Las Vegas at 1,000 feet feels unreal. This STRAT SkyPod package turns the view into a full-on adrenaline experience, with rides like Big Shot and X-Scream above the Strip. Two things I really like are the Las Vegas views from the SkyPod Observation Deck and the sheer punch of Big Shot’s vertical launch.

One consideration before you book: the package is built around Big Shot and X-Scream, and the third SkyPod ride mentioned in the wider SkyPod lineup, Insanity, is closed indefinitely due to maintenance. If you were hoping for the full three-ride set, you’ll want to plan for a shorter, more focused thrill day.

The STRAT SkyPod essentials, in plain English

• $33 per person for a 1-day STRAT SkyPod experience with the observation deck included
• Choose 1 or 2 rides, based on your ticket option, from Big Shot and X-Scream
• Big Shot catapults you 160 feet up at 45 mph for a fast, heart-thumping burst
• X-Scream teeters you headfirst 27 feet over the edge from 866 feet up
• SkyPod Observation Deck access at 1,149 feet gives you a big-view payoff even between rides
• Insanity is closed indefinitely, so your thrill time centers on Big Shot and X-Scream

Entering The STRAT SkyPod: views first, then the rides

The STRAT SkyPod experience starts with the best part you can enjoy even if your stomach is already doing cartwheels. You get access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT, sitting high above the Las Vegas Strip at 1,149 feet. That means you’re not just waiting in line for adrenaline, you’re actually up there taking in the city grid, the lights, and the scale of it all.

I like the order of events here. You can look around first, then commit when you feel ready. The observation deck also has large touch screens that help you understand what you’re seeing in the distance, which is a great sanity-check when you’re craning your neck after a few minutes up high.

If you’re going at night, you’ll get the strongest visual contrast, and the whole place feels different once the Strip lights up. One practical note from experience reports: you may need to pick up your ticket at the main entrance before heading to the observatory area check-in desk, so don’t assume you can go straight to the elevators.

Big Shot at the STRAT: 160 feet up at 45 mph

Big Shot is the ride that most people talk about, and for good reason. Strap in and you’ll be shot 160 feet into the air at 45 miles per hour in a matter of seconds. It’s not a slow climb where you can talk yourself into being brave, it’s a quick hit.

The numbers matter here because they explain the sensation: you’re catapulted from a 921-foot-high platform up to about 1,081 feet, then you come back down. That means you get that brief moment of weighty air-time while you’re higher than you thought was possible, then the ride moves on before you can overthink it.

What I love about Big Shot is that it’s intense without being long. It feels like pure vertical momentum plus a big-city panorama. If you’re the kind of person who likes thrills but hates waiting around forever, Big Shot fits the bill.

Who should sit this one out?

Big Shot is a high-speed ride at a serious height. It also has a 48-inch (122cm) minimum height requirement to ride, and anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. If that doesn’t fit your group, you can still enjoy the observation deck and choose X-Scream if your ticket option allows it.

X-Scream: teeter-totter over the edge from 866 feet

X-Scream is a different kind of fear. Instead of being launched straight up, it plays with your balance and your brain’s sense of where the edge actually is. The ride teeters you over the edge of the SkyPod from 866 feet high, and you’re propelled headfirst 27 feet over the edge of the tower.

Then it doesn’t just drop you and end it. After you go over, you’ll dangle weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. That weightless hanging moment is what makes this feel uniquely personal, like it’s happening directly above the street grid far below.

If Big Shot is the shock-and-awe moment, X-Scream is the stay-in-your-body moment. It’s short, but it leaves a memory that feels physical for a while.

Ticket options: picking 1 ride or 2 rides (Big Shot and X-Scream)

Your STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission includes observation deck access, plus your choice of 1 or 2 rides depending on the selected ticket option. Based on the info you have, your ride choices come from Big Shot and X-Scream.

This matters because it changes how you pace your day. If you select two rides, you’re essentially stacking two different fear styles: vertical launch plus edge teetering. If you select one ride, you can spend more time on the observation deck before or after, and you’re not racing through the experience with adrenaline every few minutes.

Also, keep expectations realistic. The SkyPod ride lineup can include more attractions, but Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance, so right now your thrill time is centered on Big Shot and X-Scream.

Timing in Vegas: do you go day, sunset, or night?

In Vegas, timing is half the ticket. With STRAT, the view is the constant, but the mood changes fast as daylight fades. I’d plan your ride for when the city looks best to you, because you’ll be up high enough to notice the moment the Strip switches from warm daylight shine to sharp neon contrast.

If you’re able to, I like the idea of using the observation deck at one light level, then doing your ride when it feels like the city has fully flipped into night mode. That way your photos and your memories aren’t limited to just one look.

One additional practical tip from an experience note: there can be a late-day cutoff for last rides, and one person reported a last call at 9:30 pm with ride shutdown before 10 pm. So if you’re aiming for nighttime thrills, don’t bank on arriving at the very end of the day. Build in buffer time.

Comfort rules you’ll feel immediately

This experience is designed for high-speed thrills and big vertical forces, so the rules aren’t random. You’ll need to remove all loose objects from your pockets and place them in the provided storage bins. You also have to remain seated at all times.

You should also treat the medical and comfort guidance seriously. This ride isn’t recommended for guests with physical, mental, and/or medical limitations. If you’re unsure about what high speed and g-forces might mean for your body, it’s smart to talk it through with your doctor before you commit to going.

And for families: unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed. Anyone 15 or younger needs a parent or legal guardian, and the height rule for Big Shot is 48 inches. X-Scream may have its own requirements, but what you have here specifically confirms Big Shot’s height minimum.

Price and value: is $33 a smart buy

At $33 per person, this is one of those Vegas deals that can feel almost too reasonable if you’re comparing it to the cost of thrill time in the city. You’re not just paying for one scary moment, you’re paying for a 1-day experience that includes the observation deck at 1,149 feet plus ride access.

The best value here is when you actually ride. If you’re selecting the 2-ride option, you’re getting two high-impact experiences tied to the same sky-high setting. If you’re selecting 1 ride, you still get the big deck view, which can be a win even if you’re nervous about choosing the second ride.

A detail that affects value: since Insanity is currently closed indefinitely, the ticket value is effectively concentrated into Big Shot and X-Scream. That can be good if you want focus, not a three-ride marathon. It’s less ideal if you specifically planned your thrills around a three-ride lineup.

One more money tip: at least some comparison buying suggests this type of ticket can be cheaper than purchasing directly at the venue, so it can pay to plan ahead. Just make sure you understand which rides your ticket includes.

What you should know before you go (quick checklist)

Bring yourself, not your clutter. The ride rules require storing loose objects, and you’ll want to travel light so check-in feels smooth. Wear something you can comfortably ride in, since you’ll be strapped in and seated.

If you’re sensitive to motion, the safe move is to choose the ride based on your comfort level. Big Shot is the fast vertical launch, X-Scream is the edge teeter plus dangling moment. People who like quick adrenaline tend to love Big Shot, and people who enjoy the edge feeling often lean toward X-Scream.

Finally, plan your day around the view. The STRAT SkyPod observation deck isn’t just waiting space. It’s where you get the real payoff at 1,149 feet above the Strip, and it’s what makes the whole experience worth it even if you only do one ride.

Should you book STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission?

Book this if you want a high-value Vegas thrill with a top-of-the-tower view and you’re comfortable with high-speed vertical g-forces. Big Shot is a must for anyone who likes a clean, intense launch, and X-Scream is for people who want that edge-over feeling and a weightless hang above the Strip.

Skip or reconsider if you have physical or medical limitations that might be affected by high-speed rides, or if your group doesn’t meet the Big Shot height and supervision rules. And if you specifically wanted Insanity, treat this as a two-ride experience right now because that attraction is closed indefinitely.

If you like your Vegas plans simple, focused, and scenery-heavy, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

What is included with STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission?

You get access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT, and you also get choice of 1 or 2 rides depending on the ticket option, from Big Shot and X-Scream.

Which rides are available?

Big Shot and X-Scream are the rides included with your chosen ticket option. Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

How tall do you need to be to ride Big Shot?

You must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall to ride Big Shot.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes. Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

What’s the duration and timing like?

It’s valid for 1 day. You’ll need to check availability for starting times.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

What should I do with loose items and during the rides?

You must remove all loose objects from your pockets and put them in the provided storage bins. You must remain seated at all times.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.