Cocoa Beach for Space Shuttle Viewing?

[utahkennedys]

My DH really wants to see the final shuttle launch since we are in Orlando for 10 days over the launch by chance. Someone suggested Cocoa Beach which we thought could work out well as a beach day earlier and then a viewing area. Is this a good idea and how likely would it be for us to get a spot there? We have never been to the beach and have little knowledge of the area. TIA!

 

[kas004]

Wow, we would love to see the Shuttle Launch but can't get there.
From what I understand Titusville is one of the better areas to see the launch from.
Not sure how it would be from Cocoa Beach but you can see the launch from there, but you can't see the launch pad - if that makes sense.
So you should be able to see the shuttle once it is launched and climbing into the sky.

Have fun. Hope you have a great day.

 

[mnrose]

We watched the last launch (Feb) from Cocoa Beach. The PP is correct that you cannot see the launch pad from there, but you can see it streak into the sky and you can "feel" it which is pretty cool.

We had the same thought as you to make it our beach day, and see the launch. However, if you do this, LEAVE VERY EARLY!!! We left our villa (near Disney) at 9:00 and got caught in hideous traffic on the way there, not arriving till noon. We did get one of the last parking spaces (paid) on the beach, but the free ones had been gone since 9 am! I expect this time it will be even worse.

After it launched, all the people who were there were trying to leave at the same time. Traffic even worse than getting there. We opted to eat dinner in Cocoa and didn't try to leave the area until 7:30. Even then, traffic was still locked up tight. We got back around 10:00, which wasn't too bad.

As it turned out, between eating lunch, getting settled, etc, we were only "on" the beach for a couple of hours.

There was plenty of space to watch the launch (since it is a HUGE beach). And, it's a nice beach. Just plan for traffic, be patient, and you will be fine.

 

[Dax]

You can "see" the shuttle from most of the Central FL area. I have seen it from both my front yard, and the CR observatory level..and also watched it from the parking lot of Target..LOL..

While being near it is really nice, the traffic is going to be a BEAST! With both the president and Mrs Giffords both being in the area..its going to be even worse.

If you choose to stay in the WDW area, just look toward the coast for the very large fire trail...cannot miss it...

I still want to try to see it from the beach area, but think I will end up missing it..

 

[dis-happy]

We're headed to Titusville for the launch. Can't wait!

However, last launch was twice as packed as usual, and this launch will be double that supposedly. Not for the faint of heart! We are getting there early to park and bringing our own portable camping potty and cover (bathroom lines last time were literally out the door of the gas station). Honestly, if you have young kids I would just happily watch it from WDW and not deal with the crowds and incredibly long day. (Last launch we made it back to Hilton Head before our friend made it back to Tampa after the launch).

Also, there's a chance of rain/winds Friday afternoon. If a launch is going to be cancelled last minute (after everyone is there ready to go) this is the most likely reason. A couple of summers ago it happened 3 days straight. Factor the possibility into the equation of whether or not to go. GL!

 

[utahkennedys]

Thank you everyone -- the information was so helpful. With 2 dds, age 5 and 9, we are now very worried about what a marathon day this sounds like...ugh. We may just find an open area in Orlando to watch instead even though DH will be disappointed! If we had planned ahead we could have booked a night in Cocoa Beach I suppose.