Star Trek: The Experience Closing in Vegas
Offering a sad commentary on the state of the Star Trek franchise, the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas will shut down Star Trek : The Experience this fall.
Part simulator, part environment, part museum and (of course) part gift shop/restaurant, the Experience opened 10 years ago during the height of popularity for the Star Trek: The Next Generation movies. The exhibit gave fans a chance to examine a Trek time line with a collection of sci-fi relics. Then visitors could talk to a Klingon over a drink after strolling across the bridge of the Enterprise.
But, the exhibit isn't drawing the fans it once did -- just as the franchise is fading off the public radar. While J.J. Abrams is hustling to save Star Trek on the big screen, it's too late to save it in Vegas.
The collection of props, costumed "aliens" and adventure simulators was a welcome, nerd-friendly escape from the hustling sleaze and nonstop pinging of slot machines filling the rest of the town. There's no word what will be done with the emptied retail space in the Hilton, but the museum props, ship mock-ups and other bits of Trek history will be returned to Paramount.
CBS/Paramount statements indicate the search is on for the Experience's new home.
Photo courtesy John David Lewinski
See also:
That's a shame! :(
I'm so glad I had the chance to live the experience in 2005 when I travelled to Vegas. I hope they will keep the museum/shop open somewhere.
OK. I did the Start Trek experience at the Hilton a few years ago. I was most impressed by the "transporter room" effect.
Question: How did they change the floor under my feet? Lighting? Transparent inserts? Someone must be able to let me in on the trick now that it is closing... Maybe post it with a SPOILER alert.
A couple of buddies and I were going to see it a few years back, but balked at the $30(?) ticket price (it was not a good week in Vegas for any of us). So we instead spent our time at the tables, watching all these women walking around in evening gowns. They were taping "Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire" that night.
Weirdest sight? A woman and her 9-10 year old daughter dressed in the same gown... Yeah, that's the way to snag a hubby - show that your kid cleans up really nice.
(Glad that woman wasn't picked - can you imagine the psychological damage that little girl would have had from just talking with the freak "millionaire"?)
Sad thing is that is the only reason to visit the Hilton in Vegas.
Word is the closing date is September 1st.
Went there for my 40th (and had been there once before.) It was VERY disappointing this last time. Their service was horid... so, don't blame it on the Trek franchise/fandom. The keepers of this experience beamed out long ago...
I went with my dad (who doesn't like Trek that much) last Christmas. And I loved it. It was a great experience. I'm sad they're closing, but I'm happy that I got to see it before it goes.
It belongs in a small town called Vulcan in Alberta Canada.
Evan: Major spoilers here; if you don't like having the magic spoiled, don't read on ;) Skip my comment.
There's actually a few tricks used that makes the whole effect work. The floor doesn't change (obviously -- you'd notice if it moved :)), but because initially the lighting level is so low, you don't get a good look at the floor. Once the transformation is done, the floor's lighting kicks on full blast and you see all the details -- the lines painted in the flooring aren't actually on the top layer and you can't see them until they're backlit.
The video screens and actors serve as distractions, so you're looking forward or up, instead of down (not that it matters). Note the actors insist that everybody gets really cuddly in the center of the room? That's to ensure the trick goes well.
When the video screens suddenly go wonky and the noise gets louder, a carefully-timed sequence of events happens to accomplish the trick.
The screens and all lighting in the room switch off at once, and as that happens, bright strobes flash to force your pupils to dilate, effectively blinding you for just a few seconds in the very dark room. A loud blower kicks on to lend to the effect of being transported (cool rushing air), but it also serves another purpose: it's loud enough to mask the sound of the machinery that *lifts the four walls of the room into the ceiling* and then slides a new roof into place once it's done.
To catch a glimpse of how it works, close your eyes once the video screens start to go nuts, and open them once you see the strobe flash or you start hearing/feeling the air move. It's not entirely pitch-black in the room, so you should be able to see the walls lifting up into the ceiling. If you look up at the roof once the lighting kicks back on, you should be able to see the roof "wobbling" as it finishes its slide into place.
Even though the Experience has been there for years, it's still a blast, and I remember running through it quite a few times when I lived in Vegas. It's a shame to see it go. The Borg experience kinda sucked compared to the original, but assuming they're still selling both rides for one ticket price, it's worth doing both.
I'm glad I'll get one more chance to see it on a trip to Vegas in August before they tear it down (hoping they don't close it before then :)).
Hubby and I went there in 2006 while at a business convention. Loved every penny we spend (close to $70 each for both 'rides') I'm glad I got my tribbles while I was there since we won't get back again before it closes, but my girls will be sad. I hope they find a new home for it. Trek is not dead!
Went to see Star Trek in 2000. Loved it. Was very cool and well worth the cost.
Went in 2006. It was the same show exactly. But I still loved it.
Went back in 2007. Got tickets at tickets 4 tonight at half-price. This time me and my wife went. She commented that it was the same show that she saw in 2000!
Even the video that is shown is OLD. It still has Sigman and Froyd Tiger show as the headliners. The video was old and grainy. Most of us are now use to HD at home just to watch the SCIFI channel.
Don't even get me started with Quark's bar.
So I know why attendance is down. You have to improve and update the show - or die.
Maybe they should add Battlestar props.
Pretty sad, I would have liked to have seen it, but won't get the chance now. Too bad! :(
I went there in 2004 as part of a one day stop over in Vegas on a drive from San Diego to the Grand Canyon. The Star Trek Experience was the only reason I selected the Hilton as a place to stay despite it being off the strip and the monorail being shut down at the time.
As a life long Trek fan, it was fun to visit it and see some of the props and toys and memorabilia not available easily elsewhere. Though an upgrade in new technology and such would help it along. Another sign that the Trek franchise is done...
At least there is always Vulcan Alberta - which has a huge Starship downtown and the UFO shaped tourist office is also a Star Trek store with lots of official items and even some autographed pictures.
Cutest thing I saw there was a group walking in. Riker and Troy "getting married", with Picard, Beverly Crusher, a very realistic Worf, and a few non descript star fleet uniformed guys. I caught "Crusher" walking in and was slightly dismayed to find out she had NEVER seen any Star Trek episodes, but was the Brides best friend, and she and the groom were fanatics, so everyone agreed to dress up and get married at Quarks. I didn't stay for it, as I had a plane to catch, unfortunately.
Thanks for the explanation Willfe...always wondered how they did it. Been twice and loved it....shame it's closing.
To think, where will the thousands of basement dwellers go after the Star Trek Convention ends at the Las Vegas Hilton?
http://www.creationent.com/cal/stlv.htm
Oddly its being held the same weekend as DEFCON 16, the hackers will be the only normal people on the north end of the strip...
I had a one-night stopover in Vegas a number of years ago and walked over to the Hilton just to see it.
It >was< very disconcerting to sit at the bar and have a Ferengi walk behind you...
They really should move it to one of the major theme parks, but after Berman&Braga killed the franchise I can fully understand why they're closing it.
Does anyone know if they're selling/auctioning off the last of the store stuff? I can't get to Vegas, but would still like to buy something!
I went to Vegas for the first time in January. Most of the friends I went with were fans of Star Trek, so we had to do the Experience. The old show was much better than the new Borg one, but both were entertaining. The ticket prices were pretty steep, so I doubt I'd have gone again.
A few of us stopped in again a few days later to get a Warp Core Breach (or was it a Borg Sphere?) at Quark's Bar. The drink was overpriced, but amusing. The best part, though, was when a stand-up comedian dressed as a Klingon came over and verbally abused us for a few minutes. Totally made up for how expensive the drink was.
I was one of the programmers of the show control systems for the original opening. Willfe's description is pretty much spot on to my recollection. The transporter "gag" was my absolute favorite part of the attraction, despite knowing the tricks and going through it MANY times.
Makes me a bit sad to see it go, but it's understandable. 10 years is a pretty good run for an attraction like that. The original had some interesting problems in the fly-through sequence, the strip had changed a fair amount since the initial live filming took place, so that even upon opening, there were several anomalies in the strip fly-over.
I remember one little easter egg (they made me take out) was, when a certain controller frame was reset, the LCD panels in the exit corridors (not visible to the public) would read: "Nanites Rule!".
According to the attraction's web site (www.startrekexp.com), the closing date is 9/1/2008. The description of the transporter effect posted above is pretty accurate, but you can get a complete lights-on demo if you take the "backstage tour" which they've been running for the past few years. I've visited ST:EXP many many times over the years and am really sad to see it go. It's a shame they couldn't keep it up at least until the next movie comes out (and of course it's a great place to host the big convention each year), but the Hilton wanted something else in the space.
I've been twice and it's sad that my kids may never get a chance to see it. Wonderful fun for geeks and non-geeks alike...
I was just there and asked them this exact question. The staff said this rumor has been going on ever since the exhibit opened.
Pony up a source, John Scott Lewinski. Otherwise you're a liar.
Err, left. I meant left. >.<
Well, that's a shame about it closing. I haven't been to Vegas in years, and I don't think it's likely I'll be able to get down there before it closes.
I lived in Las Vegas when it opened, and attended the fan appreciation preview, having purchased a rather pricey ticket to get in. :-) What an amazing night. All the cast members of all three shows at the time (TOS, TNG & DS9) were present for the event (I think that might have been one of the last public appearances of DeForest Kelly). And of course we all got to ride the ride. :-) I still have the commemorative coin that was given to everyone as part of the event, as well as the giant "Warp 'n' Ride Fan Appreciation Preview" poster that we also received, framed and hanging on my wall.
It was an incredible night that I'll never forget. I had hoped to be able to get some time to go visit Vegas and take in the Experience again, but I guess that won't be possible now. Pity, that.
Well, it had a good run. I hope they put all of its props and so on to good use in the future!
I'll be sad to see the Experience close. Every time I've been out to Vegas for the last seven or eight years I've made a point of hitting the Hilton and taking the ride, and it has never gotten old for me.
On my first time through, after being dazzled by the amazing transporter effect, we were all herded onto the bridge and got Riker's speech. I'm a bald, six foot plus skinny Brit, and when he got to the bit about Picard's ancestor being among us, everyone in our group turned and looked at me. I'm sure they all thought I was a plant :-)
A great attraction, done with real ingenuity and affection for the series. Hopefully it'll find a new home somewhere else, but if not it had a heck of a run.
Visited 5 times, first in'99 and last time a year ago.
Am heartbroken really, got married on the bridge and we were planning on going back in 3 years to renew our vows there again.
Really hope they manage to find a new Vegas location and set it up (and spruce it up) again.
Vegas won't be the same for me without it - straight off the plane, in the taxi, "Take me to Quarks!"
All I can really say is this is one of the most asinine things to happen in Las Vegas in my entire Adult life. I will miss Quark's Bar a lot. Man, they have great drinks there.Also, on my first visit, I just spent about ten minutes laughing at the name puns in the menu. The whole Star Trek Experience attraction is a lot of fun! No reason to go to the Hilton now. I really hope CBS/Paramount can rebuild The Experience out in Las Vegas somewhere!
Would anyone here like to help save the Star Trek Experience or see it open somewhere elese? Below is link for a petition. Pleae sign in and keep it going we need lots of signaures. Also email the Hilton and let them know what you think.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savestartrekexp
Hilton email
http://www.lvhilton.com/contact/emailform-cc.php
it's a good thing. the less star trek related stuff around the better. it's about time it was scrapped altogether. i might start a petition...
Would be great if the Hilton goes with a SciFi theme, Hard Rock style but scifi instead of rock-n-roll. That would keep me going there. There's so much great scifi and fantasy out there to pool from!
There is a petition going! Please sign!
One of my favorite things to do in LV. Though I must admit it is starting to seem dated (I first started going a few weeks after it opened 10 years ago). My undertanding is that CBS/Paramount is looking for a new home. I figure Atlantic City so it'll be on the East Coast for a while. Haven't heard official dates yet but the online tickets you can buy are only good through 9/1/08 - so my guess is they're shutting down then. Making an extra trip to LV in a few weeks - hope it isn't during the STAR TREK convention - otherwise it'll be a mob scene!
I visited it twice--once alone, and the second time with my older son. Both times were great fun. The funniest thing that happened was the first time when I was sitting in Quarks. A guy came up dressed in Starfleet uniform and started asking people Star Trek trivia questions--that is, until the staff asked him to stop bothering the patrons. Turns out he was just another Star Trek Geek having fun!
I was tremendously disappointed to learn that STTE is closing. Unfortunately, I booked my plane tickets prior to learning that this fantastic site will be closed and I won't be in Vegas until September 10th. There were only two reasons I wanted to return to Vegas: Road trip to the Grand Canyon and to visit Star Trek: The Experience. I had the pleasure of going this past March and was looking forward to Quark's again. Sadly, this will be my last trip to Las Vegas. Nothing there will tempt me to go nearly as much as the Klingons!
Anyone who thinks closing Star Trek the Experience is a shame, and wants to save it needs to contact Chad Boutte (operations manager, manager of marketing) at chad.boutte@paramountparks.com or at (702)697-8717, and Russell Giles (media representative, operations lead) at russell.giles@paramountparks.com, or at (702)6978717. Also, contact the Las Vegas Hilton at Las Vegas Hilton, atten. manager, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. As for me, the Experience was the only reason to visit their hotel. Without it, there is no pull for me to return. Nothing else sets that hotel apart from the other large hotels on the Strip. If you feel the same way, tell them!! TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!! We must contact Chad, Russell, and the Hilton NOW to save this. Fans saved the original series from going off the air decades ago. we can save this one too, but we must act now. Chuck
Also please contact Resorts International, owners of the Las Vegas Hilton at:
PR CONTACT:
Brian Cahill
Director, Public Relations
609-340-6432
brian.cahill@resortsint.com
Tell them that without the Experience, there is no reason for you to come to, or stay at the Las Vegas Hilton.
brian.cahill@resortsint.com
Also contact Cedar Fair, owners of Star Trek The Experience
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
Marketing Department
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
marketing@cedarfair.com
Anyone who thinks closing Star Trek the Experience is a shame, and wants to save it needs to contact Chad Boutte (operations manager, manager of marketing) at chad.boutte@paramountparks.com or at (702)697-8717, and Russell Giles (media representative, operations lead) at russell.giles@paramountparks.com, or at (702)6978717. Also, contact the Las Vegas Hilton at Las Vegas Hilton, atten. manager, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. As for me, the Experience was the only reason to visit their hotel. Without it, there is no pull for me to return. Nothing else sets that hotel apart from the other large hotels on the Strip. If you feel the same way, tell them!! TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!! We must contact Chad, Russell, and the Hilton NOW to save this. Fans saved the original series from going off the air decades ago. we can save this one too, but we must act now. Chuck
Also please contact Resorts International, owners of the Las Vegas Hilton at:
PR CONTACT:
Brian Cahill
Director, Public Relations
609-340-6432
brian.cahill@resortsint.com
Tell them that without the Experience, there is no reason for you to come to, or stay at the Las Vegas Hilton.
brian.cahill@resortsint.com
Also contact Cedar Fair, owners of Star Trek The Experience
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
Marketing Department
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
marketing@cedarfair.com
Do not allow the Experience to be assimilated into history! please contact the places and sites above, and sign the petition. Resistance is NOT futile!
Where is the override? THE OVERRIDE?!?
Chuck, Great info! You are right we all need to work togther and contact everyone! Please everyone send these guys emails. Also pass this info to others to they can join in! We can save this thing if we let them know what we think!
I worked at stte in 06/07 we kinda knew then this would happen and yes its a shame. There are some staff there that really love the place and never wanted to leave. The comment about the service going down is true from what I saw the cutbacks done by the big wigs got rid of good managers and kept the cheaper bad ones which in turn shows in the service. There are some good ones like chad hes a great guy that loves that place. Im sad to see it go.
Willfe,
They do not use a blower for the wind effect. To change the walls, picture a upside down cup on a table. You are inside the cup. They lift the cup (the four walls and ceiling) really fast and then slide the new ceiling over you to match the transporter room you were in the whole time, just under a big "cup".
That is a bonus effect they did not plan on, and left it in play. Added great effect.
As for the lighting under the floor, yes that is correct.
Anyone interested should sign up for the behind the scenes tour. They show all the secrets and you get to watch the transporter system work with the lights on. Also you get to stand under one of the rides while the movie plays and the ride is in action. It's really weird being under there knowing they have no clue you are there.
My suggestion, before you drop the cash for the tour, ask if "the ferengi actor" is going to give the tour. He gave the best one since he's really into it.
Oh and my favourite. The ride, and the video, is operated, played, and controlled by a windows 3.1 system. I think I saw several backup systems (all windows 3.1) ready to go too.
-Kreg
I just got back from there two days ago, I stayed at the Hilton and went to Quark's every single day, I found out if was closing while I was there and I cherish every last moment. I loved it!! The Ferengi are my favorite and I was lucky enough to get a picture with Quan, I would love to know who the guy is that plays Quan, I totally fell for him. They all told me the closing date was Sept. 1, if anyone gets a chance to go before it closes, you have to talk to Matt the bartender, he is soooooo great and gives wonderful service and try to find out the guy who plays Quan for me, he has wonderful hands.
Please call me if in need of a room first 2 weeks in August of 2008
...$25 a night....
212-300-7478
Has anyone writen to the hilton or cedar fair to complain.
Hi, please keep the petition going!
I no longer have a reason to visit Vegas. I went to the Hilton right after the fourth of July. The Experience was closed. I had gone ten years ago around the time it opened. This time around, even before I knew The Experience was closing for good, I noticed how the space looked smaller and the surroundings were dismal. Only one guy was at a machine. The place totally looked neglected. I thought what in the world happened? I'm glad I had the opportunity to go years back. Th energy was great. Really special times. I'll cheerish it because I don't think it'll be the same no matter where it goes. Those days are over. Fond fond memories though.
My wife and I have been going to STTE at least twice a year for about 6 years. Always close down Quarks EVERY night! Loved to sit and the bar having those wonderful drinks (Vulcan Mind Meld) and just absorb the atmosphere. Typical entertainment industry! They'll probably install "Survivor: The Experience" or some other piece of shite. Everyone has been pulling back the funding of everything to do with Star Trek and then they complain because the "returns" aren't there. I'm making a special trip with my wife on Aug. 23rd and 24th. Guess we won't get to renew our vows on the bridge for our 10th anniversary in December!!!!
Wow, they should at least wait until after the new movie next Spring to see if it may hit off another ST frenzy. They are talking about a 3 movie deal and possibly a new series, depending on the results of that. This is sad news. I loved that place. The convention won't be nearly as fun. That's if they have it.
Wow, they should at least wait until after the new movie next Spring to see if it may hit off another ST frenzy. They are talking about a 3 movie deal and possibly a new series, depending on the results of that. This is sad news. I loved that place. The convention won't be nearly as fun. That's if they have it.
I just went to SSTE yesterday, a quickly planned trip to see it before its closing. I had gone there not too long after it first opened, but the Borg experience was new to me (and fun!). The gift shop is discounting many items. What will happen to the future history panels? I regret I missed the backstage tour.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savestartrekexp
Hi, please keep the petition going!
Anyone who thinks closing Star Trek the Experience is a shame, and wants to save it needs to contact Chad Boutte (operations manager, manager of marketing) at chad.boutte@paramountparks.com or at (702)697-8717, and Russell Giles (media representative, operations lead) at russell.giles@paramountparks.com, or at (702)6978717. Also, contact the Las Vegas Hilton at Las Vegas Hilton, atten. manager, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. As for me, the Experience was the only reason to visit their hotel. Without it, there is no pull for me to return. Nothing else sets that hotel apart from the other large hotels on the Strip. If you feel the same way, tell them!! TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!!! We must contact Chad, Russell, and the Hilton NOW to save this. Fans saved the original series from going off the air decades ago. we can save this one too, but we must act now. Chuck
Also please contact Resorts International, owners of the Las Vegas Hilton at:
PR CONTACT:
Brian Cahill
Director, Public Relations
609-340-6432
brian.cahill@resortsint.com
Tell them that without the Experience, there is no reason for you to come to, or stay at the Las Vegas Hilton.
brian.cahill@resortsint.com
Also contact Cedar Fair, owners of Star Trek The Experience
Cedar Fair Entertainment Company
Marketing Department
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
marketing@cedarfair.com
September 1st? Really? I hoped to see the Star Trek Experience once in a lifetime. But we will arrive on September 1st in Las Vegas...
airportmaster
I sent e-mails to eveyone on the list. My wife and I got married in 2007 in Vegas and hit the STTE. This was our first trip to Vegas and we enjoyed STTE the most out of everything. We hit the rides, spent a bucket load of money on gifts for everyone we knew in the gift shop then ate at Quarks. After that experience, we decided that Vegas would be our every 2 year vactation spot due to The Experience. Now we have no reason to really go back, we dont gamble, and we can see shows anywhere.
Okay, I've got a question for all you Trekkies/Trekkers out there.
Why is there so little constructive response from the Star Trek fandom about the closing of Star Trek: The Experience within the next 2 weeks? When it was announced lo these many years ago that the original series had been cancelled Star Trek fans really made their voices heard. For the closing of STTE and no new home announced or even concretely in the works, all I hear are whimperings... some blog responses, some disappointment hurled at Hilton but no really organized movement. I think it is a pretty safe conclusion that the petitions I've seen on line (with really low numbers having signed) won't impact the closing. It would seem to me that we need to come up with a campaign to make sure that the legacy of STTE (some irreplaceable, like the one of a kind timeline that is only at STTE) is not lost forever.
I have an idea to propose and wonder how many of you and your friends out there would support it. The corporate powers that be need to shown that STTE (or as I would like to call my concept, STTNE) is still a marketable, profitable asset that should be expanded and updated.
My Concept
- The concept sponsors would buy land somewhere around Orlando, FL. Yes, I know land is expensive down there but STTNE needs space and a higher volume of attraction tourist traffic to make it financially viable. Plus, there are other advantages to the location I will talk about later.
- Move whatever can be salvaged and moved from STTE Las Vegas (the museum props, the Enterprise models, the plexiglass time line, the rides (updated and made relevant to the new locale) down to Orlando.
- Build hotel and timeshare facilities Star Trek themed connected to a really incredible and expanded Star Trek The NEW Experience, STTNE. Running some rough numbers, the average development cost per room could be substantially less than that of a typical 3 to 4 star hotel or timeshare!
- Expand the STTNE rides to include one from each ship series - TOS, TNG (updated Klingon Encounter), Voyager (Borg 4-D) and Enterprise. Throw in a couple other related space "experiences" like a Zero-G coaster and an indoor skydiving (aka, anti-grav chamber) attraction.
- Toss in a couple of restaurants. Ten-Forward (modest cost cafeteria style), and a Quarks Resto/Bar (upscale dining with expanded menu). And maybe, some mid-range place, K-7?, depending on the size of the facilities.
- Deep Space Nine would be represented by a expanded promenade with shops, aliens, one or more theaters, etc. The theater could be used for live entertainment, show Star Trek movies and if allowable, debut fan produced Star Trek movies
- Interactive LCARS screens throughout the facilities (including the stateroom welcome screens on the TVs) providing guests and visitors with information, directions, etc.
Some marketing ideas?
- Get the fans to contribute to the initial concept development costs. What, you say? Get us to pay? Well, we're the ones that have the most self-interest. And for a contribution, what fan wouldn't want to know and/or see their name on a fa inauguration plaque prominently displayed somewhere within STTNE for all time? (The amount/s yet to be determined, of course).
- Get Hilton to manage the accommodations side of the venture - hotel and timeshare. Quality and high-class is what we want. Hilton has the quality rep, is already associated with STTE and could offer an incredible marketing distribution network.
- Develop a strategic alliance/relationship with NASA. The Kennedy Space Center is right down the road and the first shuttle was in large part named Enterprise because of the outpouring of the fans. Perhaps, a three or more night stay would allow for a discounted tour of the Space Center. Why not?
- Develop a strategic alliance/relationship with the Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC? Tons of folks interested in space walk through that museum every day, the perfect self-selecting clients base who could take their next trip to Orlando for STTNE!
- Talk Creation Entertainment into committing to hold five or more conventions at STTNE once the facilities are completed. Can you imagine what incredible events they would be? Wow!
- Actively market STTNE to other Star Trek /scifi fan organized conventions as well as other non scifi but related groups - tech and science organizations.
- Here's a long shot. Wouldn't it be great if we could get some lead marketing tie-ins between the STTNE concept and next year's Star Trek movie to generate more interest and demand? Sweet....
These are just the tip of my concept ideas. So now, my question to you the fans out there is "Are you willing to walk your talk?"
1. How many of you would be willing to sign a petition to be sent jointly to the various corporate players (Paramount, CBS Studios, Cedar Parks, Hilton, et al) saying this is a concept that we the fans are looking for and are ready and willing to support?
2. How many of you would be willing to join and contribute to an independently managed and audited STTNE concept fund to get this idea going? And if it worked out, would you be willing to have your name listed on a STTNE fan inauguration plaque?
2. With detailed (and of course, knockout!) architectural plans and drawings of STTNE and especially of the timeshare and hotel staterooms, how many of you would be willing to indicate your readiness to a stay at STTNE within next three to five years after its completion?
3. How many of you would be willing to put down a "modest" deposit (to be determined) sight unseen (and refundable, if STTNE did not get off the ground) to buy a crew stateroom timeshare or for a hotel stay?
Yes, I'm talking dollars and cents because at the end of the day, the only way the corporate powers that be will take notice is if there is a real business model with attractive financial returns.
I'm a long-time Star Trek fan. I'm also someone who has been a VP on Wall Street and started a new business division in a Fortune 20 company, so I am not just blowing smoke here. I know what it takes to get a business, even a complicated, multi-partner business off the ground.
The closing of STTE could be a godsend, if we can muster our forces, make a convincing business case and get an STTNE that could be an out of this world experience. So, if you really want to do something more than bemoaning the closing of STTE, I look forward to hearing from you. AND, SOON! STTE will close September 1. On July 1, MovieTrek.com published a statement by CBS Consumer Products which handles Star Trek licensing, there may still be hope for the future of STTE.
Only our combined efforts can change that conditional statement to an affirmative one.
What do you say?
It's suppose to close down on September 1, 2008. Went to the Experience on 8/14. Went through the Borg and Klingon rides twice (elapsed time 3 hours). Look for coupons in the free 24/7 Magazine booklet available on the strip (now $8 off the Dual admission, I had a $10 off from the August issue).
Dual admission (they drop you off down an elevator to the store and bar/restaurant area, you must reenter the front, keep your ticket and they stamp your hand) is $49.95 (I paid $39.95 with the discount).
The store has sold out most of its merchandise (I bought a Borg bear and a Next Generation bear each 20% off). The slots are all Star Trek outside the Experience.
The museum is a gigantic time line of all of Star Trek to accomodate the "long lines" of guests waiting for the rides. If you wish to see what you are missing:
An online show called the "Vegas Show" from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
(in case the above link does not connect)
It came from: http://www.reviewjournal.com/webextras/
Scroll down towards the bottom and look for the "Watch the Vegas Show" link. Click on the image link and when you jump to the next page, select Episode 2 (there are 3 associated videos)....enjoy!
It's suppose to close down on September 1, 2008. Went to the Experience on 8/14. Went through the Borg and Klingon rides twice (elapsed time 3 hours). Look for coupons in the free 24/7 Magazine booklet available on the strip (now $8 off the Dual admission, I had a $10 off from the August issue).
Dual admission (they drop you off down an elevator to the store and bar/restaurant area, you must reenter the front, keep your ticket and they stamp your hand) is $49.95 (I paid $39.95 with the discount).
The store has sold out most of its merchandise (I bought a Borg bear and a Next Generation bear each 20% off). The slots are all Star Trek outside the Experience.
The museum is a gigantic time line of all of Star Trek to accomodate the "long lines" of guests waiting for the rides. If you wish to see what you are missing:
An online show called the "Vegas Show" from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
(in case the above link does not connect)
It came from: http://www.reviewjournal.com/webextras/
Scroll down towards the bottom and look for the "Watch the Vegas Show" link. Click on the image link and when you jump to the next page, select Episode 2 (there are 3 associated videos)....enjoy!
Oren,
I am with you all the way, except I dont have any money (I just bought a house and we are getting married). I think you are right we need to get inolved. I am with you for anything I can help with.
Mike
I have a pretty good way to save it...if not make it better! It's explained in this video:
I went to Quarks last Labor Day weekend and it was so nice to to feel like you left Las Vegas and went to the future. It was pretty empty as I remember. I never was a big Star Trek fan but I was a huge fan of Quarks at the Hilton. When I went to Vegas this past weekend I stayed at the Hilton because I wanted to be close to Quarks. When we had dinner there Saturday night, Quarks was packed. You would have thought it was Tao or Pure if it wasn't filled with guys in starfleet uniforms and klingons. We were advised that the entire Star Trek Experiance and Quarks would be closing in 7 days. Then we could notice there was a definate sadness in the air. So it's sad to see this place go.
I went there yesterday to go on the rides and eat at Quark's. The food was good and the rides were awesome. I cost $40 with a coupon to ride all you want for the day. I'm not a trekkie but am a fan of the shows. Even the most casual fan should check it out if you can get there before it's gone. I'm very sad to see it go but I'm glad I made the trip before it was too late.
I am so disappointed that they are closing the exhibit. Friends and I are planning a trip to Vegas in November. The ONE main thing we wanted to see was the Star Trek Exhibit. I was there, thank God, last year to see everything, and I told my friends about it and they got excited! Now they may not get the chance to experience this wonderful attraction themselves!
I don't think the exhibit should close until after the movie comes out and more people have a chance to see it.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO VOICE OUR OPINION
AND GET THEM TO KEEP STAR TREK OPEN????
isnt there anyone who can help save this thing? How the F did save Star Trek in the 60s, and get a shuttle named after the show. And why the F cant we save a stupid bar and a couple of rides?
First of all the Hilton Hotel is only used as namesake only (they pay to use the Hilton name) and is currently owned and operated by Colony Resorts International.
The original deal with Paramount Parks (Viacom)and the previous owner of the Hilton was a sweetheart deal. We give you cheap rent, we get an attraction.
Well Viacom wanted out of the amusement park biz, and sold off it's interests to Cedar Fair (Star Trek Included) Well then a new company takes over the Hilton they see they are getting pennies on the dollar for a lot of "space".
They want more money Cedarfair really just wanted the main amusement parks & Viacom owns the movie rights.
A tangled mess. bizz is bizz.
Take heart someone is interested in moving it to Neo-opolis downtown Las Vegas. which lord knows could use the bizz.
We have been to the "Experience" numerous times. We especially enjoyed "Quarks". The service has always been impecible, especially from Greg. We are deeply saddened at the word of its closing. It was our main reason for going to Vegas.
The closing sucks!
Just my luck. After going to Vegas for four straight years, and intending to go to the experience, this year we made definite plans in February to go this year. We'll be there two weeks after the exhibit closes. Sucks! Sucks! Sucks!
Star Trek: The Experience Lives!
At least that's what we heard today. Supposedly, the owner of Neonopolis (an entertainment complex on Fremont Street) is buying the rights and will move the attraction downtown. Haven't heard if Quark's Bar will be coming too but the nearly empty complex has plenty of room so I would think so.
Just thought you might want to know...
That's great about it not completely going away.
I'll go see it at its new location!
I went through "The Experience" twice in its early days just after it opened. I'll give you a clue as to why it closed. Its basically a TV set with a couple motion rides. Back when I went through the admission price was about $18.00. The current/last price was $42.00 for the same set and motion rides. Answer on why it closed, price more than doubled and attraction did not. Plus they would not even let you take pictures on the set. You could go to some amusement parks and pay about $50. a person and ride a variety of rides and attractions all day. The Experience is like everything else in Vegas, prices sky high vs years ago, and no real change in what you get.
please keep this petition going. I know its closed but lets keep the interest going for a new one!
I went there in July for the first (and last) time. I knew that I might never go again so I made the most of it and bought everything I wanted.
Even though I knew I might never go back I'm sad it's going because it converted my freind to the trek ways and I must say that it was very busy when we went, couldn't get seated at Quarks (my one regret in Vegas).
I hope it moves to Florida though because I'm off there next year
OREN,
Six years ago I was involved in a venture to build a Science Fiction based museum/theme park. I met with several designeers, park development experts, and a guy who is now the ceo of the Hard Rock Theme park in Myrtle Beach SC. Coming from that background, I too understand the complexities of what you propose, AND I AM VERY EXCITED AND SUPPORT THE VENTURE. Please keep me informed and how you would like to proceed.
There's a show that is out of Las Vegas called The Ugly Couch Show (www.uglycouchshow.com) that did coverage of the last day of Star Trek: The Experience. The show is run by ex-employees of the Experience. They did a pretty good job.
BAD MANAGEMENT> WORKED THERE>IT BECAME A HORRIBLE EXPERIECE>WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR PROMISED SEVERENCE PAY
Anyone have an idea on when the exact date of closing is? We are going to be there the end of October. I joked I would only get remaried if it was on the bridge of the Enterprise. I try going to the web site but get nothing. Is it already shut down? I admit the price is way to much for what you get BUT the last time I went through it and turned to see one of the borg standing right behind me I dang near died on the spot. Those are the only things that scare me to death. I admit I love Star Trek and hate to see this go. But if they do reopen I hope they drop the price.
I was dissapointed to see the Star Trek Experience close. I have several trips to Las Vegas & I stayed at the Hilton ONLY because of the Star Trek Experience. Fortunately, I made one last visit, in early August 2008 before it closed. My heart goes out to the wonderful staff, at STE. During my several trips to Vegas & the STE, I have taken photos of the The Star Trek Experience Shops, Quarks, The Entrance to the Musuem......etc. If anyone would like photos, I would be happy to share them. Email me at Jemhaadar@aol.com.
Live Long & Prosper
I am terribly disappointed to find out that STTE closed down. I had a trip planned for my birthday in november because we go once or twice a year to the hilton just for STTE. I will email everyone on the list to do my part to keep it open or get it moved to another location. We LOVED the whole atmosphere and the attractions.
I guess I will be planning a new 21st birthday party. My plan was to spend the first few days in Vegas, spending a good chunk of time just at the Hilton, and then site seeing around the area. I am glad that I was able to go three years ago. I am glad that I got my pictures and overall a good trip there. It is sad to see such a wonderful thing taken down like that, but such is life.
this was going to be my first ever trip to vegas and i wanted to see the star trek experience so bad. now i cant that is really disappointing
EDITOR: Lewis Wallace | 
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I wish they'd post a solid closing date, rather than "this Fall", so maybe my wife and I could plan a trip there to see it again before it goes.