Shuttle launch trip?

[lisaj]

When we booked our holiday with Virgin in May 2006 for October of this year we booked a trip to Kennedy Space Centre. Had a phone call on Thursday night from a Virgin Rep in Orlando (Jay - he was fantastically helpful) to tell us that the day we booked is Shuttle Launch day and would we like to change dates for our tour or upgrade to the Shuttle Launch tour. Silly question, we obviously upgraded (my DS is doing space as his school project from September to December - if the shuttle goes on the correct day it will be unbelievably good timing for him!)

Anyway, has anyone made the VIP trip with Virgin on a shuttle launch date and do you have any tips?

Thanks again to you all for all the help with planning our holiday.

 

[lisaj]

Bumping, anyone?

 

[team harris]

We have been out in Orlando for a couple of launches and it is a truly amazing sight. Having said that it is a real nail biting time. The count down stops and starts so often that you think here we go and then it stops. If it should be delayed, do not panic as you can see it in the sky in Orlando, you just need to be watching the sky in the right direction. Enjoy and your DS will have some truly amazing pictures for his project!

 

[Claire L]

Just be aware that if the tour is for a spot onsite at KSC to see the launch they are very strict about what you can and cannot take with you. Big bags are out of the question but you can take a blanket/rug to sit on along with camera etc.

Claire

 

[loadsapixiedust]

A launch is an amazing experience and will be a fantastic thing for your DS. Make sure you buy the day's newspapers for some photos he can keep for his project. Also look out for info about the mission on the NASA website.

 

[jns]

lucky you
what date is the launch

 

[wils]

What an amazing opportunity - I hope it works out well for you all

 

[Claire L]

lucky you
what date is the launch

October 23rd

Claire

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

You can watch it "rolling" out to the pad at this very moment (16:17). Approx anothe 1.5 hours until it arrives at the pad:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

 

[lisaj]

A launch is an amazing experience and will be a fantastic thing for your DS. Make sure you buy the day's newspapers for some photos he can keep for his project. Also look out for info about the mission on the NASA website.

Great tip thank you we will.

 

[lisaj]

You can watch it "rolling" out to the pad at this very moment (16:17). Approx anothe 1.5 hours until it arrives at the pad:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

Thanks just had a look at that.

 

[lisaj]

Thanks all for posting, Claire do you think we will be ok with our camcorder bag and fanny packs for the children?

 

[Claire L]

Thanks all for posting, Claire do you think we will be ok with our camcorder bag and fanny packs for the children?

Yes that should be fine and anything extra you can leave on the bus that takes you to KSC. Don't forget some water though as may get warm out there.

Claire

 

[BPCooper]

Well I'm glad you were offered it and he got the date right. I don't know about your package and where the viewing is from, but you might inquire. It is likely to be either from the visitors complex, or, if you are even luckier, the causeway which is the closest public viewing location and of which tickets have long been sold out for this launch. If it is for the causeway it is probably titled "launch transportation tickets."

My guide can give you a rundown of the sites:

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

If you have any questions please ask.

 

[catherine]

October 23rd

Claire

Do you know what time it's launching?

I found the answer it's 11.38

 

[lawlesslovewdw]

Take insect repellent! We were there mid sept and dh who ignored my advise to use the stuff got bitten to death It should be an amazing experience

 

[lisaj]

Yes the tickets are for the launching causeway. Time 11.38 and I will definitely remember the mosquito repellant. My DD (5) is desperate NOT to go but if DS is putting up with four princess meals I'm sure she can 'put up with' one shuttle launch.