What should change about the possible new Star Trek Experience?

[32JaX]

Howdy! (first post)

I have faith in the speed of Vegas construction after I saw a convenient store and frozen drink bar appear from nothing in the span of 5 nights at the Mirage. Not that STE 2.0 will be that easy, of course. I agree though that groundbreaking on 5/8 is more likely.

 

[Biggshow]

Most recent citation of the 050809 opening date was March 27.

If they're not opening this year they really need to freakin' tell us.

That story is, unfortunately, quoting an earlier story.

As to why Quark's and the Promenade in STTE Classic, in 1995-96 when the plans were being drawn up, Berman era Trek was at the height of its popularity. In fact, you could say that ST in general was at the height of its popularity with the recently (then) announced acquisition of TOS by the SciFi Channel due for its first round of remastering.

Because most people were still familiar with the TV version of TNG (First Contact was still in production), the decision was made to use the highly popular ENT-D as the model for the upstairs attraction. The Promenade and Quark's made for a natural "in universe" hub for retail and the restaurant.

Even with a push to promote TOS in general and Abrams-verse ST in particular, I'm sure that Quark's will return. That is, after all, what is in storage right now.

 

[Dale]

Didn't mean to suggest it was accurate, Biggs... just pointing out that the misinformation continues to be spread without correction from Joshi or the new STTE showrunners.

 

[32JaX]

On the startrek.com message boards, one of the posters said he spoke with Mr. Joshi last week and it looks like May2010 is more likely as they are sill in the D&P stages. No time line yet. Patience is a nuisance!

 

[Biggshow]

Here's what's involved (and I'm speculating based on info that we have and my many years retrofitting Hallmark stores).

When STTE Classic was being planned, it was designed from the ground up. The entire structure was built to hold that specific attraction. Even given the enormous structure at Neonopolis, it was not built with STTE in mind. Rather it sounds like it was designed like most malls, a lot of variously sized units to hold a variety of retail establishments and restaurants, none of which were more than two stories in height. We always talk about the Experience as being upstairs and downstairs but it was in reality a three story structure. Retrofitting Neonopolis to house an integrated STTE-A will take a bit more time and effort than simply rebuilding Quark's etc. Time and effort that I really hope they take to do it right.

Bottom line is that it was probably overly optimistic for them and us to hope that it could be done as quick as we'd like. There are movie theatres at Neonopolis. I hope they use the movie opening to announce grand plans. At this point, however, I'll take what I can get.

 

[Dale]

David and Darren from Trekcast report that the new attraction is expected to open roughly this time next year.

April Hebert (Tahryn and T'Pril from the original STTE) reports that they're casting look-alikes for the new cast for an event in Vegas May 8. She speculates that this may give credence to the rumors of a groundbreaking ceremony for the new STTE.

 

[Kords21]

While it is unfortunate that it's not opening on May 8, 2009, it could be a blessing though. If the film does as well as expected and I think it will, it could really ramp up interest in it. It gains mainstream appeal, word of a Las Vegas locale starting up could really funnel a lot of people to check it out. I know I wasn't initially too excited about the new movie, but after reading countdown and seeing more trailers/tv spots, I'm eagarly anticipating this movie for the first time since First Contact. I couldn't believe that there was a screening in Austin which is just up the road from me and I totally missed it. I was so po'd when I found out, but it just increases my eagerness to see this film and for the eventual construction of STTE-A, Vegas for me just isn't complete without it.

 

[Rubicashrama]

What isn’t clear is what will be upgraded. For example will the 4-D theater still be based around the VoyagerStar Trek movie in May. 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

 

[gwud]

I'd like to see ST:TE-A remain very similar to the original; the only difference I'd like is a more interactive timeline - something thank can keep your attention for longer than the panels did previously, updated Klingon ride and a lounge more like ten-forward - in addition to the more lively Quarks.

 

[Pinkle]

The plan is to open these before the

...before the what!? lol aaagh

I may go to Neonopolis during the day May 8th, but I really wanna see the movie in IMAX haha xD So I would go over to the Palms or something later..

 

[Brian]

Before the cut-n-mis-pasted "Star Trek movie in May" found out of place earlier in the paragraph.

 

[azebelys]

Hey all,

I have been searching the old tinternet for any new news on the new experience and i came across the following article, dated yesterday


"The new Star Trek Experience will not be built in phasers, I mean in phases, beginning May 8 as anticipated. That’s the date the new "Star Trek" movie is set to hit theaters nationwide, and it also is the date the new Experience attractions were planned to be opened at the recently resurrected Neonopolis.
The story is, CBS has essentially taken control of the Star Trek universe (Or is it galaxy? Whichever intergalactic term fits) and will not permit any phaser, I mean phase, of the attraction to open in conjunction with the movie’s release. Rohit Joshi, who heads the development team that owns Neonopolis, had hoped to bring in a gift shop and maybe bar/restaurant in May. However, CBS, which owns the "Star Trek" title and licensing rights, has a different time frame. From the bridge, we’ll keep our radar -- and our shields -- activated."

the article can be found here: http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/ka...ase-no-may-8-opening-star-trek-experience-ne/

Big shame if you ask me, but at least it shows that CBS are keen to get this place right. roll on next year - or whenever they plan to open it. cant wait! if i find anything else, i'll post again to let you know

chow for now

 

[azebelys]

another one (again dated yesterday):

"May 8 is the premiere date of the new Star Trek reboot movie through the eyes of J.J. Abrams.
That date was also anticipated as the reboot to The Star Trek Experience through Neonopolis owner Rohit Joshi.
While The Star Trek Experience will still be coming to downtown Las Vegas to give a boost to the mostly vacant Neonopolis, it won't be simultaneous with the movie premiere.
CBS, which owns the license to Star Trek and its incarnations, has put the kibosh on having the show even remotely taking away business from the movie.
When the show does open (possibly later in May or summer), it will be an enhanced version of the long-running show that ran at the Las Vegas Hilton. It will include an IMAX 4D movie, museum, bar, restaurant, and gift shop. And all for less than $25 per ticket."

From: http://www.lasvegasvegas.com/2009/04/star_trek_experience_postponed.php

 

[32JaX]

I like the idea of a more interactive timeline - integrated video, smell a Klingon, touch-screen type stuff.

Also I would love to have a tribble immersion

 

[Gary7]

(Not my photo - credit to Frodo Lives)

 

[azebelys]

just out of curiosity (rubbish spelling), has anyone heard anything aabout what the Hilton has replaced/is replacing the experience with? Also, any word on how the Hilton is doing these days with regards to visitor numbers, bookings etc?

 

[Biggshow]

just out of curiosity (rubbish spelling), has anyone heard anything aabout what the Hilton has replaced/is replacing the experience with? Also, any word on how the Hilton is doing these days with regards to visitor numbers, bookings etc?

I haven't heard from any of my usually reliable sources what's being planned. Unless it's a James Bond-themed attraction (to take advantage of the use of the Hilton in "Diamonds are Forever), I'm probably not interested.

So far as how the Hilton's doing since the closing, I think it's important to remember that the closing and the huge economic downturn happened at about the same time. Hence the delays in the reopening (plus CBS/Paramount wanting to keep all the ST news about the movie). Any numbers about attendance are probably going to be more a reflection of the economy than anything else. However, I'm sure the absence of anything that would take STTE's place is not helping.

 

[Brian]

Barry Manilow is at the Hilton now, isn't he? Did they suck up any of STTE's space?

There was a rumor around the time of the closing that Michael Jackson may have something there in the future, like they bought his debt or something and now can make him perform to pay it off? Or was that just a rumor as outlandish as it sounds?

 

[azebelys]

the Michael Jackson thing was just a rumor, i know that much - the hilton came out and officially confirmed this. Barry Manilow has been there for years, cant see why he would need any of the space

The James Bond thing sounds intriguing. I think the Hilton would have lost a lot of passing custom due to the experience not being there, and i think they will feel it most around convention time

 

[Mike Farley]

another one (again dated yesterday):

"May 8 is the premiere date of the new Star Trek reboot movie through the eyes of J.J. Abrams.
That date was also anticipated as the reboot to The Star Trek Experience through Neonopolis owner Rohit Joshi.
While The Star Trek Experience will still be coming to downtown Las Vegas to give a boost to the mostly vacant Neonopolis, it won't be simultaneous with the movie premiere.
CBS, which owns the license to Star Trek and its incarnations, has put the kibosh on having the show even remotely taking away business from the movie.
When the show does open (possibly later in May or summer), it will be an enhanced version of the long-running show that ran at the Las Vegas Hilton. It will include an IMAX 4D movie, museum, bar, restaurant, and gift shop. And all for less than $25 per ticket."

From: http://www.lasvegasvegas.com/2009/04/star_trek_experience_postponed.php

I was just at the Neonopolis on Friday. There was no sign of ANY kind of work going on at all. No way this is opening anytime this summer. At the snail's pace of Vegas construction it'll be at least a year I would guess. Which would put it opening just in time to take advantage of...nothing at all.

The CBS thing sounds like a dodge. The Experience is, for all intents and purposes, a big old interactive advertisement for Trek. And all advertiseing is good advertising. Especially the kind that doesn't cost CBS any money. After all who's going to say "Instead of seeing the new movie let's just have some chicken wings at Quark's (Mark II). Then buy a keychain."