May 15 Shuttle Launch

[cruiseonmagic]

For those of you who will be in FL during the shuttle launch window, tickets go on sale for space center viewing Monday, April 4 at 9am EST.

http://www.ksctickets.com/ltt.html

The first date that the shuttle could launch is May 15, and the window closes June 3. What that means is that, barring any problems, including weather, the launch will be 5/15. If you need the tickets, get them quick--they will sell out in a hurry.

 

[safetymom]

They are already talking about delaying the shuttle because of some paperwork.

 

[Rootskate]

Any idea how much these tickets cost? I looked on the website but didnt see a price for the launch viewing tickets. Thanks

 

[Tinseltown Trauma]

Especially for visitors coming from out-of-state, make sure you read all the caveats posted on KSC's site re: Launch Viewing tickets--you could easily find yourself out the ticket $, as well as vacation time....I was tracking this for so many weeks, then after checking out the site very thoroughly, found myself almost wishing NASA would change the target date so I wouldn't have to make a decision about what to do! Aargh.

TT

 

[CBear]

On a trip to WDW many years ago (late 1980's I think) we were able to see the shuttle from the parking lot, going up . We hadn't planned it - we were just in the parking lot early and we were able to see the flame going upwards - very cool.

 

[newholidayx2]

the shuttle launches on the day DS becomes a teenager!

 

[strmtroopr96]

On a trip to WDW many years ago (late 1980's I think) we were able to see the shuttle from the parking lot, going up . We hadn't planned it - we were just in the parking lot early and we were able to see the flame going upwards - very cool.

I have been able to see 3 launches while at or very near WDW. I saw 2 in 1997. One was in the afternoon and I was standing in the parking lot of Walmart in Kissimmee. The second was a 2 or 3 am launch that I viewed from Vista Way during my CP (Not far from DTD area). The third, I watched in 2000 from All Star Sports and this was a 6 am launch. So even if you can't get down to the Space Center, you can still look for the shuttle from WDW or your resort and it will be quite visible. LOL This year, I am hoping that it is delayed until after May 21st til May 28th. Rebecca

 

[BobH]

Tickets are $50 each. $10 for shipping UPS.Tax on 2 tickets was $6.
Just gought them this morning at KennedySpace Center Website.

Anyone have any experience trying to get to the space center through traffic.
Any recommedations on how early to arrive so you don't get caught in traffic and miss the launch? Thanks.

 

[Earstou]

After reading that some people book nearby hotel rooms to watch the launch, I rearranged my trip two years ago so our days at the beach would be at the same time as a launch. That way, we had a chance of seeing it, but weren't out any money if it didn't launch. The cancellation policy is at
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/cancellationPolicy.asp

Unfortunately, the shuttle disaster happened a few months before our trip, so no launches.

 

[strmtroopr96]

Tickets are $50 each. $10 for shipping UPS.Tax on 2 tickets was $6.
Just gought them this morning at KennedySpace Center Website.

Anyone have any experience trying to get to the space center through traffic.
Any recommedations on how early to arrive so you don't get caught in traffic and miss the launch? Thanks.

My roomate was going to drive down to see the launch up close. They left around 11 pm or midnight to see the 2 or 3 am launch but traffic was so crazy that they ended up finally pulling to the side of the road to watch. This was in the middle of the night during late Winter/very early Spring time if that helps. Being that this was the middle of the night, I would think a daytime launch might attract even more crowds and traffic. HTH Rebecca

 

[BobH]

Thanks for the info strmtroopr96. I am concerned that even though I have tickets it may be hard to get ther on time.

 

[plutospup]

The Cocoa Beach Radisson is a great place to watch launches. Three years ago we saw the launch of a Titan rocket with communication satellite. It was very impressive, but not nearly as much as the shuttle!

 

[Bill_Sykes]

On a trip to WDW many years ago (late 1980's I think) we were able to see the shuttle from the parking lot, going up . We hadn't planned it - we were just in the parking lot early and we were able to see the flame going upwards - very cool.

We saw the shuttle lost from WDW while riding the monorail. It was very neat to watch.