Shuttle Launch opinions needed

[ElementCamper]

Hi all,

Need some opinions on my upcoming September trip. I'm lucky enough to be able to schedule two weeks in a row off after Labor day. I've already got the Fort booked for 09/07-checkout 09/15.

There is a shuttle launch (last one ever) scheduled currently for 09/16 at 11:57 am. I'm planning to stay at Blue Springs State Park the nights of 09/15-16 which is about 30-45 miles from the Space Center.

Those of you who have caught shuttle launches before, need your opinions:
1. Watch the launch from Blue Springs (about 30-45 miles)? (Relaxing at the camper).
2. Try to get reservation to go to the Space Center and watch from there? (Traffic/Crowds).
3. Get closer to the launch area for viewing in Titusville area? (again, traffic/crowds).
4. Extend my reservation at the Fort and watch from there? I understand it is visible from areas at WDW. (Longer fun at WDW!).

I have actually been at Blue Springs for a launch, didn't know it! I was down at the springs snorkeling, having a great time as the park was deserted. When I came back up to the parking lot, the ranger came by and asked 'Did you see the shuttle launch?' My reply, 'what shuttle launch?' There was one scheduled that day and I didn't even know! The vapor trail was passing by overhead.
Since this is the last one EVER, looking forward to this.
As always, thanks in advance for your input and opinions.

 

[big kahuna1]

When my kids use to Soap Box Derby Race I had a competitor friend who worked for Lockheed and got us special passes for several launches. If you can go there and see a launch there is nothing like it. It is truly amazing and incredible. If I was able to get a pass and go I would. Watching it form afar does not compare.

I need to transfer the videos to cd so I can post them and watch them in surround sound at home. Watching them on video was cool but the sound has to be awesome in surround sound.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Pirate Jeff got some photos of a launch from the beach at the Fort this past Oct. (I think it was from the beach)
If ya ask him real nice like, I'd bet he would post them for you.

 

[MandMLUVMMandDVC]

I live in Titusville. The launches are fantastic to see from the shore of the river. But, if you can get tickets to watch it from out at KSC, it's an even better view. However, traffic is terrible and since it's the last launch things will be more crazy than usual. When the shuttle program first started you couldn't move around here. I sat in a traffic jam for like 6 hours to go 4 miles to work at KSC. That ride was normally like 15 minutes. Also don't forget that shuttle launch dates aren't set in stone. They have a tendency to change.

 

[ElementCamper]

Thanks for everyone's replies so far. I'm concerned about the traffic too so the least likely scenario is to go to or near the KSC. I built some flexibility into my schedule too, that's the reason for booking Blue Springs the night before and night of the launch and I don't actually have to be home until the following Saturday or Sunday.
I'd love to be somewhat close, but, those that have seen it from WDW, how's it look from there? I'd really rather extend my days at the Fort!
I also like the area over around Blue/Alexander springs, I love spring hopping.
If it works out and launches on time, may move up to Panama City Beach area for Thursday/Friday/Saturday, maybe St. Josephs. They still have waterfront sites available (yeah I know, hurricane season!). I don't worry about those, can't fix the weather.

 

[des1954]

The facts as stated by MandMLUVMMandDVC should not be taken lightly. We have driven over for three launches (one was at KSC and two near KSC). IF this is truly the last launch, KSC will be worse than the busiest day you will ever encounter at WDW. The launch we spent at KSC was horrendous. The center is ill prepared to handle the amount of people they let in, they do not have near enough restaurant/snack places, few places to get out of the sun, and few places to sit. The day we were at KSC, we actually got fed up and went back to the parking lot and sat in our car to watch the launch. I have to say that an air conditioned seat and being the first out of the parking lot were the two pluses of the day. Honestly - I would never go back to KSC to view a launch. If you get stuck in traffic - you can plan on sitting there for a good 3-4 hours, or more. If you think you'll outsmart the traffic by pulling into a restaurant to eat while you wait out the traffic, you'll wait in line for a table for about 2 hours cause everyone else had the same thought.

I prefer to find a place on A1A about 10 miles away to view the launch - or to watch from Jetty Park at Port Canaveral. Not only will you see the launch, but you'll catch some cruise ships launching or returning, and be on one of the prettiest beaches on the Atlantic. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it on the beach.

 

[bama_ed]

ElementCamper,

Like you, I would love to see a Shuttle launch. Problem is, even a 2-week window six months in advance is like threading a needle. Any delay in any mission between now and then will ripple through the schedule. I hope for your sake it works out but a lot of things would have to work out.

My dad (70yo) is in Florida right now with his four brothers for their annual baseball Spring Training week. One of them is retired Air Force and can rent a house at some AFB in Cocoa Beach which is just south of the Cape. Even three months ago the next shuttle launch was scheduled for this week (when they would be down there) and they were excited. But it has slipped until after they return home.

Good luck to you and I hope you get to see it happen.

Bama ED

 

[ElementCamper]

Hi all,

I agree, it's a long time off and a lot can happen between now and September, still working on the plan and everyone'e input is appreciated!

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

Both are photos are taken from the fort dock. Go to the end and look to the right.

If I could I would watch the launch from KSC or Tittusville just be ready for loads of traffic and launch delays.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Both are photos are taken from the fort dock. Go to the end and look to the right.

If I could I would watch the launch from KSC or Tittusville just be ready for loads of traffic and launch delays.

Yes,,I would watch from KSC or Titisville too if I could,,but still, those pics impress me,
Thanks Jeff.

 

[disney4dan]

Nancy and I were looking forward to watching a shuttle launch that was supposed to take off the day we were to depart Port Canaveral last November. The weather delayed the shuttle so we missed it.

I would love to see one take off, but never got the chance and there is no way to make it down this year (well, if my lottery ticket number ever comes up I could go!).

Anyone ever hear the story about the recovery teams finding the Hi8 video tape from the shuttle that broke up during re-entry? They showed up at a house to pick up a piece of metal debris on the lawn, and the guy noticed what looked like the tape from a music cassette on the dirt drive (no case left, just the tape on the spool). Luckily, he picked it up and sent it along, turned out to be the last video shot of the crew right before re-entry.

 

[BradyBz12]

5 trips to WDW since 2004, almost all with scheduled launches, and we finally got to actually see one this past November. We watched from the FW beach/dock and saw pretty much what PirateJeff posted.

I'd have preferred a closer view, but with all the monkeying around they do with the launch schedules, we didn't want to potentially waste a day driving back and forth. View from the beach was still pretty darned impressive.

 

[disney92]

We happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Thursday, March 4, 2010 after spending some time at the Boardwalk, my family and I walked over to EPCOT to enjoy some pastries in FRANCE.

While on the bridge, right outside France, we noticed people pointing to the sky.

In a once in a lifetime opportunity for our family, we happen to get to see a satelite launching into the sky...... we could see the satelite and the l o n g cloud of white smoke below it.

It was an amazing thing to see. It was there for awhile and then instantly gone. This is something we will always remember...By the way, there were no crowds, no hard time parking, and French pastries were close by.

 

[tlh0726]

We were lucky enough to see one and video tape it from POP last March.
A gentlemen that worked in Houston for NASA was there with his family. DH and him were discussing various things (dh actually worked on part of the shuttle) Have some interesting facts on that tape. You can actually see the booster seperation and hear the sonic boom.

The guy debated about going to the launch but since it could be called off at the very last second decided that it was not worth possibly wasting an entire day.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Can you imagine riding inna shuttle ?
The ULTIMATE thrill ride !

 

[clkelley]

I saw a night launch from the Fort dock once. That was pretty cool.

 

[robinb]

Get tickets at the KSC (if you can). The view is amazing! Just pack a lot of patience with you for the traffic. It will be worth it. Everyone was just in an amazing mood after the launches I saw there the traffic just didn't matter. Now getting there was a different story. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

 

[tlh0726]

I saw a night launch from the Fort dock once. That was pretty cool.

Would love to see that! Lucky you!!

 

[m1tchells]

AS previously mentioned, the view from Jetty Park is great. And not only is it a day park, but a campground as well. Luckily, there were no launch delays. We arrived the day before the launch and left the day after...so no traffic problems for us.

 

[ElementCamper]

Wow, thanks all!

If it looks that cool from the Fort and the launch schedule is so iffy, may just extend my Fort stay a couple more days at least. Still on the fence about Blue Springs but everyone's suggestions have really helped.