Space Shuttle Launch

[jtmounce]

Since the launch is moved to wed and we are arriving tomorrow we just cannot pass up the chance to see it. When should we leave orlandoo and how do we get there to see the launch? any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[grimley1968]

Normally, it only takes about an hour to get over to the 528 causeway near the Cape (a great viewing spot). However, on launch days that road is a parking lot anytime within about 2 hours of the launch. I'd plan to drive over there a good 4 or 5 hours earlier than the launch, if possible. If you get all the way there with time to kill, you can always go to the beach for a short time or get a bite to eat, and then drive back out on the causeway.

 

[Edd]

You can see the shuttle go up from Disney. It is definately not a good experience to go over and try to find a place to watch a possible shuttle launch on that day. Five minutes of thrill for 5 hours of agony driving.

One good alternative is to go over the day before and stay at the Radisson that night and hang around in Cocoa Beach until the traffic dies down.

 

[dis-happy]

You can see the shuttle go up from Disney. It is definately not a good experience to go over and try to find a place to watch a possible shuttle launch on that day. Five minutes of thrill for 5 hours of agony driving.

One good alternative is to go over the day before and stay at the Radisson that night and hang around in Cocoa Beach until the traffic dies down.

I've done it twice...the first time was so great I couldn't miss the chance to do it a second time! Drove from WDW (1 hr trip), got there an hour before launch parking one block from beach, watched the launch, walked quickly back to the car (same as when we head to the monorail after Wishes--get out quick while everyone else is standing around) and headed "home" to WDW, an hour to get back. Getting the toll pass from Publix certainly helped. And if opportunity presents, I'd do it again!! Nothing like watching that thing sit on the launch pad, then light up, and go up, up, up!

 

[ACDSNY]

Nothing like watching that thing sit on the launch pad, then light up, and go up, up, up!

Where did you watch the launch from? We may have a chance to see the Nov launch if it goes as scheduled. I was thinking about Jetty Park.

 

[yayagoofy]

Jetty Park is a great choice, it's on the other side of the inlet from the Space Center property. Get there early and enjoy the beach

 

[Endeavour105]

Since the launch is moved to wed and we are arriving tomorrow we just cannot pass up the chance to see it. When should we leave orlandoo and how do we get there to see the launch? any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Leave WDW NLT 3am and head to Titusville: Space View Park on Rt 1.

Better than viewing there than from anywhere on 528 including Jetty Park.

I-4 to E-W Expressway (RT408) to Rt 50 east (Colonial Drive).

Stay away from using Rt 528 - one accident and 528 is 'screwed'...either coming or going...and, it's more heavily traveled especially after the launch because most 'think' it's the fastest way to return to Orlando - it ain't.

Return using Rt 50 west and Rt 408 to I-4.

The above is from personal experience viewing 39 shuttle launches - mostly from the NASA Causeway but a handful from Titusville.

 

[jbdisneymom13]

You can see the shuttle go up from Disney. It is definately not a good experience to go over and try to find a place to watch a possible shuttle launch on that day. Five minutes of thrill for 5 hours of agony driving.

One good alternative is to go over the day before and stay at the Radisson that night and hang around in Cocoa Beach until the traffic dies down.

OK - please tell me more about seeing it from Disney. Would love to have my kids see the shuttle launch but my DH really does not want to deal with the extreme traffic. Many years ago I saw a launch from Daytona Beach and that was a fine view for me. How well can it be seen from Disney? Are there places on property that are better than others for viewing? Is the launch obvious or do you need to know when / where to look?

 

[Iceman10]

You can see it anywhere from Orlando, just look East. Trust me you can't miss it!!! I have a great video from my deck of a night time launch when I lived there 17+ years ago. That was pretty wild!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

When we were in Orlando in March, we stayed at the POFQ. NASA launched a rocket the night we were there. We had a great view at POFQ. There is a walkway that runs along the river in front of the entire resort. Right next to the pool, from the walkway, looking over the river, we could see the rocket's glow.

 

[HGD24]

Great tips! We're hoping to catch the Nov launch too.

 

[Endeavour105]

You can see it anywhere from Orlando, just look East. Trust me you can't miss it!!! I have a great video from my deck of a night time launch when I lived there 17+ years ago. That was pretty wild!

Trust me...you can miss it...one's ability to see the shuttle depends on the amount of sky cloud cover between WDW and the KSC...some 50+ miles away and roughly to the east...at the time of the launch.

 

[Iamastar32]

We usually drive over to Cocoa beach...its around 2 hours from Disney...I know some have advised against 528, but I usually take it with no problems!

 

[ACDSNY]

Great tips! We're hoping to catch the Nov launch too.

Looks like we'll be visiting at the same time. Have a great trip!

 

[HGD24]

Looks like we'll be visiting at the same time. Have a great trip!

Thanks! You too!

 

[Iceman10]

Trust me...you can miss it...one's ability to see the shuttle depends on the amount of sky cloud cover between WDW and the KSC...some 50+ miles away and roughly to the east...at the time of the launch.

Good point for sure. We once drove down there and it wasn't too bad traffic wise, but I can not remember how close we actually got. We were at one of the several side areas along the hwy.