Successful Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center

[msmama]

It sounds like there is so much to do that is included with admission that an add-on tour seems like it would be too much for a one day trip. Am I wrong? Are any of the add-on tours a "must do"? Has anyone done the Lunch with an Astronaut? What did you think? Is it worth spending the time for that if you are only going for one day or would you spend the time touring the site? I wouldn't have thought we could fill a whole day there but when we went to the Smithsonian Museum at Dulles we were there for 5 or 6 hours which was more than I would have ever thought we would spend there. We must have spent over an a hour walking around Columbia and it's very emotional seeing a shuttle up close. I would never have guessed it would be. This will be the first visit for DH, DD12, DS10. I want to be sure we don't miss anything "extra" that I didn't know we should have paid for. I am sure we will be back one day in years to come, but we will only have one day this trip.

I did Lunch with an Astronaut several years ago. It was cool and my son (who was young at the time - about 2 1/2, but totally obsessed with space) was quiet the whole time which was saying something. Since he was young, we liked the longer break. I remember the astronaut (who I unfortunately can't remember) being entertaining. He could often guess the questions that were going to be asked (he said young boys always asked about pooping in space, lol). I don't think we got to meet or take pictures with him (but we could have just skipped that part because of aforementioned young child). I remember the food being just Ok. It's probably one of those things where the person makes the biggest difference.

Shuttles were still launching when I was there (Atlantis was scheduled to be rolled out 2 DAYS AFTER we were there) so it sounds like things have changed tour wise.

 

[Sadie22]

My husband and I spent one and three-quarters days there several years ago and it was not enough time. We never made it to the Astronauts Hall of Fame, I think it was called. We read every caption, went on one bus tour, toured the rocket garden with a guide and asked a lot of questions.

 

[sersee05]

We drove out there last year. We had our car so we didn't have to rent. We have EZpass but I don't it works through Surpass. Although I just read something that they are trying to come to an agreement to make it so it will in 2016<?> Anyway we didn't expect so many tolls...so just to add a tip...definitely bring some quarters!

The space center was the highlight of our Universal trip believe it or not. We all loved it.