Is Kennedy Space Center worth a visit?

[Cujo]

Just looking for some info. as to whether or not KSC is worth a visit?
What's your opinion?

Thanks,
Sandra

 

[safetymom]

I thought it was very worthwhile!!!

 

[Melisa1]

I loved KSC, very interesting! Would go again!

 

[jctwizzer]

For adults: yes
For kids: probably not

 

[TLS4Mickey]

I just visited KSC a few weeks ago, for the first time. I was not looking forward to it, however, we were visiting my Father and he really wanted to take my son. We actually had a very good time. I do think it is worthwhile. There is a lot to see and do, so plan on spending the day. I'm glad we went!

 

[Cujo]

Thanks for the replies!
We have a busy schedule planned for Orlando, but DH & DD would love to go to Kennedy Space Center.
Over the years I have received mixed reviews over whether or not it is worth a visit.
Thanks Again for your input.

Sandra

 

[eelvira]

It is well worth it. They have a bus tour where you get to see from where they shoot the rockets and then go to a building where they have an actual full Saturn V rocket with Apollo capsule and everything. It was supposed to be Apollo 19 or 20 but it was canceled. This whole contraption is 35 stories tall when fully assembled. Just seeing the size of it up close is amazing. To think that they lift into space a 35 story building boggles the mind.

They added IMAX movies, interactive presentations, etc. They know they are competing with all the Orlando parks so they have beefed it up to make it entertaining.

This time of the year is too cold but I went with my daughter during Easter break and we had a blast staying at a Holiday Inn with Kidsuites where she had a bunk bed. We were right on the beach. The hotel pool was heated and to cap it up, by chance there was a liftoff for one of the ships they were sending to Mars. We got to see it from the beach around 11 AM on a Saturday. That made it for an unforgettable couple of days enjoying the Space Center and the beach.

Eric

 

[Cujo]

Thanks Eric for your input. . . . it sounds like you had a great experience!
I think we will definately try to get there.
As I mentioned, there is so much to do in the area, we just weren't sure what we could fit in and what was worth it.

Sandra

 

[chasbos]

eelvira - My DD's cannot wait to visit the KSC. We are going on the Wonder in January and there is a rocket launch the day we disembark the ship. Do you know how soon they give the times that the launch will be? We do not fly out until the next day and where we stay will depend on the launch.

 

[Flexan]

Just looking for some info. as to whether or not KSC is worth a visit?
What's your opinion?

Thanks,
Sandra

We've been there several times. Everyone in the family enjoyed it, especially the time we watched one of the shuttles take off. We were able to meet a real live astronaut, one of the shuttle pilots, once.

Another time we were there for a landing that was scrubbed at the last minute which was disappointing, but even without that event, the trip was very worthwhile. We missed another landing, but heard the sonic booms very early in the morning. We've even seen the 747 flying with a shuttle piggy-backed on top.

A fun trip to the Space Center may be made even more exciting if there is a launch of a rocket or shuttle scheduled during your visit.

Check the NASA launch schedule at:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/missions/schedule.html

Go. Even if it's only for one time. It's a historic location and you can at least say you've been there.

 

[Flexan]

(deleted)

 

[Cujo]

Thanks Flexan,

You are right,it is an opportunity that I might be sorry to have missed. We have two teenage daughters, one who is interested in space. It does sound interesting & I will check out the website.


Sandra

 

[eelvira]

I see that the website to check is already posted. One caveat is that they are VERY weather dependent. Things can be postponed even minutes before launch.

When you stay in any of the hotels in the area they all have a NASA channel that has information about their launches. Many times their camera is pointed to the rocket launch platform. So that is another place to check what's happening with the launch.

One thing that you won't be able to see is the area where they are making the pieces of the international space station. This was a great part of their bus tour, but after Sept. 11 they took this out of the tour bus. I imagine that it must be for security reasons.

Enjoy your trip!
Eric

 

[vjc715]

We are sorry we ran out of time and missed going.

 

[leebee]

Last went to KSC in June 2004; DD spent the week going to day camp there and DH and I spent the days at the beach, lounging, beign a couple. We all LOVE KSC and try to get out there every time we go to Orlando. Astronaut Hall of Fame is also very cool, full of memorabilia, interactive stuff, etc. KSC is really an all day visit- not sure if it's worth getting the KSC pass with the AHoF add-on...there just isn't time to do both. The bus tour to the shuttle launch sites and Saturn exhibit is included in the gate price. You can do a special tour, for an additional cost, that will take you to the SpaceLab facility BUT if they aren't actively working in the building, it is a little ho-hum. HOWEVER, the KSC tour is well worth the drive from Orlando!

 

[Queenie]

I went to KSC for the first time this summer after wanting to go since I can remember. It was absolutely awesome getting to see all the stuff, especially the Saturn 5 rocket. We went to see an Imax film about the building of the international space station and I highly recommend you do that if you get time. The robot thing is kinda rubbish if you're over the age of 10 though. I'd definately go again as I didn't get to do half the stuff that's there in a day. Don't bother getting the Astronaut Hall of fame add-on, as leebee said there just wouldn't be enough time in a day to do both.