Aladdin

3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip
Las Vegas.
702-785-5555. Toll-free 877-333-9474
Apropos of the ever-changing world that is Las Vegas, today's Middle Eastern-themed Aladdin will become tomorrow's Planet Hollywood Resort & Hotel. The 2,567-room Aladdin went into bankruptcy, and its new owners plan substantial construction beginning in 2005.

Desert Passage, the 140-store mega mall surrounding Aladdin, replete with eight-story mountain and full-sized freighter anchored alongside a replica of a North African harbor, started remodeling in summer 2004 and will relaunch in October 2005.

Bally's

3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-739-4111. Toll-free 800-722-5597.
Shows include Donn Arden's Jubilee, with a Bob Mackie-gowned showgirl extravaganza and spectacular effects such as the sinking of the Titanic. A multimillion-dollar refurbishment added a dramatic entrance from Las Vegas Boulevard, including four 200-ft. people movers, along with light, water and sound displays.

Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Central Strip, Las Vegas.
702-693-7111. Toll-free 888-987-3456
An 8-acre lake provides a choreographed display of fountains, lights and rousing music every half-hour 3-8 pm, and every 15 minutes 8 pm-midnight. For the most spectacular visual effects, see the complex after dark. The Via Bellagio shopping avenue features such famous names as Gucci, Prada,  and Chanel.