In an exciting preview, io9 recently took a behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios Hollywoods upcoming Fan Fest Nights, where fans can expect an exhilarating array of immersive attractions. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated Star Trek: Red Alert, which promises to transport Star Trek enthusiasts on a thrilling journey from Earth into the depths of space, featuring an impressive recreation of the Starfleet Museum and the iconic Enterprise-D. This unique experience is designed to create unforgettable memories as fans step into the Star Trek universe.

Stephen Siercks, the Director of Entertainment Production at Universal Studios Hollywood, was present to unveil the details of Star Trek: Red Alert. During the tour, Siercks provided an overview of the attraction while ensuring that the key plot points remained spoiler-free, allowing guests to savor the excitement upon their visit. The attraction is set to officially open on April 25, 2025, as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights.

One of the standout features of this immersive experience is its emphasis on group participation. Guests will travel with their party through a series of rooms, each showcasing a different segment of the overarching narrative. The interaction doesnt stop there; visitors will be encouraged to engage in light improvisational exchanges with the actors portraying characters from the Star Trek universe. Siercks explained that the story will unfold dynamically around the guests, heightening their sense of involvement. The entire experience lasts approximately 10 to 14 minutes, which is longer than the typical offerings during Halloween Horror Nights.

As part of the experience, visitors will first be introduced to the story through a pre-show segment that sets the stage for their adventure. The premise revolves around Starfleet inviting guests for a special tour, bridging the classic elements of the Star Trek franchise with its more contemporary narratives. Siercks elaborated, Our experience is set in the Picard era of the franchise, one of its latest iterations available on Paramount+. We have the exclusive opportunity to take a shuttlecraft to the Starfleet Museum, where we can explore the Enterprise-D from The Next Generation. This creates a seamless integration of new and legacy content. Guests will also witness modifications made to the Enterprise-D specifically for the tour, including enlarged turbolifts to accommodate the experience.

Upon reaching the Enterprise-D, guests will meet various docents and ensigns who will guide them through the experience after they arrive via the iconic shuttle bay. Utilizing cutting-edge immersive digital technology, Siercks demonstrated how guests will encounter a light entity that breaches the shuttle's force field, triggering a thrilling chain of events. This is where the action begins, Siercks noted, explaining that moments of chaos ensue as the entity begins to take over the ship. The story escalates as guests find themselves in the midst of a crisis that impacts the safety of the ship.

Within the experience, fans will have the chance to participate in a mission set in familiar locations, including sick bays aboard the Enterprise-D. They will interact with characters who represent various races from the franchise, contributing to a rich narrative experience. Its worth noting that while the storyline may introduce elements of danger, it remains fun and accessible rather than frightening, appealing to fans of all ages. An amusing Easter egg is also present: due to the entity's interference, a replicator continues to produce Captain Picards favorite drink, Earl Grey tea.

The immersive storyline reaches a climax as the guests learn that the entity poses a threat to the ships warp core, which Siercks described as the heartbeat of the Enterprise-D. As effects such as sparks, audio cues, and lighting create an atmosphere of urgency, the command to go to Red Alert is issued, marking the turning point of the attraction. At this moment, guests must evacuate as the ship becomes increasingly unsafe.

As guests are guided toward the turbolifts, an unexpected glitch occurs, causing the lift to stop and redirect them. The door then opens to reveal the bridge of the Enterprise-D, a stunning recreation based on the set featured in the recent Picard series. Thanks to our collaboration with Paramount, we were able to use the actual film set for this attraction, Siercks explained, emphasizing the authenticity of the experience. This breathtaking moment allows guests to soak in the atmosphere before being hurried back to safety.

As the action unfolds, guests will witness the light entity again and its spectacular confrontation through the digital viewport. After the situation is resolved, Siercks assured that guests would have another moment to cherish on the bridge before they are escorted to the transporters. With the finale involving a transporter beam effect designed to create a feeling of beaming back to Earth, the experience concludes with a sense of wonder.

Universal Studios Fan Fest Nights kicks off on Friday, April 25, and will run on select nights until Sunday, May 18. For more information and ticket purchases, fans can visit the official website.