Place to view NASA launch in WDW?

[MaleficentRN]

There is a big launch of the Orion spacecraft on Thursday morning, 7am. Is there anywhere near MK where we can see it? Please don't say a live stream.

 

[emldrl]

My grandparents lived in FL when I was younger, a couple of hours south of Orlando. You could see the shuttle launches from there, so you should be ok from WDW. Obviously you won't be able to see it til it gets up in the air some, but when it does, you'll be able to see it just fine. Probably somewhere without a lot of trees, like a parking lot? Good luck with it, it is really cool to see!

 

[daannzzz]

I was staying at Coronado Springs during a Launch and watched it from the top floor walkway of building 5 in the Casitas. Obviously you can't see it until it rises above the trees across the lake but it was a great view.

 

[jar]

We went to Cape Canaveral from WDW when Discovery was launched for the last time. Got up at around 4am and had a nervous moment when it was seconds away from being scrapped just before launch, but ended up being an unforgettable experience.

 

[msmama]

You used to be able to see Space Shuttles rise over Mission Space in Epcot (Disney magic or cooincidence?) Don't know about rockets. I'd say try to get as high as you can at your resort and look East!!

(It is a pretty easy drive to Cape Canaveral if you decide to go that route, too.)

 

[Feralpeg]

A lot of it will depend on cloud cover. Sometimes, I can see the launch from my house (I live very close to WDW property). Other times, I can't see anything due to the clouds. It is also harder to see during the day depending on the position of the sun at launch.

I could always see the shuttle launches, but the smaller rockets are harder to see.

 

[disneydentist]

Near the Magic Kingdom the best spot is the Contemporary. Head up to the highest non-concierge floor, go all the way to the end, and out on the external stairway balcony (on the Bay Lake side). Should give you a great view. Maybe even a reflection of the trail on Bay Lake if the winds are calm. Enjoy!

 

[SeilerBird]

The good news is I have a ticket to the VIP seating area for the launch. The bad news is I have to leave my house at 3 am.

 

[Conan the Librarian]

The Observation deck in the Wilderness lodge.

From Saratoga, we found a nice spot on the lake for shuttle launches, as well as the open area in front of the Studios, right by the lake.

When we finally get our sailboat, I'll be out in the Atlantic, as close to the area as permitted to see launches. Just have to find the right one.

 

[CraftyMommy]

I saw a shuttle launch from Downtown Disney once. It just looked a lot like a shooting star in the sky (but slower than a shooting star). Its so far away you can't really see any details on it.

 

[rocketmom]

The last time we watched a launch from WDW was a couple of years ago. We watched from Epcot in the fountain area. Look toward Mission Space and you should see it (weather permitting) after it clears the trees. This is not a small rocket. It is a Delta 4 Heavy, the largest rocket being launched these days. You should be able to see it.

 

[lions1995]

I've seen two unexpected launches. One was the space shuttle launch I saw while eating outside at the DTD rainforest. The second was the Mars rover while walking around the boardwalk/ yacht club. Give. These two locations, I'd puck the boardwalk area. It is very open and not much tall building n your immediate near field vision.

 

[Turn the Page]

I once saw a space shuttle launch for the Fort Wilderness pool.

Seriously, we were splashing around in the pool and all of a sudden my dad says "hey, look up there!!!! It's the shuttle!!!!"

It was really cool to see.

 

[Networth]

You can see launches just about anywhere due to proximity to Kennedy Space Center. As the rocket increases in attitude you will be able to see it just make sure your looking East.

 

[winthropf]

I'm about to get flamed, but I watch and took pictures of a shuttle launch while standing under the Sorcerer's hat in HS, may still have been MGM then.

At 7am, best bet would be a resort observation area as high as possible. Is the CR observation deck accessible at that time of the morning?

 

[mjhannaf]

I know I'm going to try and get to the top of the contemporary!

 

[Networth]

I'm about to get flamed, but I watch and took pictures of a shuttle launch while standing under the Sorcerer's hat in HS, may still have been MGM then. At 7am, best bet would be a resort observation area as high as possible. Is the CR observation deck accessible at that time of the morning?

No, years ago you could get to the roof all by yourself practically this was when top of the world lounge was where CG is but now a days no to the best of my knowledge.

 

[polymerpig]

We have seen a few shuttle launches over the years. For one we were standing in Epcot in the Japan and Morocco area. One from just outside the entrance of Hollywood Studios. And another from the Kodak Lounge at Epcot, which sadly does not exist any more But go up the ramp at the end of the jumping fountains at Journey into Imagination and the door at the end used to be the entrance to the lounge.

 

[MaleficentRN]

Thanks all! I'm at BLT so maybe I'll see it. There's heavy fog here now, but they're holding the launch. Maybe they fog will lift by then?

 

[cgattis]

Launch time now 7:17 ET. Another moron in a boat.