Viewing a shuttle launch and planning a trip

[rocio]

So I have a family with two of my three young kids very interested in the space program and especially the Shuttles. Since we're counting down on the last launches, we're thinking we may take a trip to FL this year after all (we took our first trip to WDW last May and had talked about going back in 3-5 years, mostly because it's not my DH's cup of tea, but also the expense for a family of 5). Of course Kathy's blog helped to get my DH "maybe" on board. He would love to see the shuttle launch.

So of course, if we go to see a launch, being so close to WDW I've been pricing packages "for fun." Have any of you planned a trip around a shuttle launch? I know these get delayed all the time so we're not quite sure how to plan this. Right now we're looking at the May 14 launch (my birthday!). We can't do April or Sept because of our teaching schedules. We maybe could do July, but why do that to ourselves. So what dates would you plan the trip for. If we do WDW, it will be a 4 night stay (got the free QSDP code!)....but still need to see if it's in the budget. May 13-17? May 14-18? Any other configurations?

 

[rocio]

Also, should we try to get a hotel near KSC? How far is the launch site from WDW?

 

[WaltD4Me]

Also, should we try to get a hotel near KSC? How far is the launch site from WDW?

We went to a shuttle launch in Feb. 2008. It was AWESOME!!!! KSC is about 45 minutes from WDW I would say. I wasn't driving, but it seems that was about how long it took to get there. Through a planning screw up (not mine) we didn't get to KSC until 11:30am. The launch was scheduled for 2pm. Since we were late we could not get on any of the tours. We watched the launch from the main area at KSC where the flight simulation ride is. It was still amazing and actually it worked out okay, we had lunch, toured around the area, rode the simulation ride and did things in the plaza and there was plenty there to keep us interested. I was VERY surprised that it was not all that crowded. There were people in the PRIME spots that got there very early in the morning, but we still got a good viewing location about 30 minutes before. Also arriving when we did, we had to park way back in the lot, but didn't have much traffic to deal with at all.

 

[rocio]

Thanks for your reply Lisa. This is a scheduled 2pm launch. So when do we need to get there? Also, I saw they sell tickets online the month before and they're already sold out for April's launch. Did you do that? What's the difference between the Causeway and the Visitor Complex viewing areas?

 

[Willow1213]

We watched the shuttle launch from the causeway in May 2008. It was AWESOME! The only problem we had was a little bit of traffic on the way back to WDW, ok a LOT of traffic, but it was still well worth it. I remember getting the info from the boards somewhere... When I get home I will see if I can find it

 

[WaltD4Me]

Thanks for your reply Lisa. This is a scheduled 2pm launch. So when do we need to get there? Also, I saw they sell tickets online the month before and they're already sold out for April's launch. Did you do that? What's the difference between the Causeway and the Visitor Complex viewing areas?

No we didn't have tickets. They were sold out. They sell out fast! The Causeway I believe is a viewing with bleacher seats. It is closer, but I have heard once you get there all there is to do is sit and wait.

We liked being at the Visitor's Center, being able to walk around and do other things while waiting. We got there about 11:30am. Don't know if it might be more crowded for you though because the shuttle launches are coming to an end and more people might be planning to go see the last ones going off.

 

[miss missy]

I would love to see the launch on May 14th, we get there that afternoon!!

 

[iwrbnd]

We're trying to do this, too. We were planning on being there this week for the March launch (and our kid's spring break) but it got delayed until April. We changed our plans for the July launch. (I have high-schoolers that can't go in May or Sept) I know they get scrubbed a lot but we're taking our chances. If it gets cancelled then we'll still be at WDW! If you have a facebook page I get a lot of information from becoming a "fan" of their site.

What I hear about causeway vs. visitor center is the causeway is closer but more expensive and hard to get tickets. The visitor center has a tree line that blocks your view until the shuttle gets higher in the air. Our friends watched it from a beach in Titusville where it's free and you have a clear view but is a little farther away. They said it was an excellent way to see it! Good luck!

 

[cj9200]

Thanks for your reply Lisa. This is a scheduled 2pm launch. So when do we need to get there? Also, I saw they sell tickets online the month before and they're already sold out for April's launch. Did you do that? What's the difference between the Causeway and the Visitor Complex viewing areas?

There is a chance that you could still get a ticket the day of because people don't show up. If it is delayed, your chances are better. From what I heard, the causeway especially at the park at the end is a good place to view it and it is free. I have tried a couple of times but the launch was always delayed. Thinking about trying again before it is too late. Good luck.

 

[rocio]

Thanks for all your replies and the suggestion to become a fan on FB. I see many if the same questions I have in the discussion board. Am I right that the May tickets haven't gone on sale yet...somebody on there made it sound like they were already sold out. Hmm. Now if they haven't to decide what viewing location is best for our family. Sounds like there is a clearer view from the causeway but less for the kids to do there. How early do you have to get there if you already have tickets? Just trying to figure out how long we'd have to wait around on the bleachers. Any grassy areas foe the kids to run around?

 

[rocio]

Another question. For those of you who have watched a launch. How long did it take you to get back to WDW? Some of you mentioned bad traffic. Is this getting out of KSC? The launch is on my birthday and I was thinking of making a dinner ADR for that night, but I'm wondering if it will just be too stressful to try to get back in time. The launch is scheduled for 2:30pm. We do have young kids so we don't want too late a dinner.

 

[rocio]

Not that I'm actually planning a vacation to WDW. Nope. Not me. Just playing around with some ideas. Yeah....that's it.

 

[myDISboards]

Search youtube for Causeway Viewing and Visitor Complex.

Note that mission STS-131 = Space Shuttle Discovery Launch targeted on April 05, 2010 at 06:21 EST

In case you're not aware of NASA Causeway Launch Transportation Tickets - Launch Postponement –Your Launch Transportation Ticket is labeled “VC LTT STS-131 ADULT (or CHILD).” This ticket provides transportation to the NASA Causeway launch viewing site. This ticket will be collected from you when you board the bus to the launch viewing site. If launch is postponed two scenarios are possible: 1) If you board a bus to the NASA Causeway and launch is postponed, all elements of this ticket are considered used in full. While you will no longer be able to access the NASA Causeway, you will be invited to return for the next launch attempt with your Visitor Complex admission ticket. Return viewing will be from the main Visitor Complex grounds. Please keep your vehicle placard to return for the next attempt. 2) If launch is postponed before you board a bus, your Launch Transportation Ticket will be valid for the next launch attempt.

 

[rocio]

Thanks for the info. From what I'm reading the Causeway is closest and you actually get a view of the launch pad, but there is less to do there and a longer wait. The visitor complex has an obstructed view by trees so you can't actually see the shuttle until after it goes off. But more for the kids to do there. Then Titusville seems like a good place if you can't get Causeway tickets according to this: http://www.launchphotography.com/Shuttle_Launch_Viewing.html I figured I'd put it up here in case any one else is trying to figure this out.

New question. Has anyone here tried a boat cruise to watch a launch. Here is one I found: http://www.indianriverqueen.com/shuttle.cfm Has anybody here done this or done business with this company? Might be a way to view (not sure how far though) the launch with less wait. Anybody try it?

 

[iwrbnd]

I've never heard of the water cruise. Sounds like a good idea! I'm hoping somebody has some insight on that. It's cheaper than the tour price!

 

[chillcoupons]

We saw a shuttle launch in November when we were in Epcot, We were told that you could watch it launch from the Mission Space area. We headed over there around 1:50 and waited about 10 minutes. There was a small crowd (but crowds are very light at that time of year) and someone was following the launch on a iphone and told us when it launched and moments later it was rising up right above Mission Space. You could see the glow of the rocket engines and the trail of smoke it was quite a sight.

 

[cv workout]

I'll be in the area in May and would love to see the shuttle launch. I was planning to spend the day at Cocoa Beach. That way, if they launch it I should be able to see it and if it's rescheduled I'll still have fun at the beach. Is this a workable plan or do they close the beaches during a launch?

 

[pjacobi]

Space Shuttle launches are frequently delayed! Do NOT plan your entire trip around a projected launch date or you will be extremely disappointed when the launch is delayed, perhaps by weeks or months.

Pick the most convenient travel dates for you. If you are lucky enough to see a launch during those dates, consider it extra NASA majic!

You can plan to spend a day at KSC, take the bus tour and view all the exhibits.


-Paul

 

[rocio]

I got up super early here in central time to watch Discovery go up on TV. I am now more excited than ever to try to catch Atlantis next month. Hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for that one. We have very flexible travel plans so that we can follow the launch dates a bit. Haven't decided how many times we're willing to try if we actually make the drive to KSC and then it gets delayed. I guess we'll see how the kids handle it all. Any of you still planning on trying to make the May launch?

 

[TDS373X]

subscribing...We are going in Sept were supposed to go in Feb but work had other plans for me when I rebooked the WDW trip for around the time of DD bday lo and behold a shuttle launch was planned! How exciting! I do have a question for those of you that have been. DD has a sound issue can not tolerate loud noises as in we've never been able to view Illuminations at EPCOT because the fireworks are just too loud for her how loud is a launch? I am crossing my fingers hoping we get to see a launch although during hurricane season I realize it may not happen. We are going to go to KSC one day during the trip anyway just am not sure if it's best to just find a free spot to view the launch and then go to KSC on a non launch day Thank you for any info you can share.