View Full Version : Kennedy Space Center
kaysvacationvilla
27-02-2004, 16:03
We are going to be in in our villa in October with several family members that have never been to Florida before. One the interests some members have is the Kennedy Space Center. I have never been there before either. Is this something you think the kids would find interesting a possibly boring? They will be 7,11,13. How long does it take to take a tour or to view the center? Do you recommend the tour? Is Coccoa Beach very close by that we could take in the beach on the same day? Also, about how long does it take to get there from Kissimmee.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions!!:):)
Kay
tinkerbell
27-02-2004, 16:30
Hi Kay,
I went to kennedy on my first visit when I was 13, and have to say i've never been since as it was pretty much the most boring day of my life!
The only thing that got me through it was the promise of a trip to Ron Jon's surf shop at the end of it and a visit to Cocoa beach, although the Gulf coast is much nicer for beach.
I would like to go back now, but the tour was so long then it dragged on so much! Maybe it's changed since?!
kevinprewett
27-02-2004, 16:42
Hi Kay,
I don't wish to upset any 'supporters' of the Space Centre but I'm afraid I am with Tink!! I have never been so bored in all my life.[msnscared][msnscared][msnscared]
I can easily remember seeing Neil Armstrong's landing many years ago on a small black + white tv, and the highlight of our 1st visit in 1990 was ksc. We went back last year and albeit it has changed a lot, the magic for me is still there. Admitally the kids were not enthralled as i was, but once they got onto alligator spotting on the short coach trips they perked up.
Good points:-
IMAX cinema screen, seeing a shuttle launch on this is awesome.
strolling around a Saturn V moon rocket.
All the techie stuff that is on display.
All the shuttle bits 'n bobs.
Bad points:-
Tour around the launch pad + Saturn V, allow 2-3 hours :-
As i'm a space nut, we took 5 hours to do it all.
It takes about 90 minutes to park up at KSC from Kissimmee. We've gone on to cocoa beach, which is about 30 minutes-ish south. We were not taken with cocoa beach we thought it a bit run down, apart from Ron Jon's surf shop . Also the sea was cold :(, the big toe test didn't last long :D
Nostromo
27-02-2004, 17:45
I find it very surprising that people find KSC boring. After all the commercialism, this is one area which is truly interesting and educational. But I suppose evryone is entitiled to their taste.
I am very much into space and astronomy and cannot wait to go to KSC for the fourth time. My father-in-law, a retired aeronautical enginner, is also very keen as this is his first visit. But the biggest surprise was my 10 year old niece. Even though I know that she is very bright, I assumed that KSC would not hold much interest for her and had decided to leave her out on that visit. A few months ago, I got a call from her all the way in India and she insisted on being included. Apparently, she has been browsing all the KSC and space websites and is very keen on coming and finding out 'how people went to the moon' etc
I have often found that some people (here in the West especially) believe that kids are only interested in stuff like junk food, computer games and thrill rides. Nothing is further from the truth.
DISNEYDIVA
27-02-2004, 18:08
We took my son to KSC on our 1997 holiday as he is very much into space. We went on a coach tour but found it was not long enough go have a good look around. We all enjoyed it and i must admit when i saw that massive ship in the hanger i felt quite emotional. I can remember being quite young watching the launches/re-entry's on TV with my parents, never thought i would get to see them in real life............
bellaepovera
27-02-2004, 18:27
I also thought KSC was very interesting. I would not advise to take kids under 7 there unless they are into space stuff as putting myself at their age, it can be boring for that age group especially if they go to the Disney parks first or any other main attraction in the Orlando area.
I agree 100% with Nostromo. I have taken my kids to KSC twice - the last time was 2 years ago when they were 11, 9 and 6. We had not one complaint! The 11 year old was especially enthralled with all she learned. She now says she wants to work at NASA when she grows up!
quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
I have often found that some people (here in the West especially) believe that kids are only interested in stuff like junk food, computer games and thrill rides. Nothing is further from the truth.
Well put (above)!! A steady diet of these things is absolutely NOT what kids need!! If this is all you feed them, then you are missing out on valuable opportunties - children are like sponges and they will soak up what you give them.
Well it was still free on the occasions I went -- but you had to pay for the bus tour and Imax if you wanted to do them.
We all found it fascinating - its not till you see that the spacecraft are made using ordinary sheetmetal and nuts and bolts that you appreciate the risks and challenges involved.
The memorial to those who died is moving - and the rocket park is great.
Its all great but I don't know if I would pay what they are asking now for entrance.
All the time I have spent in FL since 1988 and we never actually saw a launch - always called off at the last moment. Still got something to look forward to.
All the kids I ever met at the KSC seemed to find it wonderful. Never saw a bored one.
kaysvacationvilla
27-02-2004, 19:38
Where there is 9 on us I was thinking of looking into the bus tours. That way we could all be in the same vechile and make sure that we see everything. Do you find it is worth the money to take the bus tour from Orlando area. One company I looked up charges $77.00 per adult and $56.00 per child.
If you go directly it KSC what do they charge for admission?
Thank you all for your imput!
The tickets are available on the top row of links to park tickets and are $28.33 for adults and $19.57 for children so I would think that the bus trip there is a bit expensive if you can get there under your own steam.
Apart from anything else there, the IMAX films are awesome as it really feels like you're up in space with the astronauts.
If you are lucky enough to be in Florida when there's a launch, then you can see them from the Kissimmee area if it's not too cloudy.
Last time we went there was 1988 and we are going to visit this july, the kids dont want
to go and so we are leaving them at the Villa with their nan, also means was can have a
day out on our won which is rare
We really enjoyed it, but from above it seems you have yo pay extra for what was a one
price years ago, oh well thats comercialism for ya [8D]
I agree with most of the positive comments.
We have been several times over the years and all our 5 kids ages 2 up to 19 have all enjoyed KSC.
We also went on a day when a Shuttle was landing, we waited hours, it was really crowded and all we saw was a dot on the horizon! We did hear the sonic boom which the kids thought was really cool as I was a Concorde Stewardess at the time!
You have got to go its just one of those places you have to see at least once!
Concorde, now your talking What a plane, what an experience
quote:Originally posted by chrisj
Concorde, now your talking What a plane, what an experience
I know it was the best! I'm still in mourning how dare they retire such a icon!
Fancy having to tell our kids we could fly to New York in 3 hours in the 70's, 80' and 90's but in the 21st century it takes 7 hours! What a backward step!
Nice to have a supporter thanks Chrisj!
We flew it to New York and back for my 40th treat and im glad we did, What an experience
to have. Just wish they could have kept it going, its my wifes 40th next year and how can
I top that
hi Kay
For anyone with an interest KSC is going to be fantastic.I grew up during the Appolo's ,and I still remember the feeling I had when I pulled up in the car park right by the rocket garden about 15 years ago (a childhood dream come true).
It's not for everyone, I know people who don't like the theme parks(freaks!)
phil
quote:Originally posted by chrisj
We flew it to New York and back for my 40th treat and im glad we did, What an experience
to have. Just wish they could have kept it going, its my wifes 40th next year and how can
I top that
You can't!
You will have to come up with somethng pretty special for her to match Mach 2!
Any ideas folks?
kaysvacationvilla
28-02-2004, 03:10
We are absolutly going there!!! If the kids don't like it that will be tuff for them. I think my son will really like it, but I doubt it will interest my 13 year old daughter. My 7 year old goes with the flow. I found out the admission price for everything is $35.00 per adult so I will not be paying the $77.00 to ride a bus, plus it is not that long of a ride. We will be looking for a large van to rent for the 9 of us while we are in Florida so we can all ride in that.
Thanks everyone, I am sure that it will be very enjoyable.
Kay
We visited Kennedy during our first visit to Orlando in Oct 02 with kids aged 3,11,5 and 8 and they all loved it - both the boys and girl - the adults also really enjoyed it - it is definatly worth the hours drive out to the coast. We were also lucky enough to be there when there was a shuttle launch and we went to Cocoa Beach to watch it - what an atmosphere on the beach - it was so exciting even though we could only see a big ball of flame going up but WOW it was great. Hoping to see something being launched this July when we are going back for our third visit.:D
There are no launches scheduled for this July
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/schedule/mixfleet.htm
This site lists all launches
I love KSC, wife hates it. Will not be going there again until 2006 when some friends are coming over with us and he is as keen as me.
Do you know you can do a Astronaut training day for $225, see http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/visitKSC/atx.asp
Paul
NadimAshiq
01-03-2004, 16:49
I have been to Kennedy twice and think that it is great
I personally rate it as the best 'theme park' of them all
You can find plenty to do, loads of great things to look at and the imax film is great
I am sure that the kids will love it
If you like it try the Florida science centre which is a way out but a very good trip out
Ray&Sarah
01-03-2004, 20:17
Our sons are not into History or museums but they both loved KSC. We are considering returning there again next ime we are over.
I think that it is all down to personal taste, I have only been once and having been an "Space Nut" from a young age, I found the whole place great fun.
There is plenty to see and do, although I can see why some people get bored, I think that if you go all that way it is worth taking one day out just to say that you have been.
Clearly there aren't any Shuttle Launches scheduled for some time yet, but if you can get along when there are other launches then the whole experiance will be 1000'd times better.
KSC got a pretty bad review 2 weeks ago on an ITV Holiday Show, rather unfairly in my view.
I think you either love it or you don't.
Hi Kay :)
Keep checking all the ticket web sites for special offers, we got our tickets for under $20.
Have a look at these as an appertiser :D
http://www.aslu25.dsl.pipex.com/images/kennedy1.jpg
http://www.aslu25.dsl.pipex.com/images/kennedy2.jpg
http://www.aslu25.dsl.pipex.com/images/kennedy3.jpg
http://www.aslu25.dsl.pipex.com/images/kennedy4.jpg
kaysvacationvilla
02-03-2004, 16:08
Thanks for the pics. If you an idea of the grand size of everything. I will look around for discounted tickets. Do know which site you got the $20.00 tickets?
Kay
craig_emptage
02-03-2004, 17:27
Hi jeff
Those are great pictures and it's good that there are areas where you get up close. Can I ask which tour you when on? as there are many different ones aren't there?
Thanks
Craig
kaysvacationvilla
02-03-2004, 17:52
Jeff......no PM received.
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
02-03-2004, 18:05
Kay
I've just sent you a test pm to see if it arrives as Jeff's should be there if he's sent it [msneek]
Def. sent but it's not showing in my outbox ???
Sent it again :)
Craig, we didn't do a tour, just wandered around, couldn't see any info on tours anywhere, this was in December 2002.