Astra Lumina – A Unique Experience of Light and Sound

Astra Lumina is unlike anything most of us have ever seen. It is a unique experience that combines light, sound, and projection to tell a story about the stars reaching out to us from the heavens.

Intriguing, don’t you think?

This is, maybe, the most creative, immersive experience I have ever had. Let me share it with you!

Published October 23, 2024

What is Astra Lumina?

The name Astra Lumina translates to “Astra” (star) and “Lumina” (light). Star + Light = Starlight! That is the theme of the experience – starlight. It has been described as “An Enchanting Night Walk Amongst the Stars.” That is an accurate description, but it’s much more than that.

As I stated above, it is a unique experience that combines light, sound, and projection to tell a story about the stars reaching out to us from the heavens. During the walk, which takes place outside on a wide trail on the mountain, you will visit seven separate “zones.” Each zone tells a different part or chapter of the story using light, sound, and projection.

The technology combines with the natural surroundings to produce an otherworldly experience. It is beautiful, immersive, and mesmerizing.

Where is Astra Lumina?

Astra Lumina is in Anakeesta Theme Park, located on top of Anakeesta Mountain, 600′ above downtown Gatlinburg, TN. The entrance address is 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, at traffic light #3, at the corner of Parkway and Cherokee Orchard Road.

There is plenty of parking available near Anakeesta. It is all public parking, costing $15-$20 per day. Here are your closest options…

• The parking lot at traffic light #3 has spaces for 390 passenger vehicles.
• The parking lot at traffic light #2 has spaces for 30 passenger vehicles.
• The parking garage at Ripley’s Aquarium, across Parkway and down Greystone Heights Road, has 380 passenger vehicle spaces.
• The Free Park and Ride, located on Highway 441 at the Welcome Center, has 90 spaces for passenger vehicles, buses, and RVs.
• The Free Park and Ride, located on Highway 321 beside the City Hall Complex, has 85 spaces for passenger vehicles, buses, and RVs.
• The Newton Lane parking lot has 80 spaces.
• The Reagan Drive parking lot has spaces for 185 vehicles, including buses and RV’s.
• Passenger vehicles only in the City Parking Garages, please.

Pro Tip

• Opt for the first parking area on the list above – the lot at traffic light #3. This lot is immediately adjacent to the Anakeesta ticket office. It offers the shortest walk, plus there is often a band playing bluegrass music in this parking lot – WooHoo!

How Does Astra Lumina Work?

When you purchase your ticket to Astra Lumina, you will be required to choose a start time. Guests are asked to arrive at the Astra Lumina entrance (located at the end of Anakeesta, next to the TreeTops SkyWalk entrance) at least 30 minutes early.

Astra Lumina suggests you allow 1.5 hours from the time you arrive at the ticket booth at the bottom of Anakeesta until your reservation time. This will give you plenty of time to ride the Chondola lift up the mountain, walk to the end of the park, use the restroom, etc.

Pro Tip

• The best option is to arrive at the park just before sunset because sunsets at Anakeesta are magical. Eat dinner at one of the restaurants, play around in the park (Anakeesta is best at night), then arrive at the entrance to Astra Lumina 30 minutes prior to your reserved start time.

The Entrance

At your reserved start time, the gates will open, and your group will enter.

When you pass through the entry gate, you will walk down a slope that is bordered on one side by a series of large, black, tin-punched lanterns. The lanterns do a couple of things…

First, they throw beams of light all around, simulating starlight. This produces a wonderful effect.

Second, the lanterns are designed with images of the universe and introduce you to the Astra Lumina experience.

Pro Tip

• Most people hurry past the lanterns, afraid they will miss something. Instead, take time to stop and read the message on each lantern. Astra Lumina will make much more sense to you if you do so. Plus, the lanterns are very attractive!

The Astra Lumina Pavilion

At the bottom of the slope, you will enter the Welcome Area. This is an open-air “waiting area” where your group will gather before beginning your adventure. The Welcome Area includes a large pavilion with glass garage doors, which may be open or closed depending on the weather. There is also a small gift shop, some outdoor seating, and restrooms.

Pro Tip

• We suggest using the restroom before you begin the actual Astra Lumina walk. There are no restrooms available during the experience.

The Astra Archway

Once the “portal” (gate) has opened, your group will be ushered onto the pathway through Astra Lumina. First, you will arrive at the Astra Archway, where you will “step inside starlight to enter the unknown.”

The effect here will make you feel like you’re walking down a tunnel or through a portal.

Falling Stars

Next is the Falling Stars zone. Watch as the stars descend from the heavens and arrive on Earth.

Cosmic Choir

Globes of color-changing light appear in all sizes in the next zone – the Cosmic Choir. The lights strobe with the music, creating the illusion of a choir.

Stardust Rays

Now, we arrive at the Stardust Rays zone, the most mesmerizing zone of the experience. Laser beams of everchanging-colored light fall from the sky, moving in patterns that are almost hypnotic. This is probably the most photographed zone of the experience.

Pro Tip

• The motion of the lights and the hundreds of moving spots of light they create on the ground are not just mesmerizing – they are disorienting. I had difficulty keeping my balance and walking in a straight line as I made my way through this area. Move slowly and hang on to someone!

Nebular Waves

Unlike the tight beams of light in the Stardust Rays zone, the Nebular Waves zone features undulating waves of light, simulating what happens when stars “dream.”

Stellar Visions

The Stellar Visions zone is a bit like going to the theatre to see a movie. There are benches set up (sorry, no reclining seats), but of course, it’s outside. Video is projected on a large, circular glass screen, telling the origin story of the stars (or at least a loose, creative account of the origin of the stars).

Celestial Trail

The Celestial Trail is a narrow field of lights following alongside the trail. The lights change colors every few seconds and are shrouded by fog.

Astral Genesis

Watch as the stars are regenerated in preparation for their return to the heavens. (This is the sort of thing they get excited about on Star Trek…)

Rise of the Stars

And finally, it’s time for the stars to return home to the night skies!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does Astra Lumina cost? A General Admission ticket is required to enter Anakeesta, and then an “Add-on” ticket is required for Astra Lumina. You will save a little money by purchasing your tickets online at least one day ahead of time. You will also save time by avoiding the line at the ticket booth.
  • General Admission:
    • Adult (Ages 12-59): $36.99
    • Children (Ages 4-11): $24.99
    • Seniors (Ages 60 +): $29.99
    • Children 3 and Under: FREE
  • Add On Astra Lumina Admission: $15.99
  • Purchase your tickets here!
• How long is the walk, and how long does it last? The walk through Astra Lumina is approximately one mile and usually takes around 45 minutes.

More Frequently Asked Questions

• When do Astra Lumina experiences take place? The time varies according to the time of year because they cannot begin until after the sun sets. Click here for up-to-date info on when experiences are scheduled.
• Will my children like Astra Lumina? Well, that depends on a couple of things…
  • Some summer experiences do not begin until 10:00 or later, which may be past your child’s bedtime. (It is certainly past my bedtime!)
  • The flashing lights and odd sound effects may be overstimulating for some kids and possibly frightening for others.
  • Having said the above, we have seen lots of kids going through it with their parents.

And Even More Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Astra Lumina a rain-or-shine experience? Yes. It is actually a rain or shine or snow experience. It was raining lightly the first time we went through it. The weather has to get very messy for the experience to close down.
• Is Astra Lumina wheelchair accessible? Wheelchairs are not recommended for this walkway, which is hilly, bumpy, and not paved.
• What about strollers? Only the use of a “sport, all-terrain” stroller is allowed.
• Should I bring my camera, or is it too dark? Definitely bring your camera! Please note, however, that flash photography is prohibited.
• Does Astra Lumina have flashing lights? Yes. Those who are triggered by flashing lights should probably avoid Astra Lumina.

The Verdict – Astra Lumina – A Unique Experience of Light and Sound

I hope that we’ve helped you understand Astra Lumina a bit better and that you have become excited about visiting there. It is well worth the time and cost. You may very well walk out of the experience saying, like many do, “That was the coolest thing I’ve ever done!”

I did.

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