Astra Lumina at Anakeesta Continues Its Storied Star Journey With New Chapters
The outer world wonder of Astra Lumina continues with the introduction of two new chapters, or zones. If you’re not already familiar with this add-on Anakeesta attraction, now might be the time to take the journey and see what’s now visually available. It’s the after sunset light display that’ll take you on a cosmic trip while your feet are firmly planted on earth—albeit 600 feet above Gatlinburg. The original story of Astra Lumina contained 8 chapters, but the addition of two new ones brings a whole new magnitude of magnificence. These are some of the most amazing, spellbinding, and compelling laser light displays you will ever see.
Astra Lumina first landed guests on this path in October 2022 to great fanfare. I didn’t know what to expect, not even anticipating doing this, because I wasn’t really sure I would like it. My wife’s interest in it made me want to look into it more, which resulted in my anxiousness to take part. I remember not being totally sold on the videos I watched on YouTube. Strange, I know. However, I decided it piqued my curiosity enough to reel me in.
We were graciously given the opportunity to see Astra Lumina for the first time in June 2023. Remember, we were still just biannual visitors to Gatlinburg as Ohio residents, even though we were next in line on the waiting list for our new home. So our mood was already euphoric when we finally got our chance to see this attraction within an attraction. It certainly exceeded our expectations—something to behold. Words are failing me the same way they did when I wrote my first review of Astra Lumina. You can read that below.
When I was asked to get a first look at the new chapters, I was grateful once again and jumped at the chance to see more enchanting displays. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, there are two new chapters: Nebular Waves and Astral Genesis.
Nebular Waves is a dream-like experience with a rise and fall of light, changing in color as these lights fade and sharpen to imitate the star suspending in time and space. It’s a dazzling display worthy of its place as another unique chapter to this space expedition.
Astral Genesis has been revamped to include some classy light choreography that resembles a futuristic cinematic feature. I think this is the most impressive zone of the entire Astra Lumina experience. For four minutes your eyes are transfixed on a series of rolling waves that change in colors and characteristics. At one point it looks like moving atmospheric pictures of clouds over the earth; at another, it’s like lava rushing down the side of a volcano. It’s a sublime light show with much more than just lasers shimmering in the darkness. You’ll be moved in ways difficult to comprehend. Simply fantastic on a separate level altogether!
My suggestion to future guests of Anakeesta is to run, not walk to Astra Lumina to see this magnificence come to life in light through the night. I was thrilled just to witness elements I had just seen nine months ago. It brought back pleasant memories, except it was a tad colder on this night than it was in June…and with fewer people. This further exemplifies why Anakeesta is an attraction that has to be on your agenda when you visit Gatlinburg. I am excited to be a small part of this team. What a journey it has been!
Anakeesta will resume its 7 days a week schedule on Friday, March 8. Astra Lumina begins every night 30 minutes after sunset. Go online to this section of Anakeesta’s website to find out what to expect, tickets prices, and more, so you can book a time to start your enchanted night walk amongst the stars now!
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