Feb 7 - Will shuttle launch affect terminal traffic?

[HtomSirveaux]

I'm flying in 2/6 and staying near MCO, then driving to port the morning of 2/7. I've noticed that the current launch window for the shuttle is 4:39 AM the morning of 2/7.

I guess my real question is how much will a shuttle launch affect traffic from MCO to the port (Budget specifically, but close enough), especially 5-6 hours after scheduled launch?

 

[ronnancyskinner]

You should pay close attention to the ISS channel available at most OIA area hotels. This will tell you if the shuttle is going to launch. Last time I went to a launch it was bumper to bumper 2 hours after the launch in both directions!

 

[HtomSirveaux]

bumper to bumper 2 hours after the launch in both directions!

Uh-oh...

 

[KelsiesMommy]

I'm glad you asked, I totally didn't think about the traffic effects!!!! We're on this sailing, too, and planned to drive in from Universal that morning...

 

[disnemimi]

Oh my, we are also on this sailing (three cars of us, in fact). We are driving from Walt Disney World. Do you think we might be going against the traffic from the launch???? My family will totally freak if they are in traffic for 2 hours!!
Disnemimi (Karen)

 

[FLAngie]

IF the launch goes off as scheduled, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with traffic. The really early launches tend to have less people at them, plus it usually doesn't take 5 or 6 hours to clear the traffic. I have heard sometime 2 or 3 hours for everyone to clear out max. I couldn't say that is a fact however, since we watch the launches from our front yard Now, if the launch is just delayed, you may have problems. I don't know how long the launch window will be.

You may want to change your reservation and stay closer to the Port the night before if you haven't seen a launch before

 

[HtomSirveaux]

Can't do that, unfortunately. Booked the MCO are hotel via Priceline when I didn't think we were renting a car. (That way we could take the DCL transfer from the airport the next morning.) Ended up finding a car rental cheaper than the transfer for 2 would have been, but now that means we're now "stuck" near MCO (at least that means we're driving to DTD the that night...)

 

[love2driveinct]

Like someone mentioned, launch schedules change all the time, so keep an eye on the official sites where they post that info...

 

[truck1]

IF the launch goes off as scheduled, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with traffic. The really early launches tend to have less people at them, plus it usually doesn't take 5 or 6 hours to clear the traffic. I have heard sometime 2 or 3 hours for everyone to clear out max. I couldn't say that is a fact however, since we watch the launches from our front yard Now, if the launch is just delayed, you may have problems. I don't know how long the launch window will be.

You may want to change your reservation and stay closer to the Port the night before if you haven't seen a launch before

I have tix to go see that launch and after aguing with the gs at KSC (long story)found out that the tix were sold out 1 minute after they became available.According to one of the supervisors there is a large increase in demand for launch viewing tix since the shuttle theoretically is retiring this year.(Unless Obama extends the life.We are still waiting on him to make a decision)Being such an early launch, and there isnt much constrcution on the 528 for a change, traffic should and I stress should be fairly moderate going to the port.The majority should be heading towards Orlando by 6 am or so.Things should be back to normal by around 11 amish.However, as stated before, things can change such as delays, weather etc. I just heard on the news tonight that there is an issue with some hoses and there hasnt been a decision yet on what to do.

 

[tikibirds]

YIKES!!! That's the day we return and we already have a tight schedule (flight is departing at 11:20 a.m.) Here's hoping for an on time launch!