Got Tickets to Space shuttle Launch ..help

[beachwarmer]

I was lucky enough to get tickets to the Launch scheduled for April 19. I was so excited that I forget that it is Easter week.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to get a hotel room? Do I stay in Orlando or try a hotel in Daytona. All the hotels near the Kennedy Space Centre are booked.

I imagine the trip from the parking lot to anywhere takes forever after the launch.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I think you'd have a better chance of finding one in Orlando.

Daytona is a big spring break area.

I'd start by getting on the internet and gathering hotel phone numbers. Then I'd just start calling. It's going to be difficult but I'm sure you can find something.

Good luck!

 

[happyhobo]

Look in the Titusville area. Thats where I stayed many years ago.

 

[safetymom]

Titusville is likely booked up also. Be prepared for a long wait getting back to Orlando.

 

[Mr. Disney 652]

Man, the driving part was right on. My DS and I went a year and a half ago. I heard and read stories about traffic, and we live in Chicago, so it's not that we weren't used to bumper to bumper! Many times from the cape to WDW we just put it in park. It took three hours to get from NASA to the highway to get back to WDW...and the launch was scrubbed!!!

We went back twice more and finally saw it from off site. That time I drove straight north well past WDW, up the coast, then back over and down. It took 30 mins longer, but in the end probably saved 3 hours.

All in all, the best and most awesome thing I did with my DS...I always wanted to see it. Good luck and have fun!

 

[beachwarmer]

Thanks everyone. If this launch goes on time it is at almost 8 pm. At least the children will probably sleep on the way back.

How early do you need to get there before the launch?

 

[Yvet]

I would say leave in the morning!!!!!!!

There are soooo many people that want to watch or get some bit of the last shuttle launches that it's crowded very early on.

Leave in the morning and spend the day in the neigbourhoud so that when i's getting very crowded on the roads you can jump right into the crowds.
If you leave like during the afternoon then you are going to be in traffic jams all the way and maybe even don't make it into KCS.

 

[beachwarmer]

Thanks Yvet. That is just the advice I needed. The ticket package is nor being mailed until April with the directions etc.

I have been online trying to find baby headphone to block the noise for my DD1. I really want my DD8 to see it but it might just be too much for the little one. I guess one possibility is to send DD8 and my husband to KSC and have us watch it from where ever we get a hotel .

I never thought we would get lucky enough to get tickets so I never really thought out all the details. Those crowds might just be too much for a toddler for 12+ hours.

I would say leave in the morning!!!!!!!

There are soooo many people that want to watch or get some bit of the last shuttle launches that it's crowded very early on.

Leave in the morning and spend the day in the neigbourhoud so that when i's getting very crowded on the roads you can jump right into the crowds.
If you leave like during the afternoon then you are going to be in traffic jams all the way and maybe even don't make it into KCS.

 

[Yvet]

What kind of tickets did you got.

We have seen the Discovery Launch #131 back in April and we loved loved loved loved loved it (did i mentioned we loved it?).
We had tickets for the KSC and then from viewing area at the visitor center.

The noise from there is impressive but not to loud for a 1 year old.
If you have tickets for the viewing area closest to the launch then you have to be there early because you have to take a bus from the visitor center to the launch viewing area.
On both viewing areas there are restrooms, at the visitor center the normal ones and at the launch area portocabins.
Also you can get food and drinks on both viewing areas.
I would say just go do it!!!!
And i mean as the whole family together, it's soooooo impressive and cool to experience it.
The one year old probably just sleeps thru all the hassle around, just like in a disney park.