from TrekMovie.com:
Last month we reported that Star Trek: The Experience (which closed its doors at the Las Vegas Hilton in September) may be resurrected at a new location. Since that time TrekMovie as well as local Las Vegas journalists have confirmed that Star Trek: The Experience is moving to a new home at Neonopolis, in downtown Las Vegas. Today some new details have emerged.
The New (Old) Star Trek: The Experience
In Business Las Vegas has a new feature story on the future of the Neonopolis complex which covers the opening of both a new art museum and the move of Star Trek: The Experience. Rohit Joshi, a representative for the owners of Neonopolis is quoted saying:
The museum and the arts center will represent the past and the present and the Star Trek Experience will represent the future.
There are no specific details yet, but the article states that all five components of the Experience will be moving over:
- Restaurant/Bar
- Shops
- Museum of the Future
- 4-D Theater
- Simulator rides
The article notes that the Experience will be “similar but different from its predecessor and includes significant upgrades.” This is a welcome sign; as noted in previous reports from TrekMovie, The Experience at the Hilton was becoming less relevant to the entire Trek franchise, especially regarding The Original Series and the new Star Trek movie.
What isn’t clear is what will be upgraded. For example will the 4-D theater still be based around the Voyager themed “Borg Invasion” or will they have something new. One source told TrekMovie that the simulator rides will continue to feature the TNG-themed “Klingon Encounter”, but new footage will be added (replacing the part where the shuttle lands at the Hilton to where it lands at Neonopolis). Sources also indicate that Quark’s Bar and Restaurant and the “Promenade” shops will be part of the move and likely the first elements to open. The plan is to open these before the Star Trek movie in May.
Regarding the “cast” of characters, it is expected those who were let go when The Experience closed at the Hilton will be offered positions before auditions begin to bring on new staff.
TrekMovie has contacted Mr. Joshi and Neonopolis and will hopefully have an update on the future of Star Trek: The Experience coming up soon. To date, CBS will not comment on Star Trek: The Experience, so it is likely that details are still being worked out.