David Copperfield at MGM Grand
As verified in October 2026, David Copperfield performs grand-scale stage illusions including a full-size levitating spacecraft inside the 740-seat David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand, pricing at $99.00 to $245.00 out the door including 9% Nevada LET. Operating 7 days a week with zero dark days across 15 weekly performances and a 90-minute runtime, the venue bans bags exceeding 12x12x6 inches and strictly prohibits smartphone handling during illusions across a 10-minute casino walk.
What is David Copperfield at MGM Grand really like in plain English?
David Copperfield at MGM Grand is a premier resident production in Las Vegas. History’s commercially most successful illusionist stages colossal mechanical miracles—making vintage automobiles appear and hovering a full-size alien spacecraft directly over audience tables.
History’s commercially most successful illusionist stages colossal mechanical miracles—making vintage automobiles appear and hovering a full-size alien spacecraft directly over audience tables.
The performance combines custom theater acoustics with specialized staging to deliver an experience distinct from touring broadway roadshows.
What is the exact crowd vibe and age suitability for David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
The audience atmosphere for David Copperfield at MGM Grand: Nostalgic Boomers, Gen Xers, international tourists, and families with children aged 5+; casual resort attire.
Nostalgic Boomers, Gen Xers, international tourists, and families with children aged 5+; casual resort attire.
Proof of age may be requested at theater turnstiles for age-restricted productions.
Who should skip David Copperfield at MGM Grand and what is the better alternative?
Cynical magic fans who dislike scripted sentimental monologues about childhood dreams and robotic alien sidekicks. Travelers seeking a different theatrical style should explore Shin Lim at The Palazzo for sleek modern card artistry or Penn & Teller at Rio for sharp intellectual magic.
Cynical magic fans who dislike scripted sentimental monologues about childhood dreams and robotic alien sidekicks.
Recommended Alternative: Shin Lim at The Palazzo for sleek modern card artistry or Penn & Teller at Rio for sharp intellectual magic
How does David Copperfield at MGM Grand compare to its primary Las Vegas rival?
Compared to Mat Franco, Copperfield relies on massive custom hydraulic stage illusions rather than spontaneous close-up card improvisation.
Compared to Mat Franco, Copperfield relies on massive custom hydraulic stage illusions rather than spontaneous close-up card improvisation.
Assessing live human acrobatics versus digital scale ensures you choose the production matching your entertainment priorities.
What is the true out-the-door ticket cost for David Copperfield at MGM Grand across 1, 2, and 4 guests?
Tickets for David Copperfield at MGM Grand range from $99.00–$245.00 out the door across three showroom tiers. Pricing includes 9.0% Nevada Live Entertainment Tax on the base fare ($78–$199) plus a $14.50 MGM Grand showroom facility fee.
$99.00–$245.00 out the door across three showroom tiers. Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 368A), live indoor theater performances are subject to the 9.0% Live Entertainment Tax (LET), which our Out-the-Door Price Truth tables calculate upfront alongside mandatory facility fees.
What you’ll actually pay at David Copperfield at MGM Grand
| Item | 1 Ticket | 2 Tickets | 4 Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved seat ticket Representative mid-tier seat price | $109.00 | $218.00 | $436.00 |
| Nevada Live Entertainment Tax (9.0%) State tax applied to indoor performances | $9.81 | $19.62 | $39.24 |
| Box office & venue service fee Standard ticketing and facility charge | $14.50 | $29.00 | $58.00 |
| Estimated out-the-door total
Includes taxes & mandatory fees · Excludes temporary card holds
| $133.31 | $266.62 | $533.24 |
Which seating section offers the best value vs overpriced VIP tiers for David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
At David Copperfield at MGM Grand, Category B Elevated Mid-Room Booths ($133.31 OTD) provide clear eye-level views over the flat front cabaret tables while sitting directly beneath the flying spaceship path.
Category B Elevated Mid-Room Booths ($133.31 OTD) provide clear eye-level views over the flat front cabaret tables while sitting directly beneath the flying spaceship path. Booking center seats in middle rows frequently delivers 95% of the VIP experience at half the price.
What do drinks, cocktails, and snacks cost inside the theater for David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Concessions inside the venue: Showroom service bars pour $21–$25 mixed drinks, $15 domestic beers, and $8 sodas; table service closes 10 minutes prior to curtain blackout.
Showroom service bars pour $21–$25 mixed drinks, $15 domestic beers, and $8 sodas; table service closes 10 minutes prior to curtain blackout. Clark County’s 8.375% sales tax applies to all food and beverage purchases.
What are the dark days and matinee schedules for David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Performance schedule for David Copperfield at MGM Grand: Rare Strip workhorse operating 7 days a week (zero regular dark days) at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM nightly, plus a 4:00 PM Saturday afternoon matinee (15 shows/week!).
Rare Strip workhorse operating 7 days a week (zero regular dark days) at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM nightly, plus a 4:00 PM Saturday afternoon matinee (15 shows/week!). Always cross-check your check-in and check-out dates using our "What's On My Dates" interactive tool before planning evening dining.
What is the exact door-to-door runtime and intermission status for David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Curtain runtime for David Copperfield at MGM Grand: Runs 90 minutes straight with zero intermission; beach balls tossed across the audience select random guests to vanish from an elevated center platform.
Runs 90 minutes straight with zero intermission; beach balls tossed across the audience select random guests to vanish from an elevated center platform. Plan on 15 minutes of additional post-show exit flow before reaching exterior casino doors.
How early should you arrive for security and seating at David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Recommended arrival time: Arrive 30–35 minutes early because showroom ushers individually escort every party to specific numbered shared tables and curved booths.
Arrive 30–35 minutes early because showroom ushers individually escort every party to specific numbered shared tables and curved booths. Late arrivals are held outside the auditorium until a predetermined pause in performance choreography.
Where are restrooms located and how bad are the lines at David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Restroom accessibility at David Copperfield at MGM Grand: No restrooms exist inside the dark showroom seating bowl; use the Studio Walk casino restrooms outside TAP Sports Bar before scanning in.
No restrooms exist inside the dark showroom seating bowl; use the Studio Walk casino restrooms outside TAP Sports Bar before scanning in. Visiting casino floor restrooms 10 minutes before queuing at theater turnstiles avoids the pre-curtain crush.
How far in advance does David Copperfield at MGM Grand sell out, and are rush tickets available?
Ticketing lead time for David Copperfield at MGM Grand: With 15 shows weekly, weekday 9:30 PM performances often have availability 24 hours out, whereas Saturday 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM shows sell out 1–2 weeks ahead.
With 15 shows weekly, weekday 9:30 PM performances often have availability 24 hours out, whereas Saturday 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM shows sell out 1–2 weeks ahead. Same-day box office visits can occasionally score single-seat cancellations or military/local discounts.
What is the exact walking route from the casino entrance to David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Step-by-step route to the theater: From MGM Grand main lobby, walk right past the registration desk into Studio Walk toward the West Wing corridor to reach the blue David Copperfield marquee.
From MGM Grand main lobby, walk right past the registration desk into Studio Walk toward the West Wing corridor to reach the blue David Copperfield marquee. Budget at least 6–10 minutes of indoor walking from resort front valets to theater ticket scanners.
Getting to the David Copperfield at MGM Grand theater doors
From Main property entrance → To Theater box office & doors
MGM Grand Main Valet
Enter the main hotel atrium and bear right past the registration desk toward the casino floor.
Studio Walk Promenade
Follow signs toward Studio Walk and the West Wing corridor past TAP Sports Bar.
David Copperfield Showroom
Clear security bag screening and take cabaret table or tiered booth seats.
What is the fastest exit route to avoid post-show rideshare crush after David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
To avoid delays after curtain call: Walk 4 minutes west down the West Wing hallway straight to the Tropicana pedestrian skybridge leading to New York-New York and Excalibur.
Walk 4 minutes west down the West Wing hallway straight to the Tropicana pedestrian skybridge leading to New York-New York and Excalibur. Walking 5 minutes to an adjacent resort valet frequently cuts Uber/Lyft surge pricing and wait times by half.
What are the best pre-show dinner pairings within an 8-minute indoor walk of David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Recommended pre-theater dining: Eat casual burgers and craft beer right across the corridor at TAP Sports Bar or book Morimoto Las Vegas 3 minutes away at 5:00 PM.
Eat casual burgers and craft beer right across the corridor at TAP Sports Bar or book Morimoto Las Vegas 3 minutes away at 5:00 PM. Inform your dining server of your theater curtain time when sitting down to ensure courses are paced briskly.
Getting to the David Copperfield at MGM Grand theater doors
From Main property entrance → To Theater box office & doors
MGM Grand Main Valet
Enter the main hotel atrium and bear right past the registration desk toward the casino floor.
Studio Walk Promenade
Follow signs toward Studio Walk and the West Wing corridor past TAP Sports Bar.
David Copperfield Showroom
Clear security bag screening and take cabaret table or tiered booth seats.
Where should you park for David Copperfield at MGM Grand and does the box office validate?
Parking policies for David Copperfield at MGM Grand: MGM Grand self-parking runs $20/day ($25 Fri–Sun); free for MGM Rewards Pearl+ cardholders; box office provides zero parking validation.
MGM Grand self-parking runs $20/day ($25 Fri–Sun); free for MGM Rewards Pearl+ cardholders; box office provides zero parking validation. Utilizing casino loyalty tier status (MGM Pearl+, Caesars Platinum+) is the most dependable method to waive daily parking fees.
What exact rows and sections have overhang cutoffs or obstructed views at David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Sightline forensic assessment: Zero ceiling overhangs block views, though flat Golden Circle floor tables behind Row 2 can require peeking around taller guests seated at table 101–115.
Zero ceiling overhangs block views, though flat Golden Circle floor tables behind Row 2 can require peeking around taller guests seated at table 101–115. Use our interactive SVG Sightline X-Ray tool to inspect visual angles before finalizing seat selection.
David Copperfield at MGM Grand
Select any seating section to compare viewing angles, overhangs, and best-value rows
Front Mezzanine / Mid-Center
Balanced stage proximity, full-stage lighting geometry, and crisp acoustics without front-row neck tilt.
How steep are the upper balcony stairs and what is wheelchair access at David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Auditorium accessibility and incline: Low-rise stepped amphitheater tiers with wide carpeted stairs rather than a high balcony; ADA table positions sit along the center cross-aisle.
Low-rise stepped amphitheater tiers with wide carpeted stairs rather than a high balcony; ADA table positions sit along the center cross-aisle. ADA accessible seating includes companion chairs and level elevator access from the main concourse.
What is the enforced bag policy and locker fee trap at David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Security bag enforcement: Bags larger than 12"x12"x6" are barred, and security ushers aggressively eject anyone pulling out a glowing smartphone screen once house lights dim.
Bags larger than 12"x12"x6" are barred, and security ushers aggressively eject anyone pulling out a glowing smartphone screen once house lights dim. Always travel with small clutches (under 6"x6") or leave backpacks with your hotel bell desk to avoid locker fees.
What are the decibel sound levels, strobe intensity, and sensory warnings for David Copperfield at MGM Grand?
Sensory profile for David Copperfield at MGM Grand: Loud 81 dB cinematic orchestral swells, theatrical fog, bright xenon spacecraft spotlights, and massive props swinging within feet of front tables.
Loud 81 dB cinematic orchestral swells, theatrical fog, bright xenon spacecraft spotlights, and massive props swinging within feet of front tables. Earplugs are available upon request from guest services at most major theater box offices.
Watch inside David Copperfield at MGM Grand
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Guest reviews & verified fee notes for David Copperfield at MGM Grand
Indoor ticketed performances in Las Vegas carry a 9.0% Nevada Live Entertainment Tax (LET) on face value plus primary box-office facility and order fees.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely incredible – David Copperfield is still a true master I honestly don’t understand why this show is underrated in some reviews, because what I experienced was the complete opposite. I’ve seen David Copperfield twice, and both performances were outstanding. The first time I was lucky enough to sit in the front row (I got the ticket through a meet and greet), and the second time I watched from the middle section. I attended two different shows as well: one at 9:30 PM and the next day at 7:00 PM — and in both performances he was energetic, focused, and fully present. David had amazing stage presence, spoke beautifully, and maintained a strong, active connection with the audience throughout the entire show. And I have to add: he is extremely funny — not just a little humorous, but genuinely very, very entertaining, with great timing and natural charisma. The comedy and audience interaction made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The illusions were spectacular, especially the extraterrestrial / space-themed parts. The storytelling was surprisingly emotional and well done, and the spaceship sequence was simply unforgettable. From the front row, some of the large illusions happened literally above our heads, and at one point a massive object appeared so close it felt like you could almost touch it. Seeing those large-scale illusions from that distance was mind-blowing. Even from the middle seats everything was perfectly visible, and the magic was still just as impressive. Both shows were smooth, professional, and truly world-class. There was absolutely no sign of him being tired or “burned out”, like some negative commenters claim. His movement and performance were completely fine — honestly, what he does on stage is almost superhuman. My honest opinion: don’t listen to the bitter negative reviews. What David Copperfield is doing is legendary, and it’s a privilege to witness a living icon still performing at this level. I truly hope he continues sharing this incredible experience for many years. Highly recommended — a must-see show in Las Vegas.
Full disclosure: tickets were gifted due to my Marriott Elite status. I grew up loving David Copperfield’s shows and illusions so I probably have a soft spot for him, especially given the fact that he’s now nearly 70 years old. The show was mediocre at best, tricks were few and far in between. The alien bit went on far too long. I believe most of the audience clapped and cheered out of nostalgia and dare I say it, sympathy for a legendary magician who is well past his prime.
The venue was great but the show was not what I expected. The tricks were not good and the show lack energy. David was a great magician, but perhaps it is time to retire. If you are coming to Vegas for a magic show, I'd recommend purchasing tickets for another show.
I took my Mom to see David Copperfield, a magician I’ve known about since childhood and always considered a legendary figure in entertainment. The show itself had some entertaining and well-executed tricks, but the overall experience fell short—especially toward the end. I attended the 7 PM show on Friday, April 10, 2026, and the finale never actually happened. I’m surprised there aren’t other reviews sharing this information. Please read this before purchasing tickets. After the encore, Copperfield began preparing for what seemed like a major closing illusion. The setup dragged on longer than expected, and just as anticipation was building, the house lights suddenly came on. Without any explanation, he walked off the stage, and ushers instructed everyone to exit. At first, we thought it might be part of the act—perhaps leading to something outside the theater—but that wasn’t the case. As we were leaving, we were told there had been technical difficulties. What made the situation worse was the lack of communication. There was no acknowledgment, apology, or effort to address the audience before ending the show. Another aspect that felt out of place was the humor. Some of the jokes leaned on sexual innuendo, which came across as dated and unnecessary—especially for a show that attracts a wide range of ages. It felt out of step, like something from a different era rather than a modern performance. Considering the high ticket prices, this was an epic fail. Any enjoyable moments were completely overshadowed by the abrupt, poorly handled ending, and the outdated, sexist jokes only made the experience more off-putting. Have a read at all of the negative reviews - they are 100% accurate. I would not recommend the show.
A Legend on Autopilot: Disappointing Show with Fleeting Moments of Magic I went to see David Copperfield at MGM Grand Las Vegas with my wife and our two kids (7 and 9), and it was a surprisingly disappointing experience. The overall impression was that he simply doesn’t want to be doing this anymore. He rushed through his lines, barely engaging with the audience, and seemed visibly irritated when audience participants didn’t immediately follow his instructions. Instead of adapting or leaning into the moment, he just pushed through, which made things feel awkward rather than magical. A large portion of the show was taken up by a strange, drawn-out interaction with an animatronic alien that had no real magic to it. When there was magic, it often relied on turning the lights off and then revealing something, followed by a forced pause for applause. There were brief flashes of what made him famous, especially when he moved through the crowd and did close-up tricks, but those moments were rare. At one point, he was spraying props and even people with Lysol, which felt distracting and a bit uncomfortable. The low point was the final trick, which didn’t land at all. He pivoted awkwardly to a simple card trick and then rushed off stage, leaving the audience confused until an usher told us the show was over. My wife and I honestly found ourselves laughing at how off it felt. That said, my kids were entertained, so it wasn’t a total loss. Still, for the price and the reputation, it felt like a relic of something that used to be great. I would strongly recommend saving your time and money and seeing a younger, more engaged performer instead.
9.0% Live Entertainment Tax + Box Office Fees
David Copperfield at MGM Grand (South Strip) — Allow 10 min door-to-door. Air & walkway profile: Crosses Active Gaming Floor. Indoor ticketed performances in Las Vegas carry a 9.0% Nevada Live Entertainment Tax (LET) on face value plus primary box-office facility and order fees.