Touring Plan for Kennedy Space Center?

[auntyjenn]

Does anyone have a good plan for what order we should do things in at the Kennedy Space Center? We're also hoping they will really do the shuttle launch in November the day they plan or at least a day or two after.

 

[auntyjenn]

Wait, I need a ticket for the shuttle launch? How much is that? What if its delayed? What else costs extra? The bus tour?

 

[Toy Story]

I would also be interested to hear what others have to say. I would also like to know about transport there - I have seen there are tourist buses, but considering renting a car to drive out there. What would others recommend.

 

[DVCconvert]

IMHO the best transport option would be via a rental car.

As to a touring plan - on "normal days" (no scheduled shuttle launch) your regular admission ticket entitles you to 2 day's admission (consecutive days).
Personally, if you've never been, I'd recommend spending the first day touring all that's offered at the Visitor's Center. Making sure to catch at least 11 IMAX movie, One of the Mission Status Briefings, and the exhibits (I particular like the early exploration exhibit) as well as doing the Shuttle Launch Experience.

On the 2nd day I would do the bus tour and then with any extra time, go back to the visitor's center to check out anything you missed or wish to re-experience.

As to Launch days...it's abit different.
Admissions on launch days are special ticketed events. This is because the visitor's center is set up with a huge TV and live audio feed from the Pad. If you want to get even closer (about 6 miles) from the pad you'll need to purchase a transport ticket (these go EXTREMELY FAST!).

If your planning on visiting near or on a scheduled launch day I'd strongly recommend you visit
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/special-programs-launches.aspx for launch specific information.

I hope you visit and enjoy yourselves!

HTH

 

[spacepixie2]

we have been to KSC twice in the past 2 years. We rent a minivan and drive over. I agree that the attractions at the visitor center area are great--our favorite being Mad Mission to Mars!! We have also done both of the special tours--we really enjoyed the space shuttle tour that takes you out near the launch areas. The "then and now" tour was also interesting but much less so for younger kids (our kids were 10 and 6 last year for that tour).

We also visited/had dinner at the Universal area--the Nascar Sports Grille was good.

 

[auntyjenn]

So, on launch day can you still tour everything?

But what if they don't launch that day because of a delay, try the next day, then the next... Does that mean we won't get to use our regular ticket (that we pre-ordered) on any of those days and we have to get a new special ticket each of those days?

 

[auntyjenn]

O.K. I read the launch info thing, so it looks like you get to go to the launch and come back on a regular day after that (within 7 days) to do touring. Then, if the launch is rescheduled you can come back no matter when it is (if its the same launch mission and isn't completely scrapped). So, when should I get my tickets for the Nov 12 launch if I want to bus out to the site? It doesn't look like I can buy them now.

Oh, and it looks like most things are open to tour on the launch day as well. Am I right?

 

[DVCconvert]

So, when should I get my tickets for the Nov 12 launch if I want to bus out to the site? It doesn't look like I can buy them now.

Oh, and it looks like most things are open to tour on the launch day as well. Am I right?

Yes exhibits at the visitors center will be open but bus tours will not be operating. To have a chance at a launch viewing & transport ticket (one which you will be bused out to the NASA causeway-the closest public viewing area) you'll need to sign up for the launch and events email alerts found on this page:

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events-launches.aspx

Tickets do not generally go on sale untill approx. 30 days out. And on the day they are made available for sale, they usually sell out within the first 10-20 mins.

HTH

 

[Toy Story]

IMHO the best transport option would be via a rental car.

As to a touring plan - on "normal days" (no scheduled shuttle launch) your regular admission ticket entitles you to 2 day's admission (consecutive days).
HTH

Thank you for this information. I was thinking that if DH wanted to return he could do so on a break day at DW, but if it is two consecutive days we will adjust our plans.

How long would it take to drive from the airport? and is there any hotels that you would recommend. The tourist guide books I have been reading do not really suggest any accommodation.

 

[auntyjenn]

Oh no! All the launch tickets sell out in 10-20 minutes, or just the special launch viewing thing? Man, I really want to do the special launch viewy thing, but I don't know if I can score those tickets if that's my window... I signed up for the e-mail, I guess I could do a test run on the next launch.

 

[DVCconvert]

How long would it take to drive from the airport? and is there any hotels that you would recommend.

From MCO to KSC, depending on traffic conditions, I'd plan on 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours.

I have always stayed at the Best Western Oceanfront in Cocoa Beach. There are other hotels closer, but the BW is right beside the cocoa beach peir, and has a nice steakhouse (Durangos) on property. Depending on time of year and what room style you choose it can be very reasonable - with about a 15-20 min drive to the visitors center.

HTH

 

[DVCconvert]

Oh no! All the launch tickets sell out in 10-20 minutes, or just the special launch viewing thing? Man, I really want to do the special launch viewy thing, but I don't know if I can score those tickets if that's my window... I signed up for the e-mail, I guess I could do a test run on the next launch.

The launch & Transport tickets (for NASA causeway viewing) sell out extremely quickly. This is due to the primo launch viewing - you and actually see the launch pad from the causeway. Tickets to launch days at the visitor's center do often sell out but not as quickly. You cannot see the actual liftoff, but the shuttle comes into view once it clears the tree line in your field of vision. They do set up a jumbo tv out by the rocket garden and pipe in the audio feed....if you subscribed to the email alerts you will get an email telling you in advance of the date the tickets will go on sale. I recommend that on that day you start speed dialing the number with your credit card in hand. Best of luck in your quest for the L&T tickets!

 

[Toy Story]

From MCO to KSC, depending on traffic conditions, I'd plan on 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours.

I have always stayed at the Best Western Oceanfront in Cocoa Beach. There are other hotels closer, but the BW is right beside the cocoa beach peir, and has a nice steakhouse (Durangos) on property. Depending on time of year and what room style you choose it can be very reasonable - with about a 15-20 min drive to the visitors center.

HTH

Thank you - I will look them up.