This was yet another reminder that some things vividly remembered from your childhood should best stay that way. Certain movies should never be revisited, just as certain places should also be avoided.
My recollection of the carnival sideshow at Circus Circus wasn't exactly great to begin with, as I only recalled walking around here in 1992 fearing for my life. My memories looked like b-roll from Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, replete with demonic carnies and a labyrinthine maze of games and rides designed to terrorize my young mind.
The return was, of course, nothing as I had imagined. I don't know when this place got renovated, but not it's just an innocuous sideshow full of extremely cheesy rides and games. The only possibly saving grace on our visit was that we happened to show up right after they opened, which meant it was empty of both guests and about 90% of the staff. As we wandered around this children's ghost town, there were a few things to goof on here and there, but it was mostly kinda sad and depressing. The few employees we did see had such a vacant look in their eyes, like they're trapped here in indentured servitude or something. This is a childhood memory that I wish I hadn't attempted to replicate.