Need advice on Kennedy Space Center.

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I have a dilemma, I would appreciate any input!

I have always LOVED the space program and have always wanted to go to KSC. We went to WDW in 2001 and at that time DH said next trip we could go to KSC. We will not be going back to Florida for a long time, because we are going to focus hard on saving money for buying a house after our next trip. So, this is my one chance to go. Now the dilema. DH had some very negative input from someone at work, and now he really doesn't want to go. He will go for me, but is already predisposed to having a boring time. He isn't as intrigued about space travel as I am. DD will only be 5 at the time, so really won't get anything out of it. DS will be 9 and he does like things about space travel and discovery. He was very excited about the dinner with an astronout. So, would you go, is it worth the $? WHat is there to do? DH is convinced there isn't really anything there. I have read some guide books, but I would love to hear from people who have been there with younger kids how it went.

 

[mco-missy]

I've been and loved it! I took my nieces- ages 8 & 10 and they enjoyed it also. The best part (we think) is the bus tour. It takes you out close to the launch pad, Apollo/Saturn V center,and other places. You also will probably see a lot of wildlife. There is also an IMAX movie and just a bunch of fun stuff to do. It really is a fun day. They have a web site www.kennedyspacecenter.com Be sure to do the bus tour early in the day - it gets quite busy as the day goes on. I think it is the best deal for the money in central Florida.

 

[sillyminny]

Go on your own.
If your spouse and child are not interested it will not enhance your trip there.
The IMAX 3d film is great but it is a lot of money if that is the only thing they will like.
I know. We just went there and my three boys (Ok we are canadians and they were not prepared for how wonderful this is) did not get much out of it. My dh and I would have really had a great time without our kids. They are very bright but not prepared for this was not a good idea.

If you are going, spend a lot of time looking at photos and going over the history.

 

[pnelson]

Hello again,

Thought I would respond since our trips our at the same time. We are planning on two days at Cocoa Beach with a trip to the KSC, but with the exception of my Mother, we are not really looking forward to it. We've also heard it's boring and would rather spend our time at the beach. We also want to fit in Gatorland while we have our rental car and we've heard that Gatorland is really fun! I think we are going to do it, but hopefully, we will only spend about 4 hours there and then hit the beach. You're going for a day trip, right? Then I would leave whomever is not interested back at WDW and take your son.

 

[SimonV]

I find the KSC THE most fascinating place in Florida in terms of the history and reality it represents, and the amazingly proud heritage of NASA. I'll admit I'm a big fan of the space program, but I think anyone with even the most vague interest in space travel will get a lot out of a full day here. Many of the exhibits are new or nearly new, and there is a lot more here than meets the eye. The Meet An Astronaut program is variable, depending on who they have to answer questions, but with the right person it is riveting stuff. As far as the Dine With program is concerned, I'd be there in a heartbeat as I find the people concerned some of the most amazing on the planet (OK, I'm biased ), but I'll admit it's probably not everyone's cup of tea, and children might not get much out of it. Under 8s might well find the overall experience less than captivating (the IMAX films, Apollo/Saturn V Center, Robot Scouts exhibition and new Mad Mission to Mars show apart), but overall I rate it very highly.

On a personal note, I also feel strongly that it is worth visiting to show some support and appreciation for the crew of the Columbia, who paid the ultimate price for man's quest to open up space.

Their website has a lot of good detail, though, and is worth checking out on : www.kennedyspacecenter.com

 

[chuckf6823]

We took a trip out there in Feb. of 2000. My son was 11 and my daughter was 8. First we watched the Endeavor launch from the side of the road just outside of the gates of the complex. After the launch they re-opened the base and we drove in to the visitors complex. My kids both loved it and still talk about it. The IMAX movies are something to see. Also at the Saturn visitors center which is part of the bus tour, you'll walk under a Saturn rocket used on the Apollo missions. The sheer size of this thing is incredible. Also there is a launch presentation which is given in the original control room of the Apollo missions. There are also some interactive exhibits that the kids will like. Someone else mentioned the wildlife. Alon the bus routes you'll see lots of gators and armadillos. There is also a huge Bald Eagles nest in a tree along the road. I'd certainly be interested in visiting again if I had the time, and I know my kids would too.

 

[sammi]

We've been once about 9 years ago with our 13 year old son (at that time) and he loved it just as much as we did. We were fascinated by everything there.

We've bought tickets to go back again next month and although it's a very sad time to be going I feel the same way Simon does and yes I think we all should show support for these men and woman.

 

[BuzzMe]

We absolutely loved visiting the Space Center (despite the freezing temperatures and wind!) The day was incredibly awe-inspiring and in light of the recent tragedy, I think a visit now would be even more so. My kids were 12 and 17 at the time of our visit and initially were not too happy to give up a "Disney" day, but the Space Center experience was one of the highlights of that trip for them. Don't miss it!!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks for all of the input! I've decided that "it's a go for launch! We will go. I think that DS deserves the chance to meet one of these heroes in person, and I know he will love it! I would hate to say "I wish we would have...." This is our chance, and I am going to take advantage of it. I guess I will have to think of something special for DD.... maybe 2 princess breakfasts?????