Relive Star Trek: The Experience with a behind-the-scenes video of the original construction

On the set of Star Trek: The Experience as it was being constructed. Image Dave de Vos via YouTube

Housed in the Las Vegas Hilton, now known as the Westgate Las Vegas, Star Trek: The Experience was an interactive exhibit that operated from January of 1998 until September 2008, when it was closed due to low admissions. Star Trek fans have not forgotten the defunct attraction, however, and a YouTube video uploaded in May, with a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibit, has been getting some attention recently. The video, which was originally uploaded by YouTuber Dave de Vos, was shared on Twitter this week by user Dave Cobb (@davecobb), who said, “An amazing find: 28 minutes of raw, behind-the-scenes footage from the production of STAR TREK: THE EXPERIENCE in Las Vegas -- including a lights-on view of the transporter mechanism.”

Visitors to Star Trek: The Experience would find they had been transported to the 24th century, taking part in a Klingon adventure as well as facing down the Borg. Along with the “History of the Future” museum which housed props, costumes and other production items, the exhibit also featured ”The Promenade” from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, complete with Quark’s Bar and other shops.

De Vos’s video on YouTube is a bit grainy, the audio is sometimes hard to hear and you will see some questionable hair styles. But it nonetheless gives a genuine look into the enormous undertaking that was Star Trek: The Experience. Whether it’s being whisked away by a transporter beam, a bumpy ride in the turbolift, or reporting to Commander Riker on the bridge of the Enterprise-D, the video gives a sense of the effort required to not only construct these functioning replicas, but also the level of precision needed to successfully integrate the lights, sounds, and other automated functions which helped Star Trek: The Experience bring guests into the 24th century.

If you’re an engineering junkie, a casual fan or just want to take a walk down memory lane, there’s plenty for every Star Trek fan to enjoy in this video. Head over to the Dave de Vos channel on YouTube - and “prepare for transport”.