Shuttle launch viewing?

[Gator Kate]

Hi,
The new date and time for Discovery launch is July 26th at 10:39 a.m. We'll be at the BC that day. Does anyone know if it's visible from anywhere on WDW property? Any tips from anyone who's done this before? Just thought it might be fun if it's at all possible.
TIA.

 

[LadyLt]

I have seen one shuttle launch from WDW. I actually watched it from the bridge in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. It was not obviously the "shuttle", it was a bright firey light in the sky. We knew it was the shuttle of course, but there was no difinition to it from this distance. I still want to be closer to Cocoa one day when another takes off.

 

[nealpads]

We were waiting to be seated at Cape May in the Beach Club watching the preparation for the launch on the TV in the bar/lounge. The bartender told us to go to the front of the Beach Club-just about to the bridge. From the bridge (to the parking lot), we saw the shuttle above the villas.

Janelle

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We saw a shuttle launch in 12/01 from the hot tub at the WL. A lot of people were gathered at the walkway in front of the geyser too. It was very visible for a long time, very fascinating to watch as we relaxed in the hot tub!

P.S. It was about 8 or 9 p.m. so really all we saw was a red fire going across the sky.

 

[Gator Kate]

Thanks, these are some good tips!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We had a great view of a launch from the Monorail Station at MK. Perfect view at the East end of the station.

 

[wanna-b-Tink]

We viewed what I think was a satellite launch from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock a couple of years ago. It seemed like we watched it for a really long time. Once I realized what it was, I got out the video camera and have it on film. It was night time, and was very visible.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

They had a launch in March 05' when we there. I think it was a satelite too. We where on the steps in front of the large hat at MGM, and just face east & look up. Just saw a firey cloud go straight up and the smoke line stay a long time. Some people around us, asked what are you looking for, and we told them so everyone was looking and there it went. We had a whole group of strangers around us. Lots of fun. Exciting.

Mky

 

[freakylick]

For more info, check out this shuttle launch thread.

 

[mitros]

We saw a shuttle coming back while standing at the bus stop in front of OKW.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I've seen a shuttle launch from the top of the mountain in the Fantasmic! theatre right before the show started.

 

[SueEllen]

You can get a great view of it from just about anywhere on Disney property. It's not as defined as when you head out closer to Cocoa, but you will be happier not sitting it traffic for HOURS on the beeline to try to get out that way. We went out almost to Cocoa to watch it, and have also seen it from WDW (Animal Kingdom main entrance by the busses.)

Just look to the East and you will see a bright light in the sky with the plumes of smoke behind it.

Sue Ellen

 

[PixieDust32]

Wow! how cool, we always wanted to see a launch, too bad won't be there next week!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Traffic...I was lucky to be at Cocoa Beach for the very first shuttle launch back in 1981 by the time we walked back to the car and drove a few blocks back to the highway, to wait our turn to join the traffic (10 mins) Columbia was already over the Indian Ocean.

It's a day I will always remember. We heard the count down, (radio) saw the fire from ignition, could see her start moving slowly up the launch pad, then when it was about half way up, the earth stared to shake and the sound blast hit. Everywhere up and down the jetty people were shouting GO, GO, GO and then cheering like we helped it reach orbit.

I also was watching from the roof of the telecommunication company were I worked when Challenger's external tanks blew up we knew that all on board had been lost.

 

[PixieDust32]

Oh i remember the challenger, i ask in middle school and we were getting ready for school, my mom and i were eating breakfast and watching TV, when the shuttle blew up i was in shock!

I will always remember that day!