Kennedy Space Center

[ksun]

We are planning a Disney World trip in the fall, but my 10 yo DD is a huge NASA/astronomy enthusiast so we absolutely have to take her to the space center. I have not been since 1988 and have very little recollection. I looked on the website and there are various "add ons" besides the base admission. We want to do lunch with an astronaut, but if you just buy a basic admission, what does that gain you access to? I didn't realize it was so pricey, and Disney is already gonna bleed us dry. I want her to have a great experience, but I also don't want to pay more than necessary (for 2 adults/1 child admission + astronaut lunch will be $240)

[wise_rita]

I didn't do it/look into it when I went in Nov 2017 but I'm almost certain that it would cost extra.

One thing that is included that is really cool is a simulated launch where they strap you into the seat and simulate a take off.

You do need to line up for it, and store your belongings while you do it, but that's all free and they take 20ish people at a time so they can cycle through hordes quickly.

Unsolicited pro tip #1: if you're staying in Titusville, El Leoncito has 2-for-1 margaritas on Monday nights.

Unsolicited pro tip #2: Merritt Island is right there, and there's a spot where you're almost guaranteed to see manatees. Definitely worth swinging by to see those!

Unsolicited pro tip #3: Has your daughter seen the movie Space Camp? I wanted to go to Kennedy Space Center because of seeing that movie in the late 80's/early 90's and most people haven't heard of it before. It's awesome! Hunt it down for her to fuel her NASA love!

[dorothyinAus]

I've been twice. It's definitely worth it, especially if you have someone with an interest in space exploration.

Basic admission gets you some great experiences. I've done the tour that takes you to the launch pads, VAB, and Apollo Launch experience at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Even without that it is well worth just the day admission. Definitely see the Atlantis Space Shuttle and the Saturn V rocket. And if you remember any of the disasters, the Space Mirror Memorial wall is incredibly moving. I missed it on the first visit, but managed to get there right at sunset on the second trip -- beautiful and moving.

Definitely take the time to go to KSC. We drove from Tampa because my husband really wanted to go and said "since we are so close anyway, can we manage it?" (close being relative, we flew in from Melbourne, Australia.)

[CrazyLucky]

We went in late 2017. We bought the basic admission and that was it. The basic admission gives you a pretty thorough guided bus tour. You don't get to eat with an astronaut, but they did have a astronaut talk where you could ask any question you want. Lots of bodily function questions. (from the kids!) Afterwards, the astronaut was in the lobby and you could get your picture taken. DS was 7 at the time and loved every second of it. DD was 5, and not nearly as into space, but she also loved it.
Not sure if you are planning to go to KSC first, but I would. It's awesome and everything, but it's not Disney.

[ksun]

Jan 7, 2019 1:04:15 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

I didn't do it/look into it when I went in Nov 2017 but I'm almost certain that it would cost extra.

One thing that is included that is really cool is a simulated launch where they strap you into the seat and simulate a take off.

You do need to line up for it, and store your belongings while you do it, but that's all free and they take 20ish people at a time so they can cycle through hordes quickly.

Unsolicited pro tip #1: if you're staying in Titusville, El Leoncito has 2-for-1 margaritas on Monday nights.

Unsolicited pro tip #2: Merritt Island is right there, and there's a spot where you're almost guaranteed to see manatees. Definitely worth swinging by to see those!

Unsolicited pro tip #3: Has your daughter seen the movie Space Camp? I wanted to go to Kennedy Space Center because of seeing that movie in the late 80's/early 90's and most people haven't heard of it before. It's awesome! Hunt it down for her to fuel her NASA love!

Thanks!

1. we'll probably go mid-week but will bear in mind
2. this is totally worth it for me! I have long loved manatees!
3. she hasn't, but I have, so I think it's time to see if we can find it to stream someplace!

[ksun]

Thank you all! DH is also very excited for this. DD wants to meet an astronaut "but can you make sure it's a girl, so we can relate?" lol

[wise_rita]

Jan 7, 2019 16:20:07 GMT -5 ksun said:

Jan 7, 2019 1:04:15 GMT -5 wise_rita said:

I didn't do it/look into it when I went in Nov 2017 but I'm almost certain that it would cost extra.

One thing that is included that is really cool is a simulated launch where they strap you into the seat and simulate a take off.

You do need to line up for it, and store your belongings while you do it, but that's all free and they take 20ish people at a time so they can cycle through hordes quickly.

Unsolicited pro tip #1: if you're staying in Titusville, El Leoncito has 2-for-1 margaritas on Monday nights.

Unsolicited pro tip #2: Merritt Island is right there, and there's a spot where you're almost guaranteed to see manatees. Definitely worth swinging by to see those!

Unsolicited pro tip #3: Has your daughter seen the movie Space Camp? I wanted to go to Kennedy Space Center because of seeing that movie in the late 80's/early 90's and most people haven't heard of it before. It's awesome! Hunt it down for her to fuel her NASA love!

Thanks!

1. we'll probably go mid-week but will bear in mind
2. this is totally worth it for me! I have long loved manatees!
3. she hasn't, but I have, so I think it's time to see if we can find it to stream someplace!

It took me some time to figure out where to go, so put Bairs Cove boat ramp into Google Maps that'll take you there.  The Merritt Island visitor center was closed when we were there, but you can also go there during business hours for directions.   

I know you won't be coming from the south, but I'll put this here for future reference.  A quarter of the way between Miami and Titusville in Palm Beach there is a manatee lagoon: www.visitmanateelagoon.com/.  It's not open on Mondays so we missed that.

I, too, love manatees!

ETA: My plan C for manatee viewing, which I didn't need to come to, was Blue Springs State Park an hour from Titusville.