Considering a side trip to Space Center

[Fargoman2]

For this year's trip to WDW, we are considering a side trip to the Space Center on one of our 6 days. We have kids 14, 11 and 5. What is likely to be their interest level? How long to get there? How long to tour?

Is it naive to think you can go there early in the day and still have some time
(or energy) to spend an hour or two at a beach?

Any perspectives would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[pintrader]

Fargo Man
I live right here at the Space Coast and your kiddos are the perfect age for interest and entertainment.
By all means bring along those swim suits. You can't be that close and miss the beach that "Jeannie" washed up on or the world renowned RonJons Surg shop even if you are not surfers.

Look at the names of the streets. Some are Major Nelson Lane Jeannie Drive etc. I actually live on Nelson Avenue.

 

[Shells9]

We love KSC! We did the Dine with the Astronaut thing last summer (Scott Carpenter). He had the full space suit on when we went in, and DD was 4 at the time, and very tired. She fell asleep and woke up when it was over, and was just convinced the whole thing was a dream! It was not until recently that I convinced her she met a real astronaut! They were very generous with one on one time and photos after the show. Lunch was pretty good, too -- dessert was REALLY good!

KSC is really interesting -- your kids will love it. Make sure you take the bus to the Apollo exhibit. You can definately do it in a day and like the other poster said, have time for the beach.

Have a good time -- love KSC!

 

[Locknload82]

Are there any good beaches near the space center that wont be overrun with college kids on spring break at this time of year? Dont mind if they're a little busy, but dont want to take my young kids into the middle of a wet t-shirt contest!

 

[TINKFAN3]

Definately do KSC. We met Buzz Lightyear...I mean Aldrin and had pictures and book signing with him. We were thrilled! The DSs' still talk about meeting him. We even signed our names on the computer that will be sent to Mars!! Doesn't mean much but who else in Indiana can say their signature will be on Mars?
There is so much to do that is very interesting. It is amazing to see the ships they send to space. Truly amazing! God bless those brave souls! You will have a better appreciation of our space program once you go.

Beaches at spring break???? Most public beaches will have some kind of 'party' atmosphere. I'd stay away from the pier and the downtown beach in Cocoa at that time of year. Having 3 DS's (16,14,10) I'd not want them in that atmosphere.(No puns intended.)

The nature preserve might be a better choice. The beaches there I'd think would be less of the party crowd.

Have great time!

 

[jdm]

We just went a couple of weeks ago and I'm so glad we did. We were still on the fence the night before as to whether we would go, but seeing as we did take the kids out of school for a couple of extra days... figured we should do something educational! Here is a mini review-

Arrived at KSC on Tues the day after President's Day around 11am. Was surprised to see quite a few people there. As we approached the ticket lines there was a woman (Martha) helping people decide which type of admission to get. We had planned on the basic. Martha strongly suggested the "lunch with the atronaut" admission. Although it was an extra $60, it included a buffet lunch for the four of us. We went for it. As we were close to the luncheon time- she had someone whisk us to the front. We paid (total for 4 was $168) and were given cool badges that we wore around our necks.

We waited in line for the doors to open for lunch and the kids explored the waiting area that had spacesuits, a mock up of the moon buggy etc. Very fun to look around in there.

Lunch was also great. It was an all you can eat buffet of chicken, pasta, veggies, salad, potatoes, bread and for dessert a space shuttle brownie with strawberries and whip. Also available were cans of pop and coffee, ice tea etc.. It was all done nicely with tablecloths, flower centerpieces (red white and blue in space shuttles)- Very nice.

Unfortunately, our astronaut was snowed in at an airport in New England so we had a stand-in. The stand-in, Brian Duffy, had a flight to catch directly after lunch so there were no photo op's. He did a very infornative, friendly, presentation and took a lot of questions. He has done 4 space shuttle launches and various other space stuff. The kids received a signed photograph and his resume. This was great for them to take home and share at school.

After lunch we boarded the buses which made 2 stops. We saw the launch pads and all the other things along the tour. It was smooth, the lines moved along very well and we didn't do much waiting at all.

When we were done with the bus tour, we saw the Imax. It was pretty exciting to see that our lunch astronaut was the Commander of the Space shuttle that was featured in the Imax!

When we were done, we visited the memorial wall. It was very sad and humbleing.

At the end of the day, we went into the Space store which I thought had a lot of neat stuff. DD picked up some freeze dried ice cream to take to school and share.

When we got out to the car it was 7 pm. I couldn't believe we'd spent so much time! We had intended to spend a couple of hours and go to Cocoa but we just didn't make it, and it was OK. We did swing by Ron Jon's to get some souviners before we headed back to Orlando.

One other thing, the center is located on a wildlife refuge and the rockets and animals co-exist together. On our bus tour, one of our drivers took the time to point out all the wildlife (gators, armidillo's, etc.) lounging in the sun on the side of the road.This was really fun for the kids.

My, my, I did ramble on...... hope it was TOO much information!!

Jenn