Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Hello all.
I think I'm going to take my son down to FL for Sundays launch of Atlantis. I hope to fly into Orlando (possibly West Palm) & plan on getting there around 1 p.m. The WBP flight would get me in by 1 also. Where would you suggest I take my 4 year old to watch from? I'd need driving directions too. We would drive down to Stuart to our house for a couple of days after.
Thanks!!
Dave

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Hey Dave,
Through the course of four years living in Daytona and going to shool at ERAU, I've seen dozens of launches. Most were from the beach at Titusville, and it's pretty good, but by far the best launch viewing is from the cape itself, and of course that's going to cost a few bucks, but I highly recommend it. Check this out:
http://www.ksctickets.com/maaclavifrke.html
http://www.ksctickets.com/spshlastat.html

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

I went to the observation area at Kennedy, but we arrived late and could not get in, so the cashier told us to just walk around the front of the observation area on the street side of the fence. Saved us money, but had great view and still got to hear all of the stuff on the speakers. We parked in the regular parking that they had, but just walked around to the launch side. It is really awesome to see a launch. Have a great time.
Scott

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

The beach on the south side of the harbor is a great place to watch also.Saw a rocket with a satelite launched at night a few years back from that spot on the beach.INCREDIBLE. Every body should see a launch at least once.

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

You can watch from the Cocoa Beach Pier and tip back a few at the bar

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

I am planning on taking the Scarab up to Port Canaveral, and watch from the water. I am only about 20 miles from it where I live.

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Pics From Above

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Unless you're coming down for another reason, like to see family, you could be disappointed. Many times the launch has been scrubbed because of technical glitches or weather. I've seen many tourists on TV that changed flights or canceled plans to drive out for a launch only to have it scrubbed.
And don't fly into West Palm. The drive to the Cape is way too long from there. Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando/Sanford is much closer. 60 minutes or less from Orlando International.
And get there realy, realy early. The traffic and crowds get heavy. You could get caught in traffic and never make it in time. Many get out there 6-8 hours before launch and those with motorhomes camp out.
But the good thing is, if the weather is clear, a launch can be seen from Orlando or any place along the way. I can walk out my front door to watch it. And I'm 60 miles away from the Cape.

Go here for launch viewing info http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/...iew/index.html

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Also, please watch the weather as it is suppose to be very raining this weekend down here. I too might go to the Space Center and watch it, if the weather looks good. Best of luck and you'll enjoy the heck out of it, if it goes up.

Ben

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Excellent advice Iggy, I forgot about the darned traffic.....it does get bad. Get there early and plan on spending the whole day there. Getting out afterwards can be even worse.

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Thanks for all the great information everybody! I am not going to pull the trigger to go down until everything looks good. Jet Blue has tickets available for Sunday morning (Orlando) & buying last minute isn't a problem.

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Just remember that the weather here is very unpredictable.
We get a 40-60% chance of rain just about every day, but local conditions change minute by minute. Especially in the late afternoon.

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Best place to watch is right off of US-1 due west of the big building (VAB). Getting on base is tougher nowadays. The bus tickets are good for one attempt only and really aren't any closer than Titusville. If you watch from Titusville, it is almost all water between you and the pad and so it should be pretty loud. Check on www.spaceflightnow.com for launch status. They update it frequently. For anybody planning to watch from the water, the Indian River should be the best. I am not sure where the closures are but the ICW should be open. The Banana river is closed to boats a little north of SR528, which is still pretty far. Check your maps if you're planning to watch from the Atlantic. You'll be chased off by helicopters and could even delay the launch if you are in the wrong area.

Shuttle launches are awesome! The rockets are just babies compared to the Shuttle. You never know how many more there are going to be, so if you want to see one, sooner is better than later.

Rene

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

The Banana river is closed to boats a little north of SR528, which is still pretty far.
Rene[/QUOTE]


DJD,
Here's a pic of the July 4th launch we watched from the Banana River north of SR528. If we were here, I would invite you and your son over and we would go out in one of our boats to watch. BUT, we are leaving for LOTO 1st thing in the am. Weather and tech issues can scrub alot of launches.
Good luck,
Dean

PS Of course I have to include a pic of my little DOLLphin! :D

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Dean
How far away was that pic taken?
I saw a launch many years ago from a cruise ship in Port Canaveral. It was awsome!!!!

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

You guys want to be sure you keep an eye out on the weather becuase nasa is seeing weather getting worse. The countdown is still live it started yesterday. I hope to see Atlantis lift off myself.

Re: Cape Kennedy local info needed. Shuttle launch
 

Now the shuttle launch is delayed until Monday at 4:04 P.M. due to a lightning strike Friday on the launch pad. They want to make sure that there is no damage.