To call “Star Trek” a global pop-culture phenomenon would be putting it lightly. From TV shows to movies, novels to comic books, video games, and plenty of iconic quotes (“KHAAAAAAN!”), it’s hard to overstate the legacy of this franchise. And it’s even harder to overstate how big of a fan I am.
I’ve loved “Star Trek” ever since my dad showed me the original series as a kid, although “Star Trek: The Next Generation” is the show that truly captured my heart. With so many wonderful characters — Captain Picard, Geordi La Forge, Data — it’s basically impossible to pick a favorite. (Just kidding! It’s Worf.)
It’s not a stretch to say “Star Trek” has one of the most passionate fandoms in the United Federation of Planets, and that makes it a perfect fit for the first-ever Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The inaugural event will bring guests into the worlds of their favorite fandoms with story-driven, in-world experiences, and “Star Trek: Red Alert” promises the ultimate in immersion. Check out the complete lineup right here.
Stephen Siercks, senior director, entertainment production and executive producer of Universal Fan Fest Nights, says the event was founded on two pillars: authenticity and putting fans first: “It focuses on the immersive experiences where we do what we do best: dropping our fans into the middle of these brands and worlds and letting them explore them.”
In other words, at Universal Fan Fest Nights, you’ll get to boldly go where no one has gone before. (Where have I heard that before?) Read on for my full captain’s log detailing everything you need to know about “Star Trek: Red Alert” at Universal Fan Fest Nights.
Space: The Final Frontier
“Star Trek: Red Alert” is an immersive walk-through adventure aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D, the ship commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Our adventure takes place in the year 2403, about two years after the events of “Star Trek: Picard,” and finds the Enterprise-D anchored at the Starfleet Museum.
What starts as a run-of-the-mill tour of the ship descends into chaos when an interstellar threat starts to wreak havoc. The warp core destabilizes (Geordi, where are you when we need you?!) and you’ll need to find a way to escape. Or… investigate? After all, your continuing mission is to seek out new life and new civilizations.
“It really is intended to be an exploratory experience,” Stephen shares. “You get a sense of being able to take it all in as both the story unfolds around you and, as you get deeper and deeper into the ship, being able to experience all those details in the scenic environments.”
In addition to immaculate scenic design (more on that below), “Star Trek: Red Alert” will come to life with the help of special effects, audio-visual effects, multi-sensory activations, and themed performers, all working together to create an unforgettable fan experience.
Boldly Go… Onto the Bridge!
As you journey further into the starship, you’ll pass through iconic settings — the shuttle station, the sick bay, the control room, a turbolift — until you arrive at the place where the real action happens. That’s right: you’ll get to step aboard the bridge of the Enterprise-D. And this is where “Star Trek: Red Alert” goes from “extremely cool” to “a ‘Star Trek’ fan’s dream,” because this isn’t any old bridge.
“It’s actually a screen-used version of the bridge of the Enterprise-D,” Stephen reveals. “As part of the ‘Picard’ series, (Paramount) did a full scenic recreation of the original bridge for the latest season, and through the great partnership that we have with Paramount, we actually were able to leverage that same scenic.”
You read that right: you’ll be stepping onto an original set piece of the Enterprise-D. And the in-my-wildest-dreams experiences don’t end there! I won’t spoil the ending of “Star Trek: Red Alert,” but once the threat is resolved, you’ll get to step into the transporter room and head back home the Starfleet way.
“Our guests will get to feel something that very few people get to feel: being beamed back to Earth,” says Stephen.
Explore Strange New Worlds
If you’re a “Star Trek” fan like me, I’m sure you’re wondering if there will be any easter eggs to spot as you explore the Enterprise-D. I can’t reveal all of the starship’s secrets, but I can tell you that what sets Universal Fan Fest Nights apart from other events is the commitment to authenticity.
Stephen credits his team’s ability to recreate the fine details of the Enterprise-D to their strong partnership with Paramount:
“Being able to work directly with the Paramount team and the ‘Star Trek’ brand team on creating this experience has been really rewarding for us,” he shares. As part of their collaboration, Stephen’s team was able to reference and bring to life original scenic drawings of environments featured on screen. With that level of attention to detail, you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled as you traverse the halls of the Enterprise-D. (At the very least, someone should be on the lookout for tribbles!)
Your Continuing Mission
“Star Trek: Red Alert” is sure to be an awe-inspiring experience for fans of the franchise. But your mission doesn’t end when you beam back down to Earth! Universal Fan Fest Nights will offer so many ways to celebrate your “Star Trek” fandom, from photo ops and cosplay opportunities (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines) to exclusive merchandise and food and beverage offerings.
Head over to Quark’s Cafe (a.k.a, Hollywood & Dine on the Upper Lot) for a fully “Star Trek”-themed menu, including:
- Klingon Targ Legs: Charsui honey pork wings served with kimchi fried rice.
- Adrorian Red Bat Sandwich: Herb-marinated chicken breast, served on a bao bun with garlic aiolic, charred red onion, and arugula, served with Adorian Tuber Root.
- Vulcan Fritters: Fried mushroom fritters, served with hummus and dusted with a Redspice Vulcan logo.
- Bajoran Haperat: Slow-cooked spicy pork, gochujang, and pickled vegetables, served with with Sriracha mayo.
- Cardassian Dog: A Korean-style corn dog covered in Hot Cheeto dust, served with Yamok sauce and made with smoked Gouda, nacho cheese, gochujang, and jalapeños.
- Orion Spice Funnel Cake: Matcha-dusted funnel cake, topped with matcha icing, whipped cream, and Orion spice crumble.
- Tribble Truffle Trio: A trio of chocolate truffles, topped with coconut.
- Andorian Ale: Originated on the planet Andoria, this alcoholic beverage is made with gin, Blue Curacao, lemonade, lemon / lime soda and garnished with blue vanilla cake frosting and POP ROCKS®, served in a shot glass
- Klingon Bloodwine: A popular Klingon wine.
Pair your meal with a drink from the 10 Forward Bar, a stone’s throw away at the Laemmle Courtyard. There, you’ll find a full menu of “Star Trek”-themed drinks, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Highlights include:
- Ceti Eel Margarita: Inspired by the Ceti Eel that enters the body via the ear and wraps itself around the cerebral cortex, this cocktail features vodka, lime juice, agave, pineapple juice, jalapeno syrup, and bitters, and is garnished with electric fire dust and a gummy Ceti Eel.
- Romulan Ale: This drink features vodka, Blue Curacao, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon / lime soda and bitters, and is garnished with blue rock candy.
- Tea, Earl Grey, Cold and Hot: A cocktail twist on Captain Picard’s favorite, available both cold and hot, features bourbon, Earl Grey tea, honey syrup, and lemon juice, and garnished with a dehydrated lemon slice.
As a 15-year veteran of Starfleet, I couldn’t be more excited to experience “Star Trek: Red Alert” when it comes to Universal Fan Fest Nights this spring. It’s every “Star Trek” fan’s dream to beam aboard a starship and explore strange new worlds, and soon, you’ll be able to do just that. And you’ll step foot on a real Enterprise-D bridge, no less — or at least, a real screen-used set piece. Now THAT’S what I call living long and prospering!
And if you aren’t yet a fan of this franchise, good news: there’s a place for everyone in the “Star Trek” fandom, no matter where in the galaxy you hail from. (Unless you’re a Borg. Sorry.)
Must be 21+ with a valid Photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
Haven’t secured your ticket for Universal Fan Fest Nights yet? What are you waiting for? Click here to purchase yours, and comment below with what you’re most excited to experience in Star Trek: Red Alert!
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