Star Trek The Experience

Once I knew, I was going to Los Angeles, and figured out the distances etc., I just knew I had to go to Las Vegas, Hilton, Star Trek The Experience. It ended up being one of the best days of my life. Being a trekkie, and sourrounded by things trek, is the ultimate experience. No, I can't participate in the show. (Do I want that? Or do I want to live in the world of the show, for real? I'm not sure.) But this is very, very close.

Before I went, I couldn't figure out how it worked. So here's a small review / howto / whatever, for the next virgin.

• What are the choices?
• There are 2 basic rides, one about Klingons and one about Borg. You can buy one, both, or even unlimited access to both for a whole day. This is the core of the exhibition. This is where you're invited into the universe, via actors, sets, and simulators using as many senses as possible.
• There's also a museum. My impression is, that if you buy anything at all, you can wander the museum at will. The museum has costumes and props from the different series and movies. Also, when you go to stand in line for a ride, you go through the museum. But there's stuff almost anywhere.
• There's a tour behind the scenes of ST:EXP. I recommend you do this tour after you try the rides. I didn't, and I was a little sad, that some of the surprises had been spoiled.
• You can have your picture taken, on the Enterprise bridge, and in a Borg regeneration chamber. You also get to walk around in these sets, but you can't take your own pictures in there. Default you get this picture on paper. If you want a special version of the picture (like, not on paper, but on CD), inquire as early as possible, whether this is possible. Otherwise, you can always get the special version after you get home.
• And then you can buy merchandise, and food, and merchandise, and drinks, and merchandise, and...
• If you spend any time at all at the exhibition, you will run into one or more "characters". When I was there, there was a Klingon, a Ferengi and a Vulcan. They are very willing to talk to you. In fact, I recommend, that you work out in advance, what you would say if you met e.g. a Klingon.
• Learn what you can about opening hours and prices, before you leave home. It's a bit confusing, once you're there. I bought a package, but didn't really know, whether I saved any money. Also, I guessed at the opening hours, and wasn't even really sure, it was open that particular day!
• Plan on walking a lot. You walk when you see the museum, do the rides, and go behind the scenes. I had to leave when I did (after 6 hours), because my legs hurt too much. And I even cheated a little, by sitting down when I was standing in line for a ride.
• Go on a day, when there won't be a lot of people, and go there early. I went on a random Monday in April, and arrived half an hour after they opened at 11 AM. I didn't have to stand in line very long anywhere. I ended up leaving when the evening rush started.

Created: 26 May, 2007 - Last changed: 7 June, 2007 - Comments (0)