May 9, 2008, Newsletter Issue #158: Las Vegas Tourist Attractions - The Star Trek Experience

Tip of the Week

"To boldly go where no man has gone before"

The Star Trek Experience is a Las Vegas fun entertainment and is a far cry from the stuffy, upper crust atmosphere of the regular casino at the Las Vegas Hilton. With a combination of uptempo rock music, futuristic looking slots, a bar area straight from the the 24īth century, and laser lights streaming across the sky, this puts a whole new dimension on the word "casino". The blackjack tables were closed, but I assume those are open during the weekends and perhaps busy week nights. If you donīt want to gamble, they have a four pool tables for those more inclined to play in this unique setting.

First stop on your adventure through The Star Trek Experience is the "History of the Future" museum area where more than 200 items used in the filming of the Star Trek television serious and movies are displayed. It is the largest permanent collection of Star Trek props and costumes in the world including 23 original costumes from the series and movies, eight starship models built to a 1:80 scale, 12 hand-painted alien head displays (so real, they are almost scary) and more than 100 hand props like the 3D chess set, communicators, phasers, and the like.

As you walk along, you follow an illustrated timeline of the universe with a special twist. From the time of Galileo and Newton to the present, it is (of course) factual. But from our time through the year 2372 (Stardate 47779.4) it follows the evolvement of the world, planets, political situations and the like as depicted from the original television series all the way through the movies and new series.

You may take all the time you wish viewing the museum as the as the actual adventure portion starts every 10 minutes. Weīve been asked not to give away the "good parts", but this is a real interactive experience. Among the highlights are getting to experience being transported and ending up in the transporter room of the Enterprise, venturing onto the bridge as the crew goes about itīs duties, riding a turbolift (the "elevators" that move people around the ship), walking down the incredibly realistic corridors (all sets are constructed on a 1:1 scale from the originals), and taking a shuttlecraft mission through space and time. The shuttlecraft is the finale, and what a finale it is! Featuring a six-axis simulator in a domed theatre, this motion simulator puts the Luxorīs to shame. These screens give you a 160 degree view -- at no time do you see anything stationary outside the shuttle. The ride was incredible. You truly see and feel like you are being transported though time and space in a crystal clear universe you have never seen before with heart-pumping action taking place all around you! I donīt want to spoil the ending too much except to say that you get a unique perspective on the Las Vegas strip. The total post museum experience runs about 25 minutes. Hit the restroom Afterwards, you exit through the obligatory shopping area containing everything from exclusive Star Trek clothing, the largest collection of Star Trek products and souvenirs, authentic collectibles, and the "your photo with a Star Trek star" image chamber.

The verdict? Trekkies should be put to death if they come to town and miss this. If you enjoy the series and movies, or enjoy first-class virtual entertainment with lots of surprises, this is also a must see. If you are on the strip without a car (the Las Vegas Hilton is a few blocks off-strip) and just looking for something to do, itīs worth a visit but you will live if you miss it.

Admission is $15.95 (includes tax) and you must be 42" tall. There is no admission to visit the shops or Quarkīs bar and restaurant (unique dinners in a futuristic setting running about $12 a plate). Just ask the ticket office to point the way. The Experience is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

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