From January 3, 1998, to September 1, 2008, the Las Vegas Hilton (now the Westgate Las Vegas) offered Star Trek fans a unique sanctuary: Star Trek: The Experience. This $70-million-dollar attraction was more than just a theme park; it was a meticulously crafted homage to the science fiction universe of Captains Kirk, Picard, and their iconic crews, blending immersive experiences with a treasure trove of memorabilia.
Beyond the captivating scenery, the Promenade served as a central hub. Guests could dine amidst the futuristic ambiance, browse themed shops, and, most uniquely, interact with actors brilliantly portraying alien characters like Klingons and Ferengi, who remained steadfastly in character.
However, the true draw of Star Trek: The Experience lay in its main attractions. Initially featuring the Klingon Encounter and the History of the Future Museum, the BORG Invasion 4D was later added in 2004, further expanding the immersive offerings. Sadly, plans for a dedicated original series (Kirk and Spock era) area never materialized. A single admission fee granted fans unlimited access to these captivating shows.
The journey began with a winding walkway leading through the History of the Future Museum. This wasn't just a static display; it was an exhaustive chronological exploration of both our real-world history and the fictional timelines of the Star Trek universe. The true gem of the museum was its vast and impressive collection of genuine Star Trek props spanning four decades. The attraction proudly claimed it housed the largest permanent collection of such artifacts, offering a tangible link to the beloved shows and movies.
After delving into the past and future, guests could choose their adventure. The Klingon Encounter utilized ingenious backstage effects to "transport" visitors onto a flawless recreation of the Enterprise-D's interior, complete with live actors portraying Starfleet personnel. The experience culminated in a thrilling simulator ride where guests, aboard a shuttle, found themselves in a tense confrontation with Klingon adversaries. The narrative cleverly involved the Klingons traveling back in time to abduct the visitors, only to be intercepted by the Enterprise. A surprising twist revealed one member of the group to be an ancestor of Captain Picard, with Jonathan Frakes and LeVar Burton reprising their roles as Riker and LaForge on view screens.
The BORG Invasion 4D plunged guests into a futuristic space station under attack by the relentless cybernetic Borg. Mirroring the first attraction, live actors maintained the illusion within meticulously crafted Federation sets. The "evacuation" led to a 4D theater experience, engaging the audience with tactile effects as the starship Voyager, featuring on-screen appearances by Robert Picardo, Kate Mulgrew, and Alice Krige as the Borg Queen, intervened to thwart the assimilation attempt.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the magic behind the scenes, a backstage tour was introduced in 2005. These hour-long excursions offered small groups an in-depth look at the preparation involved in both shows, though it arguably diminished some of the on-stage illusion. Strict rules prohibited photography and required participants to sign non-disclosure agreements.
Post-adventure, visitors could refuel and immerse themselves further at Quark's Bar & Restaurant, a faithful recreation of the iconic DS9 establishment. The menu featured playfully named dishes like the "hamborger" and "flaming ribs of targ," alongside exotic alcoholic beverages, most notably the Romulan Ale, a blue-dyed beer with a memorable, if temporary, side effect.
The retail experience offered a range of Star Trek merchandise, from affordable souvenirs like t-shirts and tribbles to authentic, albeit expensive, props from the shows. For die-hard romantics, the Experience even offered the unique opportunity to hold Star Trek-themed weddings or renew vows aboard a recreation of the Enterprise-D bridge. The Las Vegas Hilton also offered special overnight packages that included admission and dining at Quark's.
Sadly, despite its initial popularity and unique appeal, Star Trek: The Experience ultimately closed its doors in September 2008, citing declining attendance and other business factors. Subsequent plans for a relocated version in downtown Las Vegas at the Neonopolis Center never came to fruition. The props and fixtures were eventually auctioned off, signaling the permanent end of this beloved attraction.
Today, fans seeking a physical Star Trek experience must look to traveling exhibitions like Star Trek: The Exhibition, currently at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, which showcases props and costumes. The Center also features a Star Trek-themed shuttle simulator and a live stage show.
With the continued success of immersive theme park experiences based on franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars, one can only hope that someone will recognize the enduring appeal of Star Trek and consider developing a new, permanent attraction in a location perhaps more suited to theme park tourism, like Orlando or Hollywood. For the fans who experienced it, Star Trek: The Experience remains a cherished memory of stepping directly into the beloved universe.
In conclusion, revisiting the memories of Star Trek: The Experience underscores its lasting impact on this devoted fan. While the journey of rewriting these blog posts about past Star Trek Adventures continues, and the cherished fan photos from that era remain inaccessible in storage, the vivid recollections of that immersive attraction in Las Vegas are undiminished. The dedication to recreating the Star Trek universe, from the detailed sets to the engaging encounters, left an indelible mark. As this rewriting project progresses, the hope is to eventually reunite these written accounts with the visual memories captured in Las Vegas, completing the picture of a truly unforgettable experience for this lifelong Trekkie.
