posted 03-14-2013 09:21 AM               

TWA was originally contracted in 1964 by Kennedy to provide on-site maintenance and utility support for the space center. When two years later it was decided to offer public tours, Kennedy needed a company to operate the buses and TWA was awarded the contract.

Kennedy's contract with Delaware North to take over the operation of both its visitor center and bus tours was first signed in 1995. The 10-year contract had an option for NASA to renew, which the agency chose to do in 2005.

posted 06-08-2022 01:34 PM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to Offer New Multi-Day Ticket and Announces Adjusted Admission Pricing

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has announced that effective June 20, 2022, a new, two-day ticket will be offered to accommodate the park's larger footprint and resulting growing demand for multi-day visits. An increase will also apply to single-day admission, annual passes, children, seniors and military. In addition, several new discount and promotional offers will become available. The most recent price increase at the visitor complex took place in 2018.

The new, two-day ticket, which can be used for up to six months from purchase, will make it possible for guests to visit for less than $45 per day while at the same time meeting consumer needs for flexibility and reassurance in travel planning and purchasing.

The two-day ticket will be available for $89 per adult and $79 per child. Single-day admission will be $75 per adult, $65 per child. Military and senior single-day admission will be $70. And the new Atlantis Annual Pass will range from $120 – $149.

"With the addition of Gateway, which is a multi-hour attraction and provides a whole new experience for the complex, this price increase will enable us to provide greater in-park experiences, enhanced programs and promotional offers for our guests," Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can look forward to a series of new discount and promotional offers. They will include a Teacher Pass available to educators throughout the entire United States; a Florida resident "Family Month" during which kids receive free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket; a Preschool Pass for Florida residents that offers free entry for kids five and under; expanded discounts for military veterans and their family members, and more.

A visitor complex highlight that continues to be included in admission price is the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. Throughout the day, guests can board one of 48, air-conditioned motor coaches to tour the birthplace of American spaceflight. While on the way to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests can view restricted areas of Kennedy Space Center, the working spaceflight facility where America launched to the Moon and where NASA plans to send astronauts into deep space. With more than 40 launches planned for this year, catching a glimpse of a rocket readying for flight on a launchpad is a real possibility.

The visitor complex plays a key role in translating consumer interest into meaningful experiences that both educate and engage visitors. The excitement has been building with an increase in launches led by NASA and the private companies that have invested in the new world of space travel. The visitor complex is responding to the enormous public interest in connecting to space, as well as the recent return of crewed missions and anticipation for the Artemis Moon mission, to accommodate the increase in guest attendance.

Investment will be put toward enhanced educational opportunities and an improved guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The addition of in-park education stations and a new edutainment daily show are just a few examples. Space enthusiasts will also delight in upgraded infrastructure and exciting new exhibits, attractions and special programs.

"Over the last four years, we have designed, constructed and opened several new attractions, including Planet Play, the addition of the Delta II in our Rocket Garden, and Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, which will celebrate its Grand Opening next week," said Protze.

"We have also opened several new eateries such as Milky Way and Red Rock, enhanced and expanded the exhibits at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and replaced and redesigned our buses," added Protze. "We are committed to sharing the stories of the past, present and future of space exploration in an engaging, immersive and inspiring way, and we look forward to continuing our mission for years to come."

Another positive change will be the ability to host more Title I school groups, at no cost. Additional personnel also will be hired to enable an even higher level of customer service.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex remains committed to a high-quality and transformational experience for guests.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is entirely visitor-funded through admissions and sponsorships and receives no federal funding.

posted 06-08-2022 05:51 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
I suspect, but do not know for certain, that the bus tours grew out of the traffic generated by launch spectators.

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Anticipating public interest in space operations at KSC and then Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (now Space Force Station), the basic law which created NASA in 1958 recognized the public's right to know and charged the agency with disseminating the results of its space projects.

During 1963, head Congressman Olin Teague of the House manned spaceflight subcommittee posed the question of public access to the attention of NASA boss James Webb. The top NASA administrator at the time replied by pointing out that the DOD controlled access to the Cape-side area of missile, rocket, and spacecraft operations, but that NASA at Kennedy must comply with its public policies. During the mid-1960's, while the Merritt Island spaceport was under construction, NASA first considered the possibility of bus tours of the new installation when circumstances permitted.

It was Dr. Kurt Debus, the first Center Director, that proposed a study plan for pubic access in 1963-64. During that time, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara authorized the Air Force to open Cape Kennedy to the public for three hours each Sunday for public automobile drive-throughs of the military compound on select areas. So it was the DOD-side of the nation's spaceport that first opened their gates to the public since the KSC-side west of the Banana River was still under construction.

Early in 1964, the Teague Committee authorized $1.2 million for a Visitors Information Center on Merritt Island from funds already provided for construction of KSC. By November of that same year, public cars were provided to drive through both installations on controlled roadways with an estimated 400K that took the tour routes in 1964. The response by the public was very enthusiastic and permission had been granted to extend the "open door" policy to national holidays and Saturdays while access hours increased from three to six.

By 1966, the agency-provided bus services of the newly established "NASA Tours" as the bus program got underway on July 1 of that same year, but were first operated as a test trial in April, by space center contractor Trans World Airlines.

posted 07-15-2022 10:59 AM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Launches New, Limited-Time Online Offer

Guests can save $7 online on one-day admission tickets now through August 1, 2022

Starting today (July 15), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering guests a chance to save $7 for a limited-time on one-day admission. The SAVE7 offer is available until August 1, 2022, allowing guests to stand in the wonder of The Rocket Garden and bask in the glory of Space Shuttle Atlantis®. And now, in the new Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, guests can see the visionary designs paving the way for human deep space travel while discovering the cutting-edge space exploration innovations inside the newest attraction.

SAVE7 is only available for purchases online at KennedySpaceCenter.com and can only be redeemed on one-day adult and children admission. Guests looking to take advantage of this offer can enter SAVE7 at checkout online.

posted 08-08-2022 04:15 PM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Offers Free Admission to Teachers Nationwide with Educator Study Pass Program

Now available throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

With a focus on educating the public about the past, present and future of space exploration, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is expanding the Educator Study Pass program to now include teachers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, giving more teachers than ever before complimentary admission to the visitor complex.

"The Educator Study Pass is one of the many programs we offer as a way to give back to our community," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. "Teachers play an important role in educating the future generation of scientists, engineers and even astronauts. Expanding the Educator Study Pass allows us to show our support to more teachers than ever before."

Both NASA and Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex provide resources for educators and students that enhance the learning experience. NASA provides access to lesson plans, videos and interactive games that expand knowledge of and more deeply explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The visitor complex offers education-focused learning specializing in STEM through exciting educational adventures, including field trips enhanced by the Explore & Learn mobile learning experience via the Space Chase! app, private educational programs, Overnight Adventures, Camp KSC® and more.

To receive the Educator Study Pass, active teachers are required to bring one of the following items to Will Call, located at the entrance of the visitor complex:

• An active teaching certificate from the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands
  
• A badge with a photo that shows the title Teacher or Educator
  
• Letter on school letterhead, dated and signed by the principal listing the name(s) of the teacher(s), stating they are an educator at the school

*Teachers are required to have one of these items to receive the Educator Study Pass. No exceptions will be made.

posted 06-21-2023 03:02 PM               

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Launches Summer SAVE7 Online Offer

Available now through August 30, 2023

Starting today (June 21), Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering a limited-time savings of $7 for one-day admission when purchased online.

The Summer SAVE7 offer runs through August 30, 2023. The offer can be used for advanced purchases on one-day admission for adults (ages 12+) and children (ages 3-11). Tickets must be used by Dec. 31, 2023. It is not valid with other discounts on admission, nor can it be redeemed on blackout dates, such as certain launch days. The offer must be purchased by August 30, 2023.

Guests can join the journey at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex this summer with events commemorating the 40th anniversary of Sally Ride's first spaceflight. Throughout the summer, there will be opportunities to engage with trailblazers in the space industry, launch into the cosmos (via the new Spaceport KSC), and see a rocket launch. Guests also have the opportunity to engage with real veteran NASA astronauts every day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex via Astronaut Encounter, Chat With An Astronaut, and photo opportunities throughout the visitor complex; inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.

SAVE7 is only available via purchases made online at KennedySpaceCenter.com and can only be redeemed on one-day adult and/or child admission. Guests looking to take advantage of this offer can enter promo code SAVE7 at checkout online.

In addition, Florida residents can take advantage of a new offer that gives them two-day admission for the price of only one day. This offer is available for purchase through August 30. Both admission days must be redeemed by August 31. Purchasers should be prepared to show a photo ID with proof of their Florida residential address upon arrival.

posted 11-28-2023 09:39 AM               

Before, NASA could only collect amounts related to operating the VC and it could not collect money for expansion (excess money would go to the treasury). NASA would have to ask Congress for any expansion money or donations to a non profit organization to manage such construction.

posted 11-28-2023 11:01 AM               

For what it’s worth, I’ve always thought DN does a good job with KSC, JSC, and the national parks.

The wife and I hiked a *teeny* portion of the Appalachian Trail between two DN-operated parks a few years ago. We welcomed the nice cabins and a surprisingly good restaurant (cold beer too!) at both ends.