By: Debbie Custer, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
If you are looking for a fun Florida getaway, Florida's Space Coast has to much to offer just for that with amazing beaches, to fun activities such as dolphin tours, bioluminescent kayaking, zoos and dinosaur experiences, and more. One of the biggest highlights of any Space Coast visit is, of course, checking out the Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center is not your typical museum or park experience -- the level of immersion and creativity they put into every attraction and experience is truly out of this world!
Upon arriving at the gate, of course there is the must do/essential photo op with what they refer to as "The Meatball" (NASA globe). Once you enter through the gates, you are immediately immersed in the history of the space program as you walk through the 'Rocket Garden'. Here you can see true to size replicas of a variety of rockets used throughout the history of the different space programs, as well as even sit in replicas of the early capsules. You can also stop into the Heroes and Legends hall, where you'll hear tales of inspiration of early space pioneers, as well as explore the U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame.
As you make your way through the park, one of the biggest attractions is the Kennedy Bus Tour. Here you will board a charter bus to take you further out onto the property, with an up close look at as you pass the infamous Vehicle Assembly Building and other unique sights and happenings. The Bus Tour is included with your admission, however there is an upgraded tour you can purchase that takes you even further! With the tour enhancement add on, you will get an exclusive up close look at several launch pads, as well as equipment used for launches, and more! Both tours conclude at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
At the Apollo/Saturn V Center you can step back in time to one of the most historic eras of space flight. Experience the thrill and excitement of the Apollo 8 launch from the control room, see true artifacts such as astronauts suits, equipment and capsules, and you can't miss the full size replace of the massive Saturn V rocket.
The most popular attraction at Kennedy Space Center is the Shuttle Experience. As you enter into the building under a full size shuttle rocket replica, you were be immersed into the epic history of the Space Shuttle program, and then be greeted by the Space Shuttle Atlantis in a grand reveal. Throughout the Shuttle Experience, not only can you get extremely close to the actual Space Shuttle, you can also explore how they lived in space on the Shuttle, interactive equipment, and experience a simulation of what an actual Shuttle launch felt like. There are some great play areas specific for the younger space travelers located in this experience as well. Also not to be missed at this experience is the Forever Remembered, where tributes and gratitude are displayed for those astronauts who gave the ultimate sacrifice for space exploration with the events of the Shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
Space Exploration is continuously evolving and so is the Kennedy Space Center. Be sure to stop by their newest experience Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. In here you will be able to see the future of space exploration with the various upcoming programs and missions, such as the highly anticipated Artemis program where astronauts will return to the moon, and also programs from private explorations such as SpaceX.
There are so many other activities and experiences included with your visit, such as Mars Exploration (explore the Red Planet with interactive games and simulators) and Planet Play (a special place designed exclusively for space travelers ages 2-12). Also there are additional add on experiences you can purchase to enhance your visit such as meeting an actual astronaut, and programs for you to train just like an astronaut!
Did you know that the Kennedy Space Center is located less than an hour from Walt Disney World and Universal theme parks? It is also less than 20 minutes from Port Canaveral. The Kennedy Space Center is a great experience option to add on to any trip! There is SO much more to see and do during your time at Kennedy Space Center, though a lot can be experienced during your day there, two days is definitely recommended to be able to take it all in. Be sure to reach out to your Marvelous Mouse Travels agent to make the most of your time there!
