March Shuttle launch strategies?

[bluenosemickey]

OK, we'd really love to get to see the launch from the causeway. To visit the KSC and experience as much as we can. I've read here on DIS that tickets go really fast and are really hard to get. Are there any tips for getting them? If we don't manage to get them, what are the private tour groups like? Do they also have causeway tickets available, or is KSC viewing the only option for us if we can't get them via KSC?

I know you can view the launch from the center itself, but if I'm going to be there I really would prefer to be on the causeway. I've read about Titusville viewing, but don't think I would want to spend 3-4 hrs on the side of the road just waiting to see the launch. I'd rather be at least viewing the KSC while we wait for the launch. We would be giving up a disney day to do this so I want to make the most of it. I also realize that the launch could be scrapped and not go ahead on March 18th, but we're willing to try.

Anyway, anyone with experience, I would GREATLY appreciate any tips.

Thanks

 

[madcoco]

This gentleman(believe he is a disboard member) has imho an excellent webpage for viewing tips and photos/videos of past launches. Wherever you end up, hope the launch date and location works out for you there are only few left. Have a great time! It's well worth it.
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

 

[bluenosemickey]

thanks

 

[luvmylilangels]

This gentleman(believe he is a disboard member) has imho an excellent webpage for viewing tips and photos/videos of past launches. Wherever you end up, hope the launch date and location works out for you there are only few left. Have a great time! It's well worth it.
http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

WOW!! What an awesome site!! Thank you!

 

[cjlvsccm]

OK, we'd really love to get to see the launch from the causeway. To visit the KSC and experience as much as we can. I've read here on DIS that tickets go really fast and are really hard to get. Are there any tips for getting them? If we don't manage to get them, what are the private tour groups like? Do they also have causeway tickets available, or is KSC viewing the only option for us if we can't get them via KSC?

I know you can view the launch from the center itself, but if I'm going to be there I really would prefer to be on the causeway. I've read about Titusville viewing, but don't think I would want to spend 3-4 hrs on the side of the road just waiting to see the launch. I'd rather be at least viewing the KSC while we wait for the launch. We would be giving up a disney day to do this so I want to make the most of it. I also realize that the launch could be scrapped and not go ahead on March 18th, but we're willing to try.

Anyway, anyone with experience, I would GREATLY appreciate any tips.

Thanks

We viewed the Nov launch from the causeway, it was awesome!! Had a clear view (w/ binoculars) of the launch pad, and could see all the way through booster separation, even through some clouds.

We had access through DH's company, and also thought it better than paying for the KSC viewing, when it may not go on time and you're out all that extra money. Instead, we toured KSC on the day before. But other than NASA contractors, I don't know how to go about getting on a bus to the causeway... sorry, for that part I'm no help. Maybe inquire on KSC website?

If you can't get causeway access, Cocoa Beach has tremendous views as well. Plus, you get the beach time while waiting!!

Best of luck with it!!

 

[mareed]

If you go to watch the launch, be prepared for a very long drive back to Orlando. DH & sons watched from Titusville and I think it took them about 6 hours to drive back to Orlando. This was last March for an evening launch around 7:30 pm, and I believe it was about 2:00 in the morning when they finally made it back to Orlando. I think they sat in the car on the road right from where they watched from for about an hour before the traffic moved at all.

So if you do this, definitely be prepared with drinks, snacks, entertainment for kids, etc. We hadn't really prepared for this and they didn't even have anything to sit on outside while they waited. There was a hardware store close to where they were parked, and they were able to purchase a tarp so they had something to sit on at least. Many people had camping type chairs, but as we flew to Orlando we didn't have anything like that.

Was it worth it? We all agreed that it was for them! DH & I had seen a launch from on-site a couple of years ago (DH is NASA contractor and we had friends with NASA who had some extra passes), and even from there, I think it was 3-4 hour drive back to Orlando. Since I'd seen a launch and knew what to expect regarding the drive back, I stayed at our Windsor Hills townhome and watched from there (& enjoyed a quiet, peaceful evening doing laundry and watching a movie). My 2 DS's hadn't ever seen one, so we strongly encouraged them to go to see it given the limited # of launches left. We live near Johnson Space Center in Houston and DH works in the industry, so the space program is very near and dear to us!

If you do this, be aware that the launch can be scrapped even at the last minute after you've gone to the effort of getting there and waiting for it. It's just never a sure thing! But it is an awesome sight. It was neat to watch even from the Disney area where I was at Windsor Hills, and there were many of us from the resort out on the main road away from buildings watching it there. I greatly preferred my 5 minute walk back to my townhome as opposed to the 6 hour drive back from Titusville though!

 

[cjlvsccm]

If you go to watch the launch, be prepared for a very long drive back to Orlando. DH & sons watched from Titusville and I think it took them about 6 hours to drive back to Orlando. ...

We were prepared for that possibility too. But DH found a great back-country route back to WDW, to avoid the parking lot that the Beachline becomes. Go S on Hwy 1, W (right) on County 520, left on Nova Road (Co 532), right on Hwy 192/ Co 532. Takes you through rural farmland, then the highway passes through small towns on the way back. Then just find the best route back to your resort. Took us about 2.25hrs total, going a few miles out of the way and a bit slower in towns, but better than sitting still for that long!

HTH!!

 

[jharrowell]

Quick ticket purchasing tip:

Go for the Causeway + B'fast with an Astronought tickets. They're more expensive but talking to the astronought is great an the tickets take longer to run out (though they were still gone within 10 mins of going on sale so be quick!)

 

[dgaston]

We watched 3x from what used to be a Holiday Inn in Titusville. It's now a Comfort/Clarion. You are across the Indian River from the launchpad (about 12 miles). While I wouldn't stay overnight at this hotel for $15 to 20 we had access to the pool, bathrooms, bar, etc. Locals sell tshirts and pins in the lobby. There is also Space Park in Titusville, and some people like Jetty Park in Cocoa.

It took our third effort before we saw a launch -- wonderful.