Space Shuttle Launches

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Having had our trip booked and planned for months I found that there was a shuttle launch planned for the second day of our trip (April 10th).
I have just visited the Kennedy web site again today and discovered that the launch dates have changed. There are no launches planned for April.
Do these guys change the schedules frequently, or are we going to have to miss out ?

 

[wdwmagic]

The schedules change like the direction of the wind on those launches. You never know you may still get to see one.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Oh, I hope you're right !!

 

[woofboy111]

well, if you miss out, I am working on a website that will have videos of all of the shuttle/rocket launches from various locations (where ever I am). I miss the good ol' days when the space center didn't charge to get a front row seat to watch launches.

I'll let you know when my website is up.

 

[GaryT977]

It all depends on the weather and how many leaks they find. BTW - The last shuttle launch I watched blew up. I don't watch them anymore.

 

[Maria]

Even if there is one scheduled while you are there, there is no warranty that you will see it. While I lived there, there were a few launches; I went to see one that was cancelled two days in a row and finally launched on the third night. I was fun though! :animwink:

 

[MrPromey]

Originally posted by wdwmagic
The schedules change like the direction of the wind on those launches. You never know you may still get to see one.

Actually, it can change *because* of the direction of the wind. :lol:


Seriously, they take every imaginable precaution with them and they aren’t doing these to please the public so it really is sort of a game of chance but if you have never seen one before, it is worth at least trying to if you have the time.

 

[Erika]

My grandma and great aunt used to live just south of there, in Cocoa Beach. You don't know until the last minute whether or not a shuttle will REALLY take off. Because of that, it's not worth planning a vacation around, but it is a nice bonus if you get to see one.

 

[BRER STITCH]

Sorry to read you are going to miss the Shuttle Launch.

All I can say is...If you have never had the chance to see one in person, by all means make the effort. It is AWESOME!

We left WDW at about 3 in the morning to head over to the lauch area. Just follow the cars. Everyone else knows where to go for the best views!

We wound up with a terriffic spot just across the lake. Just as the sun began to rise, the flames flew, and the billows of smoke appeared as the shuttle lifted from the platform. As it climbed, it made a shadow in front of the sun and the explosive noise reached us across the water.

Truly a breathtaking site...and well worth the once in a life time experience!

Best of all....we were back to WDW just as the parks opened!
An inspiring start to a glorious day!!! :sohappy:

P.S. Bring your resort mugs filled with Hot Chocolate andplenty of donuts to share!!!

 

[Michael72688]

I wouldn't be that upset about it, I know for people who havent seen them it's pretty cool, but I live hear and there all the same, from Disney all you would see is an very small orangle light and a huge plume of smoke behind it, then like five mins after it goes up you hear a rumble, that is

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Originally posted by Michael72688
I wouldn't be that upset about it, I know for people who havent seen them it's pretty cool, but I live hear and there all the same, from Disney all you would see is an very small orangle light and a huge plume of smoke behind it, then like five mins after it goes up you hear a rumble, that is

A space shuttle launch might be nothing spectacular for someone living in Florida as they're occuring like 5 or 6 times a year. HOWEVER, for us tourists from the UK (who help your economy with our £££s) they are a major attraction even though they may be nothing more than a light with smoke trail.

 

[Léo]

How do you go to KSC?

I'd also like to go to Kennedy Space Center; can you go there by bus? I can't rent a car, and going there by taxi must be sooooooooo expensive!!

Léo

 

[Michael72688]

I see no shuttle launches in April now!

 

[Erika]

Re: How do you go to KSC?

Originally posted by Léo
I'd also like to go to Kennedy Space Center; can you go there by bus? I can't rent a car, and going there by taxi must be sooooooooo expensive!!

Léo

Kennedy is a really great place to visit. I'm sorry I don't have any specific information for you but I would assume they run some kind of transportation out that way. It's not all that far.

 

[woofboy111]

Originally posted by Michael72688
I wouldn't be that upset about it, I know for people who havent seen them it's pretty cool, but I live hear and there all the same, from Disney all you would see is an very small orangle light and a huge plume of smoke behind it, then like five mins after it goes up you hear a rumble, that is

I still think there cool after 10 years living here. I try to see every one.

 

[mikebrakes]

Originally posted by Michael72688
I see no shuttle launches in April now!

With the breakup of Columbia, all shuttle launches have been postponed until further notice.