Space Center

[Soccermom12]

We are planning on going to Kennedy Space Center for the first time this August. My DS(11) is a huge space buff. How long does it take to get there from POP? How long should does it take to tour the facility? Is there anything there that we shouldn't miss? Thanks!

[Itchy]

We are planning on going to Kennedy Space Center for the first time this August. My DS(11) is a huge space buff. How long does it take to get there from POP? How long should does it take to tour the facility? Is there anything there that we shouldn't miss? Thanks!

First of all it will take about 1 hr to drive, you will need to take a lot of change for the tolls both ways. I don't recall the exact amount though.

There is a lot to see when you get there, Imax theater, the bus tour, ect. Their web site should spell it all or most of it out for you.

I would plan on making it a day event. We went about a yr ago in December when it was really cold and the crowds were not to large. I would guess that in August there will be a lot of folks there with you. This could make a difference on how long it takes to see the sights.

Hope this helps...

[LVT]

I agree. About an hour on the tollroad and it takes a day to see. You actually bus between some sites.

[1DisneyNut]

You need to get there as close to opening time as possible to be able to do everything in one day.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I agree with the previous posters, it is a great day, but a full day to see everything.

I would start with the tour, they bus you to three different sites around the complex and the middle one (Saturn V Center I think it is called) is worth spending a couple of hours in on its own. You'll visit the launch viewing area, Saturn V Center and the International Space Station Center on the bus tour.

Back at the main complex, there are lots of exhibits and an IMAX movie. There is also the astronaut hall of fame, with some interactive exhibits.

We figured that it would be a 1/2 day trip, and we closed the place ... and have been back again!

If you have AAA you can purchase tickets from them with some savings over purchasing them onsite.

[MNNHFLTX]

Right now KSC has a limited-time-offer tour called KSC up close. It's an unusual experience as they are actually taking tour groups into the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), something they never used to do when the shuttle program was in full swing. I wish we still lived there as I would go on that tour in a heartbeat!

[chrim]

It you want to see the Air Force base next door to KSC, and the launch sites for the Mercury, Gemini, and some Apollo flights in the 1960, you need to take the "Then and Now Tour" (previously called the "blue tour") and that might require an advanced reservation and an extra fee. But, it is up to you to go for the (relatively) newer or older sights.

There are usually 2 Imax movies showing, and there is no extra charge for them beyond the regular admission price. The "Shuttle Launch Experience" ride can be interesting, and is the most theme park style attraction there.

The Saturn V Center is great! (Although the two limited time only "KSC Up-Close" tours could be just a good, or better.)

There is also an Astronaut Hall of Fame, but I would probably save that for later in the day if you have extra time, unless you really want to learn a bit more about some of the American Astronauts.

I believe there is still a "lunch with an astronaut" program at the main visitor center -- advanced reservations likely needed.

Also, I would say the drive from Pop to KSC is closer to 90 minutes in total, but your experience may vary. KSC is a bit further north than the Port Canaveral home of Disney Cruise Line (and just as far east).

[Crow]

ive only been there once, in the 70s, so theres a chance might go this trip. drive from POP to there.. hopefully can see most of the things in a days time

[BrerGnat]

What if you just want to see the main visitor's center? Do you need tickets for that? Can that be done in 1-2 hours?

We will be in the area the day before our Dream cruise in a couple weeks. Figured we could just stop in and let our boys see the Rocket garden and some basic stuff in the main complex. We are NOT that into the space thing, and our boys have VERY short attention spans so we don't care to "see it all" or do any of the bus tours. We won't get to the area until 2 or 3pm anyway. What time does it close?