Upcoming Space Shuttle Launch

[NCgrad]

Will be at WDW in May when the Shuttle is scheduled to relaunch. I know most folks in central Florida can see it when it launches. Is there any place in the parks or resorts that offers a good view?

 

[Beast's Belle]

Would like to know this too - so we can be on the lookout, if I hadn't already scheduled a Disney day, we'd go, but we can't waste those precious days.

 

[strmtroopr96]

Will be at WDW in May when the Shuttle is scheduled to relaunch. I know most folks in central Florida can see it when it launches. Is there any place in the parks or resorts that offers a good view?

I have seen 3 launches while in Florida. I saw one from the parking lot of Walmart in Kissimmee, one from the tennis court of my apartment complex which was very near Downtown Disney, and the last from a small courtyard at All Star Sports. I think you can see (and hear) it fairly well from most anywhere on property. Just look up and it should be visible. Good luck!

I am actually hoping that it doesn't launch until May 21-28 so my brother can see one. One of the astronauts lost on the challenger is from our small hometown so it is kind of special. Rebecca

 

[2x_dis_dad]

I saw a launch this past january when I was there. I saw it from the parking lot outside Planet Hollywood. I don't think it was a shuttle but it was still neat to see. I hadn't seen any since i loved in florida 10 years ago.

 

[Sturg]

We watch a launch in Feb 2001 while we were waiting in line for the Indy race cars at Magic Kingdom.

 

[civileng68]

Actually you can see the launch VERY well on a clear day from anywhere on the Disney property (or kissimmee for that matter). The only thing you need to make sure of is that you are away from anything directly facing east. dont stand where a tree is blocking your angle pretty high up facing east. Just give yourself some room to see the eastern sky and you're good to go.

Warning: If it's really hazy, cloudy or rainy obviously, you may as well not waste your time.

Night launches are even better than the day.

The launches during the day from Disney are cool, but pretty much just look like a jet with contrails, except it's going up instead of across.

 

[civileng68]

Also, be advised that very few shuttle launches go off these days without a delay of sorts (due to the high caution factor).

It may be a beautifully clear day, but if the wind is at all too heavy they'll delay it, or for ANY small technical reason.

 

[XAVIER]

What is the launch window?
(We'll be arriving on May 29th.)

 

[dcibrando]

there already is a delay...they discovered a small crack in one of the foam pieces that caused problems the last time... on yahoo.com news yesterday

go to kennedy space center's site for up to date info