Cocoa Beach, KSC side trip

[Fargoman2]

As we struggle to get above zero here in Western Minnesota, my mind wanders toward Orlando and the idea of heading to WDW for a FOURTH consecutive summer--which we vowed we would not do. Usually stay about 6 nights.

IF we do go, I know we will need to do some new side tripping--like Cocoa Beach and KSC. Budgeting one day for beaching and another for KSC touring, what would be the best way to approach our lodging?

A. Find 1 or 2 nights accommodations at Cocoa Beach (your opinions for good options--preference is "reasonable comfort")

B. Don't mess with lodging in Cocoa Beach, just stay at the World and work in the two side trips as the Spirit moves us.

C. Hey Fargoman, your mind must be numb--I've got a much better idea on how to spend your time away from the World.

D. Stay home and save your money for next winter's heating season.

Thanks for your help!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, Fargoman2!

We've got you beat - we're at 21 degrees today, heehee!

Way back in '98 we spent a couple days at Cocoa Beach and went to Kennedy for the day, exactly as you describe. My kids still talk about that trip. The beach is pretty deserted (prevalent sharks, I later found out!) but there are a lot of surfers, and we enjoyed watching them.

We stayed at the Cocoa Beach Oceanside Inn, which was just so-so, and about $100/night back then (ocean view). It wasn't bad, though, and was very near Cocoa Beach Pier.

We loved Kennedy, and took one of the bus tours, can't remember which (I seem to remember a Red and a Blue tour) and were there the day before a launch. Back then, I didn't even think of calling WDW to see if we could move by one night, to stay for the launch, that would have been incredible!!

In 2001, we went to Cocoa Beach, w/out the Kennedy side-trip, and stayed at Hampton Inn, w/partial ocean view. Very new, so clean, but nothing to write home about!! Not worth the trip, IMHO, Kennedy made the previous trip for us!

 

[Mr.BsMom]

I would go with option B: We usually drive over in the morning and back in the evening. It's only about an hour or so drive each way. We've been to Cocoa Beach several times and we have a great time! It's not usually too crowded, and you have to check out Ron Jon's Surf Shop... It's huge! Never been to KSC, but I have to think it would be pretty fun and interesting!

 

[FINFAN]

Hee-Hee-Hee Fargoman....I TOLD you back in '01 that once you are bitten by the WDW bug......we were just at KSC 12/30. It was VERY crowded and we wanted to take the tour that allows you to go to the Vehicle Assembly Building, but they were completely sold out! We could have easily done 2 days between the visitor center/tours and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Of course, DS LIVES for aviation, and we were having the best time there. Here is a site that may help you w/accomodations if you stay over. www.dcltribute.com/lodging/ The Doulbletree is right on the beach, pretty nice place, or if you want to be close to Port Canaveral and see the cruise ships the Radisson is REALLY nice...pool area is very lush...but need to drive to get to the beach. We were right outside of Seaworld and it took us just under an hour each way to KSC.
The ticket price for the all-inclusive tour at KSC was around $50 adult, we did the regular since it was sold out at $35 adult, $22 kids. Biggest expense is food and souvee's. You can pack a lunch and eat out in your car, or there may be picnic areas that we did not see...that will save you some serious cash. Bring your own drinks for sure. Ask about the Entainment club rate when calling the hotels...you should be able to get a pretty good rate, and can buy the book later.
We have made 4 trips in 3 years, always saying we would get to KSC, well this past Christmas we did it and Seaworld...not WDW

 

[FINFAN]

OOPS! DOUBLE POST! SORRY! Hee-Hee-Hee Fargoman....I TOLD you back in '01 that once you are bitten by the WDW bug......we were just at KSC 12/30. It was VERY crowded and we wanted to take the tour that allows you to go to the Vehicle Assembly Building, but they were completely sold out! We could have easily done 2 days between the visitor center/tours and the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Of course, DS LIVES for aviation, and we were having the best time there. Here is a site that may help you w/accomodations if you stay over. www.dcltribute.com/lodging/ The Doulbletree is right on the beach, pretty nice place, or if you want to be close to Port Canaveral and see the cruise ships the Radisson is REALLY nice...pool area is very lush...but need to drive to get to the beach. We were right outside of Seaworld and it took us just under an hour each way to KSC.
The ticket price for the all-inclusive tour at KSC was around $50 adult, we did the regular since it was sold out at $35 adult, $22 kids. Biggest expense is food and souvee's. You can pack a lunch and eat out in your car, or there may be picnic areas that we did not see...that will save you some serious cash. Bring your own drinks for sure. Ask about the Entainment club rate when calling the hotels...you should be able to get a pretty good rate, and can buy the book later.
We have made 4 trips in 3 years, always saying we would get to KSC, well this past Christmas we did it and Seaworld...not WDW