Post-Cruise Shuttle Launch?

[757hokie]

To those of us with post-PCC 2.0 stays at WDW (or elsewhere in Central Florida), it looks like we may have a shot at viewing the shuttle launch! NASA has rescheduled the launch window for Dec 17-20. I've been a space geek since way back in the day and I've always wanted to see a launch. Maybe this will be my chance!

See full thread here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2604524

 

[tlcoke]

To those of us with post-PCC 2.0 stays at WDW (or elsewhere in Central Florida), it looks like we may have a shot at viewing the shuttle launch! NASA has rescheduled the launch window for Dec 17-20. I've been a space geek since way back in the day and I've always wanted to see a launch. Maybe this will be my chance!

See full thread here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2604524

That will be great if we get to see it. I saw the final Atlantis launch in May from the Magic Kingdom.

 

[jediobiwan]

I would be incredibly happy if the shuttle launched while we were there. Better yet if they launch on the 18th as that is the day that we don't have definite plans for so we would probably drive back towards the coast. Maybe we could talk Kathy into starting a caravan to her favorite launch spot!

 

[zulemara]

I would be incredibly happy if the shuttle launched while we were there. Better yet if they launch on the 18th as that is the day that we don't have definite plans for so we would probably drive back towards the coast. Maybe we could talk Kathy into starting a caravan to her favorite launch spot!

great idea! I'm in! I saw the delay and got all excited cuz I took that day off from work. That time of the night, viewing from the CA grill should be pretty cool too. Hint Hint for those who can't drive to the coast

 

[UrsulasShadow]

great idea! I'm in! I saw the delay and got all excited cuz I took that day off from work. That time of the night, viewing from the CA grill should be pretty cool too. Hint Hint for those who can't drive to the coast

For anyone joining us in the post-cruise DATW, this is the latest schedule from NASA (subject to change, of course):

Date: Dec. 17 *
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 8:51 p.m. EST (bolding mine)
STS-133 Description: Space shuttle Discovery will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4), a MultiPurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and critical spare components to the International Space Station.


This puts it somewhere in the middle of our trek around Epcot, pre-Illuminations. Wonder if they will delay the start of IllumiNations long enough to see it, if it is indeed scheduled for that date/time.

 

[wdwscout]

For anyone joining us in the post-cruise DATW, this is the latest schedule from NASA (subject to change, of course):

Date: Dec. 17 *
=Launch Time: 8:51 p.m. EST

That would be a fantastic way to enjoy the launch.

 

[parrotheadlois]

This would be an amazing way to finish this fabulous vacation!!!!

 

[safetymom]

Illuminations is at 9:30 so you should be good to watch the shuttle launch if it takes off.

 

[parrotheadlois]

Truly the icing on the cake!

 

[jediobiwan]

great idea! I'm in! I saw the delay and got all excited cuz I took that day off from work. That time of the night, viewing from the CA grill should be pretty cool too. Hint Hint for those who can't drive to the coast

That would be perfect as we have a 9:30 reservation at Cali Grill...now, if only NASA would keep their schedule...somehow, I will try not to hold my breath! Thanks for the idea though!

 

[mytripsandraces]

Is it possible to see the launch from the parks or would we need to drive out there?

 

[OKW Lover]

Is it possible to see the launch from the parks or would we need to drive out there?

You can see the launch from the parks. Just find a spot with an unobstructed view to the east. If you're in Epcot doing DATW, I'd expect the best viewing spots to be between Canada and UK looking across World Showcase Lagoon towards China.

 

[HillPete]

Is there any point in driving about halfway to Cape Canaveral for a better view? Is there anywhere to stop that makes sense? We will be at Universal that day and have no evening plans (and a car!) so we could be in a good spot in plenty of time for the launch.

--H

 

[safetymom]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/os-nasa-delays-shuttle-again-20101202,0,6551386.story Shuttle launch has been delayed again.

 

[757hokie]

It's looking less and less likely that it'll happen by 12/20. Oh well, it would been super cool to see in person, but safety first.

 

[wdwscout]

Oh darn... and I was all set to go to the far end of the parking lot to get a good view

(miss you Bawb )