Shuttle Launch May 31

[David]

I just learned that there will be a shuttle launch on May 31. We've never been at WDW when one is launched and was wondering how well you can see it. We'll be at MK that day for PPP and I believe it has a 5:15 PM launch.

Anybody seen one while at MK?

 

[travelskip]

I'll be at DHS then. I hope it's visible and it doesn't get cancelled like the last chance I had to see a launch back in August of 1994.

 

[Master Yoda]

It is a fair view of the launch. You will not hear or feel it like you can from at Kennedy or Space view park but it will appear to be about the size of a jumbo jet at high altitude. From MK it will appear to be over Space mountain.

 

[SewIn2Disney]

I saw a shuttle launch last summer. From what I read you can see it over Space Mtn (how coincidental!) in the Magic Kingdom, and over Mexico or Mission Space (yes--another coincidence!) in epcot.

We saw it standing outside of the Rose and Crown, and looking over to Mexico. It was awesome---we looked around the lagoon and no one was moving---everyone was frozen with their eyes on the sky. Even Off Kilter played a few patriotic notes----awesome experience.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

We've been fortunate to see two launches while at Disney. The first was from outside our hotel room and the second while on The Backlot Tour at MGM.
It really is a great experience

 

[The Mom]

Thanks for the information. We won't be at WDW, but will be staying in a condo on the beach, so might have a chance to see it....if the weather cooperates.

I've seen one a few times, but purely by accident. Once, I spotted it while driving, so couldn't really appreciate it.

And, of course, it appears much smaller up here in NE FL. :lol:

 

[donsullivan]

A really great place to watch a launch is the top of the Contemporary. I saw the July 4th launch two years ago and it was great.

Wherever you choose you'll want a good long open space in front of you to the East and slightly north of due east to get a good sighting.

One key to whether you'll be able to see it is the cloud level that day. It's not uncommon for the area around KSC to be clear enough for a launch but have light clouds over the Orlando area which makes viewing a launch from that distance more difficult.

 

[Captain Hank]

In Epcot, the shuttle appears to launch from directly behind Mission: Space.

This is a picture of a night launch in December, '06.