A few weeks ago, I spent the afternoon with my friend Catherine in Las Vegas and we checked out the KISS themed mini-golf course at the Rio Hotel.
I'm not a fan of KISS and neither is Cath, but black-light indoor mini-golf sounded liked a lot of fun. Who doesn't like mini-golf?
Monster Mini Golf is the brainchild behind the blacklight mini-golf experience. We found out that they also have a Twilight Zone themed course at Bally's. I'm a huge Twilight Zone fan and had I known that it existed, I would have definitely picked it over a KISS theme. We didn't have a chance to check it out this trip, but Vegas is a short drive away and we will be back! I so hope they have a hole themed to "Talky Tina."
Cath and I showed up mid-morning, shortly after opening and we found it to be very quiet. We commented that it was like being the first people to show up at a night-club. Usually, it's a great thing when a mini-golf course isn't crowded, but the KISS course is an exception. This is a place that is mean't to have a party atmosphere. They have a KISS themed bar, gift shop, and mini museum right next the golf course, so the area can presumably be filled with many people, even those not playing golf.
A staff member told us that they would play any KISS song that we requested. There is a DJ booth in the middle of the course and staff kept running to the booth to make announcements, trying to bolster the atmosphere. Everyone who worked at KISS mini-golf was welcoming and exuding enthusiasm. They were on the course, making sure that everyone was having a great time.
The course is highly themed and quite difficult with challenging obstacles. No "holes in ones" for us. Even though we were not KISS fans, we still enjoyed the music ( Hey, the sang that???) and had fun. We were having so much fun and chatting, that I didn't take many pictures.
The course could definitely be a trip hazard if people have been drinking at the bar, prior to playing. We had some near misses and we were sober. Sensible shoes are a good idea, heeled sandals not so much.
There is only one course and it took us about an hour. We did catch up to the family in front of us and had to wait. We paid twelve-dollars each for a round, but I've since seen that you can get deals through Groupon.
After playing, we checked out the gift shop and small KISS museum. They even do weddings and had a whole section of KISS themed wedding merchandise.
The best thing was on our way out: The KISS car with the warning sign not to sit on the tongue. Not something that you see everyday!
Overall it was a fun experience, certainly a must-do for KISS fans.