planning for shuttle launch

[kschafer]

Does anyone have any advice about planning a trip specifically to see a shuttle launch?

Was thinking of finally getting to see a launch and the last one in June is a possibility. I already have a trip planned for November so I don't have the need to combine it with a Disney trip, we would consider simply a beach vacation this time around.

Does anyone know if there are hotels in the area that would have decent viewing (from a balcony or rooftop deck perhaps)? Our goal truly would be to see as much as possible. Do I have to try to get tickets for the causeway to do this?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Momma2PrinceNPrinces]

We were going to try to see the June launch as well, but decided not to try since the rumor is it may be pushed off till late July/Early August.

When I was doing research, we were thinking of staying the night in Cocoa Beach. There are quite a few hotels and the launch can be seen very well from their beach. On Nasa's site there is a list of off-site viewing areas and Cocoa Pier was #2 behind Titusville.

Hope that helps! Have fun!!!

 

[kschafer]

Thanks for that info!

Luckily, DH and I are both teachers so if the flight is delayed, we can adjust plans but maybe we should consider driving instead of booking a flight right now.

 

[Orlando Vic]

Thanks for that info!

Luckily, DH and I are both teachers so if the flight is delayed, we can adjust plans but maybe we should consider driving instead of booking a flight right now.

I hate to break it to you, but the shuttle launched last Thursday.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/os-discovery-launch-20110224,0,6816975.story

 

[dis-happy]

There are still 2 more planned, one for April and one for June, which the OP was asking about.

I've done about a dozen. You can try for the causeway tickets, but they sell out in seconds. Worth a shot though. I got it once.

Otherwise, we watch from the beach (Indian River) in Titusville. You can see it on the launch pad and watch the whole thing, from ignition flames to the rising, to the sonic boom. It lasts a couple of minutes before it disappears from view. There are supposed to be several other places with a similar view, this is the one I know.

The last launch on Thursday was waaaay more crowded than usual and I expect the next two to be even worse.

It's totally worth the experience. GL

 

[PrincesCJM]

Any other suggested locations on where to view the launch? DH is a huge fan of the shuttle program and he can't wait to potentially see a launch. We'll be in Florida for April's launch (fingers crossed).

 

[Orlando Vic]

There are still 2 more planned, one for April and one for June, which the OP was asking about.

You are correct. Sorry.

 

[dis-happy]

You are correct. Sorry.

And you are right there to see them, lucky you! Enjoy!!!

 

[jeff968]

I hate to break it to you, but the shuttle launched last Thursday.

time to remove foot from mouth!!!

Anyway, I can offer some advise here as we were in Orlando last week. First, a big thank you to dis-happy for all her help planning our visit to view the space shuttle. That said, we never made it!!

I think what is happening is with the wind-down of the space shuttle program these last couple of launches are going to be very well attended. If you want to see one plan on the entire day being devoted to the activity. The 2/24 launch was at 4:50pm. We left Orlando at 1pm. It is a 50 minute drive to Titusville with no traffic. Well, as soon as we got onto 528 we hit solid traffic. It was a parking lot. We creeped for an hour (we even had the ez-pass so we could go quickly through the tolls) and barely passed the airport. The electronic signs told of massive traffic ahead. We got off, turned around, and I took girls shopping. I was disappointed as I wanted to see it. We had friends at the resort who went and left at noon. He called and told me that after the 3rd toll 528 cleared out and he zoomed to Titusville and got to watch the launch. I was happy for him but then he went to leave. If the traffic was bad getting there then it was a nightmare getting back. He headed back to orlando at 5:30 and didn't get back to our resort until 11:00pm!!! So, if you want to see one of these just be forewarned. Plan to spend the day.

 

[dis-happy]

time to remove foot from mouth!!!

Anyway, I can offer some advise here as we were in Orlando last week. First, a big thank you to dis-happy for all her help planning our visit to view the space shuttle. That said, we never made it!!

I think what is happening is with the wind-down of the space shuttle program these last couple of launches are going to be very well attended. If you want to see one plan on the entire day being devoted to the activity. The 2/24 launch was at 4:50pm. We left Orlando at 1pm. It is a 50 minute drive to Titusville with no traffic. Well, as soon as we got onto 528 we hit solid traffic. It was a parking lot. We creeped for an hour (we even had the ez-pass so we could go quickly through the tolls) and barely passed the airport. The electronic signs told of massive traffic ahead. We got off, turned around, and I took girls shopping. I was disappointed as I wanted to see it. We had friends at the resort who went and left at noon. He called and told me that after the 3rd toll 528 cleared out and he zoomed to Titusville and got to watch the launch. I was happy for him but then he went to leave. If the traffic was bad getting there then it was a nightmare getting back. He headed back to orlando at 5:30 and didn't get back to our resort until 11:00pm!!! So, if you want to see one of these just be forewarned. Plan to spend the day.

I was wondering how you made out. Actually glad to hear you didn't make it---we had a friend from Tampa who met us for the launch. We all left about the same time and I made it back to Hilton Head loooong before she made it back to Tampa. Crazy, insane number of people there this time. Making my plans for how to deal with it next time---have a couple of ideas.....

 

[kschafer]

Thank you for all the responses!

I've done about a dozen. You can try for the causeway tickets, but they sell out in seconds. Worth a shot though. I got it once.

Otherwise, we watch from the beach (Indian River) in Titusville. You can see it on the launch pad and watch the whole thing, from ignition flames to the rising, to the sonic boom. It lasts a couple of minutes before it disappears from view. There are supposed to be several other places with a similar view, this is the one I know.

The last launch on Thursday was waaaay more crowded than usual and I expect the next two to be even worse.

I have heard that about the causeway tickets which is why I thought I would look at backup plans!

your suggestions sounds like just what I was hoping for. Can you tell me if there are any hotels nearby, perhaps in walking distance?

I think what is happening is with the wind-down of the space shuttle program these last couple of launches are going to be very well attended. If you want to see one plan on the entire day being devoted to the activity.

Sorry to hear your plans didn't work out! I suspect you are correct, lot of people taking the chance while they still can! It's something I have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity so it's now or never!

If we go, it will purely be a shuttle launch trip. Probably take several days to allow for a possible delay and just stay in the area (luckily I have another Disney trip in the works so I won't feel like I HAVE to get there!)

 

[mnrose]

time to remove foot from mouth!!!

Anyway, I can offer some advise here as we were in Orlando last week. First, a big thank you to dis-happy for all her help planning our visit to view the space shuttle. That said, we never made it!!

I think what is happening is with the wind-down of the space shuttle program these last couple of launches are going to be very well attended. If you want to see one plan on the entire day being devoted to the activity. The 2/24 launch was at 4:50pm. We left Orlando at 1pm. It is a 50 minute drive to Titusville with no traffic. Well, as soon as we got onto 528 we hit solid traffic. It was a parking lot. We creeped for an hour (we even had the ez-pass so we could go quickly through the tolls) and barely passed the airport. The electronic signs told of massive traffic ahead. We got off, turned around, and I took girls shopping. I was disappointed as I wanted to see it. We had friends at the resort who went and left at noon. He called and told me that after the 3rd toll 528 cleared out and he zoomed to Titusville and got to watch the launch. I was happy for him but then he went to leave. If the traffic was bad getting there then it was a nightmare getting back. He headed back to orlando at 5:30 and didn't get back to our resort until 11:00pm!!! So, if you want to see one of these just be forewarned. Plan to spend the day.

I can totally second this one. We left Orlando at 10:00, and thought we could grab lunch in Cocoa Beach and then spend a leisurely afternoon on the beach (which is very nice, BTW) before the launch. It took us a full two hours to get there (hideous traffic, to the point that they were actually waving us through the tolls to keep traffic moving). We totally did not expect that. Then, finding a parking space was not easy. The "free" spots on Cocoa were gone before 10:00 am, according to some. We found one of the last paid spots (1.50 per hour in a meter) at noon.

Anyway, we did make it. We saw the launch (way cool), and then had dinner before heading back. We left Cocoa Beach at 7:00, and still found hideous traffic on 528, so we headed south to 192 and took that to Kissimmee. We arrived at 9:30 at our rental place in Emerald Island. Not too bad, but a full days trip for sure.

If you decide to do it, allow PLENTY of time.

 

[Angry Eyes]

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html or this one: http://spacelaunchinfo.com/spaceview.html

We just drove down from Cincinnati to see the launch last week and it was amazing! They were reporting 40,000+ people but it seemed like more. We watched from the Max Brewer bridge in Titusville and we arrived 4 hours early coming from the north on I 95. There is a beautiful park to the left of the bridge for kids to play while you wait. We took a frisbee, soccer ball and picnic type supplies (make sure you pack only what you are willing to carry, because you will be walking from your parking spot!) I suggest a rolling cooler. We watched from the bridge and the energy was contagious! The crowd's demographic varied but everyone seemed to expect the wait and the crowds and it was a fun, family atmosphere. It was well worth the planning and drive. It was a moment that made me very proud to be an American and I would highly recommend the experience. Just get there very early (4-6 hours) and come prepared for a picnic type day. Space View Park was nice to walk around but you won't be able to see from there due to the enormous crowds, I say go for the bridge, it puts you 60 feet higher than everyone else.

 

[dave 2]

When is the shuttle scheduled to land? Planning on visiting KSC Sunday or Monday but I believe we can't visit during landing?

 

[newdrama12]

It is expected to land on March 8th, so next tuesday.

 

[mott]

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html or this one: http://spacelaunchinfo.com/spaceview.html

We just drove down from Cincinnati to see the launch last week and it was amazing! They were reporting 40,000+ people but it seemed like more. We watched from the Max Brewer bridge in Titusville and we arrived 4 hours early coming from the north on I 95. There is a beautiful park to the left of the bridge for kids to play while you wait. We took a frisbee, soccer ball and picnic type supplies (make sure you pack only what you are willing to carry, because you will be walking from your parking spot!) I suggest a rolling cooler. We watched from the bridge and the energy was contagious! The crowd's demographic varied but everyone seemed to expect the wait and the crowds and it was a fun, family atmosphere. It was well worth the planning and drive. It was a moment that made me very proud to be an American and I would highly recommend the experience. Just get there very early (4-6 hours) and come prepared for a picnic type day. Space View Park was nice to walk around but you won't be able to see from there due to the enormous crowds, I say go for the bridge, it puts you 60 feet higher than everyone else.

So how do you view from the bridge? Did you park in the Perish Park lot and walk onto the bridge? Or did you just pull over and park on the side of the road (on the bridge)? Also, are there bathrooms near by?
Thanks.