Shuttle Launch

[insoin]

Not sure if this is the correct board for this, so if not, Mods please feel free to move it. Does anyone know a good area to go and watch the Shuttle launch? I'm not talking about while at WDW, but perhaps somewhere near the coast? Does anyone have a good idea of a city near the Cape to visit? Wouldn't mind taking a day and staying at the beach even.

Thanks!
Scott

 

[sjanus]

We watched the shuttle launch in Titusville along A1A. Anywhere along A1A is good. You can just pull off the highway if you get there early enough or some places provide parking. We were across the canal and it was the most wonderful view and experience! There was a hotel there where we watched it, but I can't remember the name. We did get there about 2 hours ahead of time. Make sure you pack a lunch, as it is hard to get into any of the restaurants as they are jam packed! We ended up walking a mile or so to a McDonald's. We thought we would park early and then find dinner--a bad idea.

Also, you can watch it from Cocoa Beach by the Pier or up further near Canaveral Beach would be good.

Hope that's helpful!

Sandy

 

[mareed]

Part of my group also watched from Titusville and said the view was great! The 6 hour drive back to Orlando - not so great! (And that's 60 miles in 6 hours... Very slow, painful drive home after a dusk launch in March that put them home after 2:00 am.) So if you drive, be prepared with food, drinks and entertainment for a long drive home sitting in bumper to bumper traffic all the way back to Orlando. I think it was at least an hour before they even moved from the spot where they parked!

 

[sjanus]

Wow--6 hours! In November, it took us about 2 hours to get back from Titusville, however, we got out right away and were a little ahead of some of the crowd. It was worth it......a great experience! Would do it again in a heartbeat if the opportunity arises.

We went down again in February and stayed a few days on Cocoa Beach when the launch was to occur--and would have had a great view--as we stayed by the pier. However, the launch was delayed until March. Oh well....that's the way it goes!

 

[sjms71]

I was going to say the same thing about getting back to the Orlando area. We went in March 2009 down to Jetty Park (Cocoa Beach area). It took us over 4 hours to get back. It was a nightmare however, it was an awesome experience to watch.

 

[insoin]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think we are gonna spend the night in that area because it is our last day in FL and are gonna head home the next day.

 

[Tiffa]

Ok great thread I just asked this question on another thread, there is a June 13th flight and tickets are over $200 bucks for a family of 4 It would be ok if it was closer to the first part of our trip but its near the end and there are no refunds for a delayed flight. I really want to see it if you know the name of a great hotel or can send me in the right direction I would be greatful

 

[loriandmatt]

We went to Jetty Park at the very tip top of cocoa beach. Not much there. We paid about $5 to park on the beach and packed a pic nic lunch. Got there really early and had a spot right up against the canal...it was great we saw manatees in the wild!!! We hit the beach for a few hours, came back to the car for late lunch and watched the launch. Spectacular.

my advice....go back to the beach for a few hours....traffic going back to central Florida after a launch is horrific and there is nothing along the Bee line (road from Orlando to cocoa beach)...nothing!

Before you do leave make sure you....

A.) fill up on gas
B.) have your cell charged
C.) have plenty of snacks in the car or be on a full stomach
D.) bring your patience
E.) hit the potty - everyone, even if you think you don't have to go! (edited that one in...it's critical!)

The trip over from Orlando to cocoa beach in the AM (before launch) about an hour give or take a few min...

the trip back even though we waited at least 3 hours after the launch before we attempted to start back.....at least 3 hours.

 

[SignMeUp]

We are thinking about going for the August launch. We'll drive over the day before the launch and want to stay somewhere near/on the beach. We'll stay there for 2 or 3 nights, so getting back to Orlando won't be an issue. Any recommendations on where we should stay? We'll have 12-14 people in our group. Can you actually see the launch from the beach resorts there?