Shuttle service from POFQ to the Kennedy Space Center?

[lap3]

We'll be staying at POFQ during Spring Break but on one of those days during our vacation, we want to spend a day at the KSC. Is there a shuttle service that takes you from the resorts to the KSC or do I have to figure out my own way of transportation?

 

[Disney 4me]

I am not sure about the shuttle service but I thought I would let you know our experience at Kennedy Space Center. Five years ago we went on a cruise, we spent an extra day in Florida so we could visit KSC. Well we bypassed the $16.00 admission fee( there were 5 of us) and opted to take the self guided tour instead. It was free! It is a wonderful place to bring the whole family, and I am really glad we went.We saw all the same things, and at each exhibit they do have descriptions of what they are, some were even voice activated presentations; we just did not have a tour guide.We saved $80 by doing this!When we got to the admission gate, there was a sign for this, not sure if they still offer it, (you could ask if you do not see it) but if they do, take advantage of it! :jumping4:

 

[lap3]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. My DS6 is jazzed about going there but my DS3 doesn't have any clue about this stuff. If you ask me, I think she would rather spend more time with the princesses back at WDW. Anyways, I did a search on the KSC and it looks like the reviews are somewhat mixed. Since we have never been there before, we have to at least go once and said we tried it. Do you find that the KSC is more for bigger kids or will the younger ones like mine be able to enjoy it?

 

[Disney 4me]

I think your youngest will enjoy it as much as your older children. They have a huge outdoor playyard, with lots of different stuff for 3 year olds to climb on. I would bring a stroller, as there is alot of walking but all of our kids loved KSC, and we stll talk about what a great time we had there! It does not compare with DW or Universal as far as rides or anything, but it really is nice. If your kids like fish and alligators, you will be able to view them from a walking bridge, looking into the water( It was not scary, even our youngest thought this was cool)We spent at least 4 hours there, and did not spend any money at all until we hit the gift shop, then we bought some cool Christmas tree ornaments.

I just noticed that you are from California, by all means, yes, go to KSC it is truly something that you may not be able to experience again for awhile, living so far away!

 

[lap3]

That's funny you mention fish and alligators. My kids love going to the LA Zoo sooo much that we ultimately bought annual passes. From these boards, I've heard that people can see alligators around WDW. This got us kinda worried. Obviously we don't have alligators here so this would freak us out if we were to see one roaming around the grounds of the hotel! Anyways, that's good they have a play yard. This will at least allow them to expend some energy.

I'll take your advice about taking the self-guided tour. I think it would be fun to explore the area on our own. If you've got any other suggestions or experiences you would like to share, please let me know. I'd like to hear them...

 

[Disney 4me]

Have you been to Bush (sp?) Gardens? It is in Tampa, about 45 minutes from Orlando. it is somewhat like Lion Country Safari in California. It is nice, especially if your kids like animals. Sea World is o.k. but nothing really special, especially if you have already been to Sea World in CA.When you go to KSC, a nice thing to see in Port Canavaral is all the cruise ships, they dock there. They really are huge and I bet the kids would enjoy seeing them. If you want to take a day trip to the beach, I suggest Clearwater Beach. The sand is white, just beautiful. it is about an hour drive from Orlando, are you renting a car? Clearwater Beach is located on The Gulf of Mexico, so there are no rocky shorelines or big waves like where you live, but it is very nice. Caledsei Island is nearby, and is world known for shells. On your way to the beach you could stop in Tarpon Springs, and check out the sponge docks, this is very cool, and right on your way.As far as Orlando itself, I do not know that much about it except for Universal and DW. There is A Medeival Times dinner theatre and I THINK there is also a Dixie Stampede dinner theatre in Orlando. We have been to Dixie Stampede in South Carolina and it is great!! The entire family would love it, they have a wonderful show, which includes show horses. The food is amazingly good too.There are some really good outlet stores in Orlando, so if you need clothes or anything, I would buy them there!

 

[lap3]

Very good suggestions! Thanks! For this trip, we're trying to see if we can get by without renting a car. So, our original plan was to just stay in the WDW area. Well, it's not looking like that now. My DW wants to take the kids to Sea World(they love Sea World in San Diego) and Universal Studios while we're there. Then, my SIL suggested that the KSC is nearby. We can get to SW and US by the city bus(at least, that's what mousesavers.com listed) but it's KSC that we're having a tough timg organizing. I'll have to do some searching and see if there is a city bus that goes that way.

I'm not telling my DW about the outlets(although she may already know) so I'm trying to keep shopping down to a minimum. The other places sound like fun but we may not have enough time to do those things this trip.

You sound like you're from CA, am I right? Or, have you just been here before? Well, if you remember Lion Country Safari then you probably remember Busch Bird Sanctuary way back when. It was in the Van Nuys here in the San Fernando Valley. Is that what Busch Gardens is like?

Sorry if I'm asking too many questions...

 

[Disney 4me]

Well, I think Lion Country Safari is a bit nicer..... No, I am not from California, but my parents were married there, back in 1954! and I have visited, as I have relatives there. I remember going to Majic Mountain, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and the San Diego Zoo! If you want to go to Universal Studios, go on their website real soon! Right now they are offering FREE kids tickets with each paid adult ticket. Under 3 is free free anyway.That is a very good deal, and only available through their website, The tickets are good for 5 days, so it is a value. You can get some VERY good deals on rental cars in Florida, you may want to consider it, at least for part of your trip.

 

[lap3]

Wow! You've been very helpful and I appreciate it! Thanks for the tip about the US tickets. I'll have to take advantage of it really quick. I don't think we'll rent a car but who knows. Maybe we'll get adventurous and go roaming around. BTW, you do know that Lion Country Safari has been closed, right? Just wondering...

 

[Disney 4me]

I did not know that Lion Country Safari had closed,it was a cool place! When at DW, be sure to visit Animal Kingdom, it is similar. You will be there in March, right? did you know that there is a launch scheduled at KSC on March 10th? There is also a shuttle from Orlando to KSC. Here is their contact information: CWS Tours - website: http://www.cwstours.com/shut_KSC.htm
(407) 448-3969. I do not know anything about this company, I just saw their ad. :jumping4:

 

[lap3]

Yeah, they've been closed for several years now. Maybe 15+ years? We will be going to Animal Kingdom. Actually, my DS wanted to stay at the AKL because he wanted to wake up to the animals but it's so expensive that we decided against it. We'll be there in March but it's at the end of March...my DS's Spring Break. So, unfortunately, we'll miss the launch. He would have loved to see it though.

You know it's funny how it's just you and me on this thread...

 

[ducklite]

With teh construction and traffic on I-4, Busch Gardens is a lot more than 45 minutes from WDW. It's a good hour and 15, possibly longer if three's heavy traffic or an accident.

Anne

 

[lap3]

Thanks, Anne!