Kennedy Space Center tips

[tomshelley]

We just got back from our Christmas trip to WDW which included a day at Kennedy Space Center and picked up a couple of tips we thought we would share.

First, to really do KSC justice you need to plan for more than one day there. If you pay for maximum access or upgrade to an up close tour, your admission on the second consecutive day is free. We didn't discover this until we got there and so we hadn't planned on spending two days instead of one.

Second, the tour bus of the center will likely take longer than the 2 to 2 1/2 hours advertised in the brochure. This is because you can choose to stay as little or as long as you like at each of the stops (until the buses stop running, of course). We took the tour and realized later there were parts we could have skipped (though it's not always easy to do so).

You also should plan to arrive early so that you can get your showtimes for the various IMAX movies and other shows that take place throughout the day and plan accordingly.

Finally, make sure to include a visit to the Astronaut Hall of Fame (it's across the river from KSC and included with maximum access admission). It's a great attraction in and of itself and is worth a couple of hours there to discover more about the men (and women) who have bravely made the journey into space.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Awesome tips. We are going to KSC two days before our Disney cruise, so this is good to know.

Thank you for posting!

 

[jlcd]

Thanks for the tips!

I have a question for you. We will only have one day at KSC. Our children are a 9 yo boy and 6yo girl. Any suggestions on things we don't want to miss, given the fact that a second day is not an option? Thanks!!

 

[tomshelley]

I would suggest spending most of your time at the main part of the visitor's center. The IMAX movie Magnificent Desolation about astronauts walking on the moon is fantastic plus it's in 3-D. There's also the Mad Mission to Mars which is primarily geared towards kids. That fills up fast so get in line early for that show. Also, at the Astronaut Hall of Fame there are plenty of things for the kids to do including flight simulators, a centrifuge, and a moonwalk simulator. Since you've only got the one day, plan on arriving early and then plan around the shows.

 

[bubba73]

We went to KSC last year during our annual trip to WDW and it was fantastic. I would like to add a couple of my tips. If there is anyway possible, go on a day that there is a launch scheduled. There is nothing in this world that compares to that experience. Plan on getting to the launch viewiing site early because it will fill up quickly.

Also, get there early. As it has been mentioned earlier, you can't do it all in one day. When you get there, you can actually buy your tickets at the Hall of Fame. This is good because you want to do this first and then head over to the museum(?) area. At the Hall of Fame, there is interactive exhibits that you can get into. Lots of fun.

Last, parents! If you have kids, study up on the Space Program. Just imagine how much MORE exciting you can make the visit to your young ones if you can talk about it and do so with enthusiasm. I LOVE the Space Program so this is very easy for me. We took our DD (10) and my enthusiasm was somewhat contagious. Talk about the Astronauts, Space missions and Apollo 1. Talk about the Space Shuttle Challenger and Crista McCaulliff. When you mention a teacher, that will usually peak some interest. If you need different websites to use as a study guide, pm me. I have a couple saved in my favorites that I really like.

One list tip. If they have a real Astronaut there that day having a talk, go listen. It is really very intriguing.

Hope that helps!

 

[tomshelley]

Last, parents! If you have kids, study up on the Space Program. Just imagine how much MORE exciting you can make the visit to your young ones if you can talk about it and do so with enthusiasm. I LOVE the Space Program so this is very easy for me. We took our DD (10) and my enthusiasm was somewhat contagious. Talk about the Astronauts, Space missions and Apollo 1. Talk about the Space Shuttle Challenger and Crista McCaulliff. When you mention a teacher, that will usually peak some interest. If you need different websites to use as a study guide, pm me. I have a couple saved in my favorites that I really like.

I couldn't agree more. I've loved the space program since I was a kid and loved having the opportunity to share that enthusiasm with my kids. This book is a terrific resource that I used in preparing my kids to visit Kennedy. Plus, there are links to great web resources that are included with the book.

 

[Magic4UsZ's]

We to are going to KSC the day before we check in at WDW. Where do you stay when going there? I was hoping for a hotel on the ocean,maybe one that could be used for a future disney cruise (pre boarding stay), yet close enough for a short drive to KSC.

Your tips are great!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!

 

[Luv'sTink]

I am so angry now! We went paid for full access then DH parents say "We have been before so we will just wait in the car for you" We went in but only stayed 3 hours as I felt bad leaving them waiting for us in the rental care that their name was not on. They never even mentioned not going in with us at anytime we talked about it. And now I am really begining to see what we missed!

 

[becca011906]

So what age frame would you'll suggest ??? we really want to go on our last trip but though it would be to much for a 5,3,1 year old to handel, but now they will be 6(almsot 7), 4.5, and 2.5??? Should we wait atleast one more year or two???

 

[tomshelley]

Magic4usZ's, we stayed at the Hampton Inn Titusville. Not on the ocean but close and about 15 minutes from KSC. Port Canaveral is a little farther, about 25 minutes away.

Becca011906, sounds like your kids are probably just about the right age. There's plenty to do for kids of all ages.

 

[Magic4UsZ's]

Thanks again tomshelley, I guess I did not realize that it is 25 minutes from port canveral to KSC. Still may want to spend our first couple of nights there just to see the ocean and the ships, well just have to figure out if its worth the extra driving time.

Do you buy your tickets online or do you recommend waiting till you get there? Does it save you time to buy in advance?

I really like the idea for us parents to brush up on our space knowledge before we go,sounds like a trip to the library this weekend.

 

[tomshelley]

My parents went with us and bought all of our tickets through AAA and got a discount. The price online is the same as when you get there so you don't save any money by purchasing them online. I'm not sure of other places you can get discounted tickets. Hope you enjoy the trip!

 

[jlcd]

tomshelly, were you happy with that hampton Inn? We have 2 nights reserved there. I don't need fancy but I do want it to be clean, well kept, etc. Thanks!

 

[tomshelley]

jlcd, we really were pleased with the hotel. It's clean, comfortable, and very convenient. The staff there was terrific and really made us feel at home.

 

[jlcd]

tomshelly, Thanks! Thats great to hear and makes me feel good about the choice.