A while back (almost 14 years ago, to be precise) I brainstormed about Disney potentially adding Star Trek as an IP in their Walt Disney World parks. This was obviously before Disney bought both Star Wars, Marvel, and 20th Century Fox… So these days the House of Mouse has plenty of IP to leverage for park attractions. Additionally Disney is not investing heavily in the Orlando park these days, especially when compared to Universal Studios, which is building a huge new Orlando park, Epic Universe.
I’ve visited both Universal and Disney World many times. Every time I go to Universal Studios Florida I make an effort to ride the Men in Black Alien Attack attraction. It’s still fun, after 20+ years, but it is getting very long in the tooth. Additionally, the world’s fair theming of this attraction’s exterior quite out of place and dated. Right next door is the now empty Fear Factor stage… a huge space that is just sitting there.
So, as I did once before, I have a modest proposal: Converting both spaces to a “Starfleet Academy” mini-land. Universal has partnered with Paramount before – in the early 90s the park had Star Trek: The Adventure, which allowed you to shoot scenes on a replica of the Enterprise bridge which was then edited into footage with some of the cast of the original series.
Transforming the Fear Factor stage and the Men in Black ride at Universal Studios Florida into a Star Trek-themed area offers vast potential for immersive experiences using traditional theme park technologies and storytelling methods.
Starfleet Academy Experience (Replacing Fear Factor Stage)
Convert the Fear Factor stage into a Starfleet Academy where guests participate in interactive, role-playing experiences that simulate life as a Starfleet cadet, focusing on teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. It can feature:
- Live Shows and Demonstrations: Host live shows that discuss the science and technology of Star Trek, such as warp drive mechanics, transporter technology, and phaser operation, with audience participation. Similar to Universal’s Horror Makeup Show
- Physical Challenges: Design obstacle courses and team-based challenges that mirror the physical training of Starfleet cadets, emphasizing cooperation and strategic thinking.
- Command Simulations: Set up simulated command missions where groups of guests make decisions as the crew of a starship, dealing with scenarios like diplomatic negotiations or a ship in distress.
Star Trek: Tactical Training (Replacing MIB Alien Attack)
Transform the Men in Black ride into a thrilling Away Mission simulation. Guests board a Federation land shuttle on a mission to track down and engage with enemies of the Federation. Featuring:
- Interactive Phaser Weapons: Equip ride vehicles with “phaser” guns that guests can use to target enemies and physical sets throughout the ride.
- Engaging Storyline: Craft a narrative that pits riders against a well-known Star Trek antagonist, such as the Borg or Klingons, with outcomes influenced by guests’ performance.
- Updated Set Pieces and Effects: Refresh the ride with new set pieces, lighting, and sound effects that evoke the Star Trek universe, including starship interiors, elements and exotic planets. Have the waiting room a Transporter platform, that “beams” guests to the Starfleet outpost where they get in their ride vehicles.
Federation Plaza (Shared Area Development)
Develop the area around the attractions into a plaza that serves as a Starfleet outpost, complete with themed dining, shopping, and interactive displays that educate and entertain guests. It can have:
- Star Trek Museum: Create a museum area with props, costumes, and models from the Star Trek series, offering insights into the show’s production and its vision of the future.
- Character Appearances: Schedule appearances by actors or characters in costume from the Star Trek universe, allowing for photo opportunities and guest interactions in a non-AR setting.
- Themed Dining: Offer food and beverage options that reflect the culinary diversity of the Star Trek universe, from Vulcan plomeek soup to Klingon gagh, served in a quick-service dining setting (but because of delicate sensibilities, the gagh will not be served live).
Starship Bridge Walkthrough
Design a full-scale replica of a Starship bridge, such as the USS Enterprise, where guests can walk through and interact with various stations, like navigation, communications, and the captain’s chair. It could have:
- Interactive Stations: Each station on the bridge offers hands-on experiences, such as plotting a course through the stars or sending a message using the ship’s communication array.
- Photo Opportunities: Provide iconic spots for photos, such as the captain’s chair, creating memorable takeaways from the visit.
- Guided Tours: Offer guided tours where staff, acting as crew members, explain the functions of different areas of the ship and share stories from Star Trek lore.
Special Guests/Themed Weekends
Like Disney once did Star Wars Weekends at MGM Studios, Universal can have the cast and crew from the series appear on a regular basis to do Q&A sessions and sign autographs. This would attract both diehard Trekkers as well as casual local fans. You can also have themed weekends – Villains of Star Trek, Heroes of Trek, etc.
Closing
Will this ever happen? Sadly, probably not… As we have seen in the past few years Star Trek has lost much of its appeal to other franchises, and has stopped being the IP juggernaut it once was. But, as I wrote about a similar idea 14 years ago… A man can dream.