Why simply read or watch movies about mobsters when you can learn about them through an interactive storytelling experience, instead?
Mob Attraction Las Vegas takes you into the world of the mob with character actors, hologram celebrity guides, unusual artifacts and so much more. The spacious, 27,000-square-foot area also makes it easy and comfortable to navigate through. During the beginning of your tour, you'll be given immigration papers that play a part of your ultimate "fate" in the end. After you get your picture taken and watch a brief video about Prohibition, the real fun begins.
You'll be greeted with a hologram celebrity gangster guide who shares mob facts and leads you through the tour. Next, the attraction's live actors come into play. Will you help "Big Tony" in a deal? Or will you be a good guy and spill the beans to the authorities? You'll also be asked how a gambling cheater should be punished. These characters make the experience entertaining and give you a taste of the mafia lifestyle. Be careful -- if you giggle out of nervousness, they will call you out on it! You'll even step into a soft count room where you'll learn about "the skim," when mob bosses set aside money for themselves.
But the Las Vegas Mob Attraction is more than just playing along with actors. You’ll also get a sense of who these famed mobsters really were. Walk through the physical timeline from the start of the mob days to its downfall in Las Vegas. Get an up-close look at Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel's 1933 Packard 12 limousine and watch hologram versions of Siegel and fellow mobster (the "brain" behind the mob) Meyer Lansky discussing their vision in Vegas.
This isn't the last you see of these two. In the artifacts section, see a replica of Siegel's living room, complete with home videos. We're always used to seeing Siegel in suits, but here you can see him in his Speedo trunks splashing around in the pool with his kids. Just a couple of steps away, read handwritten letters Siegel wrote to his daughter Millicent's mother.
See a collection of Meyer Lansky's quirky and colorful bow ties, golf clubs and even his Medal of Freedom, which he received from President Harry Truman.
There are several digital displays peppered throughout the attraction so you can gain an in-depth history of these men. Instead of looking at Lansky’s journal under a glass, there’s a touch screen version where you can read and “flip” to the next page by swiping your finger.
One bizarre collection includes mobster Tony Spilotro's stolen pieces. See an actual police badge he ripped off an officer and even medals he stole from a veteran's house. While most kids receive toy cars, video games or dolls, these were the type of items he would give to his son.
The staff at Mob Attraction developed relationships with family members to attain these artifacts. In addition, the digital photos frames are interesting to look at -- you see a glimpse of these mobsters as family men. Across the way, step into a room and brush up your mob trivia with interactive touch screens sharing history.
The attraction features a bar where you can order your favorite drink. Right next door, relax in a theater room and watch a documentary of the making of "The Godfather." This room also includes other Hollywood memorabilia on display, including the "Casino" movie script signed by Nicholas Spileggi.
And finally, your fate. After walking through the looming "Hall of Shame," step into the room and face your mob boss. Will you become part of the family? Will you be be murdered for snitching? Or will you be recruited into the Witness Protection Program?
After your tour, your immigration photos will be available for view and purchase. Browse through the gift shop for apparel with amusing catch phrases like "I got whacked."
If you're looking for an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours on the Las Vegas Strip, Mob Attraction Las Vegas is "a hit."
By Jeannie Garcia
