Hey MMS:

Thought about you so many times with the postponed launch.

My DH has been preaching for so many years about watching a launch, here in Ft. Lauderdale, just a short drive away. Guess I will go for a launch now. By the way, nighttime seems unbelievable!!!
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jetset--LOL! Yes, Bill definitely can add to the pride factor:) When he comes to visit in a couple months I will tell him that he beat out the Biggest Loser:D

rncheryl--Oh my, yes, if you are that close you HAVE to go see a launch! We really enjoyed the NASA channel there too. We don't have that here, but it was pretty cool.

I loved your report, mms! I'm so glad that the launch took place and that you were part of such history! I too get emotional during the National Anthem - it stirs so many feelings when I hear it.

Wonderful report that reflects an extra-special event at the launch and fun at Disney, too. We watched a shuttle launch from the Merritt Island Parkway once (no astronaut friends, sorry to say!) and it was a magnificent night launch that lit up the sky like the sun. What a cherished memory you will all have!

We didn't get to see the Shuttle as closely as you, but we did watch it from EPCOT, where we had a pretty nice view. Even that far away, it was amazing how much the horizon lit up upon launch. It was a special sight for our family too!!!

I'm glad I am not the only one who gets a big lump in my throat when I hear the National Anthem. I always feel like such a sap!

Dan--I wondered what it would look like from there. Were you on vacation there too?

What a great trip report! What a thrill to see a launch that close.

We were also at WDW and saw the launch from the Magic Kingdom. We were amazed on how the horizon glowed considering the KSC is 60 miles from WDW. The launch went off 15 minutes before the Wishes fireworks, so there were a lot of people in the park. It was a huge orange streak. Everyone watched, cheered and clapped. It was so amazing....I never thought I would be so lucky to see something like that.

We took our kids for a 9-day Disney trip last week. Just to show you the luck I have - I broke one of my little toes the morning we were leaving for Orlando. I just toughed it out. It was painful and is still a little swollen, but I still managed to have a great trip. My wife had twisted an ankle a week before. I was even able to arrange a breakfast at Cinderella castle one morning, and of course we went to the Mickey's Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (my second straight year - went to Orlando for work last year). We also went to Sea World.

From Orlando, the shuttle and trailing fire looked orange until we could see the shuttle drop its tank. Then it appeared to head in a different direction and looked more like a yellow/white light. Our 7-year old was thrilled. We were all very excited when the first launch was scrubbed, making it likely we would be in Florida during the launch. I would love to see it up close like you did. I know we will never forget our own experience. What a way to start off a trip!

A few more comments on your trip report. We must have had the same woman for the jungle cruise!!! Actually it was a good ride for our kids. We did it at night, which gave it more atmosphere. However, I agree completely about the guide. The Everest ride was excellent, as you said - even better than the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Our 7 year old has really started to love coasters - she is not afraid of much. Space Mountain, Everest, Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster were among her very favorite rides, along with the Tower of Terror. I also rode Kraken at Sea World, and that was wilder than any of the Disney coasters. It was the only ride that made me a bit dizzy. Something else that we particularly enjoyed was Philharmagic at Magic Kingdom.

On a side note, our daughter was picked to go out on stage and say "Lights, Camera, Action" to start off the Indiana Jones stunt show at MGM. She was so excited.

Annabel--Thanks:) That is great that you could see it!

Dan--Sounds like things that would happen to us, lol! Glad both you and your wife were able to get around though. We did the jungle cruise late in the afternoon one day. Wow, 9 days?! I bet your kids are the envy of their friends:)

Now we are anxiously awaiting the shuttle landing. Can't wait to talk to him!

Hi mms,

I'm glad you enjoyed a great trip! I was thinking about you after hearing on the news that the launch had been delayed due to weather--I'm so glad you didn't miss it. What a thrill that must have been, I can only imagine. Friends of ours have stayed at Shades of Green and really liked it,too--I understand it was renovated recently, within the past few years? Glad you enjoyed a safe trip home. :-)

Can the Glow from a Shuttle launch be seen in Orlando???

The Discovery had a perfect landing. Fantastic!!

ibob: Yes, it can easily be seen from Orlando.

mms: great job by the pilot; KSC had sent a crew to New Mexico because it looked so bad for a landing here. A tiny break in the weather and a terrific crew did the job. Please send along congrats from all of us on the Space Coast to your friend. It was a very tough mission and they did a fantastic job!

AnnMarie--We stayed at Shades of Green ages ago and it was fine. Sort of alone the lines of a Holiday Inn or so. I also heard they rennovated fairly recently. They book out so far in advance though that I knew it wasn't going to work for us. Plus their cancellation policy is 30 days. But for trips that you can do that, the rate is fantastic!

dsquared--I will tell him:)

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