Viewing Space Shuttle Launch?

[Wes]

Where is the best place to view next Monday night's launch of the Space Shuttle

1 - From BWV?

2 - Anywhere on property?

3 - Anywhere on property except in Theme Parks (since we will be doing DQ that day and will not be in the Theme Parks)?

4 - Anywhere nearby off property?

 

[EROS]

Wes, I viewed one night launch while at Epcot.............it literally "lit up" the sky . I don't think it matters WHERE you are situated at WDW as long as you have a clear view to the EAST. Perhaps being outside of the parks would decrease the glare from the ground, but the candlepower of the launch is so strong that it overwhelms any other light source.

You WON'T be disappointed!!!!!!!!!

 

[DebbieB]

On the Boardwalk, stand to the left of ESPN facing the wooded area towards the Eifel Tower in the WS.

 

[Wes]

Is there a local radio station that we can pick up at BWV that covers launches?

We will want to have some idea during the 4 hour launch window what is going on and when the actual launch is going to happen or they scrub it.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

The best place to view the shuttle launch is at VWL, on the beach near the boat rental area. From that view point, just look out over Bay Lake and there it is! I promise you there is no other place that has such an unobstructive view!

 

[Doctor P]

On top of the Contemporary Hotel from the observation deck. It is truly an awesome sight.

 

[nealpads]

We had priority seating at Cape May right before one of the launches. We watched it on the bar TV until the countdown. Then walked out the front doors of the Beach Club and stood on the sidewalk right before the bridge to the parking lot. The BCV blocked the lower part of the launch but we could see it once it was above the buildings. What an incredible addition to our stay!

 

[Wes]

For others who may be interested in the launch schedule, here is the URL:

http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/mixfleet.htm

 

[madcoco]

Update:Launch scrubbed again until at least the 22nd.While fixing the O2 leak workers damaged the robotic arm.

 

[Wes]

Originally posted by madcoco
Update:Launch scrubbed again until at least the 22nd.While fixing the O2 leak workers damaged the robotic arm.

Thanks for the notice of the change.

Let's hope next Friday is a go. With their illnesses and now the robotic arm, they've had their delays.

Reminds me of the only other time that I saw a Space Shuttle launch -- also from Orlando but off property. That one went for 3 straight nights of aborted launches before finally getting up on the 4th.

That pencil with sticks of fire shooting out on either side was carrying real people into space -- quite a different feeling from watching it on TV.

But what really was surprising was how loud the roar was, even though it was delayed 3-5 minutes to make the 90-mile or so trip from the launch pad to Orlando.

 

[madcoco]

Yea sometimes it can be frustrating.But when you do get to see a launch especially at night.It makes it all worth it.I never get tired of seeing them.It should be alot easier on the children(and adults) as launch window has been moved up a number of hours based on the 22nd.

Light the candle
http://www.printroom.com/_vti_bin/ViewImage.dll?userid=MDM3&album_id=111508&image_id=0&courtesy=1

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I saw the Shuttle launch once while I was in Vero (not a DVC trip, this was business). It was daylight, and it looked very odd, as the imperfections in the atmosphere made the flame plume? look like it was disappearing then appearing.

A few years ago, it was announced on the news that the atmospheric conditions were just right, so people in Connecticut would be able see the launch. I think I was the only person in Connecticut standing on my porch at 3:00am, in my underwear, in 30 degree weather, looking into the sky. I didn't see a thing...but perhaps my neighbor got a good laugh!

 

[madcoco]

Maistre Gracey LOL . Can remember going out in the middle of the night to watch a meteor shower.Fell asleep in a lawn chair and woke up soaking wet covered with dew and the neighbor's dog licking my face.Never saw one meteor.

 

[disrailfan]

When we were at WDW this past June we experienced the space shuttle launch while standing at the boat dock at MGM waiting on one of the Friendship ships. It was very visable, ok at least the jet stream was. And yes you could hear it slightly. It was very clear what it was and where it was going.

 

[kem330]

madcoco- thanks for all your input on these threads- We are coming to VB on Friday- what would be the best place to go from the resort and how long will it take to get there? Should we go all the way up to Jetty park or are there other good spots along the coast, closer to Vero? We land at MCO at 11:45am and really want to drive down and check into VB first- but then we are doing some backtracking. Thanks!!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by madcoco
Maistre Gracey LOL . Can remember going out in the middle of the night to watch a meteor shower.Fell asleep in a lawn chair and woke up soaking wet covered with dew and the neighbor's dog licking my face.Never saw one meteor.

madcoco, I'll be out there in my underwear again tonight (early morning) for the meteor shower. I hope I don't fall asleep... That is just too funny about waking up covered with dew!!!

 

[Goofy4Mickey]

I agree with a previous post -- VWL on the beach by boat rental is awesome. Unobstructed view, relaxing in a lounge chair, on the beach, Bay Lake stretched out in front of you. Life is good...

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by Doctor P
On top of the Contemporary Hotel from the observation deck. It is truly an awesome sight.

ditto!

 

[madcoco]

kem330: you can watch right from the beach at VB If you are not too concerned about being tired,then a drive up closer to the Cape is worth it.(Jetty,SpacePark,Cocoa Beach) but after arriving on a flight, the 1:45min drive to VB checkin, then back up, then back down could be a bit rough. Plan on over an hour drive each way could be longer depending on traffic)There are various public beach spots spaced all along A1A.One of our favorite spots (besides along the causeways across the Intracoastal and Sebastian Inlet) is SatelliteBeach Pelican Park just to the south of Patrick AFB(before you get to Cocoa Beach) and north of Rt 192 Melbourne on A1A if you blink you miss it.It is small public access beach with restrooms.(about 45" fromVB resort)Still a bit away but it gives you a great view of a night launch(as do quite a few of the other beach spots along the coast).Was just there tonight.A Delta 4 rocket was to launch at 539PM and was delayed every 5 minutes until it was scrubbed around 630. Try again tomorrow.Here's a site with info on Space Coast Beaches:
http://www.space-coast.com/do/activities/parks.php?&pAnchorSort=Satellite Beach/Indian Harbour Beach

PS The VB Resort looks beautiful.They had the Christmas decorations/trees up.Got to remember next time to bring the software to this computer so I can download the pics and get them up pronto instead of 2 months later Enjoy your stay
Maistre Gracey How did it go?Saw a meteor without the dew this time.LOL

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by madcoco
Maistre Gracey How did it go?Saw a meteor without the dew this time.LOL

Unfortunately we had some cloud cover up here in CT. Oh well, maybe in another 100 years!