1,149 feet up, your stomach takes notes. At the STRAT, I love the SkyPod Observation Deck views stretching over the Las Vegas Strip, and I love the brute, no-lying-fast physics of Big Shot firing you 160 feet at 45 mph. The catch: this is a high-speed ride with strong vertical forces, so it is not a good fit for everyone.

What makes this feel extra worth it is that you are not just buying a ticket to a thrill ride, you are pairing that adrenaline with a serious height advantage. You get the SkyPod experience up at 866 feet on X-Scream, where the motion teeters you over the edge and drops you into that weightless moment above the Strip.

Before you go, check the basics so the day runs smoothly. You must be at least 48 inches tall for Big Shot, and anyone 15 or younger has to ride with a parent or legal guardian. Also, loose objects go into storage bins, and you stay seated the whole time.

Key Highlights That Matter

• A tall observation platform with real views from 1,149 feet at the SkyPod Observation Deck
• Big Shot is the main event with a 160-foot launch at 45 mph
• X-Scream plays with your sense of balance as you teeter over the edge from 866 feet
• You choose 1 or 2 rides depending on your ticket option
• Insanity is closed indefinitely so plan around Big Shot and X-Scream
• You get height plus adrenaline for one price at about $33 per person

STRAT SkyPod at 1,000 Feet, Why It Feels So Different

Las Vegas has plenty of loud attractions. This one works because it is simple: you go up, you strap in, and you let gravity do the talking. The STRAT’s SkyPod rides sit high above the action, and the numbers are no small print. You are talking 800 to 1,000 feet over the Strip during the experience, and the SkyPod Observation Deck is at 1,149 feet.

That height changes how you read the ride. Ground-level thrills are mostly about speed you can see coming. Up here, you start with an empty “how is this possible” moment, then you get the sudden vertical movement. That contrast is why people keep calling it the highlight of their Vegas trip, especially when they do it day-to-night.

The value angle is also clear. For about $33, you are not just buying one rapid drop. You are pairing the rides with access to the SkyPod Observation Deck, which means you get time to take in the Strip before and after you ride.

Inside the SkyPod: Your Included Observation Deck Time

The best part of this experience is that you are not forced to rush straight into the adrenaline. Your ticket includes access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT, so you can use the height for what it is good at, big, clean views.

Plan your time like this:

• Arrive with enough slack to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor viewing areas if they are open when you go.
• Treat the deck as part of the attraction, not just a waiting room. At this height, even a quick glance turns into a long look.

One detail worth keeping in mind is that getting in smoothly matters. A tip from real visitors: make sure you get your ticket at the main entrance first, before heading up to the desk at the observatory entrance. If you skip that step, you can lose time when you want to maximize your ride window.

If you care about the view more than the pure fear factor, do at least some of your observation time at night. Multiple ride reviews single out night views as a top moment, because the Strip turns into bright lines and grid-like patterns when the city lights kick in.

Big Shot: The 160-Foot, 45 mph Straight-Up Moment

Big Shot is the ride that most people describe as the one you should not miss. Here is what you’re signing up for: you strap in, then you are shot 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour in seconds. That is not gradual. It is instant, vertical, and built to hit fast.

You also get specific motion stats that help you picture it:

• The ride launches you from a 921-foot-high platform.
• It sends you up to a height of 1,081 feet.
• Then it brings you back down again.

That sequence matters for your nerves. The fear usually starts before the launch, during the strap-in and positioning. Then the first second of vertical motion is the shock. After that, your brain shifts into managing the sensation, not guessing what comes next.

Before you plan Big Shot, confirm you meet the posted minimum. You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride. Also remember the general warning: this ride is high-speed with high vertical g-forces at an elevated height, and it is not recommended if you have physical, mental, and/or medical limitations.

Practical tip that comes from actual riders: keep your hands in place once you are secure. One review joked about not grabbing your stomach while you are still up at the top before you leave. It is funny, but the point is real, do not try to fight the forces with extra movement.

And if you are the type who wants to confirm you got the full experience, Big Shot is the one you can repeat mentally and physically. Many people call it worth doing more than once when the lines are light, because the view during the launch is part of the thrill.

X-Scream: Teetering Over the Edge From 866 Feet

X-Scream is short, but it is intense in a very specific way. Instead of a straight-up blast, you get that edge moment, the “wait, am I really going over?” feeling.

Here is the ride description in plain terms:

• You teeter-totter over the edge of the SkyPod from 866 feet high.
• You are propelled headfirst 27 feet over the edge.
• After you go over, you dangle weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip.
• Then you are pulled back and propelled again.

That dangling part is key. A lot of high-thrill rides are just motion. X-Scream adds a pause-like sensation, the kind that makes you feel the height even after the initial surge.

Because you are going headfirst, it is also a ride that requires a calm mindset. You have to stay seated and trust the restraint system. If you are the kind of person who struggles with sudden motion or strong physical sensations, take the safety warning seriously. This is an elevated ride, and the experience involves high vertical forces.

The reward, if you like extreme views, is very clear. At the edge, the Strip is so far below that it looks like a model. That visual distance makes the teeter more dramatic, and the headfirst position can make it feel like you are cutting the skyline in half.

What Happens With Insanity If It Is Closed

You might hear people talk about Insanity in the same breath as Big Shot and X-Scream. Right now, though, Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance. That changes how you should plan your day.

So what do you do with that information?

• Assume your ride time will focus on Big Shot and X-Scream.
• Choose the ticket option that gives you the number of rides you want from those two.

It also means you should not build your expectations around a third ride. If you were picturing a full three-ride rotation, this is the time to adjust. The upside is that you can still get the main two experiences that most people chase, one straight-up launch and one edge teeter.

If you are traveling with someone who is mostly interested in the views, the good news is the included SkyPod Observation Deck keeps the day meaningful even if one ride type is unavailable.

Price and Value at About $33, What You’re Really Paying For

At $33 per person for this STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission package, the big question is value. The math works out because you are not only paying for adrenaline. Your ticket includes:

• Access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT
• A choice of 1 or 2 rides, based on your selected ticket option, from Big Shot and X-Scream

That matters. If you were just buying one fear machine, you might wonder if the price fits. Here, you’re paying for height, views, and at least one major ride. For many visitors, that combo is the entire reason the ticket feels like a bargain compared to buying rides one-by-one on the Strip.

Still, be honest with yourself about what kind of experience you want:

• If you want one signature thrill and lots of viewing time, pick the 1 ride option.
• If you want to maximize adrenaline per hour and you know you can handle strong motion, choose 2 rides.

Also note what is not included. Food and drinks are not part of the price. That is normal for this kind of attraction, but it does affect your budget. If you plan to stay up there longer or want something before rides, plan on purchasing separately.

Timing, Lines, and the Real-Life Ride Cutoff

This is where planning can make or break your experience. Even with a fun, straightforward setup, thrill rides have cutoffs. One review noted last call at 9:30 pm, with the full ride shutting down before 10 pm. That is not something you should treat as guaranteed, but it is enough to change your game plan.

Here is what I recommend:

• If you want night views, aim to be on the deck and ready to ride before the evening rush compresses your schedule.
• Do not wait until the final minutes to start moving between viewing areas and the ride entrances.

Crowds can be light on some days. When staffing and crowd levels are low, you might find it easier to ride more than once or spend more time on the deck. When crowds are heavier, you may feel rushed even if the line looks manageable.

The safe play is to treat this like a timed attraction day. You have one day, and you’ll want enough breathing room for the waiting, strap-in, and photo moments that naturally happen at high-thrill rides.

The Rules That Keep the Day Smooth (and Safe)

High thrill does not leave much room for improvising. The rules are straightforward, and following them helps you avoid delays.

Key rules to know:

• You must remain seated at all times.
• Loose objects have to be removed from your pockets and placed in the provided storage bins.
• 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.

Height and age requirements are also important:

• Big Shot requires a minimum height of 48 inches (122 cm).
• Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

If you are traveling with kids, do not assume the requirement will be flexible. Build in time for everyone to meet the height rules and confirm who is allowed to ride without issues.

One more practical note: the experience is in English, with English host or greeter support. If your group speaks English comfortably, you will likely have no problem moving through the process.

Who This STRAT Thrill Package Fits Best

This is not a laid-back walking tour. It is a rides-and-views day built for people who like controlled fear.

You will likely enjoy it most if:

• You love skyline views and want them from a serious height.
• You want one or two signature thrill rides, with clear ride descriptions and fast action.
• You are comfortable with strong vertical forces and high-speed motion.

You might want to skip or choose a gentler plan if:

• You have physical, mental, and/or medical limitations that make high vertical g-forces unsafe for you.
• You are uncomfortable with headfirst positions, edge teeters, or intense sensations.

If you are traveling as a pair or small group, it can be especially fun because you can plan the ride order mentally and talk through what you want to do first. If you are choosing between Big Shot and X-Scream, many people seem to treat Big Shot as the must-do, then X-Scream as the edge challenge.

Should You Book This STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission?

If you want a Vegas day that mixes big views with two high-impact thrill rides for around $33, I think this is a strong value. The included SkyPod Observation Deck makes the ticket feel more complete than a single-ride purchase, and Big Shot and X-Scream each deliver a different kind of fear.

Book it if:

• You can meet the height requirement for Big Shot.
• You know you handle high-speed motion and vertigo-inducing moments.
• You want the night view option, and you will show up early enough not to miss your ride window.

Skip it or reconsider if:

• You or anyone in your group needs to avoid high-speed, high vertical g-force experiences.
• You were planning around Insanity, because it is currently closed indefinitely.

If you want a Vegas souvenir that is not just a photo, this gives you a memory built on your senses, height, and that moment when you realize the Strip is still far below you even when you feel like you are at the edge of the world.

FAQ

What rides are included with STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission?

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

How high is the SkyPod Observation Deck?

The SkyPod Observation Deck is located at 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip.

How high do the rides go?

Big Shot sends you from a 921-foot-high platform up to a height of 1,081 feet. X-Scream teeters over the edge from 866 feet high.

What is Big Shot, and what are the key stats?

Big Shot is a ride where you are shot 160 feet in the air at 45 miles per hour. You go from the 921-foot-high platform up to 1,081 feet and then back down.

What is the minimum height requirement for Big Shot?

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

Is Insanity included?

No. Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance, so it is not available at this time.

Are there age restrictions or rules for minors?

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

What should I do with loose objects during the rides?

All loose objects must be removed from your pockets and placed in the provided storage bins.

Is food and drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Food and drinks are not included.