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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Pics From Above

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

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

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.