There is, quite literally, no where else on Earth where you get to do the things you do during a day at Kennedy Space Center. The very first time I went I was around 9/10 and I remember thinking we were off to a museum type place. I could not have been more wrong, and it brought out the inner space geek in me. So, we now return here on most Florida trips as it’s a great value day out with SO much to do.
Where is it?
It is about a 45-minute drive away from Universal or one hour drive from the Disney area. It is located on Merritt Island on the East Coast of Florida. Cocoa Beach is just a few minutes away, so we often drive here after our day in Kennedy Space Center to either stay in a hotel for the night to enjoy some beach time, or just have dinner whilst watching the sunset. If you are driving, watch out for the tolls on route. They are not expensive, no more than $10 roughly, but you will need a few $ to pay at each one you pass.
If you would love to go to Kennedy Space Center but not hiring a car, then you could always use UBER or book a package that comes with return trip transportation too. (See link below).
The park is usually open 10-4 each day, but of course do check this direct too.
What is included?
So much is included….many people do not realise that it is full of fun, exciting things to see and do for all. And for around £25pp, it is a bargain too! Some of my favorite things to do include:
Space Shuttle Atlantis – To see this shuttle up close is jaw dropping and I so love the moment the doors open for you to see it. This area also has more than 60 interactive, immersive exhibits and simulators that highlight NASA’s program that launched the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.
Shuttle Launch Experience – strap into a simulator ride where you will experience what it is like on an actual shuttle launch. Eeek!! I loved this.
Apollo / Saturn V Center – walking under the real Saturn V is still one of those childhood memories I will never forget. I appreciate it more now as an adult to know what it went through, those first steps on the moon! You can also touch a piece of the actual moon here too! Very cool! A real one-of-a-kind experience.
Apollo 8 and the Firing Room – you have experienced a shuttle launch for yourself on the simulator, well here you get to experience a launch from the other side, in the theatre where the checks and countdown take place!
Heroes & Legends – a wonderful place to explore the artefacts, how the space missions all began and also to walk through the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
The Rocket Garden – wander round the gardens as you take in all the various types/shapes of rockets used. A few rockets you can even climb into for some fun pictures too!
IMAX® Films - two IMAX theatres showing 3-D space films. I am not sure if they have changed since my last visit but one of them really makes you think differently….you will see what I mean if you go too.
The KSC bus tour - this is the only way to access the restricted areas of Kennedy Space Center. The tour includes a drive-by of the Vehicle Assembly Building and historic launch pads. All bus tours conclude at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, featuring an actual Saturn V moon rocket and real moon rocks along with other Apollo program artifacts and attractions.
What is not included?
Parking starts from around $10 per car.
Add-on enhancements are sold separately, these include:
Space Pass – this pass provides 2 days to Kennedy Space Center. The first day will also include a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have lunch (buffet style) with a real-life astronaut – where they will present to you about their own real-life experiences and you can ask those all important questions…like how do you wee during take-off!! You will also get a 2-hour KSC Explore tour offering access to areas normally closed to the public (and not covered on the standard bus tour too). I have done this package a couple of times now as I do think it really adds to your day at Kennedy Space Center.
ATX Astronaut Training – so I have not experienced this one. It does sound fun and my eldest daughter would love it so it’s on our list for when we get to go back. It provides guests with the opportunity to train as astronauts or the next generation of space explorers, by participating on simulators such as the Land-and-Drive-on-Mars full-motion simulator, the Walk-on-Mars virtual reality simulator, and the Micro-Gravity Floor simulator. Participants perform two spacecraft launch mission simulations using a full-scale Orion-style capsule and authentic Mission Control Center. They receive briefings about living and working in space and on Mars while teamwork, communication and collaboration skills are developed as participants take turns in the Training Control Center, guiding one another through a series of challenges. After the program, they receive an electronic report detailing their achievements along with a video log they recorded during the day. It is suitable for ages 10+.
Where to book:
I would highly recommend booking with AttractionTickets.com for quite a few and important reasons.
1 – They are the UKs number 1 ticket reseller.
2 – They are bound by ABTA which is always good to know, especially when booking hotels and tickets together.
3 – They have won multiple awards in the travel industry such as Travolution Awards and British Travel Awards numerous times. Recently they also won Travolution’s Brand of the Year for 2020.
4 – Founded in 2002 and served well over 4 million customers, with a high repeat business rate that is always reassuring.
5 – Can pay with a deposit to secure your tickets and then pay off your balance online as you wish up until the balance due date – great for spreading out the cost of those tickets!
6 – Real tickets are sent to you. Not vouchers that you will need to queue up and exchange at the park gates on arrival (this can be anywhere up to an hour to do so). Kennedy Space Center is a downloadable confirmation for you to print and take with you. It will have the gate ready bar code on there at the ready.
7 – Always cheaper to pre buy in the UK vs single day tickets when in Florida.
8 – The team are very friendly and full of so much knowledge, you will feel rest assured you are booking the right tickets and in safe hands!
Click here for more information on Kennedy Space Center:
As always, I hope you have found this blog helpful and always shout with any questions you may have. Next blog….Legoland Florida 😊
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