kennedy space ctr

[gilby]

We are trying to decide if we should visit the kennedy space ctr, and would like some opinions on visiting it. Is it worth visiting or could we skip it? Any opinions will be appreciated.
Gilby

 

[spiceycat]

what are you going for - if to touch the space craft that went into space - forget it - these are under guards here - go to Huntsville, Al and you can touch them and go in them - or you could - I don't know if they got tigher security since 9/11.

now if you are happy just looking then KSC is fine. they have some new interactived displays since I was last there.

 

[gilby]

I am just looking in general to visit Kennedy Space ctr. Is it worth the money I would spend for my family to visit it, or would I be better off using the money to visit one of the parks.

 

[spiceycat]

the money it probably be worth it - don't know about the time especially if this is a first visit to Orlando - there is so much to do in Orlando - that I would wait and visit KSC later.

there were around 100 things to do in Orlando/Kissimmee/LBV(WDW) area.

you can however do the Mission to Space - Mars - at Epcot - that is fun and you can get a fast pass for it!

 

[markor]

KSC was not worth my money to see. It was $32 or so. Unbeknownst to me at first, the price drops significantly in the afternoon (to something like $18) when the last tour bus leaves. This was noted only on a small signboard on the ground, separate from the main price list at the ticket window. I was interested only in the visitor’s center because I had read from a trip report that post-9/11 the bus tour stays a mile or so away from the attractions (like launch pads and shuttle refurb facilities). Also the bus tour takes 2+ hours and I didn’t want to be stuck if it wasn’t good. If the bus tour is running, you must pay for it whether or not you do it.

In any case, the 3D IMAX movie of the international space station was excellent and the saving grace for the visit. There was another 2D IMAX movie playing as well. The space shuttle disappointed—I thought it would be a close facsimile, maybe even a backup. It was a fabric mockup, not worth any wait to enter the cockpit. Kids would probably still like it. The café was horrible—gas-station quality food.

As for the rest of the visitor’s center, the flight museum in my town has similar exhibits for a much lower price. Had the KSC been $10-$15 I would have felt it was a decent deal, if only for the IMAX movies, but not worth the drive from Orlando for the KSC alone.