I have always wanted to sky dive but have simply not ever been able to make it happen due to the expense and time. Jumping off of the Stratosphere Hotel gave me the opportunity to begin to imagine how great it would be to go skydiving! The staff do a great job of going through all of the necessary checks multiple times. They have obviously done their homework on this. I paid the full price at $150 and got the video, picture, free subsequent ride up to the tower observation deck, and option to jump again in the next 24 hours for $60.
I simply stepped off of the platform and felt as though I were free falling the first several seconds. A friend of mine jumped off and I wish I had thought to do that. The cables catch you to slow your descent to 35mph and you get to enjoy the view a little before you land. The staff teach you ahead of time how to adjust the wrist camera so that you get the view you want of yourself, surrounding Las Vegas, the bull's eye rushing up at you as you land or any combination of those that you have the presence of mind to make happen as you are falling.
The staff warn you ahead of time to catch yourself at the landing by bending your knees. Unless you have jumped enough to have practiced landing at this speed that may be a little tough. My landing was not graceful, but it was all good since I have never jumped from this distance before. I have been able to bungee jump once at a local place in DFW and found this to be much smoother (although I loved the bungee jump, too!).
At the landing are reclining chairs in which your friends and family that are too chicken can watch you as you jump. It was fun to watch other people jump, too. That part is free, also.