Astra Lumina: Anakeesta's Dynamic Dusk Attraction

When Astra Lumina opened on Anakeesta mountain, it was unlike anything seen in the United States. There are only 15 such displays seen in the entire world. So what is it, you may wonder? Well, let me take you on a journey describing as best as I can what we saw during our visit.

Prior to our scheduled time, we took the chairlift up to Anakeesta in the early evening hours to enjoy another beautiful sunset and simply chilled in a few of their numerous rocking chairs until it was Astra Lumina time. Our tickets were for 10, but we went up to the gate a little after 9:30, and we eagerly began our star trip.

It seemed to be a decent turnout on a Friday evening, and the reason might well have been because we heard they had to cancel the two prior nights due to bear activity on the trail. That’s what makes this area so unique compared to other theme parks and attractions. It is a reminder that this Anakeesta was literally constructed in the wild, so this is not an unusual occurrence.

It had been some time before I’d seen videos on social media portraying the Astra Lumina experience, but nothing could really prepare us for what we were going to see with our own eyes. Before you get to the actual Astra Lumina walk, there is a prologue to the story in anticipation of the exploration. At the entrance is the usual souvenir kiosk and a resting place that tastefully depicts the interior of a Smoky Mountain cabin. They really hit a home run with this thematic element, and I applaud anything new in Gatlinburg that pays homage to this piece of home we all love.

Also displayed is an overview of your walk, and each zone (there’s 8) represents a chapter in the story. The music rewards you with an ominous call that reverberates through your emotional and mental faculties. I’m not trying to sound like I’m a flower child from the 60s, but it’s described as immersive, and if you’re truly letting yourself take it in, it’s an extraordinary spectacle.

I will say with people walking around and by you, it can be a bit disorienting when you factor in the fascinating light displays. A few zones have seating areas where you can sit and be transfixed by the entire 3-5 minute “movie” without moving around worrying about getting the right spot and accidentally bumping into a fellow tourist. If there’s anything “negative” about the whole thing, this is it. Remember, even though the experience is likely enhanced the fewer the people in attendance, it’s what you make of it. Be patient, kind, and courteous.

It’s difficult to pick a favorite chapter of this breathtaking journey to the stars. Any time it felt like you were in the middle of a virtual reality world where everything enveloped you was something to behold. It really seemed original, uncommon, and unprecedented compared to anything else we’ve ever experienced. At times, it also evoked feelings of being in a choose your adventure type of game—both futuristic and classic at the same time.

Be prepared for lights that change colors, drop like rain, float like fireflies in the darkness, incredible videos of changing worlds where you feel like a space traveler in a time warp with no preparation for what’s on the horizon, and just some overall awe-inspiring and immersive insights into an unexplored universe. We loved it, and we wouldn’t hesitate to do this again as an add-on to an already amazing attraction in Anakeesta.

Make sure your camera is on a setting for dark photography in order in get a picture at the Photo Booth at the end of the Astra Lumina trail. We didn’t get one of ourselves because we didn’t want to hold up the others that joined us on the journey, but I would still recommend you get one for your friends and family. We will likely return, so it didn’t feel imperative in the moment.

So what else can you expect from the experience I haven’t already mentioned? To totally wrap yourself in the whole show, stop and linger through the entirety of every chapter featuring all the different light patterns it gives you. It can take 45 minutes to an hour if you do this. If you ask me, it’s time well-spent, and especially if you are unsure you’ll make it back here.

You can buy tickets at the booth before going up Anakeesta mountain, or you can save the hassle of a potential line wait by purchasing online where you can select a date and time. During this time, you can schedule it between 9:30 and 10:30, but that may change as the days get shorter. Tickets are just $15.99 for an Astra Lumina pass.

If you are a regular reader of my Publication and/or a follower of my Facebook page, Gatlinburg NOW, you already know how much we love Anakeesta. We are annual pass holders, and we can’t imagine Gatlinburg without visiting this glorious attraction. It makes us happy like nothing else when we’re here, with the only exception being The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, whose breathtaking sights can clearly be seen and felt as part of the Anakeesta experience. Come stay awhile! You can eat, play, and relax, all at your own leisurely pace.

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