Coordinates have been set…and we are on a direct course to Sector 3136…The Jordan System. Engage!
Ever since the closure of the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas, many Trekkies have been left bereft of not having a tangible mecca where they can go and experience Star Trek. Doctor Who fans have The Who Experience in London and Star Wars has its Star Tours rides and shows in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. But what about the beloved Enterprise?
Well wait no longer faithful Trekkies, as construction to build a Star Trek theme park will begin in March 2012 in the coastal town of Aqaba, Jordan. Why Jordan? Apparently the King of Jordan, King Abullah II, is such a big fan that he is the main investor in the 1.5 million dollars that was needed to get this project off the ground. (It’s good to be the King)
The Star Trek theme park will be part of the Red Sea Astrarium, a 184 acre themed entertainment resort to include hotels, theme parks, shopping, theaters, fine dining and a chance to learn about Jordan’s history and its advances in harnessing green energy. Not much is known about what will be included in the Star Trek theme park but according to developer Rubion Group Holding’s Facebook page, there will be a “…stunning Star Trek-themed center that will deliver a variety of multi-sensory 23rd-century experiences, culminating with a state-of-the art space-flight adventure that takes real-time immersive entertainment experiences to bold new heights.”
The Star Trek attraction is being creatively developed by Paramount Recreation and under the license of CBS Consumer Products and is said to be heavily inspired by the 2009 ‘Star Trek’ movie. It is doubtful that the developers will ignore the other Star Trek franchises as King Abdullah himself appeared in a non-speaking cameo role in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ while he was a prince. (He is the science division officer in green in the video below)
The Star Trek park is scheduled to open its doors sometime in 2014 and at the moment, we can only guess as to what additional Trek themed rides and attractions would be included in the park. After all, for the park to ‘live long and prosper’, there would have to be more to justify the heavy price tag to travel all the way to Jordan! So what would make you take the voyage? A Tribbles petting zoo? Phaser tag? A 3-D Romulan simulated attack? Let us know in the comments below!
