New Shuttle Launch Dates released...

[dis-happy]

These came out last night. Hope they stick!

Discovery on Feb. 24th at 4:50 pm STS-133

Endeavour on April 19th at 7:48 pm STS-134

Gabby's husband, Mark Kelly, is supposed to be the commander for STS-134, but they have announced a back-up commander just in case.

 

[o2bnoz]

Thank you, DIS-Happy! This is very helpful news! Last year, the date was set for February 26th for a short period of time and I was gearing our disney trip to include that (my son is an absolute space FANATIC!), but of course it changed and I had given up hope of seeing a shuttle.

I'm going to book our tickets to come in on the 24th, so that maybe we can just drive down and see it from "afar". I hope it doesn't change, but I know that they usually do!

I wonder if that will change the rates of the hotels for that night of the 24th? Maybe I better book now!

Thanks again... I just LOVE this board

 

[dis-happy]

Thank you, DIS-Happy! This is very helpful news! Last year, the date was set for February 26th for a short period of time and I was gearing our disney trip to include that (my son is an absolute space FANATIC!), but of course it changed and I had given up hope of seeing a shuttle.

I'm going to book our tickets to come in on the 24th, so that maybe we can just drive down and see it from "afar". I hope it doesn't change, but I know that they usually do!

I wonder if that will change the rates of the hotels for that night of the 24th? Maybe I better book now!

Thanks again... I just LOVE this board

Hope it works out for you! Will you be driving all the way from OH on the 24th? If you get to FL early enough to drive to Titusville for the launch, send me a pm and I'll give you some suggestions on where to park. It's totally worth it to see the launch from there if you can make it!!!

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

These came out last night. Hope they stick!

Discovery on Feb. 24th at 4:50 pm STS-133

Endeavour on April 19th at 7:48 pm STS-134

Gabby's husband, Mark Kelly, is supposed to be the commander for STS-134, but they have announced a back-up commander just in case.

I am hoping the Feb one launches at the end of the window... March 5 or 6 since DS will have started his break and we can switch our flights. I was 9 seconds away from seeing a night launch as a kid and have been hoping to take our kids and have been putting all my hopes in the not yet budgeted, potential summer launch.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I also have a space nut on my hands. We are arriving in Orlando on April 20th. I wonder if there is any chance of it getting delayed? Perhaps, I can fly him in a day early.

 

[jeff968]

Great, we'll be there on Feb 24th. I would like to see this and I'm trying to decide the best way. I don't want to make an all day event of it and drive to Cape Canav. but I would be willing to drive over to the East coast for a better view.
Thanks

 

[ninecrayons]

I'm going to be there the week of 20th -26th for my first solo trip! I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch so I'm scheduling this in for the 24th! After all, it's pretty much my last opportunity.

I've never been down to the Cape Canaveral area. Approximately how far is it from Disney? I'll have my car so I'm not fussed about driving, especially since I'll have driven down from NY already.

What else is there to do in Cape Canaveral area? Would is be possible to tour the space center that day too? If I just wanted to see the launch, what time should I get there?

If I decided not to drive to Cape Canaveral, where on the east coast of FL might be good to go to get a view?

Sorry for all the questions! This totally made my day!

 

[Huff]

The shuttle launches from Kennedy but there are other planned satellite launches from Cape Canaveral which should be just as spectacular to watch.

Cape Canaveral launch pads are only a couple miles from Kennedy but I would assume the optimal viewing locations would differ?

 

[EC0323]

There are no tickets available for the Feb. launch available from Kennedy Space Center. Does anyone know if there other places to see the launch from?

 

[dis-happy]

I'm going to be there the week of 20th -26th for my first solo trip! I've always wanted to see a shuttle launch so I'm scheduling this in for the 24th! After all, it's pretty much my last opportunity.

I've never been down to the Cape Canaveral area. Approximately how far is it from Disney? I'll have my car so I'm not fussed about driving, especially since I'll have driven down from NY already.

What else is there to do in Cape Canaveral area? Would is be possible to tour the space center that day too? If I just wanted to see the launch, what time should I get there?

If I decided not to drive to Cape Canaveral, where on the east coast of FL might be good to go to get a view?

Sorry for all the questions! This totally made my day!

You can't get into KSC on launch day without a special ticket. It's pretty much a traffic mess and not necessarily the best view (unless you manage to get one of the causeway tickets that sells out in 30 seconds).

We like to drive to Titusville and stand on the riverbank. You can see the shuttle on the launch pad from there and watch it rise up into the air. Then leave quickly so it doesn't take you hours and hours to get back to Orlando.

Normal drive time is approx. 1 hr. As it gets closer to launch time the roads get more and more busy. If you can buy at Sunpass at Publix ahead of time and get it activated online and on your car, you'll save a LOT of time at the tollsbooths.

I've seen about a dozen launches now and can't wait to see the final two (or possibly three). It is SOOOO worth it!!!



PS. Don't forget to bring binoculars!!!

 

[ninecrayons]

You can't get into KSC on launch day without a special ticket. It's pretty much a traffic mess and not necessarily the best view (unless you manage to get one of the causeway tickets that sells out in 30 seconds).

We like to drive to Titusville and stand on the riverbank. You can see the shuttle on the launch pad from there and watch it rise up into the air. Then leave quickly so it doesn't take you hours and hours to get back to Orlando.

Normal drive time is approx. 1 hr. As it gets closer to launch time the roads get more and more busy. If you can buy at Sunpass at Publix ahead of time and get it activated online and on your car, you'll save a LOT of time at the tollsbooths.

I've seen about a dozen launches now and can't wait to see the final two (or possibly three). It is SOOOO worth it!!!



PS. Don't forget to bring binoculars!!!

Thank you so much for the info! I will definitely aim to get a SunPass and get it activated.

Barring an epic change in plans, I'm definitely going to drive down to Titusville. What time would you suggest I aim to get there?

I'm thinking about coming down earlyish and having lunch/checking out the coast. Do you have any recommendations in the area dis-happy?

I am so excited to see this space shuttle launch!

 

[Metro West]

I also have a space nut on my hands. We are arriving in Orlando on April 20th. I wonder if there is any chance of it getting delayed? Perhaps, I can fly him in a day early.

The chances of a launch going on schedule are slim to none. There are always delays for weather, wind, mechanical issues...you name it.

There are no tickets available for the Feb. launch available from Kennedy Space Center. Does anyone know if there other places to see the launch from?

You can see the launch from anywhere in Central Florida...as long as it's not cloudy. It just depends on how close you want to get to the action and traffic.