Shuttle launch - how best to see while in Florida?

jeanniebeanie_2

Been down twice for launches in two seperate Florida trips. Both times cancelled.

The first time we foolishly thought we would take a look around the Space Centre first. Big mistake, it was absolutely heaving and of course the access/tours were severely restricted. We did see the shuttle on the launchpad though. That launch was cancelled hours before, something to do with bird damage.

The second time was at night. We drove down to Cocoa Beach (just read above you can no longer do that though) and found ourselves a great viewing spot. The atmosphere was brilliant, people had radios turned up with live broadcasts , and there was a real party atmosphere. We got as far as launch minus 18 seconds and it got cancelled again - lightening forecast!

The drive back to Kissimmee was horrendous. The storm arrived and we were in lashing rain and terrible traffic for 5 hours.

Would still love to see it, but not sure if I would take the risk of cancellation again.

jeanniebeanie_2

Just remembered, probably a long shot as they will probably be fully booked now, but some of the Cocoa Beach hotels used to advertise some of their rooms with balconies as having great launch views and at the time had a 24 hour notice free cancellation policy- it was something we looked into.

Things may have changed now and of course it wouldn't help if the launch was cancelled at the last minute, just an idea though.

Two_Hoots_3

I was lucky and also saw a launch a few years ago, I bought the tickets direct from the Kennedy space centre. We were a long way across a lagoon from the shuttle but it was the best most memorable experience I have ever had. I remember people from all over the coast phoning into the local radio saying they could see the Endeavour so I would also suggest the Cocoa beach area. Please go and see it you won't regret it, but watch the TV news they will tell you if its going ahead as planned.

Bennifred

JackRS wrote: »

Nice one Bennifred, you'd think the air space would be restricted nearby?

Indeed - we didn't exactly cross paths, though! The flight Jacksonville-Miami didn't stick to the coastline, it was over land most of the way.

Spursman180

It's probably not a good idea to be standing too close? Must be the only event where the closer you are the cheaper the tickets!

moonrakerz

Don't try and get too close, the traffic will be a nightmare.
We have friends in Port St John and we were told where to go for the best view. We drove down Fay Blvd to US1, there are plenty of shops there so it is easy to park - just walk across the road and you have a perfect view across the Banana River to the Cape. (Look on Google maps)

johnnyroper

davetrousers wrote: »

I was in Florida in October (just before the original scheduled launch at the start of November) so were lucky to see the shuttle on the launch pad. We also stayed at Cocoa Beach and you could see the shuttle from there, so would consider this a good place to view.

when i went last march i went to kennedy the day after shuttle had been moved from assembly building to 39a in prep for discovery to launch in april.
was a fantastic site seeing her on the pad and all the action going on (needed binoculars)

people at kennedy said lots of roads are closed on launch day and is very difficult to get close.

will-he-payitoff

We watched from cocoa beach in 2002, its a good view and I dont think Id pay that much to watch as its all over in about 25 seconds

jeanniebeanie_2

Have you decided Jack?

codo

Like Incapuppy we were there many years ago (17+ years).
We saw the launch from the beach in titusville. We ended up staying there for two nights as the first launch was cancelled. We had a good view from the beach and there was a great atmosphere as there were alot of people there for it.