We'd like to see the space shuttle launch May 25 @7:26 PM. If I wanted to do that from the Spaceview Park what time should I get there? Is there someone out there that knows the in's-and-out's and could fill me in, please?

Where should we stay? We are 1 adult and 3 children. We're coming in on Friday night and leaving Monday AM, spending all day Sat and Sun morning at KSC, then Spaceview Park for the launch Sunday evening.

ttt

First, my usual warning: launch dates change, so check frequently.

As to May 25th, that's Memorial Day weekend which is a very busy weekend locally. There will be LOTS of people in town. Have you checked the KSC visitors center website to see what the status of launch viewing tickets at the center is?

As 321go mentioned, launch dates and times often change. Check www.spaceflightnow.com for the most current info on the May launch.

Titusville is a small town, just over 40,000 residents. The newest motel is the Hampton Inn at I-95 and S.R. 50. They are building a Courtyard by Marriott in the same area, but not sure if it will be open by then. Other choices include Best Western, Ramada, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Clarion Inn, and some mom/pop type places. The Clarion is the only one on the Indian River with a view of the Space Center, but could stand some updating from what I've seen.

Parking near Spaceview Park will be at a premium on launch day, so you need to get there early on launch day. Keep in mind, there are several parks and many other locations along the river in Titusville that will give you a good view.

I agree with 321go about checking with the KSC Visitors Center to see if you can purchase tickets to view the launch from Space Center property. We did it several times (when passes were free), and it is the best way to see a launch!

Thank You for your replies. We are coming from Sarasota and clearly understand the Memorial Day weekend craziness and the launch date/time factor.

Assuming that things go as scheduled how early is early for parking? Should we head out at noon, 2PM, 5PM. We are shooting for along the river instead of KSC because of the cost to do the bus to the causeway and the obstructed (trees, bushes and telephone polls) view from the Visit Center. Or so I've read, please correct me if this information is incorrect.

rascat, thanks for the additional website, that'll come in handy!

Hey, guys, how gross is the Riverside Inn, really? If we stay there we eliminate all traffic, parking and scheduling issues in a nutshell. In addition, it's only a mile or so from Spaceview Park and we can walk and enjoy the show. I'm ready to book a riverside room for $89 a night and be done with it! Is it too scary to contemplate or should I just go for it? Thanks for any advice offered.

Yuck, and double yuck!! I'm always on the lookout for a good deal, but personally wouldn't stay there with my kids. It's a former HoJo that is now a mom/pop place. From the outside, it appears it hasn't been updated from its HoJo days several years ago. I know they found one of the guests floating dead in the river a few years ago-they think he drank himself silly, then went for a swim. It seems like kind of a "hard luck" kind of place.

Now I know which place you're talking about. Unless they've made renovations, I'd think twice - when it was a HoJo, it was getting fairly run-down.

For a 7:26 launch, I'd get there well before 5, but perhaps someone more familiar with T-ville (I usually watch from the beach) can give a better estimate of when to arrive.

Yikes! I guess we'd better not risk it. Glad I asked; that would ruin our trip. We'll probably book the Days Inn, pack a picnic and tailgate at Spaceview Park. If it's full we'll just drive around til we find something, if we go early (4-5PM) it will work out. I'm sure any view will be spectacular given our view from Sarasota is basically a bright dot and a line of smoke in the sky. Thanks for your help!

I’ll post back if it ends of being a go and fill you on of how it worked out, to be continued…

Sand Point Park (just north of Spaceview) would be a nice area for that picnic. There is a walking trail along the river, and a small cove next to the marina where you can spot manatees and dolphin most days. There is also a playground, if the kids are younger. There is a small memorial to the astronauts in the southwest corner of the park you may want to check out.

By the way, make a note of the local radio station, which is WMMB, broadcasting at 1240 AM and 1350 AM. It will be your best way to stay current on launch status in your car.

Thanks a lot for the radio station info, rascat, really helpful and kind of you!