Shuttle Launch - 29th July

[LorraineH]

Hi All

My DS16 is really keen to see the shuttle launch on 29th July.

I wont be driving and have seen several companies offering tours with pick up from Orlando hotels to view the launch right at KSC - cost is around £180 for the three of us.

I would love to do this... every review I have read says that if you have the chance to view a launch, then it really should be taken, however I am just worried about the costs involved if the launch is cancelled!

I can get a full refund if the launch is cancelled more than 3 days beforehand. But after that time, then no refunds are applicable.

So does anyone have any idea of the likelihood of a launch happening on the set day - or is there a very high chance of cancellation?

Do launches normally cancel on their first attempt? Or is the probability likely that the launch will go ahead?!

I know this is a difficult question to answer - but if anyone has any statistics on % cancellations/lift offs then that would be useful in helping me make up my mind whether Im going to book.

Thanks all

Lorraine

 

[jtlover]

We went last August and saw a night launch but it was cancelled like 4 times before it eventually went a few days later. They usually dont give much notice regarding cancellation.

We did not go to the launch area - we watched it from our Disney hotel balcony and also had the tv on. It was amazing.

Speaking to locals they said that the roads going to the launch get clogged hours before a launch anyway - we were happy to see it from the hotel. I certainly wouldnt pay £180 with no guarantee.

 

[wayneg]

Don't think I would pay that kind of money. Even though seeing a launch is one of the best experiences of my life. They can be delayed right upto the final minutes, they are often delayed.
We are hoping to see 2 this year, Easter & August(hoping for a delay until after 4th when we arrive)

Driving was really easy for us, heard about traffic jams but we saw nothing clear roads all the way there, coming back satnav took us via the town Christmas again no traffic.

 

[LorraineH]

Hmmm.... decisions, decisions.....

Thank you for the responses.

I didnt know the shuttle can be seen from the Orlando area... we are staying on I-Drive for the last 10 days of July, then in WDW for the first 10 days of August so it may be better to do what jtlover has done.... watch the build up on TV then head outside to see the shuttle.

Im not sure we'd get that same feeling of "being there" though just watching it from our hotel...

xx