Star Trek: The Experience

Locutus · May 05, 2008, 01:35:33 AM

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.

wraith1701 · May 05, 2008, 10:22:14 AM

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.

Meds · May 05, 2008, 01:56:01 PM

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.

Jobydrone · May 06, 2008, 07:23:04 AM

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.

jedijeff · May 06, 2008, 07:43:12 AM

I agree Joby, that would make a great field trip :)

Bryancd · May 06, 2008, 08:05:51 AM

I'd go! It's a $75 round trip plane ticket from Phoenix, a day trip!

Jobydrone · May 06, 2008, 08:18:21 AM

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.

billybob476 · May 06, 2008, 09:32:59 AM

The wife and I have been trying to hammer down a weekend to head down to Vegas. A meetup would be fun!

Jen · May 06, 2008, 10:31:58 AM

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. :(

Meds · 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.

Jen · May 07, 2008, 05:54:58 PM

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. :)

Meds · May 08, 2008, 12:57:02 PM

Yeah June the 28th, 2pm. Wish me luck. Hee Hee.

wraith1701 · May 08, 2008, 08:00:21 PM

Congratulations, Meds! :cheers

Meds · May 08, 2008, 10:46:16 PM

Hey cheers mate. Chin, chin.

Geekyfanboy · June 29, 2008, 08:47:37 PM

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.