STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

The STRAT’s SkyPod rides are the kind of Vegas experience that feels almost unreal, because you are going to be that high above the Strip. I like the clean menu here, Big Shot and X-Scream, and I really like that the ticket also brings you up to the SkyPod Observation Deck. One big consideration: these rides are high-speed and high-g forces at major height, so you should think twice if you have physical, mental, or medical limits.

If you plan it right, you get adrenaline and you also get serious sightseeing. You can chase the lights at night, then take a real look at what you’re flying over. The main drawback is that Insanity is closed indefinitely, so you won’t get the full trio of SkyPod rides that some packages describe.

Key STRAT SkyPod Thrills to Know Before You Go

• 1,149-foot views from the SkyPod Observation Deck, with Las Vegas Strip views that feel like a movie set
• Big Shot catapults you up 160 feet at 45 mph, with a tower height climb to about 1,081 feet
• X-Scream tips you over the edge from 866 feet, headfirst about 27 feet beyond the tower
• You choose 1 or 2 rides depending on the ticket option, and Insanity is currently closed
• Height and age rules matter, including a 48 in minimum for Big Shot and no unaccompanied minors

Why the STRAT SkyPod Thrills Feel Different Up There

Vegas has plenty of roller coasters and plenty of “thrill rides.” This one plays a different game. You are not just riding fast, you are staring down a huge drop while you do it.

The STRAT wins with the simple combo: a top-deck observation experience plus rides that are very specific. Big Shot is pure vertical force. X-Scream is the edge-leaning, “am I really doing this?” moment.

The height is the whole point. If you hate heights, you’ll still be able to enjoy the observation deck from above, but you should skip the rides. If you like scary stuff, the STRAT gives you a clean hit of fear with an actual payoff.

What Your $33 STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Ticket Covers (And What It Does Not)

This is a one-day admission ticket in Nevada at The STRAT. The price listed is $33 per person, and you’re getting two important things bundled together.

First, you get access to the SkyPod Observation Deck. That matters, because even if you do only one ride, you still get the big view and the whole “I’m that high” feeling.

Second, your ticket includes choice of 1 or 2 rides from Big Shot and X-Scream, depending on the option you pick. Food and drinks are not included, so plan on grabbing a meal elsewhere or buying on-site if you want something to hold you over.

Is it good value? For this price point, the value is in the fact that you’re paying for the height access plus at least one major ride. If you are the type who takes one look at a thrill and thinks, should I just do it again, the 2-ride option is the smarter use of your time up there.

Entering the Experience: Where You Go First and How to Plan Your Timing

On a tower this high, the biggest “logistics” trick is not a bus route, it’s your flow of where to check in. One practical tip that pops up again and again is to make sure you handle the ticket step at the main entrance first, then go up to the observatory desk area after.

Once you’re up there, give yourself time. The observation area is not just a hallway with a view. People consistently note that the indoor and outdoor deck areas take time, and that you should build in a bit of wandering and re-positioning for photos.

Timing can also affect your comfort. If you want the best contrast, go around sunset and then stay through the lights. Also, note this operational detail: there’s a report of a last call at 9:30 pm, with rides shutting down before 10 pm. If you are trying to squeeze this in, treat 9:30 pm as your hard stop.

Big Shot: The 160-Foot Rocket at 45 mph (The Main Event for Many People)

Big Shot is the ride most people talk about for a reason. You strap in, then the system shoots you up fast, about 160 feet at 45 mph in seconds.

The ride description gets specific about the height too. You are catapulted from a 921-foot-high platform up to roughly 1,081 feet, then you come back down. That means it’s not a “quick pop.” It’s the full vertical experience, and it’s meant to feel like the tower is launching you.

There are also clear rules, and you should respect them early:

• You must be at least 48 in (122 cm) tall to ride Big Shot
• You must remain seated at all times
• Loose objects have to be put in the provided storage bins

If you’re anxious, here’s how I’d think about it. Big Shot is scary because it’s fast and vertical, but it’s also predictable. You know what’s coming. That predictability can be a relief if you’re brave but uneasy.

If you prefer something a bit less vertical, Big Shot might still be your best starter ride because it’s the classic “wow” moment. If you do it last, you might spend the whole day building fear instead of enjoying the view.

X-Scream: Teeter-Totter Over the Edge from 866 Feet

X-Scream is the edge ride. The big moment is when you tip and then go headfirst about 27 feet over the edge from 866 feet high.

It’s described as teeter-tottering over the SkyPod edge, then you are propelled headfirst beyond it. After you go past the edge, you dangle weightlessly above the Strip before being pulled back and propelled again.

This ride is shorter than Big Shot, but the “over the edge” feeling can be intense. If you are the type who freezes when something is about to happen, X-Scream can feel more mentally demanding than its duration suggests, because you get that pause before the headfirst drop.

Also, keep your expectations realistic about what you can do up there:

• You will be seated
• You’ll need to deal with loose object storage
• The ride is part of a high-speed, high-height system, not a casual photo stop

If you want the most “I can’t believe I’m doing this” memory, X-Scream often delivers it.

Insanity Is Closed, So Adjust Your SkyPod “Trio” Plan

The SkyPod lineup is often described as a set of multiple adrenaline rides. But here’s the key truth you should plan around: Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

That means you should not count on that ride when you decide your ticket option. Instead, focus on what is explicitly included: Big Shot and X-Scream, and your choice of 1 or 2 rides.

This is where your decision-making gets simple. If you want your money’s worth and you like high fear with high payoff, pick the ticket that lets you do both Big Shot and X-Scream. If you want one major adrenaline moment and then plenty of time for views, pick the 1-ride option and enjoy the deck at your pace.

SkyPod Observation Deck: The Real Reason to Stick Around After the Ride

Even if you are there for the thrill, the observation deck is a big part of the value. You’re going up to about 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip, which is the kind of height where the city starts to look like a grid and your brain has to recalibrate.

There are also practical “make the most of it” hints embedded in the experience. One detail that stands out is that the deck area has large touch screens, which can help you understand what you’re seeing in the distance. If you’ve ever felt like you were just standing and hoping the right building pops out, those screens can help you get your bearings fast.

Day vs. night can also change how satisfying the deck feels. People often recommend doing it during sunset and then watching the Strip shift into lights. At night, Big Shot and the view together can be a memorable combo, because the contrast makes the height feel even more dramatic.

Safety Rules That Affect Your Comfort (Not Just Your Risk)

This is a high-speed ride experience with high vertical g-forces at an elevated height. That affects more than safety paperwork, it affects your comfort and confidence in the seats.

Here’s what you should take seriously before you even queue:

• The ride isn’t recommended for guests with physical, mental, and/or medical limitations
• You have to remove loose objects and place them in storage bins
• You must remain seated at all times

Also, don’t ignore the height and age rules. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. And anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is not the kind of “drop them off and explore” Vegas stop. It’s a “plan the whole thing with them” stop.

Who This Works Best For (And Who Might Skip the Rides)

This experience is built for people who want a controlled dose of fear. If you get excited by steep drops and vertical speed, this is a strong match.

I’d also say it works well for couples and friend groups who can trade off ride turns. One person can handle the scary ride while others watch the view and set up for photos. If you want to keep the day moving, you can pick just one major ride and still get the observation deck payoff.

If you’re hesitant, go into it with the right expectations. X-Scream and Big Shot are not “maybe I can handle this.” They’re a fast decision. That’s why I like the idea of choosing only what you truly want.

And for anyone with limitations, take the “isn’t recommended” line seriously. If your hesitation comes from medical or safety concerns, your best move is to enjoy the deck and skip the rides.

Value Check: Big Shot Alone vs Big Shot Plus X-Scream

You can choose 1 or 2 rides depending on your ticket option. That choice is the heart of getting value.

Pick 1 ride if:

• You want one big adrenaline moment and then time to settle into the deck
• You are traveling with someone who is more cautious
• You prefer less total time strapped into rides

Pick 2 rides if:

• You want to maximize the money spent at this height
• You like variety, vertical rocket first and then edge tipping
• You know you’ll think about skipping one and then regretting it later

A small planning thought: if you do both, I’d do Big Shot first, then X-Scream. One suggested order in the wild is Big Shot, then X-Scream, and then Insanity, but since Insanity is closed, you can treat it as a two-step plan.

Practical Extras: Comfort, Weather, and Getting Your Photos

The SkyPod deck experience can include time outdoors, depending on how long you linger and where you choose to stand. One practical note from the experience is that it can be cold enough to limit ride time, so if you’re visiting in cooler months, dress for a chill.

For photos and videos, remember you’ll be moving between a deck environment and ride prep zones. Loose objects must be removed for rides, so don’t count on having everything on you at the moment you want a perfect shot. Plan on doing your best photo work at the deck, then treat the ride cameras as separate from your personal gear.

Should You Book STRAT Tower Thrill Rides?

Book it if you want one of the cleanest thrill-and-view combos in Las Vegas. The SkyPod height, plus Big Shot and X-Scream, makes for a strong one-day hit that doesn’t require planning a full amusement park day.

Skip the rides and just do the observation deck if your fear is more than a thrill preference. And because Insanity is closed indefinitely, don’t plan your day around a full trio. Plan around Big Shot and X-Scream, and choose the ticket option that matches your comfort level.

If you’re going for the best impact, I’d time it for sunset into night, then use the observation deck to reset after the adrenaline.

FAQ

What rides are included with STRAT Tower Thrill Rides admission?

Your ticket includes access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT, plus your choice of 1 or 2 rides on Big Shot and X-Scream, depending on the ticket option you select.

Is Insanity included?

No, Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance, so you should not expect to ride it as part of this experience.

How tall do you need to ride Big Shot?

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

Are there age limits or rules for minors?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Also, anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What safety rules should I expect on the rides?

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

Do I need to worry about health limitations?

Yes. This is a high-speed ride experience with high vertical g-forces at an elevated height, and it is not recommended for guests with physical, mental, and/or medical limitations.