Shuttle launch advice???

[Cruz91]

There is supposed to be a shuttle launch during our next trip. Since they're retiring that program in 2010, we thought it would be great to run over and watch it with the kids. It will probably be a 'game time' decision (depending on naps and weather and that kinda' stuff), but I'd like to plan as if we're going to make the trip.

So... Anyone ever gone and seen it before? How long does it take to get from WH to the launch site? Any great tips on how to get there and where to park would be appreciated too!

TIA!

 

[Princess-in-Training]

Hi there!

We lived in that area for 3 years. Normally, it should take about an hour to 1.5 hours to get to the Cape. HOWEVER -- PLEASE plan on much more than that!!! Last year we drove from Cocoa Beach to the Auto Train in Sanford after a waiting to watch a planned launch (the launch was scrubbed ) It took us 5 hours! !!!!! I'm not saying you'll encounter the same, but your best bet would be to go check out Cocoa Beach (Ron Jons Surf shop is popular) EARLY and then go scope out a location. many people set up on the beach to watch. Make a day out of it so you're not stuck in traffic.

At the time, DS was 3 and DD was 6 months. DS got a bored as we were at a special viewing site we were lucky enough to have tickets for - and we didn't have many toys to keep him occupied. The wait can be long if they have to stop the countdown for any reason, and very anti-climactic if it doesn't go at all (like ours), so plan accordingly. Cocoa Beach is a great beach, so it would be fun even if the launch was scrubbed. Oh, and carry a portable radio so you can listen to the launch sequence so you know when and where to look (though, throngs of people will probably be doing the same as you so you could just watch what everyone else is doing!) Best of luck!


in training

 

[BPCooper]

You'll want to read this guide for an overview:

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html

There is a thread on the upcoming launch here as well:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1486198

It is highly worth the trip over, even if you have to do it more than once. You will not regret it. Good luck, I hope you see it. Which date are you going to be in Florida, by the way? You didn't state.

 

[eliza61]

Remember too that to view the launch from the nasa spot you have to buy tickets. If they scrub the launch you don't get a refund.

 

[Cruz91]

We're planning on being there for the October launch. I've got quite a few colleagues who work for NASA, and am hoping to pull some favors to get tickets and get closer...

Thanks for all the info!

 

[ToInfinity]

Hi there!

We lived in that area for 3 years. Normally, it should take about an hour to 1.5 hours to get to the Cape. HOWEVER -- PLEASE plan on much more than that!!! Last year we drove from Cocoa Beach to the Auto Train in Sanford after a waiting to watch a planned launch (the launch was scrubbed ) It took us 5 hours! !!!!! I'm not saying you'll encounter the same, but your best bet would be to go check out Cocoa Beach (Ron Jons Surf shop is popular) EARLY and then go scope out a location. many people set up on the beach to watch. Make a day out of it so you're not stuck in traffic.

I'm willing to bet that 5 hours to get back is not that uncommon. I think that was about as long as it took us.

 

[disneygirlatheart]

My ds and his stepgranddad went last year to a launch. They had to go 3 days in a row because of the weather, etc. The could not launch, but when they did get to see it they said it was wonderful. My ds still talks about it all the time. Anyway I agree with the other posters. It took 4-5 hours for them to get back. They set in a traffic jam a long time. I hope you get to see a launch and enjoy it!

 

[daisylove]

If you cannot actually go to CC to see it do what we did this June. We went to the top of the tree house at the Magic Kingdom. The shuttle looked like it was launched from behing Space Mountain. Very cool.