STS-120 Viewing

[swifty]

rgerhards - 14/9/2007  8:56 AM

Has anyone experience in how long it takes to drive in from Orlando? I may have been too late to secure a hotel room close to the area (working on that ). So I may be forced to drive from Orlando, maybe from the airport area.

Rainer

It’s about an hour drive from the Orlando Airport. There are plenty of hotels in the area Coca Beach is nice it’s 20 minuets to get to the Visitors Center. Coco has Ron John Surf Shop and other attractions for your family.

Does anybody know if there is a problem if I drive to the visitor center's parking lot with a car full of luggage? I assume the screening happens at the "normal" KSCVC entry point after the ticket booth (and restrictions apply from there).

Rainer

That will not be a problem. From my understand parking for Causeway Viewing is at the Visitors Center. You will proceed into the center a buses will take to the Causeway Just remember backpacks an coolers are not allowed but purses, waist packs and diaper bags are. And will be searched.

Do I need to allocate extra travel time when I drive in via SR-3 (I have the feeling that it can get much more crowded, but there is no substance for that feeling...)?

Rainer

Defiantly allow yourself plenty of time on launch day.

Rainer –

You should have a great time. Allow yourself at least one day other than launch day to check out the Visitors Center. Other than the historical and display exhibits, there are kid shows and they just built a thrill ride that simulates a shuttle launch. I was fortunate enough to be one of the guinea pigs and ride it before it opened.

I have friends from Köln who loved the center. I would recommend that unless you are very proficient in English you opt for the German translation when available due to the technical language used on the tours. This was their one complaint; they thought they could get by.

swifty - 10/10/2007  5:51 PM

Ray

I just received my Banana Creek VIP pass in the mail. Even though I live just 2 hours south and have seen many of the launches from my balcony this will be my first at KSC. Hope to see you there. Are you meeting the bus at the mall?

Steve

This will our (me and my son's (age 16) first launch.  Wanted to see a launch with him before he becomes an adult and other things become a priority!

Yes, we are suppose to be meeting the bus at the mall.  We will arrive in Titusville Monday evening and will make a dry run to the mall to make sure I know where I'm going.

Ray.

[infocat13]

I have a military ID ( CAC ) card is there anyplace on the AFB that provides good viewing ?

[Jim]

infocat13 - 11/10/2007  1:42 PM

I have a military ID ( CAC ) card is there anyplace on the AFB that provides good viewing ?

Military ID doesn't provide access to CCAFS or KSC.  CCAFS is a restricted base and requires a specific badge.

PAFB is too far away.

[swifty]

This is a question for the locals. What are the good restraunts in the area. Where's the best raw bar?

[MySDCUserID]

Titusville is pretty limited in cuisine.

Paul's Steakhouse:  Food is..eh, OK, but the view of the river and KSC is great from the dining area.

Driftwoods:  This is a brand new resturant on US1.  I havent eaten there, but it looks like really nice dining.

Dixie Crossroads:  Informal, and great food!  You must get the rock shimp there!

El Leoncito on US1:  Great mexican food!

If you make your way over to Cape Canaveral, go to Thai Thai's on A1A by the USA Shuttle Logistics Depot.  They have an outstanding selection of asian cuisine and GREAT sushi!

[Rocket Guy]

Cocoa Beach has the better restaurants. Some good ones are Yen Yen for Chinese; Lobstery Shanty for American; Taco City for Mexican. All the chains are down on Rt. 520 as well.

[swifty]

Thanks for the suggestions. Restaurants in the Orland area can be such a hit or miss. I hate ending up in the over priced tourist trap. Every one I'm meeting is from Dallas so I'm going to stay away from BBQ and Mexican, nothing in FL can compete with Texas I've look for over 10 years.  

Is Bunkys Raw Bar any good? I've found place that have a raw bar usually have good fresh seafood here in Florida. I will definitely check out Dixie Crossroads, peal and eat sounds good right now. Thanks again.

[Rocket Guy]

Durango Steak house another good place in Cocoa Beach.

[TNCMAXQ]

I love seafood. When I was there for STS-118 my friend and I had excellent meals at Rusty's and Grills, both at Port Canaveral. Makes me hungry just thinking of it.

[rgerhards]

swifty - 10/10/2007  12:09 AM

... snipped ...

Rainer –

You should have a great time. Allow yourself at least one day other than launch day to check out the Visitors Center. Other than the historical and display exhibits, there are kid shows and they just built a thrill ride that simulates a shuttle launch. I was fortunate enough to be one of the guinea pigs and ride it before it opened.

I have friends from Köln who loved the center. I would recommend that unless you are very proficient in English you opt for the German translation when available due to the technical language used on the tours. This was their one complaint; they thought they could get by.

Hi,

thanks for the great answers. Thankfully, a couple of issues have already been resolved now. I got a room for the 22nd in the Titusville Super 8, but need to depart on that day. So I will have a fully loaded car, but I have heard others confirm that it seems to be OK to go with that into the KSCVC parking lot. I will also be early, because I purchased "breakfast with astronaut" (only ones available ) and that brings me to a 5am arrival time, right when arrival opens. I hope the traffic will not be too bad at that time (but, of course, I'll be early enough - I wonder if I really need the super 8 ).

And I second your notes on the visitor center. I had forgotten to mention that me and my family have been there multiple times and always enjoyed it. I came first roughly 20 years ago, when the Saturn V was still outside without any weather protection A looooot of things have changed since them. It is always very thrilling to see the exhibits and the actual space hardware. My last visit was September, 2006, when I wanted to visit the STS-115 launch. But it was so much delayed, I needed to leave before it took off. I have never before seen a space shuttle launch and so I hope I will have luck this time.

This year, we'll come on the 22nd to KSC, take the upclose tour (hopefully it will be available and hopefully the RSS is retracted ). After launch (or before, depending on actual date), I plan to go on the "now and then tour", which my boy (9 years old) has never seen. It made a big impression on me when I saw it first (with *that* technology they flew into space...). We have also planned to stay for the world space expo, which I hope will be a real great event.

In case you are interested, I have begun a blog on my trip, it's available at http://spacelaunch.gerhards.net - so far, mostly mission updates (including personal milestones like "tickets received" ). Mission updates you obviously get more in depth-over here. If I have enough time, I plan to continue the blog while I am over at KSC - its a good thing to remember and maybe helpful for others.

Thanks again for all the information.

Rainer

[rgerhards]

I hope this is the right forum to place this question. I am more than slightly puzzled. Documentation that came with my tickets recommends to bring a couple of things (like big zoom lenses, tripods etc - good recommendation IMHO). But then, the security section says that "large bags" (whatever this is) are not permitted into KSC on launch days. I am right now packing for my trip (fly in from Germany) and I wonder what I can bring with me. We are a party of 3, 2 adults, 1 kid.

I've made a picture of the bags I have on my mind - I'd appreciate some feedback from those of you who have already been through this.

http://www.gerhards.net/Gallery-sts120-picfull-what_is_large_bag.phtml

OK, OK, I guess this sounds funny... but it's really important to me

Thanks for any feedback!

Rainer

[mceddiemac]

I've made a picture of the bags I have on my mind - I'd appreciate some feedback from those of you who have already been through this.

I think you will be OK with those. Last two times I was down there (STS-116 & STS-117) they allowed me (and others) to bring in medium size backpacks. Mine had all my camera equipment in it and measured 18" x 12" x 8" (45cm x 30cm x 8cm).  They also allow the compact folding umbrella chairs that are carried in shoulder bags.  Security will check the contents of the bag before entering the Visitors Complex and will let you know if its too big and probably allow you to put them back in your car if thats the case.  Like I said, I think you'll be OK.

As I have already posted, I have received vip tickets to the launch. The tickets are for the Causeway location.  

In the information that I received, it states that I can bring a folding chair (that fits in a bag).  From anyone who has made this trip previously, it is worth it to bring a chair or is there bleachers set up?

Are there any suggestions for items that I should (or shouldn't for whatever reason) bring?

Thanks,

Ray.

[psloss]

Ray Todd - 14/10/2007  11:15 AM

In the information that I received, it states that I can bring a folding chair (that fits in a bag).  From anyone who has made this trip previously, it is worth it to bring a chair or is there bleachers set up?

There are some bleachers at the causeway site, but not enough for everyone.  I never did the VIP thing, but it would make sense for the VIPs to get those.  It's been several years, but I was never a VIP (a condition that remains unchanged) and never saw bleachers on launch day out at the causeway site.  (I brought a towel for sitting on the grass when I remembered.)

Your mileage may vary, and hopefully others who have been out there more recently can help with tips...

[swifty]

Ray Todd - 14/10/2007  10:15 AM

As I have already posted, I have received vip tickets to the launch. The tickets are for the Causeway location.  

In the information that I received, it states that I can bring a folding chair (that fits in a bag).  From anyone who has made this trip previously, it is worth it to bring a chair or is there bleachers set up?

Are there any suggestions for items that I should (or shouldn't for whatever reason) bring?

Thanks,

Ray.

I would definitely bring folding camp chairs. For a couple of reasons: one seating is limited, you are also going to be out there for a couple of hours and bleachers can get uncomfortable and hot in the sun.  I would also consider bring an umbrella look for the type that can clip onto your chair it will make a world of difference when out in the sun. Then sunblock and bug-spray (you are in a swamp) Lastly remember to watch out for the gaters.

On another note the weather down here has been amazing at ~80°F withe a cool sea breeze. Cloud cover has been relative clear in the mornings with it building in the afternoon. These are the day I thank god I get to live in paradise. I hop it will stay this way through next week
 :cool:

[KSC Engineer]

Just some general advice about viewing a launch.  Don't spend the energy to photograph or video tape the launch.  You can grab a few shots after say a minute in to the flight but every thing you do will pale in comparison to shots you see on TV on in pictures so spend the moment enjoying the launch and don't focus on trying to "capture the moment".  The moment is captured by watching it and taking in all the details.  You can buy a poster later.  I've seen most of the launches and I never get tired of watching them.   The only launches that didn't seem to be as meaningful were the ones I was busy trying to take a picture or get some good videos.  It is hard to compete with NASA imagery so don't try.

[KSC Engineer]

Also as far as places to eat I really like Fish Lips at Port Canaveral.  Great outdoor seating next to all the big boats and good food and live music at times.

[Jim]

The food is not good at any port restaurants except Grill's

[psloss]

KSC Engineer - 14/10/2007  5:14 PM

The only launches that didn't seem to be as meaningful were the ones I was busy trying to take a picture or get some good videos.

I think I understand what you're saying, but at the same time I don't completely agree.  I think people will have varying reactions, and if I'd seen more launches in person I would probably feel differently than I do.  

I agree that you miss something if you "watch" the launch from behind a viewfinder, but the videos and pictures I shot at the causeway were to make a record of my experience.  My goal wasn't necessarily high fidelity.  If anything, the bit I like best about the videos I shot is the sound of the launch from out there, but I also like some of the video of standing out on the causeway waiting for liftoff -- it reminds me of being out there at dawn a few times, in the middle of the night for others, and the excitement of being there.  

The NASA video and all the professional photography is fantastic, but having seen a few launches in person, but I don't think they convey what it's like to be there.  Whereas for me, my crappy, amateur video does that better than a souvenir would.

But take this with a grain of salt, as it's just an opinion.