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Once upon a time, several years ago, it was possible to boldly go where many "Star Trek" fans had gone before.
It's time once again to enjoy the spoils afforded by Thursdays, when we throwback the time machine to a moment that was.
If you are the type who revels in nostalgia, please feel free to enjoy our previous entries in the form of Jurassic Park: The Ride and Captain EO.
This week we take a brief look at the majestic exhibition that was Start Trek: The Experience, which lived at the Las Vegas Hilton from January 1998 to September 2008, according to Wikipedia.
Back in the 1990s, popularity for the show that whisked audiences to the far reaches of the galaxy garnered an immersive experience promised by the following commercial.
Marina Sirtis, who once portrayed half-Betazoid counselor Denna Troi on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," once took the E! Channel on a tour of the exhibit:
Theme Park Investigator has a nice archive of what visitors enjoyed the minute they stepped foot into the future, including a museum of show artifacts, a stop by the bridge and various attractions like the Borg Invasion 4d, which was added in 2004.
The following documentary sums up nicely what fans might experience during a trip into the iconic universe:
Yes, you could even enjoy "Star Trek" libations and culinary treats at Quark's Bar and Restaurant-although it was advisable to never enter into any barter negotiations with any Ferengi who might be around.
Fortunately, I was among the masses who had the opportunity to enjoy the experience, going at some point in the early 2000s.
I have nothing but fond memories of the place, but I may be biased thanks to a lifetime love affair with the franchise. Sadly, its closing means I will never be able to renew my vows on the bridge, which I imagine is good news to the wife.
There really was an astonishing dedication to detail all around the exhibition. While the bridge and hallways seemed smaller than what was presented on the show, there was most definitely a sense of awe that washed over me as my younger geeky self savored all aspects of the journey.
Here's to hoping that a similar experience opens anew in Las Vegas in the future, because there was nothing like sipping on Romulan ale while trying to ignore the constant chatter of a Ferengi trying to sell you goods.
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