Kennedy Space Center

[rlduvall]

I just tried here in Oklahoma. We shall see. Either way, great tip everyone!

 

[mrford]

I just tried in OKlahoma also. I tried Dan Boren, Who did you ask?

 

[Astro Orbiter]

Word of advice - be a bit persistent. DH emailed the congressman's office and they told him to call the local Florida office. So don't just try one office.

Be sure of yourself, too - that they are available, but that you want to know if they can or can't provide complimentary tickets for your family. There's a similar thread on the cruise forum where offices believe they can only get tickets for DC-based venues.

We're going on June 8. Let's see if I can pry DH, whose ambition in college was to work for NASA designing space-based propulsion systems, away before they close!

 

[rlduvall]

I just tried in OKlahoma also. I tried Dan Boren, Who did you ask?

Hi. My Congressman is John Sullivan . . . I'm in the Tulsa area. Let me know if you hear anything . . . and I'll let you know.

 

[CherCrazy]

Well a year long pass is 50/ticket so that would be the max value of the ticket.

Is no one else having a problem with some congressmen giving out free tickets to their constituents and others not. This is a quasi government agency and as far as my tax $ are concerned should be free for all or cost for all. I don't get this. However, knowing this the next time I go I too will be looking for the free tickets. Just hope my congressman participates.

Kennedy Space Center used to have FREE admission!!!! Not too long ago either. You had to just pay for the bus tours, which were extra. Dh & I took a trip out there in Dec, rented a car, etc. We were so disappointed to find out that there is a charge to get in now. I agree with you about the tax money!! Can't we get anything in exchange for all the tax dollars that we put out every year??? I could understand if they charged a nominal fee to get in....but FIFTY BUCKS for the cheapest admission??!!! no way!

BTW, after paying for the car rental and wasting a good Disney day, we turned around and went back to WDW. It wasn't worth the price of an admission before, we couldn't justify spending $50pp to see it again.

 

[BPCooper]

In the fifteen years I can remember and have been going, there has always been admission. There used to be a separate fee for the tour versus staying at the visitors complex if you desired, but very few people skipped the tour. The only free option was to be in and out within 90 minutes and to have purchased something from the store. Today, admission including the main tour is $38 for adults (not 50); and there is an extra $20 fee for the two extra tours they run which are limited.

And if you are unaware, the visitors complex and tours are not run by NASA, but by an outside contractor which also runs Niagara falls and a few of America's national parks.

 

[Frothy]

The company I usually rent from has a very interesting feature on their blog about Kennedy Space Center at the moment. http://www.floridaleisureonline.com/?p=121

 

[mouseclick1]

Well, I just emailed a request so we'll see what happens! I'll follow up when I hear back.

 

[OhMari]

In the fifteen years I can remember and have been going, there has always been admission. There used to be a separate fee for the tour versus staying at the visitors complex if you desired, but very few people skipped the tour. The only free option was to be in and out within 90 minutes and to have purchased something from the store. Today, admission including the main tour is $38 for adults (not 50); and there is an extra $20 fee for the two extra tours they run which are limited.

And if you are unaware, the visitors complex and tours are not run by NASA, but by an outside contractor which also runs Niagara falls and a few of America's national parks.

They started charging for this in April 2000. I remember going to see a space launch in 1969 when I was only 7. I was really excited to take my family back June 2000. This is how I found the DIS boards-I did a search for Kennedy Space Center and it brought me to the DIS. It was only $25 a person in 2000. It sure has gone up in 8 years.

 

[Kycha]

but when you click it, it states free tix for Kennedy in florida, just email his tourism person...great to know..we will not be able to go this yr.. but paid for it last yr...

Can I ask who your guy is in PA?

 

[mrsklamc]

I'd be willing to bet they are available from ALL congressional offices, and some folks are getting responses from aides who haven't heard of this before and are too lazy to go the extra mile and check on it.

 

[Cindy B]

I just emailed my local congressman Rob Andrews (NJ). I stated in my letter that I was aware that other constituents in various offices throughout the United States have received these tickets and if it was possible if Congressman Andrews could arrange them for my family.

Andrew's website had specific tour request form for DC based attractions only.

 

[skipperkim]

I just sent a request to my state Senator. I have my fingers crossed for a positive outcome. DBF really is more excited about going to KSC than WDW. No flames for him, pleasee. He's never been, so he has no clue. Maybe this way he can compare the KSC space shuttle experience to Mission:Space.

 

[kellia]

Grrr... heard back from my senator's office and they said that they can get tickets to launches but not the space center. Should I just try my other congress people?? Do they talk to each other about stuff like that? Just wondering if the other one would call the one I already spoke to and not look any farther in to it.

 

[PrincesCJM]

Has anyone out there, who has gotten the free tickets, tried to upgrade them to the up-close tour? My space loving fiance and I will be honeymooning in Disney and making a trip to KSC. He wants to do the up-close tour as we did not do that last time we were there and I would love to save as much money as possible - since we will have just gotten married. Also, anyone from Maine had luck getting free tickets to KSC?

Thanks!

 

[leanne11]

but i'm not sure if they r free..
http://gerlach.house.gov/ConstituentServices/capitolbuildingandotherdctours.htm

 

[Kycha]

but i'm not sure if they r free..
http://gerlach.house.gov/ConstituentServices/capitolbuildingandotherdctours.htm

Thanks leanne11! My rep doesn't have KSC listed on their site as a tour they can arrange. Hopefully they won't have a problem. And, at the very least, I can refer them to Rep Gerlach's website.

 

[turning40withMickey]

but i'm not sure if they r free..
http://gerlach.house.gov/ConstituentServices/capitolbuildingandotherdctours.htm

Thanks, Leanne, you have been very helpful. I just emailed my PA guy (Jason Altmire) and asked him about the complimentary tickets, referencing your guy. I will let all of you know the results!

 

[turning40withMickey]

Anyone who actually GOT the tickets, do you have a note from your congressman? I am thinking this would be good to quote or forward to the congressmen who say "not possible". Wouldn't you like that too, kellia?

 

[Noreendisfour]

I hope you enjoyed the weekend, and that all’s been well since we were last in touch.

I wanted to let you know that I was able to reserve five tickets for your family to visit the Kennedy Space Center on August 15. The confirmation is attached to this e-mail, and includes further instructions about picking up and using the passes. Please let me know if you have additional questions, or if there is anything more our office can do to be of help.

On behalf of Congressman Delahunt, thanks again for contacting us, and best wishes for a safe and happy trip!


Sincerely,

Katie Dunn
Legislative Correspondent
Congressman William Delahunt
2454 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(p) 202-225-3111