-
#380
by
Furner
on 26 Apr, 2010 14:23
-
Anybody staying at the Clarion want 2 causeway tickets at $250 ea? Package of 4 on ebay for $1000 and I only need 2
EDIT: Have car and will drive so we can share the hang-tag
-
#381
by
Andrewwski
on 26 Apr, 2010 14:33
-
Just booked with Dolphin. Hope the first time is the charm. Getting the bus from Cocoa. $121 each, she said they would probably sell out within a few hours and the phones are ringing off the hook.
-
#382
by
RobertoBOZ
on 26 Apr, 2010 14:34
-
What are really the ods of a scrub? I know it happens often, but is there a percentage known?
And how quick do they decide not to launch? Just with a little wind?
And of course how is the weather usually around May? I tend to think it's an ideal weather circumstance.
-
#383
by
Furner
on 26 Apr, 2010 14:35
-
Anyone able to get through to KSC customer service? Trying to inquire about ticket selling issues but just keep getting busy signal.
-
#384
by
luing
on 26 Apr, 2010 15:14
-
Yeah, that's what I'm wondering. Dophin said they might go back to VC after launch because it's still open, so if that's the case I could buy more LTT's...I have friends in the area that could pick me up. Not sure if they'll actually drop off or not. According to the rep at Dolphin, nobody can go back to the causeway for a second attempt even if they buy from KSC/Delaware North, which as we all know isn't true if they buy more tickets.
Coming over from the UK on a "once in a lifetime trip" just to see the launch.
I panicked last week and bought two causeway tickets through Gator (specifying pick-up Titusville, even though we will now be staying in Orlando and will have a car). My worry was how to deal with a scrub whilst on the causeway and no way to purchase new tickets if I re-boarded the Gator bus.
This morning I was able to buy two Visitor Centre tickets and car parking placard from KSC. Just wondering now what are my options.
My thinking at the moment is to drive to Titusville, board the coach at the pick-up spot there just to collect the tickets, alight and then drive to the Visitors Centre. That way in the event of a scrub on the causeway, I would be able to forego the Gator coach back to Titusville, take the KSC coach back to the Visitors Centre, buy replacement tickets and leave by car. Plus point is that we would have room and VC tickets for two others in the car.
Alternative would be to find two people with a car from Orlando, have them use the VC and car park tickets, but asking them to bring us back to Orlando in the event of there being a scrub on the causeway requiring abandonment of Gator bus and purchase of new tickets at the VC.
Any thoughts / suggestions / obvious flaws?
-
#385
by
nono_in_space
on 26 Apr, 2010 15:29
-
Yeah, that's what I'm wondering. Dophin said they might go back to VC after launch because it's still open, so if that's the case I could buy more LTT's...I have friends in the area that could pick me up. Not sure if they'll actually drop off or not. According to the rep at Dolphin, nobody can go back to the causeway for a second attempt even if they buy from KSC/Delaware North, which as we all know isn't true if they buy more tickets.
Coming over from the UK on a "once in a lifetime trip" just to see the launch.
I panicked last week and bought two causeway tickets through Gator (specifying pick-up Titusville, even though we will now be staying in Orlando and will have a car). My worry was how to deal with a scrub whilst on the causeway and no way to purchase new tickets if I re-boarded the Gator bus.
This morning I was able to buy two Visitor Centre tickets and car parking placard from KSC. Just wondering now what are my options.
My thinking at the moment is to drive to Titusville, board the coach at the pick-up spot there just to collect the tickets, alight and then drive to the Visitors Centre. That way in the event of a scrub on the causeway, I would be able to forego the Gator coach back to Titusville, take the KSC coach back to the Visitors Centre, buy replacement tickets and leave by car. Plus point is that we would have room and VC tickets for two others in the car.
Alternative would be to find two people with a car from Orlando, have them use the VC and car park tickets, but asking them to bring us back to Orlando in the event of there being a scrub on the causeway requiring abandonment of Gator bus and purchase of new tickets at the VC.
Any thoughts / suggestions / obvious flaws?
Same Problem (just Germany instead UK, 1 person instead of 2)
But: Does Gator give you your LTT "in front of the bus" if you
don't go on the bus?
-
#386
by
yorky10
on 26 Apr, 2010 16:22
-
Today has really got me angry. Ive just been thinking.... for STS-134 and certainly STS-133 is there a possibilty that someone well credited from NSF.com could do some magic and swing a NSF charter bus in the same arrangement the tour company does? Long shot I know but how cool would a NSF bus be with no need for us die hards to wait in a virtual waiting room be
-
#387
by
Furner
on 26 Apr, 2010 17:31
-
If anyone ends up having extra causeway tickets PLEASE let me know. I only need two and will compensate you well for your troubles.
-
#388
by
Swee
on 26 Apr, 2010 17:52
-
My thinking at the moment is to drive to Titusville, board the coach at the pick-up spot there just to collect the tickets, alight and then drive to the Visitors Centre. That way in the event of a scrub on the causeway, I would be able to forego the Gator coach back to Titusville, take the KSC coach back to the Visitors Centre, buy replacement tickets and leave by car. Plus point is that we would have room and VC tickets for two others in the car.
Alternative would be to find two people with a car from Orlando, have them use the VC and car park tickets, but asking them to bring us back to Orlando in the event of there being a scrub on the causeway requiring abandonment of Gator bus and purchase of new tickets at the VC.
Any thoughts / suggestions / obvious flaws?
Only thing you will have to keep in mind though. The causeway tickets from Orlando (and I would assume Cocoa Beach) are coded a different color (green, I believe). So when you are all filed into a very long line to wait for the causeway buses, the people who arrived via Orlando/Cocoa Beach are actually herded into a different line and board different buses, presumeably the ones they arrived to KSC on. So having a ticket of a different color will prevent you from boarding a regular causeway bus. You may have to reconnect with that tour at KSC to ensure you can get out to the causeway. As I am not sure if those buses come back to KSC (and your car) or if they head back to Orlando/Cocoa Beach straightaway, you might want to clarify that part of it before you end up stuck on those buses without a way back to KSC.
-
#389
by
nono_in_space
on 26 Apr, 2010 17:58
-
Is there anyone having a detailed "scrub-statistics"?
How often was a Shuttle launch scrubbed within the last 3 hours?
(especially since RTF)
-
#390
by
STS134
on 26 Apr, 2010 18:06
-
Today has really got me angry. Ive just been thinking.... for STS-134 and certainly STS-133 is there a possibilty that someone well credited from NSF.com could do some magic and swing a NSF charter bus in the same arrangement the tour company does? Long shot I know but how cool would a NSF bus be with no need for us die hards to wait in a virtual waiting room be
Gosh that is a great idea.I would LOVE that. It seems that there is so much risk for ANYONE to view a Launch-but for international travelers-whew. Nerve-wracking. Trying to figure out scenarios and logistics. I am only visiting from Texas so I really feel for those of you across the ocean.
-
#391
by
beef5stew
on 26 Apr, 2010 18:26
-
Senator came through!
Got my confirmation this morning that I am confirmed for congressional tickets. I had to put my name on the request list over a year ago, but I figured with the shuttle being retired, I'd like to hit one of the last 3 flights.
Pretty excited. Now I need a hotel. I tried to get to that three oaks motel one, but it wasn't going through for me. anyone have any other suggestions?
T
-
#392
by
Andrewwski
on 26 Apr, 2010 18:56
-
My thinking at the moment is to drive to Titusville, board the coach at the pick-up spot there just to collect the tickets, alight and then drive to the Visitors Centre. That way in the event of a scrub on the causeway, I would be able to forego the Gator coach back to Titusville, take the KSC coach back to the Visitors Centre, buy replacement tickets and leave by car. Plus point is that we would have room and VC tickets for two others in the car.
Alternative would be to find two people with a car from Orlando, have them use the VC and car park tickets, but asking them to bring us back to Orlando in the event of there being a scrub on the causeway requiring abandonment of Gator bus and purchase of new tickets at the VC.
Any thoughts / suggestions / obvious flaws?
Only thing you will have to keep in mind though. The causeway tickets from Orlando (and I would assume Cocoa Beach) are coded a different color (green, I believe). So when you are all filed into a very long line to wait for the causeway buses, the people who arrived via Orlando/Cocoa Beach are actually herded into a different line and board different buses, presumeably the ones they arrived to KSC on. So having a ticket of a different color will prevent you from boarding a regular causeway bus. You may have to reconnect with that tour at KSC to ensure you can get out to the causeway. As I am not sure if those buses come back to KSC (and your car) or if they head back to Orlando/Cocoa Beach straightaway, you might want to clarify that part of it before you end up stuck on those buses without a way back to KSC.
Dolphin told me they may stop at the VC afterward because the VC would be open after the launch still. If so I'd imagine you might be able to buy tickets in case of a scrub.
Not sure if you could somehow get onto a KSC bus instead after the launch - do they check tickets getting back on to buses?
One problem with driving yourself is the lack of a vehicle placard in that case - you won't be allowed to drive into VC unless you have one. I've thought of taking a cab from Titusville if necessary.
-
#393
by
DirtyDeeds
on 26 Apr, 2010 18:57
-
Senator came through!
Got my confirmation this morning that I am confirmed for congressional tickets. I had to put my name on the request list over a year ago, but I figured with the shuttle being retired, I'd like to hit one of the last 3 flights.
T
Is that for Causeway or Saturn V? Either way, congrats.
-
#394
by
beef5stew
on 26 Apr, 2010 19:57
-
Don't know. The NASA rep from the congressional liason office said that the Banana Creek facility is really difficult to get tickets to unless you actually ARE a senator. From what I understand, that is usually astronaut families. Most congressional invitations are for the causeway..not sure if it's any different than the tickets you could buy today.
One week prior to the launch, they will sent me the launch day itinery..where to meet the busses, what time, and where they will take me. I'm REALLY hoping for banana creek (Saturn V center), but I'm happy that I'll be able to watch the launch.
If anyone has any pull with the Congressional Liason's Office, I'd love a recommendation!!!
T
-
#395
by
robertross
on 26 Apr, 2010 20:13
-
My thinking at the moment is to drive to Titusville, board the coach at the pick-up spot there just to collect the tickets, alight and then drive to the Visitors Centre. That way in the event of a scrub on the causeway, I would be able to forego the Gator coach back to Titusville, take the KSC coach back to the Visitors Centre, buy replacement tickets and leave by car. Plus point is that we would have room and VC tickets for two others in the car.
Alternative would be to find two people with a car from Orlando, have them use the VC and car park tickets, but asking them to bring us back to Orlando in the event of there being a scrub on the causeway requiring abandonment of Gator bus and purchase of new tickets at the VC.
Any thoughts / suggestions / obvious flaws?
Only thing you will have to keep in mind though. The causeway tickets from Orlando (and I would assume Cocoa Beach) are coded a different color (green, I believe). So when you are all filed into a very long line to wait for the causeway buses, the people who arrived via Orlando/Cocoa Beach are actually herded into a different line and board different buses, presumeably the ones they arrived to KSC on. So having a ticket of a different color will prevent you from boarding a regular causeway bus. You may have to reconnect with that tour at KSC to ensure you can get out to the causeway. As I am not sure if those buses come back to KSC (and your car) or if they head back to Orlando/Cocoa Beach straightaway, you might want to clarify that part of it before you end up stuck on those buses without a way back to KSC.
Dolphin told me they may stop at the VC afterward because the VC would be open after the launch still. If so I'd imagine you might be able to buy tickets in case of a scrub.
Not sure if you could somehow get onto a KSC bus instead after the launch - do they check tickets getting back on to buses?
One problem with driving yourself is the lack of a vehicle placard in that case - you won't be allowed to drive into VC unless you have one. I've thought of taking a cab from Titusville if necessary.
That's interesting. I'll have to check the same with Gator tours.
I will now have a VC viewing ticket & Gator tour causeway ticket.
If I rent a car and park at the VC lot, I might be able to get a ride (or taxi) to the K-mart parking lot for the Gator tour. Then on the way back, have them drop me off at the VC (or thereabouts), get a replacement causeway ticket (in case of scrub), and get the rental car from the VC lot.
The things you (might) have to do...
-
#396
by
Furner
on 26 Apr, 2010 20:16
-
Bought Dolphin tickets, better than nothing and I hate the suspense of not knowing. Compared to the ebay prices today, its a fair deal.
-
#397
by
robertross
on 26 Apr, 2010 20:18
-
Bought Dolphin tickets, better than nothing and I hate the suspense of not knowing. Compared to the ebay prices today, its a fair deal.
It is a fair deal.
Well, at least if there's a scrub, with cell phone in hand, you should be able to call Dolphin/Gator and get another chance. Be sure to program that on speed dial
(note to self: need to get a cell phone)
-
#398
by
DaveJes1979
on 26 Apr, 2010 20:30
-
Most congressional invitations are for the causeway..not sure if it's any different than the tickets you could buy today.
Beefstew, I don't know if the congressional tickets from the Senate are any different, but I know that the tickets I got from my congressional Rep for STS-132 are for the causeway. Perhaps they put us in the part of the causeway closer to the pad (the NW end of the causeway) compared to the regular (paying) ticket-holders. I don't know.
The NW end of the causeway is only 6.25 miles from LC-39A according to google earth as the crow flies. The SE end is 7.75 miles away.
I have heard of congressional ticketholders getting bumped on rare occasion to the Saturn V/VIP area, but only in the event that multiple delays and scrubs led to the crowd at the VIP area to thin out enough to open up the extra space.
-
#399
by
beef5stew
on 26 Apr, 2010 21:04
-
My invitation didn't say anything about where I would be located, but just asked me to RSVP (by the 26th.) I sent them the RSVP info and got the automated Confirmation email back. They said they'd send more info about a week before the launch.
A friend of mine had Congressional tickets for a lauch that got pushed back a few months. The Congressional Liason office called him and offered VIP Saturn V tickets to the next lauch. Of course, he took them up on the offer. He showed me the pictures, and it looked awesome. He was there 3 hrs early and spent the time walking through the Saturn V center...I could easily get lost in there for a few hours.
The funny thing is that he said at T+10 mins, they started to push everyone towards the busses. Apparently some exhaust was heading their way and it *might* contain acid..so they wanted to get everyone out.
I watched a lauch from the side of road (beeline) but I'm really hoping to get to Banana Creek..
Did your invite (from your representative) specifically mention a location?
t
