Kennedy Space Center tour questions

[JLSM97]

We're planning to tour Kennedy Space Center on Friday before the cruise. I have not yet purchased tickets because we're flying all night and I'm worried we'll change our minds at the last minute because we're too tired! However, it may motivate us to go anyway if we've already paid for our tickets. Here are my questions:

Are the lines for admission to KSC very long? Is it really a time-saver to have the tickets before we go?

Is there a "best" time of day to go to avoid the heaviest crowds?

And something unrelated... is there a Target (or something similar) anywhere between KSC and MCO that's easy to find? We'll need to do a tiny bit of shopping on the way back to the airport hotel.

Thank you!

 

[ToDisney]

We went in November 2001, so of course security was extra tight since it was right after 9/11 and they were supposed to have a shuttle launch. Maybe because we went the day the shuttle was supposed to launch, the lines (for cars) going in was massive!!!! Once we got in, though, I don't remember the lines being too terribly long. (The shuttle didn't launch until a few days later because the Russians had bumped into the space station... so the shuttle launch was delayed.)

We had a very disappointing visit. We bought tickets to have lunch with an astronaut. When we first got there, we got directions to the lunch. We showed up only to find out that we had missed the BRUNCH (even though our tickets said 1 pm lunch). I made a huge stink and got ALL my money (admission tickets included) refunded.

 

[BeanoC]

We went there on Friday before our cruise last October, and lines were non-existent. It was a very relaxed day, and the tours were great! We had tickets before we got there, but I don't think it necessarily saved any time.

My only advice is to avoid eating lunch in the "Moon Rock Cafe"... it is extremely overpriced and the food is mediocre at best. We had lasagna (2 adults), hot dogs (2 kids), and drinks. 55 bucks.
Other than that, it was great!


ENJOY




'Beano'

 

[DBMagic]

How long would you say it takes to tour the place?

 

[BeanoC]

How long it takes can vary greatly, depending on your interests.

People with kids tend to move along faster, since kids get bored easily. Still, you should be there when they open and plan on spending most all day there. You should see at least one IMAX film, more if you have time. They run about 45 min. each. Then you can take the bus out to the various tour stops, launch pad areas, observation decks, etc.

Don't miss the simulated "launch" of the Apollo rocket! You are standing inside the control room, and it feels as if you are watching them give the "go for launch" countdown as it happened. Very cool. After you have seen what you want to see, take another bus back to the main area, make your way through the shops and you're done. We were there until about 4PM, and we got there when they opened.




'Beano'

 

[snelsonbrown]

I sincerely believe that the Kennedy space Center is an awesome place to take a family - I have seen it grow over so many years and it has become more and more intriging - I sincerely believe that it is a place that is so educational for children - I agree that eating there almost makes you feel as you have to take out a loan to do so - food not worth it - also there is no Target etc between the road mentioned unless you come on 528 which is toward the port and get off at 528 at Merritt Island - turn right (South) which is State Road #3 aka North Courtenay Pkway, and go about 3 miles and you will find a Target, grocery stores, drugstores - just about everything you would need - then to go back to KSC - take a left at State Road 3 - head North about 15 miles and you are at KSC - the signs will direct you right to the center - if you have any problems - just call the shop at 800-950-4559 and will be glad to help - have a great time - if those that are interested, I do have coupons with $2.00 off tickets.
Glad to help
Always
shirley

 

[Otisp]

We were there on July 4 last year. Incredible experience for DW and I (children of the 60s). Our DD9 was intrigued, and DS7 enjoyed it, too (when he wasn't cowering from the thunderstorms). They both still talk about it at least once a week. The Saturn V "launch" was fun, and it's unbelievable to realize that a Saturn V (which they have stretched out lengthwise) could ever get off the ground, let alone reach the speed of a bullet.

IMAX was awesome, too (but get there early).

As Shirley noted, there are coupons to be had, so there's no reason to pay full-price for admission (wish they'd discount the food, though).

I'm not sure that I felt more or less secure that we saw guards with automatic weapons posted around the visitors center!

 

[GenieDana]

Check out: http://www.area2heep.org/images/vGuide.pdf

 

[Julma]

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF YOU CAN BRING FOOD IN? MAYBE IN A ROLLING SOFT SIDED COOLER. HOW FAR ARE YOU FROM WHERE YOU PARK YOUR CAR?

 

[GenieDana]

Parking lot is right next to the visitors complex. Very short walk.