent. Chevy Chase leads the family with perfect comedy. The film also shows the excitement of Las Vegas. It shows the risks of gambling without control. You can learn from Clark Griswold's mistakes.

Planning your own trip is exciting. You can see the bright lights. You can enjoy the shows and food. You can try a little gambling for fun. Remember to set a budget. Plan your activities. Pack comfortable shoes. Las Vegas has something for everyone. Families, friends, and couples can all have fun.

Use the tips in this guide. They will help you have a smooth trip. Do not forget to see some movie locations. Visit Caesars Palace. Walk down the Strip. Feel the energy of the city. Your Vegas vacation can be amazing. It does not have to be a disaster like the Griswolds'. Start planning today. Your adventure is waiting in the city of lights.

Want more travel tips? Check out our other guides on family travel and budget trips. Happy travels!