|
Author
|
Topic: Kennedy Space Center: Advice for first-time visit
|
18blue78
Member Posts: 126
From: UK
Registered: Aug 2013
|
posted 12-16-2013 07:48 AM
  
I'm planning a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex next year and was looking for some advice so I don't miss out on anything. I'm after things like which tours around Kennedy Space Center are a must and which ones ain't so great? For some reason I'm having difficulty getting detailed information from the visitor complex's website, plus hearing peoples personal experience is always good when planning a trip. I was also wondering if anyone had experience of collecting autographs at the visitor complex? I'm interested in doing the Lunch with an Astronaut — is asking for autographs during this event the done thing? I'd rather know in advance then look like a bonehead when I'm there. Is there anything else I should be visiting while I'm there? Thanks for any help. |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1337
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 12-16-2013 10:01 AM
During my last visits to Kennedy Space Center, there were astronaut talks in the astronaut theater. There were photo ops after each talk and I think free autograph opportunities on the second floor of the gift shop after the afternoon talk. Lithos were available for purchase or you could bring your own.Seeing the Saturn V never gets old. At 363 feet long and beautifully restored, you can imagine it lifting off to a lunar journey. You really need to look at the timetable given out to you at the information desk to plan your day(s) at KSC. I think a one day ticket is good for two days. If I recall correctly, you can upgrade the ticket/pass to a yearlong pass. A quaint, free museum in Titusville is the Space Walk of Fame. I always buy 25 cent postcards there. Nearby is the Space View Park right along the water. |
alanh_7
Member Posts: 1252
From: Ajax, Ontario, Canada
Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 12-16-2013 10:21 AM
I was there in November (2013). I had not been in three years and there were huge changes. The biggest change was the addition of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Spectacular. They really did an great job. You likely will want to spend a few hours there. The Saturn V never gets old. I have done various tours over the years. In November, I did a tour of the launch control center, which was worth doing but get your tickets quickly as they only allow 20 or so people on the tour. I did the Then and Now Tour a few years ago and want to do it again next time I go. There is always the astronaut lectures which are held daily. John Blaha was there last time I went and he gives an excellent presentation. A few years ago Mark Lee gave a good presentation when I was there. |
Greggy_D
Member Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006
|
posted 12-16-2013 11:47 AM
One day is not nearly enough to experience all that KSC has to offer. I would plan on two days minimum. |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
|
posted 12-16-2013 12:47 PM
One often-overlooked place to visit is the Valiant Air Command Museum. If you have any interest in military or older aircraft, it's not to be missed. I went there, thinking I could see it all in 10 minutes or so. It's deceptive, you have no idea how big the place is at first. Dedicate at least a few hours to this alone! quote:
Originally posted by Greggy_D:
One day is not nearly enough to experience all that KSC has to offer. I would plan on two days minimum.
Certainly, one day isn't enough. I went with my parents and wife in 2011. My folks are in their 70s, and we missed a lot of stuff when we went because my Mom wasn't moving very well that week. We only had one day, including the drive from Orlando and back and I missed more than I saw, I think. I practically had to look at everything at a walk, not stopping for almost anything. This was before the Atlantis got there and the tours of the VAB and other places started up again, so naturally I wanna go back. BAD. |
MCroft04
Member Posts: 1634
From: Smithfield, Me, USA
Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 12-16-2013 08:05 PM
I suggest saving at least half an hour to enjoy the Gemini 9 spacecraft. You can peer inside it, walk around it, and re-create Cernan's spacewalk from hell. Incidentally, Gene was asked during his visit in November if he ever visited the spacecraft. He does and had just paid it a visit (I believe the day before). |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 12-16-2013 09:18 PM
Last time (earlier this year) I was at KSC we did the astronaut presentation and then waited for autographs in the gift shop.We also always do the Shuttle Launch Experience. Haven't been there since Atlantis opened, but yes, you do need two days to see everything KSC has, particularly if you do one of the tours. If you plan on going to KSC at least twice in a year, buy the yearly pass, which will save you money over two daily admissions (plus parking, which isn't included in the daily pass). |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2476
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 12-17-2013 04:32 AM
While still a good deal for those who have plan on coming back, for those who have not been in a while, the annual pass pricing has changed dramatically. Parking is only included in the "Atlantis Annual Pass" package. The Air Force Space and Missile History Center on Cape Canaveral is worth the visit. |
J.L
Member Posts: 674
From: Bloomington, Illinois, USA
Registered: May 2005
|
posted 12-17-2013 10:11 AM
Don't forget about the Space Walk of Fame museum just off the main drive through downtown Titusville. It is probably the best thing going right now. Free admission, and FREE parking as well. Primarily run by former Cape workers, and also has monuments from the various programs that remember Cape folks who made it all happen.    |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
|
posted 12-18-2013 05:07 PM
All good suggestions, but my don't forget extra camera batteries because you will take a LOT of pictures! And if you plan on buying stuff, do it last, before you leave. |
Michael Davis
Member Posts: 528
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Aug 2002
|
posted 07-02-2016 11:31 AM
I'm embarrassed by the fact I've never visited the Kennedy Space Center and plan to correct this by using some mandatory vacation time in the next few months.Are there any suggestions from veterans of KSC visits as to how to make the most of the trip? Any advice on picking local hotels and on how much time to allocate for tours would be appreciated. I may target this for the OSIRIS-Rex launch in September, so advice on how best to view that would also help. Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
|
posted 07-03-2016 06:35 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GACspaceguy:
The Air Force Space and Missile History Center on Cape Canaveral is worth the visit.
We visited this last Wednesday, and it was a very enjoyable museum. The two gentlemen who were there were very friendly. A lot of great items and information in that one room. |
advertisement