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#1120
by
yorky10
on 04 Jul, 2011 02:31
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Tourist visa? UK is in the visa waiver program and we dont need them. Just the ESTA?
?
I'm kind of livid with myself for not having found the forum earlier than when I did (for STS-134 - and this has been around since 2005!! AARRRGHH). Being a lone space fanatic is slightly hard. 
With that off my chest - I'm forced to continue the ranting of the post because of the whims of the US Embassy in London.
I'd managed to wrangle an FDT Causeway ticket - which took logging into 5 computers on campus at Warwick while hitting F5 on all simultaneously, but apparently all that was a waste now that the embassy has denied me a tourist visa. Obviously I'd now like to sell these - at face value - to someone else who really wants to go.
Price: $179
Tour Bus operator: Florida Dolphin Tours
Pick up time: 0200 hrs, July 8, 2011
Pick up and drop off location: Festival Bay Mall, Orlando
FDT don't e-mail tickets - so I don't have them - they have to be collected from their Orlando office before the day (up to 7 pm on the 7th) OR at the pick up location (in which case you have to get there earlier). Will forward ticket confirmation number to the buyer, and then e-mail FDT advising them of the transfer to enable you to pick up ticket. PM me to get in touch.
Also - I'm kind of anxious to get it to someone who really wants to go - and not to a tout/reseller who'll use it to make a killing..
Have to hit the sack to attend UKSA's space conference on campus tomorrow, but please pass the word on to any interested space tweeps even if you're not buying.
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#1121
by
DallasGuy
on 04 Jul, 2011 02:38
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Still looking for a single Causeway ticket. Looks like Gator Tours is my best option on this, and I'd prefer the Merritt Island pickup if possible.
Thanks in advance, as well as to those who have sent messages and guidance so far.
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#1122
by
mdeep
on 04 Jul, 2011 02:45
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To my astonishment, my congressional request went through and I now have a ticket to the Banana Creek viewing area!
Does anyone have any information on how the Banana Creek experience (including pickup, etc.) differs from the Causeway experience? For example, is it possible to use the Apollo/Saturn V Center facilities such as bathroom and concessions?
You have full access to the Saturn V Center attractions, bathroom and concessions!
Also, much less stress and waiting around compared to Causeway viewing. Enjoy it!
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#1123
by
CTdave
on 04 Jul, 2011 03:40
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Hello all..........
Well I tried everything else but had to settle for Visitor Center viewing this time. I'll miss the Saturn V Center but the VC is better than nothing.
Question is:
If I have tickets in hand through Gator Tours for the VC, is there any way we can drive ourselves there instead of being at the mercy of the bus? My wife & kids are not thrilled about being stuck there.
Thanks
David
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#1124
by
ImperfectSense
on 04 Jul, 2011 03:44
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Hello all..........
Well I tried everything else but had to settle for Visitor Center viewing this time. I'll miss the Saturn V Center but the VC is better than nothing.
Question is:
If I have tickets in hand through Gator Tours for the VC, is there any way we can drive ourselves there instead of being at the mercy of the bus? My wife & kids are not thrilled about being stuck there.
Thanks
David
You must ride the bus if you purchased tickets through one of the tour companies. The reason why they sell tickets through them is because they don't have enough parking.
As for watching from the VC... I've never watched a launch from there, but I have watched quite a few from the coast. I personally prefer to be able to see the pad and the initial few seconds of the launch, even if it means being a few miles further away. If you want to drive yourselves, I think you'd be much better off driving over and watching from the coast, and selling your VC tickets.
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#1125
by
Sesquipedalian
on 04 Jul, 2011 05:22
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Congratulations! Were you on a waitlist? How recently did you hear that you have been selected?
Supposedly I was on a waitlist, but I must have had a good number, because I heard on June 13th that an invitation was available. I responded and accepted, but it wasn't until June 30th that I heard I would be at Banana Creek.
You have full access to the Saturn V Center attractions, bathroom and concessions!
Also, much less stress and waiting around compared to Causeway viewing. Enjoy it!
Great! So does this mean I can wander around the Saturn V center until e.g. 15 minutes before launch, or should I really plan to wait outside so I don't lose a good viewing spot?
Also, the invitation says to meet at the Merritt Square Mall parking lot at 8am. How much travel time should I allocate for driving from Orlando, taking into account last flight traffic? I didn't have to worry about this last time because I had a FDT ticket that picked me up at 0-dark-hundred from Orlando.
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#1126
by
mdeep
on 04 Jul, 2011 06:28
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Congratulations! Were you on a waitlist? How recently did you hear that you have been selected?
Supposedly I was on a waitlist, but I must have had a good number, because I heard on June 13th that an invitation was available. I responded and accepted, but it wasn't until June 30th that I heard I would be at Banana Creek.
You have full access to the Saturn V Center attractions, bathroom and concessions!
Also, much less stress and waiting around compared to Causeway viewing. Enjoy it!
Great! So does this mean I can wander around the Saturn V center until e.g. 15 minutes before launch, or should I really plan to wait outside so I don't lose a good viewing spot?
Also, the invitation says to meet at the Merritt Square Mall parking lot at 8am. How much travel time should I allocate for driving from Orlando, taking into account last flight traffic? I didn't have to worry about this last time because I had a FDT ticket that picked me up at 0-dark-hundred from Orlando.
I would leave Orlando at around 5am and plan on waiting in the parking lot if necessary. Normal travel time from Orlando to Merritt Island is about an hour.
I wouldn't wander around 15 minutes before launch, but there's no mad dash off the bus to get a spot, either. There are bleachers at the VIP site, so if you're not manning a camera and tripod, that's probably a good place to be.
Also, enjoy the sound. It is very loud from where you will be.
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#1127
by
MadameConcorde
on 04 Jul, 2011 06:30
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I received this private message from a forum member - copy in full.
I emailed this person with all relevant information and sent follow-up private messages never to get any answer -- yes or no -- never heard anything back.
Good thing I went on with buying a Causeway ticket or I would be cooked.
Just expressing my total disappointment.
STS134
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« Sent to: MadameConcorde on: 06/11/2011 01:00 AM »
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Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Eileen J. and I live in Texas. I was wondering if you have ever viewed a launch?I have had a Congressional request in since early 2010...and this morning I received an e-mail from Sen John Cornyn's office saying I was selected for launch tickets for STS 135. I am beside myself with joy. It said we are going to get an 'official' mail invitation etc. Anyway, I asked for and am granted 4 tickets. My 2 daughter's cannot go. I have asked a brother and he said yes. We are so excited. Now I am scrambling to figure out logistics. It did say our bus will pick us up on Merritt Island.
We are working backwards to figure out our plans. Do you know where we should fly into, and how we get to Merritt Island? Also, are you trying to see the Launch? I have an open ticket........I say that just in case one of my daughters changes her mind. Otherwise, I have 2 tickets. One of my daughters definitely cannot go. So....there it is. Here is my personal e-mail address
[email protected].
I am safe, a mature female. I have worked for the State of Texas for 21 years. This is the dream of a lifetime for me. Thanks!
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#1128
by
LendMeYourYears
on 04 Jul, 2011 11:27
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Tourist visa? UK is in the visa waiver program and we dont need them. Just the ESTA??
I'm Indian, studying in the UK. Need a visa for pretty much any western country.
Don't need a visa for the best place though: LEO and beyond.
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#1129
by
Nickolai
on 04 Jul, 2011 14:40
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Tourist visa? UK is in the visa waiver program and we dont need them. Just the ESTA??
I'm Indian, studying in the UK. Need a visa for pretty much any western country.
Don't need a visa for the best place though: LEO and beyond.
Going off topic here for a bit, but there's actually a funny story about that from the 1990's.
It was during one of the Shuttle-Mir missions in which they did some crew exchange - some of the crew was transferred to Mir and 2 Russians got aboard the shuttle. The thing is, no one had bothered to get visas for the Russians, so there was a whole hassle at Kennedy with immigration. Finally the state department created a waiver for aliens from outer space.
So you might not need a visa for LEO, but you sure as hell need one to get back!
There's some more detail on page 401 of the book (410 of the document):
http://www.scribd.com/doc/32738008/R-zimmerman-Leaving-Earth-Space-Stations-Rival-Superpowers-and-the-Quest-for-Interplanetary-Travel?query=visa
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#1130
by
Kaz
on 04 Jul, 2011 15:05
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Anyone able to help me work out the best and cheapest way to get from Orlando international airport to my hotel? The hotel is Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village 8615 Vineland Avenue · Orlando, FL 32821. I've checked their website, there's no hotel shuttle and the quoted price for a taxi is about $50 or so.
I see some sort of bus service called Lynx. Does anyone know if this runs to anywhere near the hotel and what the fare might be? I'd rather not have to spend money on a taxi when there's a cheaper public transport option in place.
Can't believe it's only 4 days to go. Everyone excited yet!!!???
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#1131
by
mahannd
on 04 Jul, 2011 15:10
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Anyone able to help me work out the best and cheapest way to get from Orlando international airport to my hotel? The hotel is Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village 8615 Vineland Avenue · Orlando, FL 32821. I've checked their website, there's no hotel shuttle and the quoted price for a taxi is about $50 or so.
I see some sort of bus service called Lynx. Does anyone know if this runs to anywhere near the hotel and what the fare might be? I'd rather not have to spend money on a taxi when there's a cheaper public transport option in place.
Can't believe it's only 4 days to go. Everyone excited yet!!!???
i would normally recommend take a shuttle from a nearby resort and walk to yours but that one looks like its a complex all owned by marriott so none of them have shuttles that stinks. thats why i picked the holiday inn location for 134.
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#1132
by
MadameConcorde
on 04 Jul, 2011 15:32
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Anyone able to help me work out the best and cheapest way to get from Orlando international airport to my hotel? The hotel is Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village 8615 Vineland Avenue · Orlando, FL 32821. I've checked their website, there's no hotel shuttle and the quoted price for a taxi is about $50 or so.
I see some sort of bus service called Lynx. Does anyone know if this runs to anywhere near the hotel and what the fare might be? I'd rather not have to spend money on a taxi when there's a cheaper public transport option in place.
Can't believe it's only 4 days to go. Everyone excited yet!!!???
i would normally recommend take a shuttle from a nearby resort and walk to yours but that one looks like its a complex all owned by marriott so none of them have shuttles that stinks. thats why i picked the holiday inn location for 134.
They should have door to door transport from the airport to your hotel at not a rip-off price. I would ask the information counter in the main hall when you arrive. I am sure there will be some form of transport to take you there. Orlando airport has got good transport facilities.
:-)
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#1133
by
DrGuano
on 04 Jul, 2011 15:32
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Anyone able to help me work out the best and cheapest way to get from Orlando international airport to my hotel? The hotel is Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village 8615 Vineland Avenue · Orlando, FL 32821.
The hotel lists "Mears Transportation; fee: 20 USD (one way) ;reservation required."
Have you checked out their website?
http://www.mearstransportation.com/fleet/shuttle-vans.htmNow that I realize we are 4 days out, I am getting excited!
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#1134
by
CTdave
on 04 Jul, 2011 15:38
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Hello all..........
Well I tried everything else but had to settle for Visitor Center viewing this time. I'll miss the Saturn V Center but the VC is better than nothing.
Question is:
If I have tickets in hand through Gator Tours for the VC, is there any way we can drive ourselves there instead of being at the mercy of the bus? My wife & kids are not thrilled about being stuck there.
Thanks
David
You must ride the bus if you purchased tickets through one of the tour companies. The reason why they sell tickets through them is because they don't have enough parking.
As for watching from the VC... I've never watched a launch from there, but I have watched quite a few from the coast. I personally prefer to be able to see the pad and the initial few seconds of the launch, even if it means being a few miles further away. If you want to drive yourselves, I think you'd be much better off driving over and watching from the coast, and selling your VC tickets.
Yes, I hear you about seeing the pad. We have been fortunate enough to have flown down for 6 launches & have seen it from every possible location but we have 6 and 9 year old kids & the VC will keep them occupied. They REALLY enjoy their time there. Thanks for the suggestion!
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#1135
by
Kaz
on 04 Jul, 2011 16:03
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Thanks for the replies. That Mears Transportation crowd look like they could be getting my business.
I missed the sale of my ticket to a potential buyer as I had no internet access for the weekend. When they got no reply from me they bought one elsewhere
.
So, if anyone still wants one ticket for the KSC VC please keep me in mind.
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#1136
by
Champ7AC
on 04 Jul, 2011 16:16
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Offering a Ride!
If anyone's flying into Daytona Beach around 9:30 pm (or earlier) on Thursday 7/7 and needs a ride to the Gray Line Crossroads Plaza pickup location, feel free to PM me.
We've got a rental car and should have room to bring one or two people along!
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#1137
by
Nickolai
on 04 Jul, 2011 16:55
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Any NJ-based NSF members interested in making the drive down to FL to see the launch? PM me.
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#1138
by
Oystein
on 04 Jul, 2011 20:38
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Anyone able to help me work out the best and cheapest way to get from Orlando international airport to my hotel? The hotel is Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village 8615 Vineland Avenue · Orlando, FL 32821. I've checked their website, there's no hotel shuttle and the quoted price for a taxi is about $50 or so.
I see some sort of bus service called Lynx. Does anyone know if this runs to anywhere near the hotel and what the fare might be? I'd rather not have to spend money on a taxi when there's a cheaper public transport option in place.
Can't believe it's only 4 days to go. Everyone excited yet!!!???
Excited for sure...
As for transportation you can take Lynx bus no. 111 from Orlando International airport to the Lake Buena Vista area. It's stops on the SR 535 between the I-4 and the Hotel Plaza Blvd. So must walk half mile or so. Costs less than 2 dollars and takes about 50 mins. Check out the lynx web site:
http://www.golynx.com/ --
Oystein
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#1139
by
rjscott
on 04 Jul, 2011 21:12
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Thanks for the replies. That Mears Transportation crowd look like they could be getting my business.
I missed the sale of my ticket to a potential buyer as I had no internet access for the weekend. When they got no reply from me they bought one elsewhere .
So, if anyone still wants one ticket for the KSC VC please keep me in mind.
I'm using the Mears shuttle to the Radisson Lake Buena Vista round the corner, it will take you to the front door of the hotel.
?
.