STRAT Tower Thrill Rides Admission

One big reason this works is simple: you go up where the Strip looks tiny. From the STRAT’s SkyPod, you trade normal Vegas sightseeing for gravity-defying rides at crazy heights. I like that this isn’t just a view ticket—you get real, fast, seatbelt-on adrenaline.

I love two things here. First, the SkyPod observation deck gives you serious height without rushing. Second, Big Shot and X-Scream are built around clear moments—straight-up acceleration and then a controlled over-the-edge drop that makes the whole tower feel alive.

One thing to consider: this is not a gentle add-on. It’s high-speed, high vertical g-forces, and you must meet height/age rules and follow strict ride safety (no loose items, remain seated).

Key things to know before you go

• Tower height that puts you above everything nearby: the SkyPod experience sits up around 800 to 1,000 feet over the Strip.
• Big Shot is the vertical thrill: 160 feet in the air at 45 mph in seconds.
• X-Scream is the edge moment: you teeter headfirst over the edge from 866 feet up.
• You choose 1 or 2 rides: the ticket is built around Big Shot and X-Scream depending on your option.
• Insanity is currently closed: one of the SkyPod’s signature rides is listed as closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

SkyPod at the STRAT: the real “why” behind the thrill

If you’ve come to Las Vegas for big experiences, the STRAT’s SkyPod is a very direct choice. Instead of staring at a skyline from street level, you get to rise into the air and then get pulled back down by high-speed rides. It’s the kind of Vegas activity that feels like a plot twist: you start with the view, then it turns into a roller coaster and a drop moment over the edge.

The included SkyPod Observation Deck at the STRAT matters more than you might think. Most thrill rides are over fast. Here, you also get time at height to take in the geometry of the Strip—hotel lights, street grids, and the way the desert darkens the horizon. That makes the rides land harder emotionally, because you’ve already taken in the scale.

Value-wise, this package is also straightforward. For about $34 per person, you’re buying access to the deck plus either 1 ride or 2 rides (based on your selected option) from the Big Shot and X-Scream lineup. If your goal is “do something intense without spending all day,” this fits.

The SkyPod observation deck: where your nerves get a head start

Think of the deck as your warm-up phase, even if you’re not physically warming up. You’re high above the Strip—high enough that your brain reacts before your body does. The air up there feels different, and once you’re looking out, it’s hard not to track how far down you are.

A smart move is to spend a few minutes just scanning. Start by finding the general “spine” of the Strip, then look for the darker desert areas around it. If you’re there near sunset or after dark, you’ll notice how the lights sharpen the distance. One review specifically called out the views as amazing at night, and that matches how this kind of height plays with visibility.

Practical point: you’ll still need to keep your ride rules in mind while you’re on the deck. Loose objects have to go into storage bins, and you’ll be moving with that in mind. So even the “just enjoy the view” part has a rhythm.

Big Shot: 160 feet straight up at 45 mph

This is the ride that reads like a dare on paper, then becomes even more intense once you’re strapped in. Big Shot launches you straight up from the tower at a speed that’s fast enough to feel instant. The numbers here are the big story: 160 feet in the air at 45 mph, and you reach heights around the low 1,000-foot range before dropping back down.

What I like about Big Shot as a first thrill is that it’s a single, clear action. There’s no long maze of turns. The excitement builds quickly, then the ride gives you a direct “up” moment you can’t ignore. If you’ve been on towers or swing rides before, Big Shot feels like the most straightforward version of “vertical fear.”

Also, it’s not recommended to treat this casually if you’re sensitive to high g-forces or medical limitations. The information you’re given is blunt: this is a high-speed ride experience with high vertical g-forces at an elevated height. If you’re unsure, don’t try to power through. Your comfort matters more than checking a box.

Who can ride Big Shot:

• You must be at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
• You must be able to follow safety instructions and remain seated.

X-Scream: the headfirst over-the-edge moment from 866 feet

If Big Shot is the clean vertical jolt, X-Scream is the “what on earth am I seeing?” ride. You teeter over the edge of the SkyPod from 866 feet up. The description says you’re propelled headfirst about 27 feet over the edge, then you dangle weightlessly before being pulled back and propelled again.

This is the ride that people talk about because the sensation isn’t just height. It’s exposure. You’re not only looking down; you’re positioned in a way that makes the edge feel physical and immediate. If you get a thrill from drops and the feeling of being suspended, this is likely your favorite.

One useful note: X-Scream is still part of the same strict ride behavior. You must remain seated at all times, and you’ll deal with loose items being stored before riding. If you’re the kind of person who fidgets, plan to keep your hands still and trust the restraint.

Even if you don’t love thrill rides normally, X-Scream can still work for you if you’re excited by the challenge. Some reviews say it’s fun but short, which lines up with the idea that the “wow” moment is the highlight rather than a long ride.

What you’re choosing: 1 ride vs 2 rides (and how to decide fast)

Your ticket option picks whether you do one ride or two rides, using Big Shot and X-Scream. There’s also a mention of other SkyPod rides in the overall concept, but the current situation is clear: Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance. So if you’re expecting a full three-ride set, plan around what’s actually operating and included in your option.

So how do you choose?

• Pick 1 ride if you want the views + one major thrill without overdoing it.
• Pick 2 rides if you know you’ll regret not doing the second “edge moment” and you want to maximize your money and your adrenaline time.

This is also where the $34 price starts making sense. At a tower, the view can be worth a lot—but the real value comes when you add the rides. Reviews also mention better value than buying on the door, which suggests this admission package can be a smarter call if you’re trying to keep Vegas costs from creeping up.

A timing note: rides run on a schedule with starting times. Build buffer into your plan, because the experience is controlled. When you show up early, you’ll spend less time stressed, and more time ready.

Timing and mood: day vs night (yes, it changes everything)

I’d treat this as two different experiences depending on when you go. During the day, you’ll see the Strip with crisp lines and daylight clarity. At night, the skyline turns into a glowing map, and the height feels more dramatic because everything else dims.

Some of the strongest positive feedback specifically calls out the night views and highlights how much more exciting the rides feel when you can watch the lights spread out below. If your schedule allows it, aim for sunset-to-dark. Even if the weather is chilly (and it can be), the payoff is usually worth it.

One practical tip from real-life experience at towers like this: cold can make you less patient and more tense. If you’re there for Big Shot and X-Scream, dress for the deck, not for inside air. Thin layers that you can move in help.

Safety rules: the stuff that matters right now

This isn’t a “wander up and try your luck” situation. There are clear limits, and you should treat them like part of the planning.

You must:

• Remove loose objects from your pockets and use the provided storage bins.
• Remain seated during the ride.
• Follow the ride rules exactly as explained onsite.

Age and height:

• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
• Anyone 15 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Big Shot has a 48-inch minimum height.

Medical/comfort considerations:

• This is a high-speed ride experience with high vertical g-forces at elevation.
• It’s explicitly not recommended for guests with physical, mental, and/or medical limitations.

If you or someone in your group has any doubt, take that seriously. This is a thrill product, and the whole point is the intensity.

Practical planning tips that make the day smoother

You don’t need a complex itinerary to enjoy this, but a few smart choices help a lot.

First, choose your ride order based on how you handle fear. Big Shot is intense, but it’s a clean vertical experience; X-Scream is the over-edge exposure moment. If you’re the type who gets calmer once the first scare is done, you might prefer starting with the more straightforward blast and then working into the edge ride. (If you’re unsure, go with what makes sense for your own comfort level, because the rules don’t change for your body.)

Second, plan your clothing. Because you’ll be storing items and staying seated, avoid bulky accessories. Keep your essentials minimal. You’ll thank yourself when you’re moving quickly through the process.

Third, be ready for the ride to end fast. A common disappointment with thrill attractions is thinking it will be a long hang time of “just one more second.” These rides are about the peak moment, not a slow experience. If you want time at height, you’ll get that on the observation deck—so use that part actively.

One more thing: the experience is rated high overall, with an average around 4.2 from 387 reviews. Reviews also mention that lines can be light on some visits, which helps if you want to squeeze in more than one ride. Still, you should assume there can be wait time depending on the day.

Should you book STRAT Tower Thrill Rides admission?

Book it if:

• You want big views plus big thrills in one compact outing.
• You’re comfortable with a high-speed ride and you enjoy drops and edge moments.
• You’re going for a night view or sunset-to-dark timing and want the skyline to look like a light display.

Skip or think twice if:

• Someone in your party can’t meet the 48-inch Big Shot minimum or won’t have the required guardian supervision rules.
• You or your group has physical, mental, and/or medical limitations that make high g-forces and elevation unsafe.
• You hate the idea of exposure at height. X-Scream’s over-the-edge moment is the kind of fear many people either love instantly or find too intense.

If you’re on the fence about which ticket option to choose, I’d lean toward doing two rides if your budget allows. It’s usually the better use of the ticket value because you get both the vertical punch and the true over-edge sensation, plus you still get the deck time that makes the whole day feel worth it.

FAQ

What rides are included with the STRAT Tower Thrill Rides admission?

The included rides are Big Shot! and X-Scream, and you can choose either 1 ride or 2 rides depending on the selected ticket option. You also get access to the SkyPod Observation Deck at The STRAT.

Is the Insanity ride available?

At this time, Insanity is closed indefinitely due to maintenance.

How high are Big Shot and X-Scream?

Big Shot shoots you up 160 feet at 45 mph, reaching heights around 1,081 feet. X-Scream teeters you over the edge from 866 feet above the Las Vegas Strip and propels you headfirst 27 feet over the edge.

What is the height requirement for Big Shot?

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

Are there age restrictions?

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

Do I need to remove things from my pockets before riding?

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

Do I have to stay seated during the rides?

Yes. You must remain seated at all times during the rides.

Is food and drink included in the ticket?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there cancellation flexibility?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the ticket valid?

This ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll need to check availability to see the starting times.