Space Shuttle -- Before Boma

[BillyBuckner]

Note: I couldn't figure out the best place to post this, so perhaps the moderator will move it if there is a better place.

Background Information:

1.) On our upcoming 13 night trip we are planning 10 days in parks with off days on Thurs Nov 12th and Monday Nov 16th.

2.) We thought it would be nice for our kids (and us) to see a space shuttle launch before they retire them. [We are driving to WDW so we have a vehicle].

3.) Shuttle Mission STS-129 was originally scheduled for Nov 12th in the late afternoon and we arranged our plans so we could drive to the cape that day.

4.) I just looked at the shuttle launch schedule and it has been updated to Nov 16th at 2:28pm.

5.) Fortunately, the new shuttle launch is on our other 'non-park day' (Nov 16), so this doesn't totally wreck our schedule; however, we do have an ADR for Boma at 5:40pm.

6.) On our last trip (Feb 2008) we considered renting a car to go see a launch. However, we didn't do it because they were forecasting weather that would have made launch on that day a 50-50 proposition.

Questions:

1.) Has anybody out there taken a side trip to see a shuttle launch while at WDW?

2.) How much time would you allow for this side trip?
a.) How far in advance do you need to find a viewing spot. (from what I read, Titusville is a good viewing spot).
b.) How long do you think it will take to get back to WDW after the launch. Are there massive traffic jams after a launch?

3.) Do you think I can view a 2:28pm EST shuttle launch and then make it to AKL (via my minivan) in time for a 5:40 ADR at Boma?

4.) Do you think the shuttle launch schedule is so unreliable that planning for it is a hopeless effort?

I am really looking forward to eating at Boma. But Boma will still be there on my next trip. The shuttle likely will not.

Thoughts?

 

[Pumbaa_]

I vote 4. You never know with these things. Moving the date/time as you have already seen is a common occurrence

I actually was able to see the shuttle from Epcot dueing the Candlelight Processional one year. The choir was singing their little hearts out and never missed a beat as the entire audience and everyone outside turned and went ooooohhhhhhhh. It was very cool!

I can see wanting to see one, but I would not bank on a specific date or time this far in advance.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

We are planning a trip just for the nov 16th launch. I know it's possible it'll get scrubbed but... we'll take our chances. If it's scrubbed they'll try launching the 17th. If that's scrubbed? It's going to be pushed back to December and at least I got to spend some time in Disney again lol

From advice from a friend that goes to every launch...
a 5:40pm ADR is almost definitely not possible. You figure if the shuttle goes up at around 2:30... you'll sit and hang around at least 15 mins after. The traffic in that area after a launch is utter madness. It has taken my friend 3 or 4 hours to get home from viewing, and she lives 40 mins away. Disney is I believe an hour and a half away without traffic, right?

I wouldn't book an ADR until at least 7:30. That's what we have booked. I always like to be safe and make late ADRs even if there's a possibility we'll get back earlier. You never know!

Also, I heard people start hanging around waiting for the launch at least 3 hours before so make sure to get there early and claim your spot!

 

[BillyBuckner]

We are planning a trip just for the nov 16th launch. I know it's possible it'll get scrubbed but... we'll take our chances. If it's scrubbed they'll try launching the 17th. If that's scrubbed? It's going to be pushed back to December and at least I got to spend some time in Disney again lol

From advice from a friend that goes to every launch...
a 5:40pm ADR is almost definitely not possible. You figure if the shuttle goes up at around 2:30... you'll sit and hang around at least 15 mins after. The traffic in that area after a launch is utter madness. It has taken my friend 3 or 4 hours to get home from viewing, and she lives 40 mins away. Disney is I believe an hour and a half away without traffic, right?

Thanks for the advice, I'll look for other ADR options. By the way, do you by any chance recall how long ago they changed the date for that launch. The last time I looked (before yesterday) was about 3-4 weeks ago.

Also appreciate the tip that its Nov 16, or Nov 17, or Dec. How did you learn that?

 

[Heidijs]

We were going to try to make the Feb 4th launch but I told him not to bother as it'll get scrubbed I'm sure, just like it always does. My friend who lives in FL goes to the launches and she said they always get rescheduled and she warned that sitting at Cocoa Beach to see it is a nightmare with people...it's about a 65 mile drive from Disney. She told me we'd easily see it go up while at Disneyworld if it actually goes up that day...

 

[Frothy]

If you drive over to the coast you will not make it back in time for your dinner. Traffic and crowds are always very heavy on launch day. You should be able to see the shuttle on TV and then go outside and see it as it is visible all over Central Florida.

 

[cjlvsccm]

Note: I couldn't figure out the best place to post this, so perhaps the moderator will move it if there is a better place.

Background Information:

1.) On our upcoming 13 night trip we are planning 10 days in parks with off days on Thurs Nov 12th and Monday Nov 16th.

2.) We thought it would be nice for our kids (and us) to see a space shuttle launch before they retire them. [We are driving to WDW so we have a vehicle].

3.) Shuttle Mission STS-129 was originally scheduled for Nov 12th in the late afternoon and we arranged our plans so we could drive to the cape that day.

4.) I just looked at the shuttle launch schedule and it has been updated to Nov 16th at 2:28pm.

5.) Fortunately, the new shuttle launch is on our other 'non-park day' (Nov 16), so this doesn't totally wreck our schedule; however, we do have an ADR for Boma at 5:40pm.

6.) On our last trip (Feb 2008) we considered renting a car to go see a launch. However, we didn't do it because they were forecasting weather that would have made launch on that day a 50-50 proposition.

Questions:

1.) Has anybody out there taken a side trip to see a shuttle launch while at WDW?

2.) How much time would you allow for this side trip?
a.) How far in advance do you need to find a viewing spot. (from what I read, Titusville is a good viewing spot).
b.) How long do you think it will take to get back to WDW after the launch. Are there massive traffic jams after a launch?

3.) Do you think I can view a 2:28pm EST shuttle launch and then make it to AKL (via my minivan) in time for a 5:40 ADR at Boma?

4.) Do you think the shuttle launch schedule is so unreliable that planning for it is a hopeless effort?

I am really looking forward to eating at Boma. But Boma will still be there on my next trip. The shuttle likely will not.

Thoughts?

We'll be there for our first shuttle launch as well (sort of... we were there in March for launch, and it got delayed... and delayed... and delayed... until the
day we had to be home! ). We're staying in Kissimmee, and MAYbe will hit Epcot one day.

To answer 2a: We plan to be on the coast by 10am, because Cocoa Beach traffic on launch day is a MAD HOUSE!!!

To answer 2b: Yes, the Beachline Expressway will be gridlocked. Of course, you can check for a route on the back roads. Last March we found a nice route thru cow country and orange groves, coming from South of Cocoa, but you may find one that is suitable from Titusville. Calmer. Still, I wouldn't bet on that time.

To answer 3: In my research, I don't think you can make it back for that ADR. I'd definitely reschedule Boma, don't want to miss that either!

To answer 4: Not hopeless, but you have to be flexible.

Enjoy your trip!! Here's hoping for good weather and a great launch!!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Thanks for the advice, I'll look for other ADR options. By the way, do you by any chance recall how long ago they changed the date for that launch. The last time I looked (before yesterday) was about 3-4 weeks ago.

Also appreciate the tip that its Nov 16, or Nov 17, or Dec. How did you learn that?

They changed it this past Monday, the day before tickets officially went on sale from Kennedy Space Center. Good thing too because we were planning on booking a trip for the 12th!

The launch on the 12th conflicted with a launch of a test rocket that had to go up by a certain time.

As for the 16th, 17th, or Dec... I'm kind of a big space geek so I get emails from various space websites. Here's the article I read it in (it's somewhere towards the middle/end of article):

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/sts-129-slips-to-november-16-after-atlas-wins-range-battle/

And knowing the shuttle's past history...this might change again

 

[BillyBuckner]

One of the replies to this thread mentioned seeing the shuttle after the candlelight processional... I presume that means they could see a NIGHTTIME LAUNCH FROM EPCOT.

The Nov 16th launch is a DAYTIME launch. I have assumed that for a daytime launch it will not be visible from WDW. Have I assumed incorrectly? Will it be visible from WDW (if I don't go to the coast).

 

[disneygirlinnj]

One of the replies to this thread mentioned seeing the shuttle after the candlelight processional... I presume that means they could see a NIGHTTIME LAUNCH FROM EPCOT.

The Nov 16th launch is a DAYTIME launch. I have assumed that for a daytime launch it will not be visible from WDW. Have I assumed incorrectly? Will it be visible from WDW (if I don't go to the coast).

Even during the day it's visible from Disney, as long as it's a clear day. I've seen photos of launches viewed from Epcot during the day. You can see it from Mission:Space. Just face the entrance of the building and it comes up from behind the building.

When at Disney, just make sure you face East (I think!)

 

[BillyBuckner]

The easiest solution to my Boma problem is to just swap it to Nov 12 (that was the original shuttle day and I had no ADR). I thought this would be difficult since Boma gets such good reviews (and with free dining). Much to my shock and delight, I was able to find a 6:05 (or option for a 5:55 or a 6:10 or a 6:20) at Boma on the 12th.

So Boma is taken care of, now the wife and I need to do some soul searching to decide if we are sure we want to devote 8 hours to the shuttle launch side trip.

If we don't go, then we will spend that day touring resorts or downtown disney. We also have 2 other days (including arrival day) dedicated to touring resorts and downtown disney, so I think we can spare the time on the 16th (assuming DD6 and DS4 have patience for all that waiting )

 

[jharrowell]

Looks like this is pretty much covered but I thought I'd add my $0.02 anyway.

As everyone have said already, don't plan ANYTHING for after the launch. Driving back from the Cape/KSC is a nightmare. We waited for 2 hours, played on the new Shuttle simulator, etc. and when we finally left it still took us 3 1/2 hours to get back to the orlando area.

It is more than likely going to get delayed (the launch I went to was originally scheduled for December, it was delayed 3 days in a row then finally was delayed until Feb, luckily I managed to do a lightning visit just for the launch) so have a "Plan B" for what to do that day, and you may have a lot of time eaten up either driving to/from KSC or watching the TV for info on if the launch is going ahead.

However, if you get lucky and manage to see a launch, it is a spectacular experience you won't forget.

If you wan't to see "my" launch, there's a link to YouTube in my sig.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Looks like this is pretty much covered but I thought I'd add my $0.02 anyway.

As everyone have said already, don't plan ANYTHING for after the launch. Driving back from the Cape/KSC is a nightmare. We waited for 2 hours, played on the new Shuttle simulator, etc. and when we finally left it still took us 3 1/2 hours to get back to the orlando area.

It is more than likely going to get delayed (the launch I went to was originally scheduled for December, it was delayed 3 days in a row then finally was delayed until Feb, luckily I managed to do a lightning visit just for the launch) so have a "Plan B" for what to do that day, and you may have a lot of time eaten up either driving to/from KSC or watching the TV for info on if the launch is going ahead.

However, if you get lucky and manage to see a launch, it is a spectacular experience you won't forget.

If you wan't to see "my" launch, there's a link to YouTube in my sig.

Beautiful video of the launch, wow!! I'm seriously crossing my fingers that this shuttle goes up at least that week. I'll be fine if it doesn't go up on the 16th... but PLEASE let it go up before the 18th! Wishful thinking I know but this trip I'm taking is solely JUST to see the launch. I've been keeping track and I think we're due for an actual on time launch. All others lately have been scrubbed.

 

[Metro West]

You NEVER want to make plans around a shuttle launch...it's just too uncertain and the plans change all the time...sometimes as late as five minutes prior.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

You NEVER want to make plans around a shuttle launch...it's just too uncertain and the plans change all the time...sometimes as late as five minutes prior.

Living in Jersey it's kinda hard NOT to plan a trip to KSC without taking the launch schedule into consideration. How am I supposed to see one then other than move to Florida? Living less than 100 miles from KSC isn't a luxury some of us have

 

[Metro West]

Living in Jersey it's kinda hard NOT to plan a trip to KSC without taking the launch schedule into consideration. How am I supposed to see one then other than move to Florida? Living less than 100 miles from KSC isn't a luxury some of us have

If you want to go see a launch...fine. But don't plan anything that night...I'm sure you can wing it for one night...can't you?

 

[RabFlmom]

We were going to try to make the Feb 4th launch but I told him not to bother as it'll get scrubbed I'm sure, just like it always does. My friend who lives in FL goes to the launches and she said they always get rescheduled and she warned that sitting at Cocoa Beach to see it is a nightmare with people...it's about a 65 mile drive from Disney. She told me we'd easily see it go up while at Disneyworld if it actually goes up that day...

Sorry but there is no comparison between seeing a launch from Disney or from the beach or cape in Brevard County. It is awersome from this area. It is a light in the sky from Orlando.
In Orlando the earth won't shake and you won't hear the roar. The excitement of the crowd and the awe on their faces each time a shuttle goes up is one of the things we enjoy watching and we have only missed 1 shuttle launch-back in 1982 when my dad had his heart attack in Illinois.
If you can schedule to get to the coast try to it will be worth the experience.

Since it is an afternoon launch, you might consider going to the beach at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Make it a beach day, check out the shops, and possibly have lunch on the pier. There is also a bar at the end of the pier but on launch days they charge to get on the pier to watch the launch. One of my favorite places to watch it from though, since we can't get the passes from work for close up views since 911.

Ron Jons is a little further South on A1A and worth a stop to shop and checlk out the surf shop . It is a fun store.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

If you want to go see a launch...fine. But don't plan anything that night...I'm sure you can wing it for one night...can't you?

I might have read your original post wrong last night...it was late! I thought it said don't plan a whole trip around the launch...period! We definitely don't have concrete plans for after the launch. Possibly wander KSC and then take our time heading back to Disney whenever. We do have dinner reservations made but those are mainly if the launch is scrubbed before we even head out to KSC.

 

[RabFlmom]

I might have read your original post wrong last night...it was late! I thought it said don't plan a whole trip around the launch...period! We definitely don't have concrete plans for after the launch. Possibly wander KSC and then take our time heading back to Disney whenever. We do have dinner reservations made but those are mainly if the launch is scrubbed before we even head out to KSC.

Not sure if it is the same at KSC as it used to be before they started charging to get in, but the place is very crowded after a launch.......Just too crowded to see anything.

 

[jharrowell]

Not sure if it is the same at KSC as it used to be before they started charging to get in, but the place is very crowded after a launch.......Just too crowded to see anything.

It's very busy up until the launch and you need a "lauch ticket" of some type to get in, not a standard KSC access ticket.

However once the launch is over, the place empties pretty quickly (actually KSC is still packed, but their all in the car park), so if you have a launch ticket you can hang out after and ride the attractions without it being too packed (at least from personal experience).