I have a very important thing to share. My husband and I are taking the Trek to the Las Vegas Hilton for Star Trek: The Experience. I hope I am not disappointed as I have inside information that is has changed owners and is perhaps not as awesome.
Can I please have some pointers on what to expect and anything I shouldn't miss. I will try to get good pics. :borg
you are going to have a great time.
I was just there in June, and it was AWESOME!
It opens at 11 a.m. and if you are a die hard trekkie, that is the best time to get there. Plan on making a day of it. You stand in line for tickets, I actually purchased my online and printed out the certificates. You present those to the desk and they let you in as many times as you want to ride the attractions that day. I think the first day we were there I rode each ride three or four times, we made a nice day of it and even ate at Quarks Bar and Grill, it was really good food. The atmosphere was really cool too. The menu is online and the cost weren't so bad for a nice restaraunt in Vegas. We paid around 15-20 dollars a meal, but it was more than we could eat and very fine dining. http://www.startrkexp.com/pdf/quarks_menu.pdf (http://www.startrkexp.com/pdf/quarks_menu.pdf)
The rides are each about 17-25 minutes long and are really great. I reccomend that you pay the extra bucks and go on the behind the scenes tour called "how did they do that?" It was well worth the money we paid for it. The website http://www.startrekexp.com/ (http://www.startrekexp.com/) has more details on the costs and such. I called the day before we went and reserved a spot at one of the several tours during the day. I also paid some extra cash to get my wife and I's picture taken on the bridge of the Enterprise. When the ride was originally created there were two identical sets made, since then they have the Borg invasion and the Klingon Encounter, so one of the bridges of the enterprise is used now for weddings, and picture ops. I love my photo, it was before I lost weight, so I am just going to have to go back and have our picture taken again! :) I actually went back one more time before we left Vegas. I also reccomend that you interact with the characters that are in alien makeup. These guys and gals are so awesome. They know their trek, and they love to talk in character with you... bone up on your Klingon and study up on the customs of the Ferangi and you will laugh so hard it will hurt! We ate lunch with the Ferangi, and he was so fun!
Wear some comfortable shoes as you are your feet alot during both rides--- Also you will stand in line a lot, but it is really cool, because their are plenty of Trek props and historical stuff to look at while you are waiting. They even have a trek trivia contest toward the front of the line that is pretty funny.
If you want to buy some trek stuff, there is a lot available, all the way from Romulan Ale to T-shirts and DVDs. The promenade is full of cool souveniers and fun things trek. Some of it is spendy, some of it not. I got myself a cool BOLDY GO T-shirt that I wear to death. :) My son had me pick him up a Klingon Blood Wine mug, and I got my daughter a tribble. :)
All in all, it was well worth the money we paid, and I really enjoyed the rides, the behind the scenes tour and the museum. The people that I stood in line with were just like the other folks here on the forum. We all had one thing in common, our love for Trek. WAY COOL!
Have fun, and let us know how it went.
Here is some pictures from when we went. http://www.christrocks.com/theexperience
Rick :andorian :archer :borg :klingon :vulcan :trip :tpol
Quote from: moyer777 on January 16, 2007, 09:25:36 PM
I love my photo, it was before I lost weight, so I am just going to have to go back and have our picture taken again! :)
Rick, congrats on losing weight! Your comment made me laugh though, because my photos were taken before I gained weight! LOL! Actually...that really isn't funny. :wacko Well, here is the link anyway (http://www.shakespearehigh.com/library/surfbard/fun/star_trek/other.html).
Archangela, I haven't seen the Borg ride yet, but I had a blast on the ST:EXP! My sister isn't into ST at all, and she had a really good time, too. We went on the ride so many times in a row that we finally started feeling light headed and sick to our stomachs. It was worth it, though! Definitely splurge for the photo on the bridge!!!!
My wife really enjoyed the Borg Invasion over the Klingon Encounter. The Borg invasion was less motion intense, so she didn't get queezy on it. Plus. it was great to see the Dr. from Voyager again. I didn't care, it was just so cool...
oh one other tip. If you really want the best experience on the Klingon Encounter, the third time you go, figure out how to get in the front of the shuttle craft in the middle. After it gets goingk, you can't tell that you aren't on a spaceship in that seat! WOW!
:dstar
Oh, thanks Amy, about the weight loss, it has been a long journey, and I have 50 more to go. I just keep listening to Rico and my walks go faster. I bought a headphone splitter so my wife, her name is Amy as well, could listen to my ipod too. It is really quite fun. Usually 3 to 4 miles and we can get a whole podcast in. Tonight though, we just talked. Our whole family has been eating better and going on walks now for seven months. It has been a great experience as we have lost a whole person without losing anyone... heheh. Amy has lost 55 pounds and I have lost 83. All three kids have lost a bunch of weight too. I just want to live to see my grandkids, and of course the next 20 Star Trek Movies. :)
Be careful in the gift shop. A lot of what they have can be found elsewhere for a lot less $, especially the "replica" stuff. It's crap and we can point you to better things :). Otherwise, it's a lot of fun, though I found about 2 hours sufficient to see everything, though I have always been there during the morning in the middle of the week.
Thanks for the input. I am so excited. I am sure we will have so much fun.
I have gone to the experience about six or seven times since it's been opened and it never gets old. Like Moyer said.. get there when it first opens so you can take advantage of the entire day. You can ride the rides as many times as you want, which is always fun. Like they have said plan on staying there all day. You can take hours walking through the timeline and prop area. I would suggest riding the Borg 4D first then the Klingon Encounter. I think the Klingon ride is better. Make sure you eat the Quarks Bar on DS9 Promenade. The stores are great but are pretty expensive. If you are going to get a souvenir I would suggest buying the picture of you with your favorite crew. Before you get in line for the ride someone will be there and takes a picture of you against the blue wall. Later when you get off the ride they will put your face on a Starfleet body and put you in the middle of your favorite crew, TOS, TNG, DS9, Voy, Ent. and The Borg. It's something like 20 bucks but well worth it. I have three of them, one with TNG crew, Voy crew and Borgified.
Just enjoy it.. take your time and see everything. It's an AWESOME experience for any Trek Fan.
I agree with the rest about the Experiemce. The two Times I have been, I was there first thing after it opened. Both of the Rides are great, and looking at all the props and timelines well walking to the rides is great as well. The tempatation is to rush through that area to get to the rides, but there is a lot of great things there, so make sure to check it all out and take lots of pictures. I agree with Bryan on the gift shop, as a lot of the items in there is incredibly over priced and some is not very good quality. A lot of it looked to be in the store for quite sometime, as the packaging was pretty rough. I have always wished that they would have made the Promenade a bit larger with more stores, and that they would have sectioned off part of Quarks as a Casino ( I know in the Casino Already) but would be cool to play some Dabo and have the Dabo girls there as well.
Okay we are off tomorrow. I am going to try to interview some of the actors. :metallica: :juggle :r2d2line :vulcan :tpol
I am so excited. I won't be able to sleep. :cheering
Yippee
Have a great time!
Yippee. I am going to try to put up a couple photos. So much fun we had in Vegas.
See logo and my super manicured "live long and prosper".
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One more. Yes I know how to do it right.
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AWESOME! I love them! Can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow. Do you have more photos?
Great pictures, thanks for sharing.. I'm so glad you guys had a great time.
I have more photos of course, but I do not want to gob up the forums. I will find a way to post it on my husband's website so ya'll can see them if you want to. We had a great time. The timeline was great. I wish we had more time to look at it. So many props and stuff. Also we got to take a pic on the bridge. However they were a little pushy when we took the pic. I just wanted to hang out there. Since I am the big TNG girl. Just in case you have not been -- go soon. I have it on good authority that the attraction will be closed in a couple of years due to a scheduled re-vamp of the Hilton casino. The bar was awesome. We ate there a couple of times. And drank the super drink. Okay, I will post a pic of the super drink then I am done. :trip :tpol :klingon ;D
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How cool! I am so glad you had a good time. I sure hope they don't close it down, it would be a real shame. Great pictures!
Rick :laugh:
Sounds like a great time Angela. I'm really going to try and make it to Vegas this year. Got some frequent flyer miles to cash in anyways.
That drink does look good. The first time I went, we ate at Quarks, but a few hours earlier I had eaten at an all you can eat Buffet, and I had eaten all I could eat, so I was not hungry. The second time I went, it was closed for a function. So I am hoping if I do make it a third time, I can have a meal there.
You guys (especially Moyer) have unwillingly convinced me to go to the show. It sounds like a lot of fun. ;D I definitely have to go this year especially since I live in So. Cal.
Is the Star Trek Experience the thing in Seattle? Or am I thinking of something else?
I always thought a meet-up would be awesome....only problem for me is that with a wife and 4 kids....it's difficult to travel.
The Experience is in Las Vegas. Been there quite a few years and I am embarrassed to say I haven't been - yet. :(
Yeah, ST- The Experience is good fun. I've been there twice over the past few years. The Borg invasion show is a blast! I think a lot of the props in the museum are bogus, though.
It is awesome. And bogus or not, the props are very cool. Plus, the Trek timeline is interesting.
Quote from: Bryancd on August 09, 2007, 10:09:07 AM
Yeah, ST- The Experience is good fun. I've been there twice over the past few years. The Borg invasion show is a blast! I think a lot of the props in the museum are bogus, though.
What do you mean by bogus Bryan??
I've been updating my website the past few weeks.. check out my new Star Trek The Experience pages.. I added a ton of new photos.
http://www.geocities.com/dathon1/STExp1.html
Kenny, Rico and I are both old time members over at The Replica Prop Forum. You will never find a more wretched hive of prop nut jobs! These guys can spot a fake phaser or Captain Kirk shirt from a mile away. Rico wil also vouch for their skills. They have idebtified a great many of those props as being reproductions. They are very good and look the part, even look the age, but a great many are NOT TOS or film used items. Some were made for older exhibits and conventions, others were made for the Experience itself.
Thanks for the reply Bryan.... did ST The Experience every claim that these items were authentic and originals?? I don't think so. I mean they have Picards flute and as many of you know Picards flute sold at Christy's for quite a bit of money. Originals or reproductions the stuff is really cool to see.
For sure it's a cool stuff and no, I don't think they ever made the claim that these were original screen used items. It's a great display regardless.
This was the one place I had to see when I was out in Vega a couple of years ago, and I loved it!!
I still have my glass from Quarks bar.
Yeah it's a great place... ST Exp is the only reason I go to Vegas.. I can spend the entire weekend at the Hilton. A day of Star Trek then a day of gambling in the space casino.
Vegas is one of those places for me where after I few Days I have had my fill of it, and vow never to return for a long time. The shortly after I return, I start wishing I could go back again. ;). The Star Trek Experience is great, I wish they could make it even larger then it is. Will be sad to see it go if it does. Someone should make a huge Geek themed Casino, just for all us Geeks out there. ;)
Well for me it was one of the most fun places to be ever. It is a place that celebrates all of the series and helps you immerse yourself into a futuristic and hopeful environment. VERY COOL. I hope it doesn't close before I get to see it again.
I agree, Jeff. I'm in Vegas a lot, have a lage client there and it's only a 50 min flight, but it get's old real fast. The Experience is great, but you can see it all in about 3 hours.
Really.. I can do the weekend at Star Trek the Experience.. I ride both rides about five times then eat lunch/dinner at Quarks then check out the timeline/props they have, walk through the promenade and stores. I like to check out every detail. And in between down time I can gamble in the space casino. So much fun.
I found that I could be there for HOURS! We went one day ALL day, and then I went back a couple of days later and spent four more hours. There are so many things to look at and hear. Very fun.
very cool
Future of 'Star Trek: The Experience' In Doubt May 2, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Conventions/Events, Trek Franchise , trackback
Since opening in early 1998, Star Trek The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton has been the premiere live Star Trek attraction in the world. With its Trek-themed restaurant, museum, shops and rides, it plays hosts to thousands of tourists and Trekkies every year. However, the current contract is up and it looks like 2008 may be the last year for Star Trek The Experience.
The contract between CBS and Cedar Fair (current owners of The Experience) ends December 31st, and a spokesperson for Cedar Fair tells TrekMovie "there are currently no plans to renew" it. Talks are still ongoing and, although Cedar Fair is said to be happy with recent results from The The Experience due to effective cost-reductions, the attendance has been in decline for years (even after the introduction of the 'Borg Invasion 4D' ride in 2004). The only ray of hope right now is that the new Star Trek feature film in 2009 may show promise of increased attendance. A final decision on The Experience is expected by the end of May.
Another possible lifeline for The Experience could be for Cedar Fair to sell it to another company and for there to be a new deal struck with CBS (and the Hilton). Cedar Fair took over The Experience, when it purchased Paramount Parks from Viacom in 2006.
If Star Trek The Experience is to close, then the current contract calls for them to entirely vacate their current location in the Hilton Hotel by December 31st, 2008. Since Cedar Fair will need time to dismantle the attraction, TrekMovie is told The Experience would likely close to visitors in September or October (if the contract isn't renewed). At that time, all the genuine props and many of the replicas would be returned to CBS. It hasn't been decided what would be done with the Star Trek related replicas owned by Cedar Fair, but it is possible they would be auctioned off.
A closure of the Experience would also have an impact on the annual official Creation Star Trek Convention, which has been held at the Las Vegas Hilton since the Experience opened there. Creation CEO Gary Berman tells TrekMovie that they would continue to hold the convention in Vegas (as they did for a decade before The Experience opened), but Creation would consider moving to a different hotel. Berman would be interested in getting a location closer to 'the strip,' but would want to ensure the new hotel offered fans prices as reasonable as those of the Hilton. If you want to be sure to see The Experience one last time (or first time), this year's convention may be a good choice.
So far CBS (the Star Trek license holder) has refused any comment regarding the future of Star Trek The Experience. As the story develops TrekMovie will provide updates.
I have been there twice and it is fun, but it's not that great. It's not innovative enough beyond the two live shows. The museum is ok, the two shows are lot's of fun, Quarks is lame and the gift shop is a rip off.
I 100% disagree with Bryan.. if you are a true Star Trek fan you'll love it. It's the only place on Earth like it.. The rides are the closest thing you'll get to actually being on a ship. The museum is cool, the timeline is awesome and Quarks is a great place for lunch or dinner. The gift shops are pricey but they have some really cool one of a kind stuff.
I really need to get there this year.
If I had the money I would go every year. It makes me sad to think of it not being there anymore. I have been three times and LOVED every minute of it. The rides were simply awesome, the museum was great and the timeline was very cool. I loved the characters roaming about. I also did the behind the scenes tour and it was AMAZING! Totally worth the money. The atmosphere is simply incredible, they have trek stuff playing on big screens and cool sounds, Quarks had excellent food and the gift shops although pricey, were very fun to look at. Maybe I can figure a way out to go see it one last time.
It is so worth a die hard trekkie's efforts to see it.
Wow, guys, easy, we can have different opinions and I take exception at the idea that if you don't think it's all that you are not a "true Star Trek fan". The two rides are very good, but the museum is filled with prop replicas, very few real items, QUARKS is an expensive TGIF, and the Gift Shop items are a joke. If you want to see quality prop replica items, check out the RPF for some amazing stuff at have that cost. Kenny, none of that stuff is "one of a kind", trust me. Yes. it's fun, yes it's worth seeing, but I think they could do SO much better. That's my issue. Part of my problem is that I am SUCH a critical fan of things like props that the museum looks like crap to me, as does the gift shop.
If they were serious about making this a more premiere attraction, they would have been at the Christie's auction buying REAL screen used items to display instead os seeing Paul Allen scoop up the best items for his Sci-Fi. Now THAT is a true Star Trek and Star Wars fan Mecca. You can actually see the TMP and TNG Enterprise in all her glory!
Part of me is sad to see it go, but the other part thinks if someone else does it, with a new take, and maybe even bigger, then that would be cool The rides are awesome, and going through the museum is really cool as well. I only ate at Quarks the once, and after I just had an all you could eat buffet, so I was really full, so did not have much to eat. I guess part of me was hoping for more in the restaurant, but probably what I want cannot be done. I was just hoping they might simulate some of the Star Trek food, to least give me the impression that I was eating something from the Trek Universe. If I do get a chance to go again before it closes, then I will make sure to eat at Quarks for a proper Lunch or Supper. The gift shop had a few things, but I guess part of me was wishing for more. The last time I went, a lot of the merchandise looked like it had been sitting there for a really long time. The first time my Brother went, he brought me back a really cool Ferengi Rules of Acquisition T-Shirt, and he got him self a cool communicator key chain. But the both times I went, I never really saw anything like that in the gift shop. The prices on some of the stuff were really high as well on things that should not be such as books and DVDs. I did get myself a Mirror Universe NX-01 the last time, which was something I could not find easily where I live. Also, the Actors walking around were great, the first time we went we had a Klingon badgering us the whole time, and I always have a smile about that and the things he was teasing us about.
I haven't gone yet, and probably won't see it before she shuts down, but several people who used to work at the corporate level for Cedar Fair, Paramount Parks and Star Trek The Experience, work at our company now. Cedar Fair took over Paramount Parks (and it's properties which includes Star Trek The Experience). Our co-workers told Angela and I that the new owners do not care about Star Trek or its fans—they're embarrassed by it and this is why it has not been updated and the contract was not extended. A very sad fact, but perhaps it is for the best. It would never be given the attention it deserves by the new owners. Maybe someone will create a new attraction one day... a theme park would be nice. It's not like Star Trek has a shortage of fans or anything.
I just don't understand what is embarrassing about full grown men dressing in costumes and wandering around acting like they are in space all day while tourists who don't care one whit about Star Trek wander glassy eyed through the exhibit yelling at their foul-tempered kids to "Sit the F*** Down!" while a dated film plays on a poorly-maintained motion ride based on a show that went off the air in the 80s.
That was, of course, a recreation of the "Evil Kirk" from the Original Series Episode "Mirror, Mirror". Well, actually, it was a possible viewpoint of the new owners as to why they would not want to renew the whole thing. The last time my wife and I went you could really see the seams, as it were. If they were going to keep it, they would have to shut it down for a while just to refurbish it, and it doesn't sound like they want to sink any more money into it.
My wife and I love ST:TE and go every time we make it to Vegas (Except this last time, with the baby and all). I have spent hours viewing the time line and checking out the props, and I would be incredibly sorry to see it go. If someone stepped up and wanted to inherit ST:TE and give it a new home and a makeover, that would be awesome, but alas, things like that just don't happen very often, and everything has a shelf life.
Better to remember it as it was and appreciate what we had.
I enjoyed ST:TE each time that I visited it; like Kenny alluded, it's probably the closest you can come to feeling like you are actually a part of the Trek universe. I didn't get to do the Borg scenario, but the previous one was incredible. I can't convey how cool it was to be "beamed" aboard the Enterprise! The unexpectedness of the experience, along with the effects, made the whole thing very believable. With the cast all staying in character, It was easy to suspend disbelief for a moment and imagine that I was actually on the bridge.
Granted, the set wasn't flawless; I doubt that the bridge of the Enterprise has power outlets on the walls. But it was the closest thing to being there that you can find. I doubt that the actual filming sets were so well made.
I admit that the giftshop area was kind of pricey, but where else can you find an actual brick-and-mortar store carrying such a wide variety of Trek merchandise? I'm talking uniforms, communicator badges, rank pins, toys, models, DVDs, CDs, the whole 9 yards! The convenience and ability to actually examine all of the goods available made up for the prices in my opinion.
I also enjoyed Quark's. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable going out in full Trek gear, but it was cool to meet other fans who did. The place was unique in that it felt like going to a bar/lounge filled with nothing but Star Trek fans.
I'm hoping that Abram's film turns out to be a shot in the arm for the Trek franchise. If the film is successful enough, perhaps we will see a resurgence in Trek fandom, and a revitalization of ST:TE.
I think it's such as shame regarding the future. Living in England i don't get the chance to see much Trek stuff. Yes we have several Dr Who exhibits which i am gratefull for but man i would love to see a Trek exhibit and experience what you said above. Lets hope it stays open once the new film comes out.
TrekSF field trip! Let's all go and Rico can do a live podcast from the bridge of the Enterprise! I really need to see this before it closes.
I agree Joby, that would make a great field trip :)
I'd go! It's a $75 round trip plane ticket from Phoenix, a day trip!
Vegas is an all around cheap vacation from wherever you live. I'm serious if we can nail down a date I would love to go and meet some of you guys.
The wife and I have been trying to hammer down a weekend to head down to Vegas. A meetup would be fun!
That sounds like fun, but I'm not sure I could swing that... I we're very close to being debt free (just six more months) and a trip like that would set us back. :(
I live in England si i reckon it would cost me a bit more, plus i get married in just under 7 weeks. Saying that though would be great to get us all together. Yay Rico Convention.
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on May 06, 2008, 10:27:38 PM
I live in England si i reckon it would cost me a bit more, plus i get married in just under 7 weeks. Saying that though would be great to get us all together. Yay Rico Convention.
Hey, congrats! I didn't know that. :)
Yeah June the 28th, 2pm. Wish me luck. Hee Hee.
Congratulations, Meds! :cheers
Hey cheers mate. Chin, chin.
All Good Things Must Come To An End... :'( looks like the experience is closing in September.
Star Trek The Experience Closing In September
by Anthony Pascale
In May TrekMovie first reported that the future of the Star Trek The Experience at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas was in doubt after its contract ended in December. Recently we reported that talks were continuing to the end of this month, but apparently a decision has been made in the last couple of days and the contract will not be renewed. After 10 years in operation, The Experience will close its doors in early September.
An official announcement is expected early this week, but multiple sources have confirmed with TrekMovie that the decision to close The Experience has been made. Negotiations between CBS, Paramount, Cedar Fair (owners of the Experience) and the Las Vegas Hilton went on longer than originally expected. There was hope that the new Star Trek movie coming in 2009 would help boost attendance, which has been in decline, but not all the parties could come to an agreement. Apparently the Hilton Hotel was the biggest holdout, convinced more money could be made using the space for other purposes.
Employees at The Experience are being informed today of the decision. A press release may be issued as early as Monday morning. The final date is likely to be in the first week of September, after the Labor Day weekend holiday. Although the contract for The Experience ends December 31st, Cedar Fair is required to completely vacate the premises by that time so they will need the time to clear out. No word yet on what will happen with all the rides, replicas and costumes, but all the original props and costumes will be returned to CBS.
The closure of Star Trek The Experience have no effect on the official Creation Star Trek convention being held August 6th-10th at the Las Vegas Hilton. The attraction will be up and running during the event and is likely to spur additional sales for the convention as Trekkies visit it one last time (or for those who haven't yet checked it out, their first and only time).
Officials from CBS & Cedar Fair have not returned calls or emails yet on this late breaking story. As more information comes to light, TrekMovie will provide updates.
Say it ain't so. :'(
Frak! I really need to get moving!
Pardon me while I go puke in Odo's bucket.
I hope someday they have something just as cool as that place. I have to say it was one of my favorite places ever. I wonder what they are going to do with all that stuff? I know the props and stuff will go back to CBS... but?? I took the behind the scenes tour and there is a lot of stuff there. The machinery was so amazing, and most of it was run on Windows 95. :)
In the six or seven times that I have gone I never took the behind the scenes tour.. I need to get back there one more time to do that.
Kenny- it was a little spendy, but WELL worth the money. I love behind the scenes stuff anyway, and it was like seeing the extras on the DVD live. :)
I need to do this as well. Last time I went we got in free because my brother was friends with one of the big wigs running the attraction (he and his wife are in the theme park business). It was a long time ago, before the borg experience.
Aw man these are bad news. . .I haven't been there yet. :(
The first time I went to The Experience was two hours before I married my wife. It was great day!
Just found this:
Vegas Trek Attraction Closing
CBS and Cedar Fair announced that the Star Trek: The Experience themed attraction in the Las Vegas Hilton will close on Sept. 1, confirming news first reported on TrekMovie.com.
The decade-old attraction--which includes two Trek-themed motion simulator rides, Quark's bar and restaurant and a shopping arcade--has seen attendance and revenues fall for years, TrekMovie reported.
CBS held out the possibility that The Experience might find new life in some other form, telling TrekMovie, "We're extremely proud of the 10-year run Star Trek: The Experience had in Las Vegas. We're currently exploring several options to continue The Experience for the public to enjoy for years to come."
Robert Picardo, who plays his Star Trek: Voyager character of the Doctor in the "Borg Invasion 4D" portion of the attraction, expressed sadness at the news. "I'm very disappointed about it," Picardo told reporters in a conference call. "It seems the hotel changed hands, and the group that bought it, the new owners, have been eyeing that large amount of retail space lustfully for some time, so it breaks my heart a little bit to no longer be my own theme park ride."
I just booked a trip to Vegas during the final weekend of The Experience. I'll call the voicemail line and report in on all the happenings. I'll probably be shedding a tear in my Romulan Ale.
^^^
While your there, try The Wrap of Khan. :D
My pal Angela and I are trying to work out a girl's trip there for the convention next month. David has given me the 'all clear'. Angela just has to clear it with Jim. She anticipates a "sure, go ahead"... but you never know. Especially since she's recently had a lot of car trouble and will be taking her car to the shop. Despite this set back, we're being cautiously optimistic.
Man i would love to go, but its not near me, wel its in another country for a start. Boo!!!!
The oninon rings of betazoid are good too.
So was Janeways Cob salad. :)
Angela likes the Warp Core Breach. :D
oh that looked awesome, but I'm such a lightweight that I'd be thrown in the brig if I took a few sips! Where's Odo when you need him?
Quote from: moyer777 on July 25, 2008, 10:39:06 AM
oh that looked awesome, but I'm such a lightweight that I'd be thrown in the brig if I took a few sips! Where's Odo when you need him?
Me too Rick. I like to have a glass of wine with dinner, but I can't have more than that. A sip more than one glass and I begin to giggle at everything...even if it's not very funny.
My tolerance has gone way down. In university I could go pretty hard. Now I'm a 2-3 beer man. Heavy/very dry reds don't agree with me very much either.
(Looking sheepish) my tolerance is till rather high, I think its the Englishmans blood in me ha ha. Real Ale is my choice. America is producing some very very good real ale and i'm off to the Great British Beer festival in August and there will be around 15 new American ales to taste. Looking forward to the sampling session. Now Romulan ale, is that like miller lite ;)
Quote from: billybob476 on July 25, 2008, 11:06:32 AM
My tolerance has gone way down. In university I could go pretty hard. Now I'm a 2-3 beer man. Heavy/very dry reds don't agree with me very much either.
I'm with you on that. In college, I could put 'em away and still be functional the next day. I guess practice makes perfect, and all that.
Now, more than 2 beers and I'm ready to call it a night. Oh well, just more money to spend on Trek stuff. ;)
Wow, this topic goes from Star Trek to Beer.
<<<<<<Only in Treksf forums>>>>>>>>>
lol
King
Here's a sad, but good article on the Experience.
http://trekmovie.com/2008/08/06/farewell-review-of-star-trek-the-experience/#more-2257 (http://trekmovie.com/2008/08/06/farewell-review-of-star-trek-the-experience/#more-2257)
It was very well written and even had some pictures!
Quote from: wraith1701 on July 26, 2008, 06:59:36 AM
Quote from: billybob476 on July 25, 2008, 11:06:32 AM
My tolerance has gone way down. In university I could go pretty hard. Now I'm a 2-3 beer man. Heavy/very dry reds don't agree with me very much either.
I'm with you on that. In college, I could put 'em away and still be functional the next day. I guess practice makes perfect, and all that.
Now, more than 2 beers and I'm ready to call it a night. Oh well, just more money to spend on Trek stuff. ;)
Your a cheap date! Like my mate Meds, I am an unreformed, unrepentant lush!
I'm going to really miss that place.
Well Harry and I have decided that we had to go one last time before they close.. so will be there Saturday and Sunday August 23rd and 24th.. Anyone else going to be there then?
he-he not unless someone gives me all that money but I really wish I could.
Quote from: Bryancd on August 08, 2008, 11:43:08 AM
Your a cheap date! Like my mate Meds, I am an unreformed, unrepentant lush!
Ha ha, i'm coming to America to drink with you mate. ;)
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on August 12, 2008, 09:22:02 AM
Well Harry and I have decided that we had to go one last time before they close.. so will be there Saturday and Sunday August 23rd and 24th.. Anyone else going to be there then?
Unfortunately, no. Angela can't go now and Dave said there was no way he was going... :(
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on August 12, 2008, 09:22:02 AM
Well Harry and I have decided that we had to go one last time before they close.. so will be there Saturday and Sunday August 23rd and 24th.. Anyone else going to be there then?
That is so great. I would come if I could! have fun!
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on August 12, 2008, 09:22:02 AM
Well Harry and I have decided that we had to go one last time before they close.. so will be there Saturday and Sunday August 23rd and 24th.. Anyone else going to be there then?
Lucky! Sadly, someone here has to stay home and pay his "bills"....*sigh*
King
'Star Trek' attraction to be decommissioned Sept. 1,2008
By Richard Velotta / Staff Writer
Star Trek: The Experience has lived long and prospered.
But now, like a television series that has worn out its welcome, it is
being canceled - that is, the tourist attraction at the Las Vegas Hilton
is closing its doors.
Only unlike a TV show that has run out of gas and scores poorly in the
weekly Nielsen ratings, Star Trek: The Experience seems to be as popular
now as it was when it opened Jan. 3, 1998, even though there was a
reported lull in attendance in midlife.
"I went out the other day, and the lines extended back into the
corridor," Chad Boutte, operations manager and director of marketing of
the Experience, said of the visitors who pay $40 or more per person to
get into the 65,000-square-foot attraction that features two interactive
experiences and a "History of the Future" museum of "Star Trek" lore.
Those long lines once got the Las Vegas Hilton in trouble with gaming
regulators, who frowned on children who were waiting to get in standing
next to slot machines near the attraction's entrance. The Hilton
eventually had to pay a fine.
Even the merchandise racks have a price as Star Trek: The Experience
tries to sell out its inventory Aug. 15 before closing the attraction at
the Las Vegas Hilton.
So why is it closing if it's so popular?
That's what millions of "Star Trek" fans are asking, and no one seems to
have a good answer.
On June 30, it was announced the Experience would close Sept. 1 because
the landlord Las Vegas Hilton and tenant Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.,
operators of the attraction, couldn't reach agreement on a lease. The
current lease is up Dec. 31, and when an agreement couldn't be reached
by the end of June, it was determined that the company would need three
months to break down the sets, box up the props to send back to "Star
Trek" franchise owner CBS, sweep the floors and turn the site back to
what it was before the place opened.
Isn't it ironic? For a show filled with optimism about mankind's future
with characters endowed with attitudes of universal coexistence and the
ability to resolve disputes peacefully, a stalled lease agreement is the
attraction's demise. It seems so un-"Star Trek"-like.
Boutte said the "Star Trek" franchise still has legs, especially since
an 11th "Star Trek" movie is scheduled for release in May and the
various TV series spinoffs appear regularly on cable channels such as
Sci Fi.
Boutte said he has received more than 5,000 e-mails and a nearly 6-foot
stack of petitions from fans trying to stop the closure. Many of them
are directing their anger at the Las Vegas Hilton.
"Some of them are saying they are so upset that they'll never stay at a
Hilton again, and some of them say they'll never come back to Las Vegas
again," Boutte said.
Boutte has enjoyed his Las Vegas experience and has his own interesting
history.
He may be the only person to be able to truthfully proclaim that he went
from Borg drone to corporate management. The former director of the
Alzheimer's Association in New Mexico had a passion for his acting hobby
and moved to Las Vegas five years ago when the Experience opened the
Borg Invasion 4-D attraction. He was one of the Borg drones attacking
guests.
He later took the role of a Starfleet officer before deciding to get
back in the administrative side of business.
Now, he doesn't know what he'll do next.
"I'll probably be here awhile after it's closed to finish up a few
things, but I honestly don't know what's next," he said.
He and his colleagues are proud of what they've done over the more than
10 1/2 years the attraction has been open.
"I've worked in many different venues, but this was first time I have
ever had a staff so dedicated to their jobs," said Boutte, who
guaranteed that many tears would be shed as the closing date nears.
He said although the performances in the interactive experience aren't
the longest running in Las Vegas, he's confident the actors have
performed the most shows in town, considering they occur every 20
minutes, every day.
Boutte said he would forever cherish memories of seeing cast members
interact with people with disabilities who have said that in the "Star
Trek" universe, they feel as if they're accepted as they are and could
escape the world of their physical ailments.
Boutte said he has no idea what would happen next in the Experience's
space. Las Vegas Hilton spokesman Ira David Sternberg echoed that,
saying it hasn't been determined what will go there.
"There's no timetable, no rush to make a decision," Sternberg said. "I
think all options are on the table. It's an interesting venue."
Those options could include another themed experience, some kind of
theater show or more gaming positions, he said. Rumors that the company
is in negotiations with Michael Jackson for a show (which, incidentally,
has put Jackson on many Trekkers' black list) are just that, rumors,
Sternberg said.
My wife suggested that the Hilton could be in negotiations to offer
"Batman: The Gotham Experience," but I don't think I'd put my money there.
When Sept. 1 arrives, the Experience's last public show will occur
around 8:30 p.m. Then, it will be open for a VIP event with a guest list
of hard-core fans compiled by the attraction's management to give those
loyal over the years one last crack at mixing with Borg, Klingon and
Ferengi. Some celebrities have been invited as well.
Boutte said hundreds of fans have asked to get on the VIP list and have
offered big bucks to go on the last "mission." He's considering
auctioning five tickets for the final mission on eBay because of the
tremendous interest.
At 10 p.m. at the entrance to the attraction, Boutte said there would be
a decommissioning ceremony, the kind that occurs when a crew leaves a
ship for the last time, open to the public.
And that will be the end.
Or will it? As most "Star Trek" fans know, a big piece of the franchise
is that the heroes emerge from overwhelming odds to fight another day.
Is it possible that Star Trek: The Experience could emerge at another
Cedar Fair location? After all, the company runs Knott's Berry Farm in
Buena Park, Calif., and its signature theme park, Cedar Point, in
Sandusky, Ohio.
Trekkers the world over are awaiting the answer.
are you going to post any pictures of your last visit Kenny?
Quote from: moyer777 on August 29, 2008, 02:54:35 PM
are you going to post any pictures of your last visit Kenny?
Yes I can.. I'll try and do it this weekend.. I finished my Blog about it and was going to post it.. but I plan on sending in a report to Rico about our final trip to the Experience.
excellent blog Kenny.
Quote from: moyer777 on August 29, 2008, 03:19:48 PM
excellent blog Kenny.
Thanks Rick.. I sent in two ten minutes reports to Rico to use on the next two podcasts.. but you can also check out my website.. I wrote some stuff and posted some pictures about our final mission at Star Trek The Experience.
http://www.geocities.com/dathon1/STExpFinal1.html
Also in the blog, website and audio bites I talk about a characature that was done of Harry and I.. I'm the Andorian and Harry is the Klingon
I found this article and got happy.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/31119589.html (http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/31119589.html)
'Star Trek' attraction may find new home at Neonopolis
By BENJAMIN SPILLMAN
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Don't mourn the Trekkies yet.
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Neonopolis developer Rohit Joshi say Star Trek: The Experience is close to a deal to move the defunct attraction to downtown.
Goodman let the news slip Thursday morning during a chat with reporters at city hall.
Later Joshi, developer for the struggling Neonopolis mall on Fremont Street, confirmed a deal was close.
But he clearly wasn't prepared for the news to leak.
"You kind of shocked me," Joshi said when asked about the potential move. "I don't know how to respond to that."
He continued: "We are in very serious negotiations. We think it would be a fantastic addition to downtown."
Joshi also produced a bound agreement with CBS Licensing, a division of the media giant that owns the rights to the Star Trek name, dated Monday. Calls to a representative to CBS weren't immediately returned.
Stacy Frole, a spokeswoman at Cedar Fair, the company that owned the Star Trek stagecraft used at the Hilton, said she was unaware of a potential deal.
Star Trek closed at the Hilton in September with no announcement that it would be revived.
Frole said Cedar Fair wouldn't be operating the attraction downtown. The company isn't interested in reviving Star Trek. Frole said it is possible the hardware could be sold to a different operator.
"We wouldn't be moving it," she said of the material.
If a deal does close, Joshi said the attraction could be revived downtown during the first quarter of 2009.
Goodman practically beamed when he dropped the news earlier today.
Neonopolis has long been viewed as a black hole in terms of development downtown.
The complex is between the east end of the Fremont Street Experience canopy and the west end of Fremont East, a bar and entertainment district that includes the El Cortez hotel-casino.
The mall has struggled to attract tenants and its lack of life has been blamed for reducing foot traffic between the canopy and Fremont East.
"It would be ironic," Goodman said of the potential for landing Star Trek, which attracted millions of visitors during a 10-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton. "Perhaps the most successful place downtown could be Neonopolis, even though it has been an albatross around my neck all these years."
Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.
hmmm I hope there is some truth to this.. I would love another Star Trek the Experience again in Vegas..
YESYESYESYES!!!
I work with a former higher up from Paramount Parks, which was later bought by Cedar Fair, as well as another individual who worked as a higher up for the Experience. The first person I mentioned said they were there when ST The Experience was opened and when the plans were made to close it. They have inside knowledge of the internal workings at Cedar Fair and the Amusement industry and has told us that the President of Cedar Fair Corp, Dick Kinzel, really wanted nothing to do with Star Trek The Experience when they purchased Paramount Parks and closed the attraction, not because of some issue with the contract, but because he didn't want it associated with Cedar Fair. So, I REALLY hope that the spokes person mentioned in Moyer's article is just clueless or a lier and someone really has decided to move the attraction and is currently negotiating...but I'm afraid she is probably telling the truth. :(
But Ceder falls could sell the attraction to this company.. couldn't they.. if they don't want it.
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on October 16, 2008, 05:19:15 PM
But Ceder falls could sell the attraction to this company.. couldn't they.. if they don't want it.
From what I've been told Cedar Fair has been slipping for several years as far as stocks are concerned. STTE would have been a money making attraction for them if they kept it. Kinzel and the stock holders have been described to me as "old" and "backward thinking". I was told they were just flat out closing it. Cedar Fair could have made some deal...but why wouldn't they have announced it? I would think that the news would not only be good business, but good publicity as well.
Jen, can't you create a water park with the ST Experience involved. Imagine that. ;)
I still don't get why someone doesn't scoop this up at a bargain price? Especially with the new movie coming.
Yeah it's such a good business opportunity.
I've always tried to stand back from judging what are and aren't good opportunities in someone else's business but I agree, with the film starting to get into its full pre-release stride and the attraction already in existance, I'd have thought someone somewhere would be willing to take a punt at bringing it back to life.
They could have done the premier of the film there...
The upcoming movie is certainly a positive for driving business to STTE but the macro picture right now for a destination vacation spot like Vegas are very poor. If economic conditions continue to ramian so tight, it will make it difficult for attractions like this.
Oh Bryan, you have such a business mind. True though, still if we all chip in a few bucks we could own it ha ha Bryan get on the case.. ;)
Quote from: Bryancd on October 17, 2008, 05:33:46 AM
The upcoming movie is certainly a positive for driving business to STTE but the macro picture right now for a destination vacation spot like Vegas are very poor. If economic conditions continue to ramian so tight, it will make it difficult for attractions like this.
I agree, but my brother who works at Universal Studios would strongly disagree! He's busier then ever.
Big places like Vegas, Florida theme parks, etc. also get a huge influx of foreign visitors on vacation. Especially from Asia these days. It certainly isn't just Americans going to these places.
Yeah we want to go to Florida, hmmm fun.
Quote from: Rico on October 17, 2008, 05:48:12 AM
Big places like Vegas, Florida theme parks, etc. also get a huge influx of foreign visitors on vacation. Especially from Asia these days. It certainly isn't just Americans going to these places.
For sure, and the relative weakness of the dollar has brought a great deal of overseas vacationers to the US, however that trade is over, the dollar is going to continue to rally, making the US more expensive. As the recession becomes more global in nature, which it rapidly is, I fear even a massive decrease in fuel prices which will make air travel more affordable will fail to offset the consumer spending cutbacks. The global consumer is scared and hunkering down. The near term future prospects of Vegas is reflected in the shares of the major casino companies, which are at all time lows. Unfortunately, few travel to Vegas for a day at STTE, they go to gamble and go to attractions like STTE when they need a break from the tables.
Having said that, I would love to see it brought back and freshened up, I liked it well enough but always thought it felt a bit stale.
I jest read on trekmovie.com that theirs a Deal In The Works To Bring Back Star Trek The Experience...
http://trekmovie.com/2008/10/16/deal-in-the-works-to-bring-back-star-trek-the-experience/ (http://trekmovie.com/2008/10/16/deal-in-the-works-to-bring-back-star-trek-the-experience/)
maybe this time I'll get a Chance to go.
~Java
Yeah we have a thread on this.. I'm going to merge the two..
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on October 17, 2008, 06:06:05 PM
Yeah we have a thread on this.. I'm going to merge the two..
oops, thought this was about the closing, sorry
~Java
Quote from: billybob476 on October 17, 2008, 05:36:15 AM
Quote from: Bryancd on October 17, 2008, 05:33:46 AM
The upcoming movie is certainly a positive for driving business to STTE but the macro picture right now for a destination vacation spot like Vegas are very poor. If economic conditions continue to ramian so tight, it will make it difficult for attractions like this.
I agree, but my brother who works at Universal Studios would strongly disagree! He's busier then ever.
I agree with Billybob. History shows that when economic down turns like this occur our industry (the entertainment and amusement industry) does well. This has been true for all the people I work with, our park and the other parks my co-workers have been employed by at in the past. Some of my co-workers are retirement age and have seen some ups and downs in the economy. Right now, our park's resort is almost booked solid with people wanting to come to our Christmas event starting in November. We're thinking about moving the snow birds somewhere else (people from the northern parts of the US who migrate south every winter) just to make room for people who are coming to spend money in our park.
I'm not sure that the location, Vegas, is the optimum spot— I don't know anything about that... but the current economic situation shouldn't keep people from spending money on tickets.
Well - looks like the Experience is going to move and get a new home! Woo-hoo!!! I'm so going when it opens! From trekmovie.com
Last month we reported that Star Trek The Experience (which closed its doors at the Las Vegas Hilton in September) may be resurrected at a new location. Since that time TrekMovie as well as local Las Vegas journalists have confirmed that Star Trek The Experience is moving to a new home at Neonopolis, in downtown Las Vegas. Today some new details have emerged.
The New (Old) Star Trek The Experience
In Business Las Vegas has a new feature story on the future of the Neonopolis complex which covers the opening of both a new art museum and the move of Star Trek the Experience. Rohit Joshi, a representative for the owners of Neonoplis is quoted staying:
The museum and the arts center will represent the past and the present and the Star Trek Experience will represent the future.
There are no specific details yet, but the article states that all five components of the Experience will be moving over:
* Restaurant/Bar
* Shops
* Museum of the Future
* 4-D Theater
* Simulator rides
The article notes that the Experience will be "similar but different from its predecessor and includes significant upgrades." This is a welcome sign, as noted in previous reports from TrekMovie, The Experience at the Hilton was becoming less relevant to the entire Trek franchise, especially regarding The Original Series and the new Star Trek movie.
What isn't clear is what will be upgraded. For example will the 4-D theater still be based around the Voyager themed 'Borg Invasion' or will they have something new. One source told TrekMovie that the simulator rides will continue to feature the TNG-themed Klingon Encounter, but new footage will be added (replacing the part where the shuttle lands at the Hilton to where it lands at Neonopolis). Sources also indicate that Quark's Bar and Restaurant and the 'Promenade' shops will be part of the move and likely the first elements to open. The plan is to open these before the Star Trek movie in May.
Regarding the 'cast' of characters, it is expected those who were let go when The Experience closed at the Hilton will be offered positions before auditions begin to bring on new staff.
TrekMovie has contacted Mr. Joshi and Neonopolis and will hopefully have an update on the future of Star Trek The Experience coming up soon. To date, CBS will not comment on Star Trek The Experience, so it is likely that details are still being worked out.
Thats cool, but nothing in England. Me, Mike, Tim and Steph lower our heads in jealous sadness. :)
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!
WHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
This is such AWESOME news... can't wait till it opens. Let's hope everything goes as planned.
Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on November 08, 2008, 07:39:45 AM
Thats cool, but nothing in England. Me, Mike, Tim and Steph lower our heads in jealous sadness. :)
...and hum a sad lament ;)
Most excellent news :metallica:
Good news! With the new film coming out, it would be insane not to keep The Experience alive!
sweeeeet!
That's awesome news! :metallica: :metallica: :metallica:
Star Trek The Experience To Re-open in May? (Maybe) February 11, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Conventions/Events/Attractions , trackback
Star Trek The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton closed its gates for final time last September, but soon after TrekMovie and the Las Vegas press reported that talks were under way to find a new home in downtown Las Vegas at the Neonopolis center. Now the manager of Neonopolis is talking about opening up in time for the new Star Trek movie in May, TrekMovie has done some double checking to see how doable that is.
What is happening in Vegas is staying in Vegas
In the last few months both Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Neonopolis manager Rohit Joshi have spoken openly about the move of Star Trek The Experience to the Neonopolis business and retail center in downtown Las Vegas. The latest comes in an article in the Las Vegas Sun. In it Joshi states that there is now a signed contract with CBS and that he hoping to open up the first 'phase' of Star Trek The Experience on May 8th, from the article:
The Star Trek Experience is slated to open May 8, the same date as the movie's premiere. The experience will be introduced in phases, with the simpler (and less costly) components, such as the food and beverage, retail and museum to be rolled out first. The entire experience, including rides and an IMAX 4D component should be completed by next year.
Joshi also says he hopes to have ticket prices between $20 and $25 (much less than they were at the Hilton) and he is expecting it to attract 7 million visitors a year (significantly more than were visiting STTE at the Hilton).
All of this sounds great, however, to date, CBS continues to refuse to comment or even confirm that there is a deal in place with Neonopolis. Both the City of Las Vegas and Neonopolis have a vested interest in attracting businesses to downtown Las Vegas and so they are being more open, but there is an element of self-promotion and it is likely their take is a bit rose-colored.
According to sources there is a tentative deal in place but that many of the details are yet to be finalized. Also TrekMovie is told that any opening in May is 'optimistic' as is Joshi's comments to the Sun about a Trek star-studded gala premiere for the Star Trek movie. There appears to be no Star Trek The Experience construction going on at Neonopolis and that the signage for ST: The Experience is still at the Las Vegas Hilton, where they extended their close down until the end of February.
Return of STTE looks good - but not finalized
As of now it appears that Star Trek The Experience is very likely to reopen (in a number of phases) at Neonopolis some time in 2009 (with May be the earliest). The first phase is likely to be just Quark's Restaurant and Bar and some shops and possibly the 'Museum of the Future.' The full experience with rides would be in 2010, but the nature of what those rides and 4D movie are is still being worked out. It is expected that once all the details are nailed down, CBS will finally make an official announcement.
This is really great news!
Yep - been talked about for awhile. I just wish it would go from that 99.9% to 100% sure it will happen.
CBS Confirms Contract To Re-open ST: The Experience in May
February 26, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Conventions/Events/Attractions , trackback
TrekMovie has been reporting that Star Trek The Experience, which closed last year at the Las Vegas Hilton, is headed todowntown Las Vegas and today CBS finally confirmed the move. They are not providing many more details, but TrekMovie has done a little digging to find out what is going on with the rebirth of this Trek attraction.
Contract Confirmed for a 'New' Star Trek The Experience
The CBS news came today in an article at SciFiWire, where CBS Exec Vice President Liz Kalodner confirmed that a contract has been signed for a phased re-opening of Star Trek The Experience at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas, starting with a restaurant and shops by May 8th (the same day the Star Trek movie opens). Kolodner noted it was "premature" to talk about any details beyond confirming the contract existed.
TrekMovie has done a little digging and has learned that no construction has started on the bar/restaurant and that the former staff and cast have yet to be contacted about being rehired. However designs are in place for what is being called a 'new' Star Trek The Experience, which will be more technologically advanced and which also brings in more of The Original Series era (something lacking in the The Experience at the Hilton). However it is unclear if the rides (which will open later in the year or 2010) will be new or just modified versions of the previous ones at the Hilton (Borg Invasion and Klingon Encounter).
Expect those kind of details when CBS makes the official announcement. Until they do make the announcement, the dates and details reported so far should not be considered final (so don't book those trips just yet). TrekMovie will continue to monitor the return of ST: The Experience and report things as they develop.
Star Trek: The Experience Expected To Re-open In 2010
by Anthony Pascale
Star Trek The Experience closed down at the Las Vegas Hilton last September, but since October we have been reporting that it may have new life at a new location in Vegas. According to the best info we can gather, it looks like a new STTE will be back in 2010 at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas.
A new Star Trek The Experience for 2010
In our previous reports on The Experience we have noted some of the statements from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Neonopolis manager Rohit Joshi were somewhat optimistic, including the claim that they would open at least one phase by the first week of May in time for the new Star Trek movie. CBS will still barely acknowledge the project exists on the record and it appears they are trying to get Goodman and Joshi to reign in their optimistic estimates as well.
According to TrekMovie research and sources it looks like ST: The Experience will reopen sometime in 2010 and it may open in phases (this is still being discussed). If it does, the first phase would be a bar/restaurant and the Museum of the Future. Right now everything is still in the planning phase and there is no construction going on. It also looks like the new Experience will be significantly different than the one at the Hilton, with the inclusion of more elements from both The Original Series and the new Star Trek movie. It is also expected that the pricing will be lower than at the Experience at the Hilton. Those are both welcome changes.
When the main details get worked out, it is likely CBS will finally make an official announcement about the new Experience (something they have yet to do). Until then, as noted in previous reports, it is not wise to make any travel plans to Vegas and assume you will be able to see The Experience.
CBS To Sell Assets From Original Star Trek: The Experience – Still Working On Creating New Experience February 9, 2010
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Trek Franchise , trackback
In September 2008, the Trek-themed attraction Star Trek: The Experience closed at the Las Vegas Hilton, after running for a decade. Since that time CBS has been working on developing a new Star Trek: The Experience at a new location, and that work is still ongoing. However, they have decided that most of the assets from the first attraction wont be able to be used and so they are going to be sold off.
After Star Trek: The Experience closed its doors at the Las Vegas Hilton, the attraction was dismantled and much of what was savable was put into storage at a warehouse in Las Vegas, where it has remained. Since that time CBS has been working with the Neonopolis development in Downtown Las Vegas on a plan to put in a new Star Trek: The Experience at that location. According to CBS, they are still in the planning phase, but a decision has been made that most of what is in the warehouse will not be needed for any new Trek attraction. So they have decided to let the fans get a piece of what was Star Trek: The Experience.
A spokesperson for CBS has provided TrekMovie with the following statement:
CBS Consumer Products remains committed to opening a new and exciting Star Trek attraction. We continue to work with our partners at Neonopolis regarding the development of a new Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. In the interim, there are elements from the original Star Trek: The Experience that we know will not be utilized in any new attraction and plan to make those items available to the many wonderful fans of Star Trek: The Experience either by sale or auction in the near future. The final dates and details of such sales are in progress and we hope to announce more very soon.
Currently CBS is working on a deal with PropWorx to handle the sale of the assets. PropWorx is the same company that handled the Battlestar Galactica auction last year for NBC/Uni and is currently conducting a sale of Stargate assets for MGM. PropWorx CEO Alec Peters has made a post about the ST: The Experience sale on his Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Blog.
The preliminary plan is to sell most of the larger items at a warehouse location sale in Las Vegas, with many of the smaller (and more easily shippable) items being sold at a later Star Trek auction. Items that will be sold include signage, the big 'ships', the seats from the rides, prop replicas, set pieces, costumes, fixtures from Quarks Bar and the 'Promenade' shops. As of now it appears that the items from the "Museum of the Future" will not be sold (apparently these are being held for the 'new' ST: The Experience).
Dates have not yet been finalized for the warehouse sale or the auction, but TrekMovie will have an update on the Star Trek: The Experience sale soon with more details.
What's next for Star Trek: The Experience 2.0
As for the future of Star Trek: The Experience, it seems that CBS is still committed to bringing it back. However, it appears that the problems that hit the credit markets and the economy shortly after the first Experience closed seem to be slowing progress. Certainly early estimates that a new Experience would open by 2010 were overly optimistic. There are no estimates on timing available, but the release of the next Star Trek movie in the Summer of 2012 is likely to be top of mind for those working on the new Star Trek: The Experience.
It is actually an encouraging sign that CBS and Neonopolis are not planning on just transporting the Hilton version of the attraction to the new location. The original Star Trek: The Experience was designed in the mid nineties and is heavily themed around the 24th century of Trek seen in Deep Space Nine, The Next Generation and Voyager. Of course, the Trek franchise is much larger than that, including the 22nd century of Enterprise and the 23rd century of the original Star Trek. Obviously with the success of the new Star Trek movie, the new aesthetic (of an alternative 23rd century) will likely play a major part in a new Experience. Also, the assets from the first Experience have a lot of wear and tear, including being removed from the Hilton itself. So it is also encouraging that any new Experience will be built with new components. For now, there are no detailed plans to report, but TrekMovie continues to monitor the situation and will have an update when there is something new to report.
Take a virtual tour of original ST: TE
If you want to get a good look at the original Star Trek: The Experience, the 'virtual tour' company DigitalProperties has created a site with 360 degree virtual reality images from the attraction as it was at the Hilton. Visit the site at startrek360.com.
Thanks, Kenny! I'll be in Vegas in about a month, and I'll stop by Neonopolis to see if anything's going on yet - although I doubt it.
I love that it's not just a transfer, but a re-imagining. Exciting! :)
Okay, I just returned from Las Vegas (yay!). I was saying downtown at the Golden Nugget, just a block from Neonopolis, the future home of the Star Trek Experience, and we checked it out a couple times at different times of day. Sad to say, but nothing is happening there. One of the restaurants in the complex was closed at 11pm on Saturday (in Vegas!), and everything inside is closed except for one jewelry store. And you would really have to know it's there, because you can't see it from the street. Not even any signs of construction, or "coming soon" notices.
Maybe they'll get it together for next year - at least the Museum of the Future - but I'm not getting my hopes up.
From what I have been hearing over on TrekCast, they are in Vegas, this is not happening. The guy who bought the rights for The Experience for Neonopolis is big time shady apparently.