Kennedy Space Center

[PoohBear]

Yikes! I thought it would be fun to take our boys to see the test launch of the new Ares rocket next week, since my oldest is obsessed with all things space. But I just got a placard for our car in the mail and it says we have to arrive before 5:30 AM
Has anyone done this before? We are leaving from the Riverside, what time would we have to leave? Is there alot of traffic? How long does it take to get there and what is the best route? Sorry, so many questions!
Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[mopee3]

We have gone to Kennedy a number of times, great tour, fun stuff to see and do. Takes about an hour and half from the world to get there. Take lots of quarters and dollar bills for toll booths. I don't remember what route we take, I just use the GPS and follow where it leads me.
I would take the trip with the knowledge this shot may not take place that day. Notice the launch window, "Launch Window: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT", but if it goes it will be great!

The quote below the link is from the linked site.

http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

Date: Oct. 27 +
Mission: Ares I-X Flight Test
Launch Vehicle: Ares I-X
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39B
Launch Window: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT
Description: The Ares I-X flight test is NASA's first test for the Agency's new Constellation launch vehicle -- Ares I. The Ares I-X flight will provide NASA with an early opportunity to test and prove flight characteristics, hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with the Ares I.

 

[Lewisc]

The launch date has already been pushed back to November 16
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091020/ts_alt_afp/usspaceshuttleiss

The date is subject to change. Weather could change the date at the last minute.

Time the drive from NYC to the Hamptons (or to the Jersey shore) on a friday in February,with good weather. Now time the drive on a Friday before a summer holiday weekend. Good beach weather.

How long it takes to drive to the cape normally has nothing to do with how long it takes to drive to the cape on launch day.

Traffic to the space center launch day is horrible.

edited to say it looks like the OP is thinking of going to the test launch. I have no idea if the test launch attracts as many visitors as a manned launch.

 

[PoohBear]

Thanks for the input. Yes, I am looking to take him to the test launch for the rocket, not the shuttle launch. And definitely not the Jersey shore.

I understand it may be postponed but we've already bought tickets, so we have no choice.

I have been told the rocket launches are nowhere near as crowded. So, I guess I am looking for the travel time in fair weather (maybe April) somewhere between the Hamptons and the Jersey shore. Maybe, North Jersey but I've never been to New York...lol I'm so confused

 

[mopee3]

Thanks for the input. Yes, I am looking to take him to the test launch for the rocket, not the shuttle launch. And definitely not the Jersey shore.

I understand it may be postponed but we've already bought tickets, so we have no choice.

I have been told the rocket launches are nowhere near as crowded. So, I guess I am looking for the travel time in fair weather (maybe April) somewhere between the Hamptons and the Jersey shore. Maybe, North Jersey but I've never been to New York...lol I'm so confused

There are suppose to be 3 different times depending on the weather so just go to the previous linked website or call Kennedy and they give the latest information.



Moe

 

[PoohBear]

Thanks, I was not concerned about lift off times. Just travel times. I called Kennedy, they had no idea. I just googled it and it says it should take an 1hr 22min in case anyone else is interested. I am going to add 30 min extra for traffic and hope it should take about about 2 hours.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, it takes about an hour plus a few minutes to get to port from WDW....so add another 20 or so onto that to get to Kennedy. But, the traffic is going to be heavier than normal. Remember...you aren't the only one with a child who will love to see this. Many, many WDW guests, as well as those vactioning in the area, tend to drive over in that direction for any type launch. You will have a ton of company.

 

[PoohBear]

Well, it takes about an hour plus a few minutes to get to port from WDW....so add another 20 or so onto that to get to Kennedy. But, the traffic is going to be heavier than normal. Remember...you aren't the only one with a child who will love to see this. Many, many WDW guests, as well as those vactioning in the area, tend to drive over in that direction for any type launch. You will have a ton of company.

Thanks for the help. I am hoping if we leave at 3:15am we will get there in time. Sorry, I did not mean to imply that I was the only one with a child who wanted to see this. That's why I shared what I was able to find out, in case anyone was going.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks for the help. I am hoping if we leave at 3:15am we will get there in time. Sorry, I did not mean to imply that I was the only one with a child who wanted to see this. That's why I shared what I was able to find out, in case anyone was going.

No, I didn't think that at all...just letting you know how many others will be there with you!! Everyone likes to see this...I know that when I cruised one time, there was a shuttle launch at about the same time we would be in Cocoa Beach. We were going to spend a few days there before cruising. But NASA kept moving the launch date...we actually missed it by two days. But, we did still head to Kennedy to check it all out.
But, you will run into a ton of traffic...maybe not as much going as returning to WDW. It's kind of like a concert....everyone dribbles in for the start, but everyone leaves at the same time at the end.

 

[Capt_BJ]

everyone dribbles in for the start, but everyone leaves at the same time at the end

YES! You can expect the travel time out to be double or more on the return.

Wise launch viewers plan to just stop for a meal and let the traffic clear for an hour or so. Traffic to KSC won't be bad until you get to the gate and then getting to the actual "inside" viewing area is a bit of a pain. They don't move people very well....

 

[Lewisc]

My experience was for a manned shuttle launch, years ago. It was for an afternoon launch. Traffic was backed up a lot more then 20 minutes, more like an extra 90 minutes. I'm sure the traffic is less for a unmanned launch scheduled for the morning. I'll defer to the experience of the pp with more recent experience.

Traffic leaving was a lot quicker. Cars entering the space center had to pop their trunks so security could take a look. Security also took the time to review my pass. Obviously neither is done when you leave.

Do you have a causeway pass? Bring a Frisbee, a picnic lunch and plan to stay after the launch. Do you have a visitor pass? Plan to hangout at the space center after the launch. Obviously don't plan on getting back to WDW for a lunch ADR. You're going to be leaving at around 3a. I don't think I'd book a dinner ADR, at least one that has a cancellation penalty.