Paul Szydelko
Even after almost six years of operation just a few minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, Area15 may still stump tourists.
The growing experiential arts and entertainment district has dozens of unique creations to offer those who are curious and have a sense of adventure.
About 70% of Area15's guests are tourists, and about 33% are repeat visitors (either local or tourists), according to Jessica Bowlby, Area15's director of brand marketing. The most common age group is 25-45 years old, but its art and experiences resonate for those younger and older.
• Related: Plan on visiting Area15? Here are some itinerary recommendations
It's free to walk around to enjoy the large-scale art and other sights, but many other attractions and activities with paid admission beckon. I talked with Bowlby to get some tips on how to best enjoy Area15. Our conversation was edited for brevity and clarity.
Q:What's the most important consideration when planning a visit to Area15?
A: First and probably most important is [knowing] what they're drawn to and how long they have. Once they know what they gravitate toward -- if that's art and immersion, or more competition thrills, or maybe both -- the visit really can then shape itself from there. We truly do have something for everyone and can make a great experience with any budget.
Q: Besides exploring the website and bundles of ticketed attractions, is there a concierge who can help guests match their interests, time and budget with a plan?
A: We do have brand ambassadors … they will ask questions to get to know what [your] interests are, how much time you have, maybe what your budget range is looking like. They can then guide you toward the experience path that would work best, or if maybe even just purchasing some experiences a la carte is better suited.
Q:Any attractions that require a reservation?
A: I would recommend booking ahead for experiences like Universal Horror Unleashed, the John Wick Experience, Omega Mart, even The Escape Game and The Great Big Game Show, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Those experiences tend to be a bit more intimate, or they have timed entry. So walk-in availability isn't always guaranteed. Universal is also only open select days of the week, so I recommend taking a look at that ahead of time.
Our teams are really flexible, and our venues are flexible in most cases to accommodate walk-ins. And then, of course, we have the broader campus experiences like Liftoff (bar and ride), Looper (carousel), Haley's Comet (zipline) -- all of those have a lot more flexibility to accommodate people as they [arrive].
Q:What other elements have mass appeal?
A: Before deciding your experience, just spend some time walking through the space, seeing the vibes in main bunker, our 747 plane and our art installations throughout. There really is so much "wow" installed throughout the campus, even if you're not here to experience a particular attraction.
Q:Any other tips?
A: Don't rush out after your first attraction. The campus definitely rewards those who wander. Come with a loose plan rather than a rigid one. Area15 really is an experience that you make of it. There really is something for everyone, and it's just how open you are to exploring and uncovering the unknown within.