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Curtain falls on Star Trek: The Experience |
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Written by Derek Kessler on
Sunday, 07 September 2008
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 This week, Star Trek: The Experience ended its eleven-year run at the Las Vegas Hilton. The “time station” attraction wowed hundreds of thousands of fans over the years with its motion simulator rides, museum exhibit, shops, and restaurant. But in the face of stiffening competition and declining guest counts, The Experience owner Cedar Fair and the Hilton were unable to reach a new contract that would allow the unique attraction to continue its run in Vegas.
And so, with a decommissioning ceremony befitting of an honored naval vessel (with Star Trek touches, of course), Star Trek: The Experience was closed for the last time on Monday. About 1500 fans were on hand for the ceremony, which was emceed by Trek guest star Suzie Plakson. Along with The Experience’s operations manager, Chad Boutte, Plakson introduced each of the attractions’ cast members to the crowd, including long-time Experience veteran April Herbert (still in Vulcan costume), who was given the United Federation of Planets flag that had been hung inside The Experience since its opening.
With The Experience now closed, dismantling is under way. Props, costumes, and items owned by CBS will be returned to the company. Cedar Fair, which has operated the attraction since it was sold by Paramount in 2006, will salvage what it can, but because The Experience was designed to fit specifically into the space in the Las Vegas Hilton, most of the elaborate (and expensive) set pieces will be destroyed.
Discuss: TrekUnited Forum
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"You will excuse me now, Captain. I have an appointment with enternity and I don't want to be late."
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