Shuttle launch

[jockey]

Has anyone any experinces of a shuttle launch they would like to share? We have booked tickets for the launch of 7th December!

 

[jockey]

`bump

 

[kmccartney]

Hey, we will be at Disney on December 7th too... can you tell me where I could get shuttle launch information? Thanks!!!

 

[kmccartney]

Okay, I AM an idiot... one simple Google search gave me launch information on first hit....

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

We were at WDW and we were driving back to our lodging (off site). I made a wrong turn and had to turn around. About that time the shuttle launched and we could see if from Orlando. (would have missed it if I had not missed my turn). Just a large plume of smoke but we sure knew what it was. A few months later we happened to be there again when that same shuttle came down. We could see a tiny line of smoke at that time. Not like actually being at the launch site but pretty neat.

 

[dgaston]

Twice we have driven to Titusville for shuttle launches (7/13/05, and 7/1/06) only to have the launches scrubbed. Just keep that in mind should you decide to get closer to NASA.

 

[jockey]

Okay, I AM an idiot... one simple Google search gave me launch information on first hit....

Glad you got the info!

 

[jockey]

I am getting really excited about the launch! We saw by chance from Orlando back in December 2000 so i just can't wait to see it up close!

Hope its not scrubbed - we have a 10 day window to work with as we leave Orlando on 16th December!

 

[leanne11]

we stayed at ron jon for 10 days and when you checkin we got tickets and a nasa person was there told us be prepared for delays and cancellations and everyday they would put up a note saying closed or delayed, it wasn't until way after we came home did it go up,remember cocoa beach is the lightening capitol of the use so if it looks at all bad they cancel..

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

Here is a link to a thread about the launch of Discovery back in July. There are some great places listed to watch from the parks, there are some awesome pics as well from the launch. On the last page you will find my pictures from the NASA causeway of the Atlantis Launch. We LOVE going out to watch them... Jetty Park (right next to the entrance of the Ron Jon Resort) is a great place, as well as Spaceview Park in Titusville.

We have watched the last 2 from Kennedy Space Center property and could not have been more excited, delighted, mesmorized...you name it, we went through ever emotion... I highly recommend seeing a launch in person to anyone that even "thinks" about going. You have to have patience and know that a scrub is probably, as they never seem to get off on the first try, but if you get to see it go, you will NOT be disappointed. Have fun, we will be there with you.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1144755

 

[hobogary]

We have been there for 3 launches. 2 were night launches from All- stars. We watched them on tv and then went out to see the rest, looked like the sun coming up, the first was the Challenger. we were leaving Daytona Beach and watch from the hotel, it kept getting delayed, we left for Disney and kept watching and listening to the radio, went into Epcot and didn't hear a thing until that night in our Motel.

 

[sammielynn]

I was in Orlando for the last launch in Sept. Watch from a hotel balcony at DTD. Not up close but very cool.

 

[Sparkles9306]

I was also there for the launch in September. After many days of delays, I had forgotten all about it. We were waiting for the monorail and someone pointed it out. I was definitely cool to see. It looked like a large plume of smoke going up into the sky very fast.

 

[makinorlando]

There have been no nighttime launches since we moved to Orlando... I can not wait for the first one... The next launch after that is scheduled for my birthday.... 2/22!

 

[Kycha]

We had tried, in vain, for years to plan a WDW trip with a shuttle launch. But, had not had any luck until the September launch of Atlantis. The original launch date was August 27th. We were arriving Sept 4th, labor day. The original launch was scrubbed(hurricane warning) and rescheduled for Sept 6th. Then that was given a 24 hour hold(equipment problems), so new launch date of Sept 7th. So, after driving over to Titusville from Pop Century, we wait about 45 minutes to find out they put another hold on the launch. By this time we were giving up hope. So, now Sat, Sept 9th is the new launch date. This was our last full day in Florida, so, it was now or never. We make the hour long trek back over to Titusville on Saturday and within the hour we were able to see Atlantis STS-115 launch. It was an amazing sight and well worth the wait. I had seen many shuttle launches back in the early 90's while I lived in Cocoa. But, this was DH first. So, be flexible and be prepared for delays and even cancellations.

 

[SharBear4]

We're trying for the Shuttle launch on Dec 7th which will be at night. How early do you recommend being at Titusville Space View Park? The launch is scheduled for after 9:30pm.

 

[Kycha]

We're trying for the Shuttle launch on Dec 7th which will be at night. How early do you recommend being at Titusville Space View Park? The launch is scheduled for after 9:30pm.

Both times we made it out to Space View Park about an hour before launch time. Which was perfect. We were able to get good parking(at the bank), and a good viewing spot with shade(which you obviously won't need). Good luck and have fun! Night launches are really breathtaking. It really looks like night turns into day at ignition.

 

[SharBear4]

That sounds so exciting!!! Now if we can just get it launched and not scrubbed that day! Thanks.....

 

[jockey]

Here is a link to a thread about the launch of Discovery back in July. There are some great places listed to watch from the parks, there are some awesome pics as well from the launch. On the last page you will find my pictures from the NASA causeway of the Atlantis Launch. We LOVE going out to watch them... Jetty Park (right next to the entrance of the Ron Jon Resort) is a great place, as well as Spaceview Park in Titusville.

We have watched the last 2 from Kennedy Space Center property and could not have been more excited, delighted, mesmorized...you name it, we went through ever emotion... I highly recommend seeing a launch in person to anyone that even "thinks" about going. You have to have patience and know that a scrub is probably, as they never seem to get off on the first try, but if you get to see it go, you will NOT be disappointed. Have fun, we will be there with you.




http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1144755

Thanks for the link! What type of camera did you use for those pics they are fab! I am just wondereing what lense to bring for my camera!

How long should we allow to get from Orlando to Kennedy? We have to arrive at KSC for 12.45 for lunch with an astronaut!

 

[5mins2disney]

We were there in September..and were planning on going to KSC to watch the launch..then it got delayed / scrubbed.

Our friends who live in Orlando had told us how they had tickets booked one day on the KSC grounds to see the launch...they leave 2 hours in advance thinking they have plenty of time to get there. Traffic is a BEAR on launch days cause everyone heads that way..so they end up getting near the gates and are sitting in a huge traffic jam. Get close to the gates finally and the lady tells them they're too late!! Sorry..your tickets are not valid, you're late!!

Ouch..waste of tickets, time and $$! So..their advice to us was to leave to get there WAY early on launch day if you want to catch it!