The Kennedy Space Center: Where Imagination Takes Flight

The Kennedy Space Center is America's premiere space facility. Located in Cocoa Beach, Florida, it's a huge complex of space shuttles, launch pads, museums and astronaut encounters located only 1-hour from the popular attractions of central Florida. Looking for something a little more authentic than theme parks on your Florida vacation? The Kennedy Space Center is owned and operated by NASA, making the facility a unique and exciting experience for space buffs and novices alike.

We decided to visit the Kennedy Space Center during our month-long trip to Florida in 2005. My family and I have always been fascinated by space travel and the solar system, so the Center was a natural fit on our trip. We stayed in Orlando that year and took the hour-long drive on a Saturday afternoon in August. One thing to know about the area surrounding the Kennedy Space Center is that it's absolutely gorgeous! The entire northeast coast of Florida, known as the Space Coast, is a protected nature preserve, making the streets almost glisten. It was great driving up the coast from Orlando and getting to see the swaying palm trees, soaring birds and clear blue water all under the bright blue sky full of puffy white clouds. It was gorgeous!

Once we got to the Kennedy Space Center, we went about buying our tickets. We decided to wait until we got to the gate to purchase ours, but I'm a big advocate of buying tickets in advance. The Center was relatively crowded on the day of our visit (especially with south American tour groups) and we waited a good twenty-minutes to buy our tickets. You can easily purchase tickets online at the KSC's website, or you can find discounts through AAA and the Mousesavers.com website. There are two different ticket options to choose from - the Astronaut Hall of Fame admission tickets which only get you into the Hall of Fame ($17 Adults, $13 Children) and the Maximum Access Badge that gets you into the Astronaut Hall of Fame, 3D Shows, Bus Tours, and the rest of the entire complex ($38 Adults, $28 Children). We went with the Maximum Access Badges, which I highly recommend as the facility is full of many exciting and hands-on attractions that can only be experienced with this admission.

As can be expected, security at the Kennedy Space Center is TIGHT! Due to the fact that it's an actual, working NASA facility, they can never be too careful. The longest line we waited on all day was probably the security line! There's an entire building dedicated to security right after the ticket gates. We had to open all of our bags (pocketbooks, makeup, camera, etc.) and pockets, empty all metal items onto a cart, and walk through a metal detector. There were also hand-held scanners and some people had to take off their shoes. It was pretty much like going through airport security, so just be prepared! It wasn't at all invasive, and it kept everyone safe.

Once entering the facility, there's a whole world of things to see, do, and explore! With our Maximum Access Badges we first took a bus tour to the LC-399 Observation Deck where we saw a space shuttle on it's launch pad, before taking the bus over to the ApolloSaturn V Center, where we learned the history of (and saw artifacts from) the various Apollo and Saturn space missions. We then headed back to the main facility where we saw a 3D show and admired the Astronaut Memorial (dedicated to all Astronauts who lost their lives in space), before driving over to the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

The Kennedy Space Center is a truly amazing place, and a very unique experience. Whether you're interested in space or not, it's one of the only places in the world where you can be a part of the American space industry... viewing space launches, meeting astronauts, and all.

When visiting the Kennedy Space Center, it really is worth getting the Maximum Access Badges since they provides access to the bus tours that bring you farther out into the complex, and into otherwise restricted areas. Priced at $38 for Adults and $28 for Children, the Maximum Access Badges give you the complete Kennedy Space Center experience, which is completely worthwhile. You can even purchase these tickets from the Space Center's website and print them out from right at home. We got the Maximum Access Badges for our day at the facilities, and the very first thing we did was take the bus tour.

The Kennedy Space Center is absolutely huge, making many interesting exhibits, museums and observation decks out of walking distance. In order to reach them you have to take a bus tour, which is only included in the Maximum Access Badge admission. On our trip to the center, the first thing we did after passing through security was make our way over to the buses. The bus station is located in the main visitor complex, directly to the right of the main entrance and security building. Several tour buses leave from this same location, but only the Kennedy Space Center tour is included in your admission. Bus tours leave every 15-minutes, and there is a countdown clock located in front of the main terminal, telling guests when the next bus will arrive.

Luckily for us, a bus was set to leave in only ten-minutes so we quickly got on line to board. As authentic and unique as the Kennedy Space Center is, they can't seem to avoid the cliche of all central Florida attractions - the "on-ride photo." Before boarding the bus, my family and I were told to stand in front of a space-themed background for a group photo. It took no more than a minute, but was a pretty cheesy photo-op considering how seriously NASA wants people to think about the Center. The photo was also (expectedly) ridiculously overpriced, with a single 5x7 photo costing $22. No thanks! We passed and boarded the waiting bus.

One of the best things about the Kennedy Space Center Tour is that there were video screens set up around the bus that played interesting videos as we made our way around the facility. As soon as the bus was full and we were on our way, a video began to play telling the history of the KSC and how far the facility has come. It was both interesting and entertaining, if not hard to hear. The bus was full of a middle-school aged tour group, and unfortunately the kids were disruptive and disrespectful. They were not only screaming and singing throughout the entire ride, but they continued to glare at and even touch other guests. Two girls sitting in front of my mother and I kept flinging their hair back behind their seats, and then turning to see if they hit us with it. It was completely ridiculous and nothing was done about it (by their chaperone's or the bus driver) until I said something to them myself. I would highly recommend avoiding the month of July when it comes to visiting the center, since I've heard from several friends that these types of encounters with tour groups aren't unusual during that month specifically.

The Kennedy Space Center bus tour passes many interesting and unique sights on its way to the three main stops. We saw the Launch Control Center (where space launches are planned and monitored), the Vehicle Assembly Building (where space shuttles are built and maintained), and several Crawlers (giant, spider-like machines that are used to slowly move space shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pads). As we passed each sight, the video displayed unique stories and interesting background information corresponding to what we saw at the time.

The main bus tour makes three designated stops - the LC 39 Observation Gantry, the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the International Space Station Center. You can get off at as many stop as you like and stay for as long as you want. Buses come and go from each facility every 10-minutes or so, making it easy to get from one stop to the next, and back to the Visitor Complex.

If you're looking for a more in-depth experience, the Kennedy Space Center also offers additional bus tours, for an extra charge. The NASA Up-Close Tour ($21 Adults, $15 Children) gets you as close to the space shuttles and observation decks as possible, while the Cape Canaveral: Then and Now Tour ($21 Adults, $15 Children) allows you to see the space shuttles, rockets and launch pads of the past, as well as the current and future innovations of the Center at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum.

No trip to the Kennedy Space Center is complete without a bus tour. The main tour (The Kennedy Space Center Tour) is included in admission and brings you to some of the most unique and exciting parts of the facility, letting you get closer to the actual space shuttles and equipment used in missions than anything at the Visitors Complex does. I highly recommend this tour! If you're looking for some added fun (and you have a little extra dough to spend) also consider the more personal tours that cost more but provide an even more unique experience.

The LC39 Observation Gantry is the first stop of the Kennedy Space Center bus tour. Located around two-miles away from the Visitor Complex, this area brings you as close as you can get to the launch pads and space shuttles of the Center, without paying extra for a behind-the-scenes tour. On our trip to the Kennedy Space Center, this was our first real stop and we couldn't have been more excited! It took fifteen-minutes to get from the bus depot of the Visitor Complex to the LC39 Observation Gantry, and it was a fun and interesting ride. We saw many unique sites along the way, including the Launch Control Center (where launches are generated and observed) and the Vehicle Assembly Building (where the space shuttles are actually built).

The "LC" in LC39 stands for Launch Complex, making this the 39th complex in the history of the Kennedy Space Center. The LC39 Observation Gantry is 60-feet tall and provides amazing views of the two main launch pads, as well as the rest of the complex and the surrounding nature preserve. None of the attractions at the Kennedy Space Center (or all of central Florida, for that matter) are simple, so there were several different pre-shows we went through before we could go to the top of the tower.

Upon arriving at the observation deck, we were ushered into the main building with 20-or so other people who also got off the bus at this stop. Here we found a replica of the Discovery shuttle, which was scheduled to launch only a few days later. The replica included an entire mini-version of the launch pad and shuttle, as well as the LC39 Observation Gantry off in the distance in order to show us the distance between the two to scale. It was amazing seeing the detail put into this model, as it was an exact replica of the Discovery. There were also posters and pictures of the shuttle, as well as billboards full of information on the Discovery and it's impending launch. By this time the shuttle launch had already been delayed twice, and there was plenty of information as to why. We were free to spend as much time as we wanted taking in the information, before heading up to the observation deck.

After 20-minutes we decided to head on upstairs. Be prepared - the Observation Gantry is a good five-stories high so be ready to walk those stairs! There's an elevator for anyone who needs it, but they really recommend taking the walk. I do too; there are railings and platforms surrounding each staircase which provide a unique perspective out over the surrounding land. Once at the top, the view was unbelievable! The main attraction was definitely the two launch pads off in the distance - Launch Pads 39A and 39B. Launch Pad 39A held the Discovery, and it was surreal getting to see an actual space shuttle ready to be launched into space. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen! If you need to travel on specific dates then visit the Kennedy Space Center whenever you can. However, if your dates are flexible be sure to plan your trip around the launch of a shuttle. An empty launch pad is cool, but an actual shuttle on the launch pad, days before it's launch, is unreal!

Launch Pad 39B was empty on the day of our visit, but there was a staff member on the observation deck telling everyone how it was the pad that Apollo 11 (the shuttle manned by Neil Armstrong on the first mission to the moon) was launched from. There was an incredible sense of history in the air, and rightfully so. From the top of the Observation Gantry you also have an amazing view of the nature preserve surrounding the Kennedy Space Center. The water was a clear, bright blue and the palm trees perfectly swayed in the breeze off to the distance. It was gorgeous, and added an extra touch of magic to the entire experience!

After a good half-hour of taking in the sights and talking to the KSC employee about the launch pads and Discovery launch, we decided to head back downstairs. Even if you take the elevator to the top of the Gantry, try to walk back down. Right in the middle of the staircase is an actual engine from a space shuttle and this thing was HUGE! It was amazing to see (you could get right up in front of it), and even more amazing to know that each space shuttle has around four of them. It really cements the fact that those shuttles are amazing feats of engineering.

Be sure not to miss the LC39 Observation Gantry on your next trip to the Kennedy Space Center! Regardless of how many artifacts and pieces of memorabilia you see in the many museums around the complex, there really is nothing like seeing the real thing. Try to plan your trip around a shuttle launch if you can, because the sheer size and design of a shuttle on it's launch pad is truly something to see. Even if you're not visiting during a launch session, the Gantry is still a great site to visit for the sheer beauty of the view and the true sense of history in the air.

The second stop of the Kennedy Space Center bus tour is the Apollo/Saturn V Center. It's a museum and mixed media center dedicated to the many Apollo space missions, as well as the Saturn V Rocket. Again, you need to buy the Maximum Access Badge to gain access to the museum. At $38 for adults and $28 for children, the Maximum Access Badges make the Kennedy Space Center one of the cheaper central Orlando attractions, and is completely worth the price. It's a fifteen-minute ride from the LC-39 Observation Gantry, the first stop of the bus tour. On the way to the museum we watched a video on the bus about the international space race, as well as John F. Kennedy's role in it. It was an interesting video and really set the tone for the trip.

Upon entering the Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests are ushered into a large theater with three giant screens. The theater is standing-room only so be prepared. It's fully wheel-chair accessible if need be, and many people sat on the floor or leaned against the back wall during our visit. In all reality, the theater is more of a hanger than an actual theater, but it serves its purpose. After ushering half of our bus-load into the theater, the doors were closed and everyone else was left waiting outside. The room is very big but they don't like to cram people in so be ready for a wait. If you want to be one of the first ones into the theater, try to be amongst the first people off the bus.

After a five-minute wait, the room went dark and the three large screens came to life. We were shown a half-hour film on the space race, the Saturn V Rocket, and the role that John F. Kennedy played in the creation and strengthening of America's space program. It was a fascinating video with lots of special effects and first-hand footage of actual space launches. The best part was still yet to come, though.

Once the video ended, we were all led to the next room, which included a complete recreation of the launch center for the Apollo missions. We were all ushered into tiered rows where we again had to stand for the presentation, but this was honestly one of the coolest exhibitions I've ever seen so the time went by fast. The room soon went dark and the screen in front of us lit up with video from the day of the Saturn V Rocket launch to the moon. There was a countdown clock above the screen, counting down to when the launch was supposed to take place. Essentially, the Kennedy Space Center was putting us right in the middle of the action. When the short video was over, the room again went dark and the control panels in front of us were dimly lit. As the countdown got closer to 0, each part of the control center lit up brighter, as sound clips of mission control leaders filled the theater. We got a first-hand view of what it was like in the Control Center during the launch, including when each Mission Control member did their job and why. When the countdown finally reached 0, lights around the room flashed and the floor actually shook and vibrated as a video was shown of the Saturn Launch. Mission accomplished. It was excellent!

Even cooler was the fact that we were then let into the museum, where the actual Saturn V Rocket was hanging from the ceiling. The Apollo/Saturn V Center is a 100,000 square foot facility, and the rocket reached across the entire building. It was an unbelievable sight... truly awe-inspiring and not to be missed on your day at the Kennedy Space Center.

While lots of information is given on the Saturn V Rocket, there isn't much information on the Apollo missions, which the Center is also dedicated to. There were lots of replicas and actual pieces of the rockets, but without much information beyond what each thing was. For example, there were actual Space Rovers used to move around and take video on the moon, but there was no information on what the Rovers actually did and why.

Also, there is a lack of organization in the Apollo/Saturn V Center that can get quite confusing. While information and artifacts from the first few Apollo missions are displayed in order, the last few are in completely random spots. Looking for information on perhaps the most famous Apollo mission, Apollo 13? Yea, that's located in the cafe. Speaking of which, there's food and drinks available in the Center, but be prepared to pay. My father and brother each got a turkey sandwich while my mom and I shared a salad and frozen Milky Way ice cream bar, and the bill came to $40. The food was good but nowhere worth the price, and better food can be found back at the main Visitor's Complex of the Kennedy Space Center.

While the Apollo/Saturn V Center has its setbacks, it's completely worth the bus ride over just to see the Apollo V presentation and actual rocket. It was an incredible experience and one of the most memorable things we saw on our entire month-long trip to Orlando!

The United States Astronaut Hall of Fame was the best part of our day at the Kennedy Space Center. It's the home of the hands-on, interactive aspects of the center, and what many people think of as the true Kennedy Space Center experience. It's nowhere near as authentic as the LC39 Observation Gantry or Apollo/Saturn V Center, but it sure is fun! The Hall of Fame is located fifteen-minutes from the main Visitor's Complex, and you can only get there by car. It is not part of any of the Kennedy Space Center bus tours, so if you get to the center through a private bus tour or shuttle, make sure to arrange transportation. It's a quick and easy drive down one main road; just follow the many signs and you'll find it!

The experience is included in the Maximum Access Badges to the Kennedy Space Center ($38 Adults, $28 Children), but if you're only interested in the Hall of Fame you can buy separate admission to just that building at $17 for adults and $13 for children. No discount prices are available for this ticket option, so your best bet is to either buy your tickets at the gate or order them online from the Kennedy Space Center's main website. If you're sure about your trip then I always recommend ordering your tickets in advance, in order to avoid ticket lines at the gate that can sometimes be longer than the lines for the actual attractions.

There's so much to see and do at the Astronaut Hall of Fame that you need to dedicate at least 3-hours to the site in order to experience it all. Be sure to leave yourself extra time if visiting during the busy spring break, summer vacation and winter holiday seasons. Upon entering the building, the first thing you'll see is early books, magazines and works of art depicting space exploration. Some of these dated back to the early 1800's and were very amusing! Almost all of them incorporated crazy-looking aliens and other extra-terrestrials in one way or another, which is obviously far-fetched to most people today but was completely believable during the time period. It was all very funny to see!

Once through the "Space Exploration of the Past" exhibit, you enter the main building which is absolutely huge and full of various rooms and hallways with different information and experiences. On our trip, the first thing my family and I did was look at the memorabilia on display from past rocket launches. These were creative and unique ways for bystanders and patriotic Americans to show their support and pride in the space race during the first few space missions. The memorabilia included unique flags, posters, works of art, banners, dolls, clothing and hats. My favorite was a blue hat (painted to look like the sky) with a 3D space shuttle attached to the top. It was funny and very unique!

We then walked through a big hallway with larger-than-life biographies of famous astronauts. Each astronaut featured had both their personal and professional pictures displayed, as well as an entire wall-panel telling their story. It was very interesting and really put a face to all the names we hear so often. It was a unique and creative way of displaying the information and we all learned a lot. There was also information on the space shuttle that each astronaut was involved with, and what they each did to not only further the advancement of space exploration, but also life around the world in general.

As interesting as it all was, the best part of the Astronaut Hall of Fame was the Astronaut Adventure room, where guests get to experience what it's like to actually be an astronaut and be launched into space. This was where all the crowds were. If you're looking for the full Astronaut Adventure experience, be sure to get there early. The rest of the complex (including the Kennedy Space Center's main visitor complex) never gets all that crowded since everyone can walk around and take in the information at their own pace, but these attraction actually involve waiting in line. Try to come here first and get everything done early, before the main crowds pour in from the Visitor's Complex later in the day.

The big hit of the Astronaut Adventure room was the G-Force trainer, where two people at a time strap in and are spun so fast that they experience the complete weightlessness of 4G's, which is four times the force of gravity. It was a crazy experience and much more intense than any of the rides at the central Florida theme parks! The line was 40-minutes long which we normally wouldn't have waited for, but this was our only day at the center so we decided to go for it. There were videos of other people's experiences playing along the line so it kept us entertained and the time went by fast. Once it was our turn, my father and I sat together and this was unlike any other ride I've ever been on. We were closed into a tiny capsule with a screen in front of us, which played video of the sky, and eventually the earth, quickly passing by us as we "launched" into space. The 4 G's really put a lot of pressure on your chest so be sure to listen to the posted health warnings. If you have any heart, back or neck conditions, stay away! The ride's intense and a lot of fun, but obviously isn't worth the risk. Once the G force's were lifted, we experienced the unique sensation of weightlessness, which was the best part of the whole ride. It was a really cool experience!

Another fun attraction at the US Astronaut Hall of Fame is the Rocky Rover, a chance for guests to ride an actual space rover over a man-made rocky terrain. It gives you the feeling of driving on the moon, which is obviously something that most of us will never get to experience in real life. Luckily the line was short on the day of our visit (everyone seemed to be on line for the G-Force Training) but only one person can ride at a time and the line can get very long on certain days. Again, arrive early!

There is a cafe on property with some pretty horrible food, to be honest. We got two mini-pizzas to share and my father got a burger, and everything tasted freezer-burnt and stale. Plus it was ridiculously over-priced, with our three small items costing $35. This was after we had already spent $40 on mediocre snacks at the Apollo/Saturn V Center! Much better food can be found elsewhere so have a big breakfast before you arrive and plan on going to get food when you leave. Don't even bother buying a meal here. If you do get hungry though, a unique and relatively cheap option is the freeze-dried ice cream. Available in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry for $5 each, it's a fun snack that fits into the theme of the center perfectly.

When visiting the Kennedy Space Center, be sure to visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame. It's a fun, hands-on experience where you really get to become a part of the excitement that is space exploration. Just be sure to arrive early to avoid lines for the more interactive rides and experiences, and don't waste money on the truly appalling food.