The group entered the next room, where they were instructed via monitor about the shuttle ride when there was “trouble” with the monitors… then the lights went out. Dozens of small round flashes flickered through the darkness to simulate the “transporter effect”, accompanied by the transporter sound effect and a rush of cold air. When the lights returned, the walls and floor had changed… you appeared to be on the transporter pad aboard the USS Enterprise-D. The layout was similar to the usual transporter room as seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the group was facing a Starfleet uniformed transporter technician at their station.

Basically, out of the blue, you are “transported”, which if you weren’t expecting it, was absolutely convincing. It seriously felt like you were in one place then “poof” you were in another place.