sorry, another ksc question-we'll be there for a shuttle launch!

[socalgirl]

hi,
we're going to be in orlando when a shuttle launch is scheduled on june 20th due to a change in schedule. we'll also be there when a rocket launch is scheduled on june 30th. shuttle launch tickets are currently still available, but very expensive. the "on-site" tickets are sold out; these would be for an "off-site" launch pass at the astronaut hall of fame, which places us about 10 miles away from the launch site. the ticket would include admission to the hall of fame, launch site passes, and admission to the ksc. i called and asked where we could view off-site and was advised the best viewing would be "at the intersection of hwy 50 & US1, on the water in Titusville (sp)." is anyone familiar with this area to give good directions? how crowded would it be to get a spot at this location? how far away is this from the launch site? can anyone recommend which way to plan this-launch passes or on our own?

 

[robinb]

I would pass on launch tickets which are off of the KSC. The ones on the Space Center are far enough away. I'm bummed to see that they started offering the bus tickets on the Internet. It used to be that they didn't offer them until 5 days before the launch date and then they were only $10 each (IIRC).

FWIW
http://www.store.yahoo.com/kennedyspacecenter/ltt.html
says that there are some launch transportation tickets left. Did you call them?

Here are some web sites that might help you find somewhere else to watch the launch. Since the bus transportation tickets for the next launch are sold out too, it looks like I'm in the same boat you are in July .

http://www.spaceyideas.com/launchfaq.html
http://www.magicdave.com/astro/shuttle.htm

 

[socalgirl]

robin,
thank you so--o-o much for your tips and especially the first link. this was the exact info i was looking for! i think we'll scrap the idea of getting a launch pass and just try to get to titusville early for a spot along the causeway!

although i'm still contemplating the launch pass because for $39 you get the launch pass, admission to ksc ($28) and admission to hall of fame ($14). and while you're waiting for the launch, you could be in the hall of fame looking around. my hesitation however is if they reschedule this launch again. we'll be going back to ksc a week later for a rocket launch and plan on actually touring the center the day before. but i don't think we'll have time to also tour the hall of fame.

decisions, decisions!
gayle

 

[william41]

my hesitation however is if they reschedule this launch again.

That's EXACTLY what happened in our situation! We'll be at WDW the 11-19. The launch was previously scheduled for the week before, but was changed to the Thursday during our visit. So, I got all excited and ordered the Launch Transportation and Admissions package online for our family (4). It cost me $166, received the tickets via UPS last Fri. and found out yesterday (Mon.) that the launch had moved again to the 20th. Now, we had planned a day at the KSC anyway, but I thought "hey, we'll get to see a launch!"
MAJOR BUMMER!! And NO REFUND on the Launch portion of the ticket. So, there's nothing I can do except swallow hard and have a good time anyway.

Just a word to anyone thinking about this: Do NOT Plan Your Vacation Around A Launch!!

We didn't, but again - it's a little hard to accept the mental image of hard-earned cash being flushed down the pits ...

 

[robinb]

William41,

Why don't you sell your tickets to Socalgirl? It seems like the best solution!

 

[socalgirl]

william,
you can still use the tickets, can't you? to tour ksc at least? or are you not going to go there at all now? were these on-site launch tickets? or off-site at hall of fame? if you want to consider selling, email me at
mck259@gte.net. we can try to figure this out if it's right for both of us!
gayle

 

[william41]

socalgirl-

I've just emailed you. Email me back and tell me what you think.

 

[travelcoupons]

Don't get all excited about the lauch, as it was now postponed until early July, there is a problem with the robotic arm.