Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Is it worth to see a space shuttle launch?

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Is it worth to see a space shuttle launch?

My wife and I are considering visiting Orlando's Disneyland during one of the upcoming manned or unmanned space shuttle launches and drive to the Kennedy Space Center to see the launch. The launches look beautiful on TV News, but is it worth driving from Orlando to witness one? Any advise? Thank you. Vince.

Yes, it is absolutely worth it. A.M.

While they look beautiful on tv, that cannot compare to the feeling of the ground shaking beneath you as the shuttle lifts off. It is a power than cannot be described. It most definitely is worth it.

Yes, it's fantastic, but keep in mind that whether you go with the KSC plan or just watch it from a beach somewhere you'll be 5 or more miles away. You won't be feeling the heat from the engines or anything like that, in fact you'll barely see it when it's on the ground. But when it lifts off it's an unforgettable minute and a half, well worth it.

I had to be in the area for a business trip on a day that a shuttle launch was planned and fortunately managed to get one of the last hotel rooms in an area about 25 miles south. We has an amazing view from the hotel balcony, and it was well worth the getting up at 3 AM to see it. Some things to consider: -Launches can easily be scratched. 'Ours' was canceled at T-9 seconds! and rescheduled for the next day, yes at 3AM again. Seeing it in the dark of night , I think really added to the experience. The shuttle creates a sort of orange trail through the sky and then. disappears over the horizon. -It isn't that easy to get a pass for 'on site' viweing. Many people go to nearby (and not so nearby) beaches, parking lots, etc to set up camp.Keep the time of day and the weather into consideration if you decide to do it.

If you want KSC car pass info, their number is (321) 867-6000.

My husband witnessed one and said the gators jumped out of the water during the rocket thrusts! Be careful!

My wife went to one a few years ago. If this is the primary reason you are going to Orlando then make sure your airline tickets and hotel are refundable and you have the flexability to leave work/school at short notice. When my wife went, the scheduled launch was delayed twice because of weather by a few weeks. She was in college at the time and could get away at her leisure. But it costs her a few extra dollars to keep changing her reservations. But she said it was an amazing experience.

DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! I saw the shuttle launch with payload Destiny. It was incredible. We purchased our tickets to the launch through the Kennedy Space Center online. Although you can watch the launch from anywhere nearby, I think there is extra excitement at KSC. However, don't be disappointed that you are still miles away from the launch. This is for safety reasons. If you want to see the launch "close up" stick to the television. KSC is pretty difficult to deal with for tickets, so be prepared. You just have to be diligent. They're difficult to reach by phone and email. But in the end, everything turned out great. We took a 5 year old with us who loved it too. So, its good for adults and kids alike. Another piece of advice, don't plan on seeing KSC the day of the launch. It's too crowded. You will be able to see some things, but reserve your shopping at the gift stores, viewing movies, and even some of the tours for days when there's no launch. The day of the launch we focused on launch activities not normal KSC activities. Then, went back to KSC two days later - definitely the way to go. Also, you must be flexbile in your schedule. Remember, many things can prevent the shuttle from launching. OUr launch was postponed 5 times. If you don't have a flexible work schedule and are traveling from afar, you will have trouble. WE drove from South CArolina and planned it so we had extra days if the shuttle was postponed, so we combined the shuttle launch with disney, and a trip to the planetarium (in the next town). THe planetarium is great - especially the laser show. Ours was set to music by Led Zepplin. WOW. Definitely use the Fodors Guide to Orlando and I suggest staying in Titusville if the launch is your number 1 priority. I'm definitely going to see another launch, but first I'm hoping to see a landing. Good luck!

Thanks to everybody who responded. Several questions though: 1. Are unmanned launches as spectacular as manned? Is there any difference? 2. If the launch is postponed, how do you know until when? 3. Should we reserve a car-pass to see the launch (as KSC suggests) by writing to them?

Vince, I have never heard of an unmanned shuttle launch. Can't help you with the other questions, except perhaps by topping this.

Vince, I live in Orlando and have witnessed many launches (Can actually see them from my back yard). As to your questions: 1.) There are several unmanned launches that go up but they are not space shuttles, they are usually Air Force Delta rockets and are neat to see but are not as spectacular as a shuttle launch. 2.) If a launch is postponed you will have to rely on TV and radio news channels. I did go to Jetty park in Port canaveral to watch one launch and had my car radio tuned to a news channel that kept us informed of any delays or other details. 3.) Cannot help as I have never attempted to get into KSC to witness a launch. I should add that the weather really makes a difference in how good you can see. I watched one recent launch from my house in West Orlando in the early evening and the weather was extremely clear (no clouds, no haze nothing) The view was unreal, I could actually see the SRB's (Solid rocket boosters) fall from the shuttle and slowly fall to the ocean. If there are a lot of clouds then the view is really limited. As many others have said the launches are often delayed or postponed so you must be very flexible. Also if you happen to be in the area for a shuttle landing the sonic booms will definitely get your attention. Enjoy and good luck

Tracey or Greg -- Maybe one of you can answer this (or anyone else, for that matter. :-) We are planning to see an unmanned Delta rocket launch on 7/30. I know the place is overrun on Shuttle launch days, but is it similarly crowded for rocket launches? Any other limitations due to this launch? We're planning just one day to see the launch and KSC, but can add a day if necessary to see KSC itself more comfortably. Appreciate any guidance. And, Vince, Kennedy has an excellent web site with lots of info (kennedyspacecenter.com). You can order tix there.