Shuttle Launch

[SplashMom]

We will be in Orlando during the next shuttle launch (February 24) and I'm wondering if anyone has advice on where we can watch from. We have been to NASA before and I don't want to spend the day there again but we may drive over to Cocoa Beach and watch the launch. Has anyone done this? Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[coastgirl]

I know I've seen a discussion of this, but I coudn't find it. This looks helpful. I know I've heard fo Jetty Park as a good place to view. Maybe see you there! I have missed several launches (only maybe 2 or 3 missions, but have endured the rescheduling and rescheduling on each). I would LOOOOOVE to see it, but it's the day before we return, and I'm not getting my hopes up again.

http://goflorida.about.com/od/capeportcanavera/a/ksc_launchsites.htm

 

[dvcdisney]

We've seen a few launches while sitting at the beach at BCV. However, most of them (with the exception of one) were during daylight hours and not the best view. However, if the launch is during the evening, we have had a great view from BCV and another was from Epcot. The CMs were letting everyone know that the launch was happening soon and he pointed to where we should look. It was amazing.

I know a few people have driven to the coast, but we didn't want to be in the middle of that crowd. Our view was just fine.

By the way, we'll be at Disney also, but I believe the launch is in the late afternoon so we're not expecting much to see.

 

[stefanospops]

We arrive at Orlando on the 24th. Maybe we'll look for it!

 

[LSmith]

Cocoa Beach is an excellent spot to watch the launch. You might also be lucky enough to see dolphins, manatees and manta rays.

We went in April/98 and just made a beach day out of it. This way we weren't sitting on the side of the highway waiting. There will be people on the beach with radios for the countdown etc. The view is excellent.

Just put on plenty of sunscreen. Although the day was overcast I got a serious burn, and I don't usually burn.

 

[sean-1966]

I watched one of the night launches from Animal Kingdom Lodge. I had a few cocktails at the bar by the pool and when the time came I just walked behind the bar to watch it live. Great memory, and great mojitos...

 

[SplashMom]

Well, since the launch will be in daylight, I think we will head to Cocoa Beach for the afternoon. We won't be in a rush so we'll hang around a bit after the launch before heading back...hopefully avoiding some of the traffic. Sounds like a plan...thanks for the advice!!

 

[ChisJo]

Just don't be surprised if the launch is delayed....I've been in Orlando twice when there was supposed to be a shuttle launch, and both were delayed. Hope you do get to watch it...that would be awesome.

 

[SplashMom]

You're right--they are often delayed. There have been a few times that we had planned initially to attend a launch but they have always been delayed quite a bit in advance of our trip. This time, it is still on schedule only a few weeks beforehand so you never know. We'll certainly be watching for updates!

 

[coastgirl]

The delay I remember most acutely was when I changed our flight into MCO to get there early in the day of the launch. We were in our recently-acquired rental car on the outskirts of Cocoa Beach when we heard on the radio it was delayed. :-( It was at the start of our trip, so I was hopeful. It was rescheduled twice, once when we should've been able to watch it from the Wonder as we were leaving on our cruise--now that would've been cool--but they eventually put me out of my misery and rescheduled it for two months later.

 

[rjan67]

Cocoa beach would be perfect. Lots to do plus a great visual. We saw a launch from New Smyrna beach - about 20 miles up the beach. Not super close but very exciting! Everyone comes down to the beach to watch. My aunt stayed in her condo to call out to us if the launch was a go!

 

[mommasita]

We saw one at Satellite beach. LOVED IT. The crowds like Cocoa were incredible. But I loved where we were. We could see it across the water shoot up, and felt it under the ground.

 

[SplashMom]

I've never heard of Satellite Beach...I'll have to check it out. Is there a park area or you just walk down the beach?

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

The NASA causeway is the closest and best public viewing site for Space Shuttle launches. As the KSC Visitors Complex is in charge of causeway viewing, you would need to buy tickets and they do sell out fast.

Titusville is the second best clear viewing area, and is the closest off-site/free location. We caught the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132 from Titusville and highly recommend it. Here are a couple pictures from that launch.

Well, since the launch will be in daylight, I think we will head to Cocoa Beach for the afternoon. We won't be in a rush so we'll hang around a bit after the launch before heading back...hopefully avoiding some of the traffic. Sounds like a plan...thanks for the advice!!

You will most likely encounter some traffic both heading out to the launch and coming home. We actually made the mistake of heading into Cocoa Beach after the Atlantis launch (no traffic going in) and when we left about 2 hours later, it ended up taking us almost 2 hours to get back to Orlando.

Not to scare you but this was the traffic on our way out to Titusville ... not sure if the traffic is always like this, or if it was because it was the last launch of Atlantis ...

This was on our way back from Cocoa Beach ... about 3 or 4 hours after the launch ...

 

[mommasita]

I've never heard of Satellite Beach...I'll have to check it out. Is there a park area or you just walk down the beach?

I think it was in Titusville.

We parked at a local mall, and walked across the street to the restaurant, ate, and then walked outside.

There were TONS of people, and the way back took 2 hrs, when it should have taken 10 minutes, but I would not have changed a thing.

 

[ChisJo]

I would have a panic attack...I'm TERRIBLE in congested traffic. My hubby would have to drive.

Great photos!

The NASA causeway is the closest and best public viewing site for Space Shuttle launches. As the KSC Visitors Complex is in charge of causeway viewing, you would need to buy tickets and they do sell out fast.

Titusville is the second best clear viewing area, and is the closest off-site/free location. We caught the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132 from Titusville and highly recommend it. Here are a couple pictures from that launch.

You will most likely encounter some traffic both heading out to the launch and coming home. We actually made the mistake of heading into Cocoa Beach after the Atlantis launch (no traffic going in) and when we left about 2 hours later, it ended up taking us almost 2 hours to get back to Orlando.

Not to scare you but this was the traffic on our way out to Titusville ... not sure if the traffic is always like this, or if it was because it was the last launch of Atlantis ...

This was on our way back from Cocoa Beach ... about 3 or 4 hours after the launch ...

 

[coastgirl]

Whoa. THat looks like my commute this morning. (Don't ask. )

So if the launch is at 4-ish, would it be best to go before lunch and hang out? Or is that still going to require a slow drive?

We could have supper out there, but I figure that'll be even more crowded. I'm thinking, be in Titusville around 1 to hit the Cracker Barrel off the highway for a leisurely lunch. Or wil we have trouble getting anywhere thereafter? And I figure it doesn't matter which direction we go in, leaving...it'll be the same in every direction.

 

[Csaks]

If I remember correctly this is the same shuttle that was to launch when we were there in Oct/ Nov '10. Don't hold your breath, it's the second one that was canceled on one of our trips.
Wait a second you should be fine, I'm nowhere near Orlando so it should go without a hitch.

 

[SplashMom]

Wow! Thanks for the excellent photos! Now I'm more excited than I was, and I really am not too worried about the traffic. We won't be in a rush and we'll make sure we have lots of fuel and snacks. I think it will be Titusville!

 

[mbb]

We booked a room at the Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach...fun pool, great beach, and perfect for launches..

I can't remember if I booked it through easyclicktravel, or hotel kingdom, but we got a fantastic rate...$70 for the night.

Sadly, launch was delayed...but we still got the pool, beach and fun.
Best part, no traffic to deal with.

HTH!!