Here is me at Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Hilton. This was 1997 (spring or summer). I got to go on The Klingon Encounter (which may have been the only ride-type attraction at the time). The line to enter was lined with status of Borg (First Contact had just come out the previous November).
This is a memory that I hold dear. It made a huge impact on me. Getting to see a recreation of the Enterprise-D bridge, go on a turbolift, use a transporter (just a rotating wall and lights) and the shuttlecraft (think Star Tours) was so awesome. My mom remembers when we were on the transporter pad, having her hand on my chest and feeling my heart rate increase.
The whole attraction was a mix of video featuring TNG cast and live actors.
The full size Enterprise D bridge was amazing.
The Sci-Fi World Museum in Santa Monica, was supposed to open yesterday. Short story, major management shakeup and issues with the city have indefinitely delayed the opening.
They were going to have a Trek exhibit that included a recreated Enterprise-D bridge (I believe included some parts from Vegas) and the construction was overseen by people who worked on the show. Bummed that my ticket was cancelled. Maybe someday I’ll get to go to this museum.