Kennedy Space Center

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Budding astronauts and their parents will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. It's an hour from Orlando and well worth the drive. It comprises 70 plus acres of space hardware, artifacts from four decades of space exploration, lots of excellent exhibits and some superb film and video presentations. Inside the main visitor complex your first stop should be booking one of several spectacular IMAX movies, along with a bus tour that will take you to view the Space Shuttle launch pad from the observation gantry and the gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is also a scheduled stop and features the most awesome piece of hardware you'll ever get to stand underneath! The final item on the tour is an impressive close-up look at the International Space Station (a fascinating peek at your tax dollars at work!) 

After the film and the tour its time to take in the rest of the visitor complex. Start with the Shuttle Launch Experience.  On this must-do ride you'll find out just what it's like to blast off into orbit.  Superb special effects and intense sound make this a life-like simulation - and watch out, this take-off is verticle! Astronaut Encounter is a unique live show featuring face to face question and answer sessions with real astronauts! It's all very inspirational stuff! The Rocket Garden is worth a look as it contains many very interesting space projectiles (how on earth did those things ever fly?) and right next door is a space shuttle mock up. All this however, pales by comparison should you get lucky and your visit coincides with an actual launch. It's worth noting that younger kids might space out on some exhibits - if that's the case check out the Children's Play Dome. However for most kids of school age, it's one of the best science lessons they'll ever have!

Best Value Tickets:
The very best way to see Kennedy Space Center is as part of a Guided Tour Package. For those prefering to drive themselves, Single Day Admissions are also available at the gate.

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The Verdict
The Verdict
The Verdict  - Kennedy Space
The Verdict
  • Shuttle Launch Experience - just like the real thing, only without all that pesky training.
  • The IMAX Film - whatever's showing is always a HUGE hit.
  • Observation Gantry/Launch Pad - here it always goes with a bang.
  • Saturn V Center - imagine sitting atop one of these.
  • International Space Station - it's good to see what's happening up there!
  • Astronaut Encounter - so what was it really like Mr. Armstrong?
  • Space Shuttle Mock up - as close as you'll ever get!
  • The Rocket Garden - quite the collection.
  • Shuttle launch - absolutely must do it if you have the chance.
Insider Tips  
Insider Tips
Insider Tips  - Kennedy Space
Insider Tips
  • Call (321) 867 4636 for upcoming shuttle launch info.
  • Allow 3-4 hours for the main bus tour. The ticket office will help you schedule your film selection.
  • Anyone in your group not enamored by space travel might want to consider 'The Wildlife Tour' - a two-hour close up look at the inhabitants of the neighboring Merrit Island Wildlife Refuge.
Info  
Info
Info  - Kennedy Space
Info
Location: State Road 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL
Telephone: (407) 522-5911 or 1-800-537-0917
Website: Gatortours.com