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#840
by
JRThro
on 23 Jun, 2011 16:53
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I'm driving from Houston with my family (wife and 3 boys) to see the STS-135 launch from Titusville. We're spending the night of the 7th in Melbourne, and the 8th as well if need be.
Then we're going to Disney World in Orlando to satisfy the rest of the family for 3 or 4 days. The shuttle launch is mostly for me, though my wife is kind of getting into it, too.
I can't wait!
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#841
by
Elmosaurus
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:02
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Thoughts on ticket demand, and attendance....
I'm tracking ebay daily, and watching what the sellers and buyers are doing for pricing. Partly out of curiousity, partly because I may have a pair of extra FDT tickets to sell myself.
Can anyone else speculate on why it seems there is a lot less demand for tickets at second hand pricing this launch?
I would have thought that with it being the last launch, NET date right during the end of the prime vacation week of July 4th, and situated on a Friday no less, that demand would be insane; But causeway tickets are bought for around half of what they went for during STS134. (or at least, the bus tour ones are; the KSC causeway are still typically commanding the average of around $700 each)
Even now, if I go to FDT's site, it seems like I can add a VIP causeway ticket to the shopping cart, indicating that they are publicly available.
Just curious if this means that either:
a) nobody can afford non-KSC/second hand pricing this time around and is just going to watch from free locations like SVP in Titusville,
b) because 135 is so close on the heels of 134, there hasn't been enough time to build buzz in the general populace to create a demand, or
c) some other reason, such as people giving up after the insanity of last Thursday's bus tour websites debacle. (and falsely thinking they'd just never get a ticket, and the stress of hordes of viewers will make the trip not worthwhile)
Not really concerned, just a curious observation.
If it's 'B' though, one has to wonder if that means that all the hype for traffic won't actually happen, just like for STS134's reattempt/launch.
E.
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#842
by
solaria
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:30
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I wonder if they have managed to make more tickets available for this final launch. Central Florida Tours had no allocation last time - but they did this time. Gator/Dolphin sales lasted more like 8 hours/next day (whether thats because of a bigger allocation, or more problems with internet servers I don't know, but both were pretty much sold out in under 4 hours last time).
STS-133 was the one with 7 hour traffic queues. This launched at 16:53, so I would guess everyone had had a long day by this point and wanted to get away as fast as possible. I suspect if we have a successful morning launch, a lot of people will be happy to spend the afternoon celebrating in Titusville, at KSCVC etc, and perhaps won't be in such a hurry to leave? Particularly now knowing what they might otherwise face on the roads.
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#843
by
msc
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:36
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I have been wondering the same thing, and I wonder if the lack of interest is *because* it is during the summer vacation season. For 133 and 134, for example, those came during times of the year that aren't major vacation seasons.
Perhaps because this launch comes during the summer, fewer people are able to make an extraordinary trip because they already have some other vacation booked this summer. Financially, that would put a strain on most people trying to take (essentially) two vacations within a couple of weeks, not to mention the problem with getting all that time off from work in a short period of time, etc.
If the launch is in November, or February, those same factors aren't necessarily in play.
Also, this mission kind of snuck up on people, since it was announced so late.
And, for what it's worth, I can't count the number of people who, when I tell them that I am going to see the last shuttle launch ever, have said "Really? I thought the last one ___________" *Fill in the blank with a) "was Discovery", or b) "was the one in February", or c) "already happened."
I also get a lot of "Oh, this is the last one?"
I think all that has a lot to do with lack of ticket demand.
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#844
by
Elmosaurus
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:39
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STS-133 was the one with 7 hour traffic queues....
Don't remind me.... LOL.
I at least escaped most of it, by staying on Merritt Island and going south to get to Cocoa beach. We had a nice dinner at the Crab Shack, then did a bit of shopping at Ron Jon's. Even AFTER that, there was snail's pace traffic on 50 and 528, so I went north on local roads using my GPS. Lots of strange back country out there....
Yeah, I'm just really curious how this is all going to play out. (I'll be on a bus this time, and not in control of the route, so I'll be a prisoner to whatever traffic patterns emerge)
E.
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#845
by
cycleroadie
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:41
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We were back in Orlando in about 3 hours, Gator tour bus from the causeway.
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#846
by
Elmosaurus
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:54
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We were back in Orlando in about 3 hours, Gator tour bus from the causeway.
How soon after the launch did your bus depart?
I think what compounded the traffic I saw was the fact that we did not leave KSCVC immediately; we stayed for the Star Trek show, and then finally left. Within another hour, the rest of the public traffic from all the outlaying towns and viewing spots probably joined the frackas, and thus, the 'stop and never go' bumper to bumper parking lot. (which is why I'm glad we had planned on going south to Cocoa Beach from the get go and didn't even waste time trying to head back into the greater Orlando area)
I figure those who left ASAP, (like the tour buses) probably did better.
I'm hoping that it's the same way for 135, as since the launch is mid morning, many KSC ticket holders will spend the remainder of the day there, and not hit the road ASAP like the tour buses will.
'I hope'.
E.
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#847
by
cycleroadie
on 23 Jun, 2011 17:59
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We were back in Orlando in about 3 hours, Gator tour bus from the causeway.
How soon after the launch did your bus depart?
Tour Causeway buses do not return to the Visitors Center, probably a good thing that time ;-) . We hung out for a good half hour after the launch, then got on the bus, but they did not roll for another 20 - 30 minutes.
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#848
by
gracet
on 23 Jun, 2011 18:18
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Thoughts on ticket demand, and attendance....
I'm tracking ebay daily, and watching what the sellers and buyers are doing for pricing. Partly out of curiousity, partly because I may have a pair of extra FDT tickets to sell myself.
Can anyone else speculate on why it seems there is a lot less demand for tickets at second hand pricing this launch?
.
.
.
What might be needed is to have mainstream news talk it up, saying this is the "last" one, as a way to jar those who dont normally follow the program.
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#849
by
rdale
on 23 Jun, 2011 18:51
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That's not the role of mainstream news, and I doubt it would make a difference this close to launch date anyways.
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#850
by
djterry11
on 23 Jun, 2011 18:58
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I have been wondering the same thing, and I wonder if the lack of interest is *because* it is during the summer vacation season. For 133 and 134, for example, those came during times of the year that aren't major vacation seasons.
Perhaps because this launch comes during the summer, fewer people are able to make an extraordinary trip because they already have some other vacation booked this summer. Financially, that would put a strain on most people trying to take (essentially) two vacations within a couple of weeks, not to mention the problem with getting all that time off from work in a short period of time, etc.
If the launch is in November, or February, those same factors aren't necessarily in play.
Also, this mission kind of snuck up on people, since it was announced so late.
And, for what it's worth, I can't count the number of people who, when I tell them that I am going to see the last shuttle launch ever, have said "Really? I thought the last one ___________" *Fill in the blank with a) "was Discovery", or b) "was the one in February", or c) "already happened."
I also get a lot of "Oh, this is the last one?"
I think all that has a lot to do with lack of ticket demand.
I agree. A few people I spoke with said they already had summer vacation plans.
Most of the people I talked to about it got a glazed look in their eyes like they had absolutely no idea what I was talking about nor why I was making such a big deal about it. In all honesty if I weren't plugged in, I probably wouldn't have known about it either as I haven't really heard much if anything about it here in Georgia except for a passing radio news sentence a few months ago.
Personally, I never had plans to try for Causeway or VC after I read about how it was next to impossible to get them. My plan all along was to get to SVP super early and set up. I thought I would log on at noon on 6/16 when the tix went onsale and see what happened but I wasn't going to spend a lot of time on it. Imagine my surprise when I got through and snagged Causeway! If it were SVP or Ebay I would be at SVP. Based on the videos I see from Causeway and from SVP, I just couldn't justify the absurd Ebay prices.
Oh one other thing I heard from one person is that they didn't want to deal with the possible loss of money and vacation time after they read about the delays for STS-133 and 134.
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#851
by
LoveMrEd
on 23 Jun, 2011 19:08
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And don't forget the appeal of Florida at high noon in the middle of the summer---
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#852
by
yorky10
on 23 Jun, 2011 19:14
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Anyone know if after a scrub at KSCVC with Central Florida Tours if I would be able to return in a car the following day with my ticket? Are the placard rules relaxed or does anyone who has a placard want to adopt a British passenger? Wanted to be on the causeway really but my Dad got me the wrong ticket while I was out at work
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#853
by
Elmosaurus
on 23 Jun, 2011 19:26
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Anyone know if after a scrub at KSCVC with Central Florida Tours if I would be able to return in a car the following day with my ticket? Are the placard rules relaxed or does anyone who has a placard want to adopt a British passenger? Wanted to be on the causeway really but my Dad got me the wrong ticket while I was out at work
Following day? Yes, provided there is no launch attempt. (assuming the often discussed 48 scrub turnaround)
Placards are only needed on launch days.
E.
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#854
by
Endeavour Forever
on 23 Jun, 2011 19:35
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Anyone know if after a scrub at KSCVC with Central Florida Tours if I would be able to return in a car the following day with my ticket? Are the placard rules relaxed or does anyone who has a placard want to adopt a British passenger? Wanted to be on the causeway really but my Dad got me the wrong ticket while I was out at work
Following day? Yes, provided there is no launch attempt. (assuming the often discussed 48 scrub turnaround)
Placards are only needed on launch days.
E.
Just to clarify - placards are needed at KSCVC on launch day, prior to launch. After successful launch or a scrub, about an hour later (or so) "general admission" to the KSCVC is available to anyone that same day, no placard necessary.
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#855
by
Elmosaurus
on 23 Jun, 2011 19:38
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Following day? Yes, provided there is no launch attempt. (assuming the often discussed 48 scrub turnaround)
Placards are only needed on launch days.
E.
Just to clarify - placards are needed at KSCVC on launch day, prior to launch. After successful launch or a scrub, about an hour later (or so) "general admission" to the KSCVC is available to anyone that same day, no placard necessary.
^^ What he said.
(sorry, I should have been clearer)
E.
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#856
by
Keyman
on 23 Jun, 2011 20:21
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Anyone know if after a scrub at KSCVC with Central Florida Tours if I would be able to return in a car the following day with my ticket? Are the placard rules relaxed or does anyone who has a placard want to adopt a British passenger? Wanted to be on the causeway really but my Dad got me the wrong ticket while I was out at work
Following day? Yes, provided there is no launch attempt. (assuming the often discussed 48 scrub turnaround)
Placards are only needed on launch days.
E.
Just to clarify - placards are needed at KSCVC on launch day, prior to launch. After successful launch or a scrub, about an hour later (or so) "general admission" to the KSCVC is available to anyone that same day, no placard necessary.
Once more, since we're clarifying, the LTT tickets (if 'used' in an attempt) are not re-issued, but need be repurchased with a voucher they'll give you. However the parking placard and KSCVC tickets are 'evergreen' for multiple attepmts at launch?
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#857
by
yorky10
on 23 Jun, 2011 20:36
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Correct. Vouchers are issued I believe on your way back from the causeway to priority purchase.
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#858
by
stuart_wildcat
on 23 Jun, 2011 20:37
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Also, this mission kind of snuck up on people, since it was announced so late.
And, for what it's worth, I can't count the number of people who, when I tell them that I am going to see the last shuttle launch ever, have said "Really? I thought the last one ___________" *Fill in the blank with a) "was Discovery", or b) "was the one in February", or c) "already happened."
I also get a lot of "Oh, this is the last one?"
I think all that has a lot to do with lack of ticket demand.
I think the late addition of the mission has something to do with it.
It could also be that not a lot of people hear about the program much outside of Florida. This is not the case from inside Florida though where there are lots of local stories on the news. So a barometer on "interest" from outside central Florida might give a false sense of hope.
Also remember that people from central Florida are going to be the ones that have the potential to really cause differences in the traffic depending on how many decide it is worth it.
Personally I'm hoping that officials have learned enough about the experience from the last few "last launches" that things will at least be not any worse than the last few launches as they have found what works and what doesn't. Of course, without a delay thrown in somewhere to upset plans of people coming we still have the potential for a nightmare scenario. Both the last two launches have had a "last minute" delay of at least 1-2 weeks which has done quite a bit for how many people are able to attend.
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#859
by
stuart_wildcat
on 23 Jun, 2011 20:48
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Anyone know if after a scrub at KSCVC with Central Florida Tours if I would be able to return in a car the following day with my ticket? Are the placard rules relaxed or does anyone who has a placard want to adopt a British passenger? Wanted to be on the causeway really but my Dad got me the wrong ticket while I was out at work
I think some of the answers you are getting might not actually answer your question.
From what I understand you have a ticket on a tour company for the launch. You are asking if there is a scrub if you would be able to return (I assume you meant the next launch day by "following day") with your tour company ticket to drive to the visitor center.
If it is a launch day the answer would be no. The only way you can drive to the visitor center on ANY launch day is riding the bus of a tour company or with the parking pass distributed with the tickets purchase directly from the visitor center. Since you got tickets through the tour company you don't have a parking pass and can't get one. It is possible for people to get extra parking passes but only if they have already purchased the launch tickets sold directly through the visitor center.
If there is a scrub you want to make sure you know how your tour company will arrange for you to go back out again on the next attempt. It varies depending on when the scrub is called and where they have transported you to. The best source of that info is directly from the tour company. I would research this beforehand as in the confusion of a scrub on launch day it is harder to get good info.
If it is not a launch day you can come in whenever you want without any special ticket before getting there...
