text: I guess it is something everyone has to do once and once is plentynnIf you are going to go to the top of the Stratosphere you might as well do it at night when everything is lit up You start the process by taking a few escalators and walking past several tourist trap stores before getting to the line for tickets If you are a tourist it costs bucks or so to get to the top For a local its a couple of bucks less As previously mentioned it is like an airport getting through security Place all your belongings in a plastic bin Pass through metal detector get the wand treatment and your off Oh but wait you also have to be accosted by the souvenir photo takersnnThe elevator ride to the top is quick The first level you you step onto is still enclosed And yes there is even a Starbucks at the top of the Stratosphere To see the great view just head up the stairs where you are finally outside For me he reason to go to the top is the view itself For others it is the insane rides There is a ride that slides you down a teetertotter type deal over the edge Another take you over the edge and spins you around These rides cost money on top of what you paid to get there If you are a thrillseeker you will love itnnMy guess is the Stratosphere is like the western Empire State Building Cross it off lifes todo list and move onnnPS On the way down the elevator op started giving her bullet point fun facts speech only she gave us the version intended for the ride up It was high hilarity