Cocoa Beach Shuttle launch viewing

[Mic]

I thought this would be the best place to ask a question about the Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area. My son's Boy Scout troop will be at Disney World Tuesday, and would like to view the launch if possible. Is it possible to see the launch from anywhere near Kennedy Space Center...we really don't have the time or money to spend the day at Kennedy Space Center(the boys spent more than a year earning the money for the tickets to Disney), but the opportunity to see an actual launch is too good to pass up. Anyone familiar enough with this area to help? We could drive (in 4 vehicles) from Disney Tuesday morning(would 8 AM be early enough?), and return to Disney around lunch. Is this feasible? Will traffic be horrendous? Thanks for any help!

 

[mostyn17]

You can see the space center when you are on the ship in Port Canaveral. So you would be able to see lift off in the canaveral area I imagine. We saw lift off one time while in Disney World, but it was night time. Good luck and have fun!

Travis

 

[myboysmom]

Check the Fodor's web site, they have a similar thread going right now. One suggestion is to go to Titusville, Coca Beach or any of the parks along US-1. My understanding is the launch will be visable for miles.

 

[myboysmom]

found this on the Space Coast for you as well, it is a FAQ sheet: http://www.space-coast.com/tools/faq.php if the link won't stay it is www space-coast dot com / tools/ faq.php.

 

[kcashner]

We were at Disney World for a shuttle launch. Basically, the bus waited at the stop and we all got out to watch the launch. I was surprised at how much we could see! IT was really great.

Twice, we were on the cruise and the captain tried to be as close as possible to see a launch. Both times, the launch was cancelled.

 

[georgeat]

My son and I drove over to the port last Wed. to see launch. It was at 3:51 pm. We left Disney at noon. The traffic was AWFUL. Go as early as you can. If you can make it to the port (north of the west turning basin) you can see the pad very clearly. The shuttle is the second high point to the right of the vehicle assembly building. Binoculars will help

 

[Capt_BJ]

I lived less than a mile from the port when the first 'post Challenger' launch went off. I'd expect this launch to be similar.....

The crowds will be huge. Just to get a spot on the shoulder, people will start arriving a couple of days b4 the launch.

If you try to do this as a day trip - leave early and expect to stay late....the traffic back to Orlando will be 'special' I'm sure

Your best bets are along US-1 in Titusville or on the 'Bee-Line' (I think they've re-named it) in Merritt Island just west of the port.

I rode my bike to the last overpass b4 the port and video'd from there. Lot's of people, but an unobstructed view to the pad over the river. The port itself is about as close as you can get w/out having 'access' to be inside the lines. Folks will stake out their spot on the port's access road long in advance. It used tobe RV city along there b4 a launch.

 

[snelsonbrown]

The place that I had suggested which was up from the terminal close to the Air Force station no longer exists - At one time you could see the launches all up and down US1, but a lot of condos have been built and now the places are limited as to how much you can see - also there is a gentleman that owns quite a bit of property on US1 and he is charging $10.00 to park on his property which is right accross from NASA, but remember the shuttle is being launched from the Air Force station in Cape Canaveral tho the shuttle can be seen from as far away as Orlando, Daytona Beach, etc. The best place to watch the launch is Hwy 528, BUT PREPARE YOURSELF for you will be in traffic for quite a long time - last week when the launch was suppose to go, we had over 150,000 vistors here and it was almost 10PM before the roads cleared. Now I do have an offer for those that want to see it and be out of traffic - you are most welcomed to come over to my condo, go to the 5th floor and you will have an awesome view - if you are interested, drop me a note at snelsonbrown@aol.com - now I will not be there, but you will have the whole top floor to see the launch AND you are out of traffic.
Have a great time all and will chat with you soon.
Always
Shirley

 

[Mic]

OMG...Are you serious Shirley? That would be great! I will e-mail you right now...troop 215 thanks you profusely!

 

[hawaii5o]

hey Georgeat,

We were one of those crazy people too going on that wednesday... The beeline was backed up it seems like the whole way from disney!!! I dont recommend going that way. We wound up going a different way. Went south and ended up in melbourne and went up the coast to cocoa beach.

 

[hawaii5o]

Hey georgeat,

I just saw you are from Dover, I am up the road in New Castle!!!! Its a small world after all!!!!