Orlando-Everglades

[Twizzle]

We are booked for a 10 day vacation in Thousans Oaks Orlando but we would also like to go to the Everglades, for the day is this possible from Orlando. I also am not quite sure what part of Florida the Everglades are in, we would like to take a air boat ride and see some wildlife, we are 2 adults and 2 kids (age 5 & 7)

what would you recommend ?

Also we wanted to go to the Kennedy Space Centre to see the launch on May 26th but I have been told that since 9/11 it is not worth going as you can not see anything now is that true ?

[blott]

The Everglades are in south west Florida so not that near to Orlando as such and driving time would take up quite a bit of your day trip. Have a look here for info http://www.nps.gov/ever/

You can take an airboat ride in the Orlando area and see some great wildlife http://www.bcairboats.com or use the top Search link on the top of each forum page for 'Boggy Creek Airboats' and you should find lots of info.

You need special tickets to actually be in the KSC during a launch and there are no refunds if the launch is cancelled (which happens quite frequently). One of the nearest areas to see a launch without getting a special ticket is Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic coast, about an hour or so's drive from the Orlando area. You can actually see launches from the Orlando area if you look in the right direction at the right time and there are few clouds!

Whether you go to see a launch or not KSC is an interesting place to visit anyway.

[Nostromo]

Everglades National Park is in the southernmost part of Florida. To drive there, to can either go south on the US27 as far as Lake Ookeechoobee (I hope that I got that right!) and join I-75 South for the final leg.

I don't think 9/11 has made a huge difference with KSC except, perhaps greater security. For some time they had made the International Space Station mock-up area off-limits, but it is open again now. KSC as a whole is better than ever now.

[Cowboy]

You will need at least a whole day to appreciate the Everglades and driving there and return will take almost a day.
Check the Florida Guide on the home page tool bar. There are a few write-ups relating to the Everglades.
Mike and Kath.

[amy]

The everglades where great, but it is a long way for a day trip, we broke the journey up by spending a few nights at Naples.

[Fran19]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Twizzle
We are booked for a 10 day vacation in Thousans Oaks Orlando but we would also like to go to the Everglades, for the day is this possible from Orlando. I also am not quite sure what part of Florida the Everglades are in, we would like to take a air boat ride and see some wildlife, we are 2 adults and 2 kids (age 5 & 7)

what would you recommend ?

Also we wanted to go to the Kennedy Space Centre to see the launch on May 26th but I have been told that since 9/11 it is not worth going as you can not see anything now is that true ?
[/quote]Hello Twizzle

We stayed in Orlando a few years ago and travelled to Marco Island and the Everglades. Driving from Orlando to Marco took us about 3 hours and the Everglades is about an hour on from there. We thoroughly enjoyed both Marco and the Everglades and would recommend going. We took an airboat ride and although our children are older than yours, there were younger children on the trip who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It's well worth the journey! Have a great time [msnsmile]