Have you ever seen a space shuttle launch?

[daemom]

We're considering it--if launch isn't cancelled while we're there! I was wondering if any of you could give me an idea of some good public viewing spots. They have a couple online that's linked to launch dates and it also suggests arriving about 3 hours before launch. Any tips you could pass along to us? Thanks!!

 

[golfgal]

We saw a night time launch many years ago from our hotel room at Disney. It was pretty cool. If the launch hadn't been at like 4am, we probably would have driven over somewhere near the coast to watch. I would think anywhere in Cocoa Beach, on the beach would be great. I just don't know if you can actually get there with traffic, etc.

 

[disney1990]

These are the directions for where we saw the shuttle launch.

If you go to google.com and type in Cape Canaveral. You will see a link to Cape Canaveral. You will see where the Beeline goes to Port Canaveral. If you look at the top of the map, you will see how the road winds around to the left. Where the map is slightly shaded is where the base starts. You will actually go past a fence, but nobody will stop you. There will then be bleachers on the left hand side where you can sit and a place to park your car. If you look down the road just a bit future, you will see where the guards stop cars from going any further. I thanked the person that gave me this information over and over again because it was the best -- and FREE.

This is your view of the shuttle on the launch pad if you follow these directions.

 

[golfgal]

These are the directions for where we saw the shuttle launch.

If you go to google.com and type in Cape Canaveral. You will see a link to Cape Canaveral. You will see where the Beeline goes to Port Canaveral. If you look at the top of the map, you will see how the road winds around to the left. Where the map is slightly shaded is where the base starts. You will actually go past a fence, but nobody will stop you. There will then be bleachers on the left hand side where you can sit and a place to park your car. If you look down the road just a bit future, you will see where the guards stop cars from going any further. I thanked the person that gave me this information over and over again because it was the best -- and FREE.

This is your view of the shuttle on the launch pad if you follow these directions.

I wonder if this is where a friend of ours was SUPPOSED to end up. A friend of hers had given her a special access pass or something to go watch a launch shortly after they moved to Florida. Her husband was out of town so it was her and her 3 boys that went. Somehow she got waived through a couple guard posts and all of the sudden was surrounded by police cars. They had to drive her back out of wherever she ended up. OOPS.

 

[disney1990]

You need no special pass to be here. The public is allowed and bleachers are set up, along with porta potties. We had no problem whatsoever being here.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've watched many launches from my neighborhood since moving to Florida six years ago. Sadly, I've never watched it close up.

 

[golfgal]

You need no special pass to be here. The public is allowed and bleachers are set up, along with porta potties. We had no problem whatsoever being here.

I was pretty much joking about the actual location but what happened to our friend was true. It is a long story but I hit the highlights.

 

[manning]

We saw a launch around 1985. My worked with someone who had a brother who worked for NASA. We were able to get passes to an area not open to the public. It was a couple of miles from the launch pad. When that thing lit up all you could say was "oh my god!!!" The flame (old memories fade) had to be 5 times as long as the shuttle and the deep roar pounded your chest.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

From WDW pick up the Beach Line (SR528) heading East. Follow it it past I-95. When you pass US-1 there is a causeway over the Indian River which takes you to Merritt Island. Just as you reach the Banana River (and the Bennet Causeway) there will be a parking area on your left that will give you an unobstructed view of the launch. You will be right about six miles from the Launch Pad.

It is an unbelievable sight. We did it once; Judy said that seeing that made all of the tax dollars she ever paid worthwhile.

 

[xApril]

It's pretty incredible just watching from my backyard (though it's distant and there's no sound effects). If you have the chance of going and it doesn't look like it'll be scrubbed, definitely take the opportunity to go, especially since they will be stopping soon.

 

[Art 1]

Many, I can see them out my front window. The night launches are really something to see.

 

[Golf4food]

Only from a couple of hours away. Twice we drove down when I was younger and setup on the sand dunes and baked all day waiting only to have both launches scrubbed with less than 30 seconds to go... ugh.

 

[daemom]

Oh my goodness!! Thank you ALL for all of the replies!! I'm printing these to take! We're definitely going to try to do this for sure. The issue of the launch being scrubbed 30 seconds before launch really does concern me--but we'll just roll with it "part of the experience, folks"! Thank you, thank you, thank you! You guys are more informative than anything I've found online elsewhere!

 

[Sparx]

I saw one at the bus stop at POP a few years ago. (I don't remember which shuttle it was though?)

 

[GeorgeG]

We usually just step out our front door to watch. Some friends did drive over to see one launch up close and they said it was amazing, but...

When they left to come home they had no problem getting out of the parking area, but then got about ten feet and sat for two hours waiting for traffic to clear. We just walked back inside and put our feet up.

I think going to the Cape is probably and good experience once, but you can usually see the shuttle launch from just about anywhere in Central Florida.

 

[mikki'smom]

When we were at WDW in November I believe we were waiting at the platform above the Train Depot in the MK for the afternoon parade...we noticed several of the cast members on the ground pointing up and to our right...we had a fabulous view of the Space Shuttle launch while waiting for the parade at the MK...it doesn't get any better than that...

 

[lauradenise4779]

When we were at WDW in November I believe we were waiting at the platform above the Train Depot in the MK for the afternoon parade...we noticed several of the cast members on the ground pointing up and to our right...we had a fabulous view of the Space Shuttle launch while waiting for the parade at the MK...it doesn't get any better than that...

We saw one too...last March. We had taken a mid-day break and were heading back into the Magic Kingdom (right before the turnstiles) when we saw the shuttle launch off to our right. It was cool....we watched until it was a tiny dot.

 

[WDWisOurHappyPlace]

We drove to see a launch a few years ago. We didn't have a plan, just drove until we found a spot. Ended up at Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral, where the cruise ships are. Here is a link that may help you.

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_2_Launch_Viewing.html

It was so worth taking the time to go. (Make sure you have cash for several tolls.)

 

[Soarin08]

We saw one too...last March. We had taken a mid-day break and were heading back into the Magic Kingdom (right before the turnstiles) when we saw the shuttle launch off to our right. It was cool....we watched until it was a tiny dot.

I saw it too last March, at Epcot. Phenomenal.

Also saw two more last year. Quite the experience.

 

[BPCooper]

I was asked to reply here...

The area being described above is simply Port Canaveral along 528 and 401, a public area. It is as open to anyone as Titusville, but Titusville is a couple of miles closer and I recommend it for a better view.

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

The place on base that you can buy tickets for (sold out for this one) is the NASA causeway. All locations are described in my guide.