DAY TRIP Star Trek Tour

The “Star Trek” phenomenon has been well-documented. After five television series using the title and 10 films, the series has spawned a cult following. Originally created by Gene Roddenberry, the series of space adventures has created a rabid following fondly referred to as “Trekkies.”

“Star Trek” first aired in September 1966 with William Shatner as “Capt. James T. Kirk” and Leonard Nimoy as “Spock.” While the latest series “Enterprise” didn’t experience the commercial success other series and films did, “Star Trek” popularity lives on and can be seen — and experienced — in a five-year, 40-city tour that celebrates the show with rides, exhibits and multimedia opportunities that starts in Long Beach.

While many in attendance may be adoring fans of the shows, you don’t have to be a “Trekkie” to experience the fun that is “Star Trek.”

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 north for more than 20 miles to the I-710 south. Exit toward Queen Mary/Piers F-J. Merge onto South Harbor Scenic Drive. Turn right at Queens Highway.

HOURS

“Star Trek the Tour” will be open to the public at the Queen Mary Dome in Long Beach until March 2. It is open from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is also open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the President’s Day holiday Monday.

ADMISSION

Adult tickets are $35 for a weekend pass and $30 for a weekday pass. Children’s tickets are $17.50 for a weekend pass and $16 for weekday. The tour offers special pricing for seniors, students and military with proper ID at the box office.

TO THE BRIDGE

Star Trek the Tour gives fans the ability to board some of the sets of the series. The bridge off the original U.S.S. Enterprise starship from the original series is featured as well as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard’s bridge from “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Accompanying the bridge are exhibits featuring Picard’s living quarters, Dr. Beverly Crusher’s sick bay, the transporter room and K corridor.

ENGAGE

A unique experience offered at the exhibition are the Star Trek flight simulators which give patrons the opportunity to learn what it would be like to fly a shuttle craft from the series.

The simulator features opportunities for groups or pairs to either take an exhilarating “wild ride,” or a mild one for those inexperienced with space travel. It is a full-motion based simulator that travels through the solar system. The MaxFlight is for two travelers and is the more “wild” of the trips, while the Doron is made for groups.

OTHER TREKS

The tour also features museums, history exhibits, props, stores and educational opportunities for all in attendance. A trip through the engineering section will demonstrate the warp-drive controls and engine while the Grand Archway shows off the artistry behind the shows as well as original costumes.

There are interactive exhibits, a feature film plaza, a classroom lecture on Starship engineering and a tribute to Roddenberry.

— Daniel Tedford