Must see-do's for first timers??

The strip has some great free shows:

Water show at the Bellagio
Sirens show at the TI
Volcano at the Mirage
Sam's Town has a cool laser and water show
Freemont Street experience

These are all must do-must sees.

There are tons of others. You have to experience the strip. Walk it. It's 3 miles

Do some side trips. Laughlin is only 90 miles away. Maybe go there and stay over night.

Go up to see the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyons. Valley Of Fire is better, but further.In my opinion...well worth the trip.

Luxor also has a good buffet. Like said to you on another post, I recommend NOT staying all 8 nights at the same place. Make it 2 hotels (at least. If you go to laughlin and stay overnight, you could make it 3 hotels.