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Author Topic:   NASA Kennedy (KSC) Visitor Complex: Entry plaza
Robert Pearlman
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Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 12-28-2012 12:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex release
First Phase of 10-Year Master Plan — $16 Million Entry Plaza, Retail Shop and Restaurant — Unveiled Dec. 27 at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Attraction Celebrates Milestone with Free Child Admission with Each Paid Adult Through Jan. 7

On Thursday, Dec. 27, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will unveil the first phase of improvements designed to dramatically enhance the guest experience. Those visiting during the holiday season will be among the very first to experience the attraction's brand new $16 million entry. The enhancements are part of a 10-year Master Plan developed by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex concessioner, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The new entry includes a grand plaza and fountain; ticket stations and self-service kiosks; will call, guest services and information stations; a retail shop; and a restaurant.

"We are eager to reveal to our guests the first stage in an array enhancements that create for them a more meaningful, purposeful and enjoyable experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex," said Bill Moore, Chief Operating Officer. "The changes to our entrance and ticket plaza, along with our new Voyagers retail shop and Rocket Garden Cafe, are just the initial elements in a comprehensive plan. Next we unveil the new home for space shuttle Atlantis, which is already well under way for a scheduled opening in July 2013."

The new entrance draws guests from the parking lot into a grand entry plaza where they are greeted by a brand new, first-ever 3D representation of the NASA insignia that spans 13 feet in diameter. To the right of the globe stands a majestic 75-foot-long fountain that pays homage to the dreams of late President John F. Kennedy, for whom NASA's Kennedy Space Center is named. Kennedy's face, along with a quote from his famous 1962 "moon speech" at Rice University, are laser etched onto a skyward-reaching arch of blue granite that stands 30-feet at its highest point. The inscription reads, "For the eyes of the world now look into space, to the moon and to the planets beyond..." The 5,000-gallon fountain is spectacularly lit in the evenings with LED lights and features 26 jets of water that can be programmed to create inspiring light shows for guests as they exit the park or during evening special events or exhibitions.

Purchasing admission tickets now promises to be a quicker, more efficient process for guests thanks to a complete redesign of the ticket stations. Two separate stations feature six ticket windows each and now offer a "fair cueing" system to direct the next guest in line to the next available window. Digital screens within each station's covered cue provide descriptions of tour options and prices to help guests make informed choices. Those who wish to bypass the regular ticket lines may purchase directly from one of six self-service ticket kiosks, and guests who have purchased tickets in advance may proceed directly to a dedicated new Will Call station. The ticket areas were designed to inspire and excite guests about the journey that awaits them, and are covered in brilliantly colored tiles to depict selected planets including Earth and Jupiter.

Farther along the plaza, a brand new 2,500-square-foot Voyagers retail shop invites guests to make a last-minute purchase before heading to their vehicle and allows those who wish only to shop to do so without purchasing an admission ticket. Inspiration is the theme in Voyagers, where bold graphics depict the progress of the American space program since the 1950s and challenge guests to "Dream Bigger." Above the check-out area, a 18-foot in diameter glass light fixture modeled after Mars offers an artistic interpretation of the Red Planet.

Beyond the ticket plaza, guests' excitement and anticipation build as they pass through a covered archway where they are boldly invited in six-foot-tall, blue letters to "EXPLORE." In the near distance, views of towering rockets in the Rocket Garden, representing early space exploration, beckon guests to get an up-close look at these sleek yet incredibly powerful vehicles.

Following the new outdoor security checkpoint and turnstiles, visitors may stop in at the new guest services area to the right of the plaza to pick up audio guides in English and six other languages, purchase additional tours or upgrade to an annual pass. Wheelchairs and strollers are available at a new information counter located near the existing exhibit, Early Space Exploration.

As guests continue their way into the park, they may notice two cobbled or slightly bumpy strips running on either side of the paved walkway. This symbolic pathway is made of authentic "crawler rock" — the very same Tennessee river rock that lines Kennedy Space Center's crawler way to support the massive weight of NASA's nearly 3,000-ton crawler-transporter, the behemoth vehicle used to carry launch vehicles such as Apollo/Saturn V rockets and space shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pads. The walkway marks the beginning of the "Vapor Trail," a path named for the plume of steam that follows a rocket upon ascent. The Vapor Trail will be extended in further phases of development to provide visitors with a more deliberate path to guide them through the park's main attractions.

The first stage of enhancements also includes the new outdoor Rocket Garden Cafe which was designed in the retro style of the 1950s and 1960s as a nod to the early days of space exploration — the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs. Bright green and chartreuse tiles evoke a "garden" feel amidst the rockets of polished steel, while covered outdoor seating provides protection from the elements along with an uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape. An all-new menu appeals to global tastes with diverse items such as Conch Fritters, Asian Chicken Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette, Chicken Empanadas or Beef Croquettes with Spicy Tomato Sauce, and Mediterranean Flat Bread Pizza. Even staples such as French Fries take on a more sophisticated air in the Seasoned Fries with Chorizo & Blue Cheese.

Work on the entry was completed in partnership with Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., construction management; PGAV Destinations, design management; Freeport Fountains, fountain contractor; Electrosonic, audio/video contractor; and Birdair, Inc., fabric canopy contractor.

The next stage of the Visitor Complex's 10-year Master Plan includes the opening of a $100 million, 90,000-square foot exhibit to showcase space shuttle Atlantis and celebrate the 30-year space shuttle program as a stepping stone to future space endeavors. The opening is slated for July 2013.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features many attractions and year-round interactive programs, including meeting real astronauts. The standard bus tour, included with admission, explores the history of the Apollo moon and space shuttle programs with panoramic views of Kennedy Space Center, the VAB's exterior and a stop at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where visitors see an authentic 363-foot Saturn V moon rocket and relive the historic Apollo missions that saw man land on the moon.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing times vary by season. Admission includes the Kennedy Space Center Tour, featuring an actual Saturn V moon rocket, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX(R) space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and all exhibits. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame(R), featuring historic spacecraft and the world's largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander's Club Annual Pass is $63 + tax for adults and $53 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit KennedySpaceCenter.com.

MCroft04
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Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 12-28-2012 07:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MCroft04   Click Here to Email MCroft04     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Let's hope they have a better process for getting annual passes. It has been a very painful, inefficient, and lengthy process.

GACspaceguy
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Posts: 2476
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006

posted 12-29-2012 06:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for GACspaceguy   Click Here to Email GACspaceguy     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by MCroft04:
Let's hope they have a better process for getting annual passes.
It was much better when I picked mine up during the Atlantis roll over.

MCroft04
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Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005

posted 12-29-2012 07:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MCroft04   Click Here to Email MCroft04     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We never found a good time; there was always a line during the ASF show. And even with a short line it took them forever to accomplish a reasonably simple task. There is ample room for improvement.

For instance, this is the 3rd or 4th year that I've had an annual pass, and every year I have to fill out the form providing the same info; seems like that info should be in their computer.

On a positive note, I really like the medallion they gave annual pass holders celebrating 50 years of manned space flight, made with metal flown on Apollo and shuttle missions.

riolag
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Posts: 81
From: Fl, USA
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 12-29-2012 08:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for riolag   Click Here to Email riolag     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm just thinking of all the birds that will enjoy the new outdoors cafe!

Just make sure you have your annual pass to get the free parking - or it's ten bucks before you even reach the plaza.

Fezman92
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Posts: 1031
From: New Jersey, USA
Registered: Mar 2010

posted 12-30-2012 01:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Fezman92   Click Here to Email Fezman92     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I am glad that they are making the plaza more I guess you could call it user friendly. When I visited very briefly (got there an hour or less before closing) before 134, it wasn't that great. Also is it strange I had a dream about this last night?

SpaceKSCBlog
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Posts: 119
From: Merritt Island, FL
Registered: Nov 2011

posted 12-31-2012 07:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceKSCBlog   Click Here to Email SpaceKSCBlog     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I shot photos yesterday of the new KSCVC entrance at night. Click here to see them all. Below is a sample.

xlsteve
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Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted 01-01-2013 04:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for xlsteve   Click Here to Email xlsteve     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by riolag:
I'm just thinking of all the birds that will enjoy the new outdoors cafe!
The new cafe was open during the Atlantis rollover/Astronaut Scholarship Foundation weekend. I thought the food was great, and didn't notice too many birds!

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-02-2013 07:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here is Stephen's (SpaceKSCBlog) video of the fountain in action (the STS-135 launch sequence begins at 4:25):

Hart Sastrowardoyo
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Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 01-02-2013 09:14 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
While I understand Atlantis will be displayed at KSC, I'm still puzzled as to why the fountain has that recording (particularly if Kennedy's words are inscribed; why not use a Kennedy recording of those words?)

I can picture someone rushing along hearing the Atlantis countdown, thinking they arrived just in time for a launch, then wondering, "How come I can't see it?"

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-02-2013 09:40 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I suspect the Atlantis launch is a first example of the multimedia "shows" the fountain can be programmed to display. I imagine they will change the audio to coincide with anniversary celebrations or other events, similar to other dynamic fountain displays at other theme parks.

SpaceKSCBlog
Member

Posts: 119
From: Merritt Island, FL
Registered: Nov 2011

posted 01-05-2013 06:23 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SpaceKSCBlog   Click Here to Email SpaceKSCBlog     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
I can picture someone rushing along hearing the Atlantis countdown, thinking they arrived just in time for a launch, then wondering, "How come I can't see it?"
I have watched that fountain off and on for a few days now. Most people ignore the recording, they just pose for pictures. I've yet to see anyone think this means a launch is imminent.

The 3-D NASA meatball seems to be slightly more popular for photos than the fountain.

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