How to Holiday TV show - KSC best avoided?

[Scotfan]

We went to KSC last Tuesday (17/02) We did the bus tour first, I didnt expect to enjoy it but did. when we got back the main centre was mobbed, we queued 3 times for the IMAX films and didnt get in, we also didnt get into the kids show, it was mobbed. I know it was Presidents week but didnt expect it to be as disorganised it really spoiled our day.
It was also a cold day so maybe people went there instead of Disney?
If I went again I would do the films and shows first.

 

[matty624]

I have to say that I always thought I was the only one who didn't like KSC. We went in 97 and then again last year. I found it a bit boring (IMHO) in the main, sorry... (I know parts are quite good, just overall!)
I don't think the programme did Orlando etc justice at all. Although I missed the first 4-5 minutes, there was hardly a mention of the water parks, MGM, EPCOT, USF or IOA. Hmmm, how long ago was it there was only MK in Orlando?
Also it drives me mad that despite all those fantastic atractions available that holiday programmes always go to the Old Town area to drool over the bikes and cars. I'm a man. I admit I like cars... But even I draw the line at spending thousands of pounds and travelling thousands of miles just to stare at cars/bikes I could never afford/buy. Why do they do it?
Like the look of canoeing though... However, probably not advisable with a 5 and 4 year old!
Ian

 

[SidB]

Personally, I'd like to see more about the other attrations in Florida. When you start ti investigate there is so much to see and do. Things like canoeing, ballooning, Seminole Indiands etc. The holiday programs hardly ever touch on these. Frankly I'm bored with watching the same old program with a different presenter.

 

[UKDEB]

Originally posted by SidB
Frankly I'm bored with watching the same old program with a different presenter

Sid! Go wash your mouth out with soap and water!

There was a holiday programme on last night which featured the Panhandle and it was interesting to see a different part of Florida. However, the presenter claimed to have been to Florida many times, but mainly to Miami and Disney<i>land</i>. Hmmm, in that case, you'd think she'd have learnt the name by now.

 

[SidB]

Originally posted by UKDEB
There was a holiday programme on last night which featured the Panhandle and it was interesting to see a different part of Florida.

UKDEB, this is exactly the sort of show I'd like to see. Only thing wrong with it was that it was too short. Still there's no pleasing me sometimes !

Tony

 

[Goofyish]

I also wondered that these presentors visited KSC and DC on there own and so missed out on having a family, children or partner with them to share in the experiences - I'm sure that makes a big difference to there perception of the attractions.

 

[WDWfan uk]

Didn't see the prog but we enjoyed our day at the KSC - this was before 9/11 so I do not know if you are offered the same experience, but I am sure I enjoyed it more, knowing what the highlights were and how to plan the day which I'd picked up courtesy of the UK DIS, Simon's book and a very inspiring enjoyable trip report by Mike (which I even printed off and still have somewhere!!) e.g. we went to see one of the IMAX movies, The Dream Is Alive' asap on arrival.

There were some parts we enjoyed more than others but the most memorable for me was the Apollo/Saturn V Center - from the launch center re-enactment to the moon landing presentation, with the fabulous Saturn V rocket in between and our chance meeting with someone who worked on the shuttle missions.

When we were there, the food was not up to much, but we found the coach loading and unloading was very organised and we went on a busy warm day.

Frankly although I didn't see this programme, once again it sounds as if a lot was crammed into a short space of time.

I think the Discovery Cove experience cannot be so good with a camera trained on you - not quite the right circumstances to get that exclusive, away from it all relaxed feeling, and indulge in that special feeling you get with the Dolphin Encounter.

 

[***SandieUK***]

We did KSC on our first trip to WDW and for us it was the highlight of our holiday! I'm not a space fanatic but I could really appreciate the historical and factual side to it all. It is such a complete contrast to the fantasy world of the theme parks. I would say it's a must do!

 

[Mike Jones]

I'm glad we did Kennedy in 2002, our second trip, but was slightly underwhelmed and wouldn't go again. It's a one-off for most families, unless they are real space freaks. I wa quite disappointed that, even with the 'upfront & personal' tour, we were quite a long way from the launch pads and the VAB - yeah, I know it's supposed to be the biggest one room building in the world, but from 1/4 mile away it just doesn't look it!

The Saturn V more than made up for any shortcomings elsewhere, though, and we enjoyed the astronaut encounter. I also found the Space Mirror memorial to dead atronauts very moving.

Do it, but maybe just once.

 

[juliebro]

Thanks everyone!

I feel a bit better about going now.

Julie

 

[wayneg]

Originally posted by matty624
Also it drives me mad that despite all those fantastic atractions available that holiday programmes always go to the Old Town area to drool over the bikes and cars. I'm a man. I admit I like cars... But even I draw the line at spending thousands of pounds and travelling thousands of miles just to stare at cars/bikes I could never afford/buy. Why do they do it?
Ian

I agree it is a long way just to look at bikes/cars. I wouldn't even change a wheel on a car or put oil in myself, But after a long day in a theme park it is a cool place to hang out meet the very friendly locals and have a cold beer. I can appreciate the many hours they spend on their machines to get them looking like they do. There is more to do than Disney and Universal.
As for KSC, Saw the program and was a waste airtime, Can't believe the two presenters have got the job. We visited in October and queued for nothing.
Don't think anyone has posted Old Town website so here it is. Can recommend going to Old Town for Halloween, kids dress up and trick or treat in safe enviroment and come away with loads of goodies. www.old-town.com
Wayne

 

[matty624]

Originally posted by wayneg
But after a long day in a theme park it is a cool place to hang out meet the very friendly locals and have a cold beer. I can appreciate the many hours they spend on their machines to get them looking like they do. There is more to do than Disney and Universal.

Not sure my 5 year old dd and 4 year old ds would agree completely with that...
Ian

 

[Azune]

On the subject of going to KSC I went in 1998 and then again in 1999 and I don't think I would go again because I feel as though I have seen much of what it has to offer. I think it is more an adult destination than children as there is only a limited amount of things for them to do. Most of these holiday programmes though have very distorted views of what people really enjoy when they are going to Florida and so I would take what they say with a pinch of salt!