Being the huge space nerd I am, I can’t believe in the many years that I lived literally half an hour away from Kennedy Space Center, I never went to visit. I have the faintest memory going on a field trip sometime in elementary school and have always wanted to go back. Whenever I thought about going, I usually would balk at the admission prices which can seem pretty steep especially when you’re already paying for annual Universal Orlando passes but no more!
On my trip to Florida with Luke last month, we made a trip to Kennedy Space Center a MUST!
Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, FL (where I lived during high school). It’s just an hour or so away from Orlando, is perfect for the whole family and is fun, inspiring and educational!
I did lots of research before my visit so I could really make the most of my day and it paid off. If I ever see negative experiences about Kennedy Space Center, it’s almost always down to poor planning so today I thought I would share with you all what I did during my visit as well as some tips I learned so you too can also have an amazing time should you go!
A Day at Kennedy Space Center
Tip #1: Arrive EARLY
This is SUPER important especially if you plan on seeing a rocket launch (Check out my post here for a more in depth post with tips!). Make sure to check the schedules! Their standard hours for this time of the year are 9am-6pm but due to the rocket launch happening that day, they actually opened it at 8am!
Even without a launch, it’s still a good idea to get there early since time will FLY BY! No matter how well you plan, you will not be able to do and see everything Kennedy Space Center has to offer. If you arrive early and do plan well though, you can see a good bit of it! If you’re going to be dishing out the money, might as well get your money’s worth! Speaking of…
Current admission prices as of February 2020
Admission Prices
Regular on-day general admission tickets after taxes cost $61 for adults and $51 for kids (ages 3-11). If you buy online though the KSC website, they’ll add a a $5.60 convenience fee.
If you think you’re going to come back within the next year, I recommend getting the multi-day ticket! It gives you a year of unlimited admission for less than the price of two daily admissions! It also includes one free parking voucher that you can use within the first 30 days of your selected ticket date (a nice perk since parking is $10). These cost $88 after tax for adults and $71 for kids.
There are also discounts for seniors, active duty US military, and Brevard County residents.
Tip #2: Buy your tickets in advance through an online discount retailer!
To avoid long lines on-site and convenience fees online through their site, buy your tickets in advance through a discount online retailer. Luke and I were fortunate to be gifted tickets from a friend of my mom’s that works for NASA. However, we bought my dad’s through TicketsAtWork which is one of the few places you can find well discounted tickets. The other options are Undercover Tourist (which will basically be the on-site but hey, no wait or convenience fee) or by buying a Go Orlando All-Inclusive Pass.
Once purchased, we were emailed a voucher to present to the Will Call/Box Office booth. We were able to walk right up and pick up my dad’s ticket. No line at all. We were also able to buy tickets for the Dine with an Astronaut experience there and…
Tip #3: Grab a map and daily schedule
I’m sure this place seemed huge when I was a kid but it’s continued to get bigger with new buildings and exhibits. The complex is vast and you don’t want to waste precious time trying to figure out where things are. When you pick up your tickets be sure to also pick up a map and schedule (they can also be found at the information center).
While the map is important for pointing out where the attractions, restrooms, dining and gift shops are, the schedule is just as essential. It is specific for the day and shows the times for all the live shows, films, and tours.
The Bus Tour
Tip #4: Head straight back to the Bus Tours
These are included with admission, and whether there’s a launch or not, I think it’s best to start off your day with the Bus Tour that includes the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Especially during busy times like Spring Break, the line for the buses will only get longer and you want to give yourself ample time to enjoy the center. While they do run continuously throughout the day, be sure to check the schedule to see the operating hours as buses stop running 2 and half hours before closing time.
At 8am, the buses had little to no wait. Later in the day, however, the lines were LONG!
The MASSIVE and iconic Vehicle Assembly Building
Tip #5: Sit on the passenger side of the bus for the best views
The bus tour is about 45 minutes long and will take you through the restricted areas before ending at the Saturn V Center. Most of the sights will be on the right side (facing towards the front) so be sure to snag a seat accordingly if you want to get photos as the bus doesn’t stop till the end. Also, be sure to look out for the various wildlife!
The biggest highlight for me was seeing the Vehicle Assembly Building. Unfortunately, it was a cloudy morning so you can’t see a lot of it including the giant American flag on the side. Here are 3 fun facts about it:
- It’s one of the largest buildings in the world by area (covers 8 acres!)
- The high bag doors are the largest in the world at 456 feet high and take 45 minutes to completely open or close
- It is home to the largest American flag – 209 feet tall (or 24 stories!)
Our seats for the rocket launch viewing – we had a GREAT view!
Rocket Launch Viewing
As I mentioned earlier, there was a rocket launch the day we visited. This was a super exciting and amazing event and if you are able to go on a day that has one scheduled, I cannot recommend it enough! Since this post is already super long, I decided to make a separate post about that viewing experience as well as some personal tips for those that might be interested in a launch viewing themselves.
Apollo/Saturn V Center
We got off the buses around 8:30am and after finding a spot on the viewing bleachers, realized we still had an hour and half before the rocket launch at 10am. While we waited for the launch, Luke and I were able to explore the nearby, nearly empty Apollo/Saturn V Center! It was incredible being able to take our time looking at everything and taking photos without any crowds or people around.
The first you notice when you walk in is, of course, the ENORMOUS Saturn V rocket. These were the rockets that first took us to the moon! This one on display IS real but was never actually flown in space.
After the launch happened, the Center was PACKED. We did return to look at a couple of things we didn’t have time to see the first time. You could easily spend a couple of hours here.
The size of the Saturn V rocket is so massive there’s no way to get it all in one shot but I did my best!
They had a little virtual photo booth set up – you can really tell how empty it is!
As you walk, it leaves moon footprints behind you!
Moonscape: A life-size scene of the moon landing including an authentic lunar module!
Astrovan: Astronauts used this van for their ride from their crew quarters to the launch pad!
Lunar Theater: Relive the final few minutes leading up to the lunar landing
Tip #6 Skip the Films
Unless there’s something you REALLY want to see or you just really feel like sitting down for a while, skip the movies. As interesting as they may, I don’t think they’re worth it when time is so limited for a day trip and there is SO much else to see. We did wait briefly in the recreated 1960s living room to get into the Lunar Theater since it’s brief but they ended up having technical difficulties so we never made it in.
Ad Astra Per Aspera: There is a small but touching tribute to the fallen Apollo 1 astronauts. It shares mementos of their lives and reminds us of their sacrifice.
Apollo Treasures Gallery
Be sure to check out this wonderful Smithsonian-affiliate exhibit filled with incredible priceless items like the ACTUAL Apollo 14 crew capsule and Alan Shepard’s (aka the first US astronaut in space) original space suit! You can even touch an real moon rock!
After we had thoroughly made our way through the Center, we took the bus back to the main complex. The ride back takes about 20 minutes and the buses run every 15 minutes.
Yes, there’s a gift shop!
I couldn’t help myself to taking a photo with this awesome life-sized LEGO astronaut!
Rocket Garden
When we got back, I noticed there was a guided tour just about to begin at the Rocket Garden. I rushed over to join a small group of people at the the starting tour site. We waited and waited and no one showed up. A worker noticed and tried to find someone but I got tired of waiting and let my dad give me a tour instead! He’s a HUGE rocket nerd and knew every single rocket and tons of facts about each one! Even if you don’t have your own dad-tour-guide, you can still do a self-guided tour by reading all the signs about the various rockets and the space race and go at your own pace.
It’s no surprise the Rocket Garden is one of the most recognizable and photographed places in the entire complex – it’s beautiful and awe-inspiring!
With my dad, my personal Rocket Garden tour guide
Yes, most of these rockets are REAL (though never flown in space)! I couldn’t help but look up in awe at these beautiful pieces of machinery. But the rocket garden doesn’t just have BIG rockets. It also has tiny life-size capsule replicas! I can’t even imagine how astronauts are able to spend hours or even days in these things!
Saturn 1B rocket. Incredible.
Mars Rover
We had a few minutes before we were going to line up for our Astronaut Lunch so we checked out the Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator or MRVN. It reminds me of something Batman would drive but actually has a mobile lab and is designed for the demanding Martian landscape.
Dine With An Astronaut
There was already a good sized line forming when we joined half an hour before the scheduled lunch with Astronaut Norm Thagard. It being Florida, it was HOT outside and I couldn’t wait to eat in AC while listening to an actual astronaut!
The food was served buffet style with each table being called up one at a time to get their food. I was really excited after looking at the menu but was a bit disappointed by the actual food. The bulgogi beef was probably my favorite of the entrees but nothing special. The cod was bland as was the chicken. I could NOT do the buckwheat kasha. The salads were fine. The drinks fared better for me. They had Tang (yes, that orange drink) and apple cider which I enjoyed.
Tip: Do not wait to get your dessert! People will rush the table and horde food. I thought they would replenish the desserts since so many people still hadn’t had a chance to get anything but nope! Every man for himself! The orange and cookies I did manage to get were good though!
I really wanted to like the food but found it, overall, pretty bland
Food aside, the presentation with Norm Thagard was super enjoyable and inspiring. This man, the life he’s lived and the things he’s accomplished are just incredible. It was such an honor to hear him speak and afterwards get to meet him.
Even if the food left something to be desired and you get gypped on dessert, I would still recommend doing this $30 add-on for this possibly once in a lifetime experience! This leads to my next tip…
Tip #7: Meet An Astronaut
If you decide not to do the lunch, you can still hear from and meet a veteran NASA astronaut by going to the Astronaut Encounter or Autograph Signing. Just make sure you do one of them! Check the event calendar to see who the Astronaut of the Day is when they are scheduled.
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Tip #8: Do the Space Shuttle Atlantis after lunch
We initially tried to do the Atlantis after returning from the buses but there was a ridiculous line with no end in sight so we decided to come back later. Good thing we did because at 1:30pm, there was a very short wait! You are first ushered into a room to watch a short movie about the Space Shuttle then into another for a more immersive video presentation with screen all around you about the Atlantis. Then there is the grand reveal. Not going to lie, I got emotional looking at this beautiful space vehicle (similar as to when I looked at the Discovery in LA).
After you’ve had the time to take in this beauty, there are lots of interactive games and activities that will definitely keep kids (or the kid in you) busy. There’s a slide that simulates a shuttle landing, a mini replica of the Space Station you can crawl through, different virtual training simulations, and photo op areas like this replica shuttle cockpit…
My longest line of the day was probably to take this photo.
Forever Remembered
Definitely check out this tribute to the 14 astronauts who perished during the Challenger and Columbia. I couldn’t help but tear up looking at the displays that commemorated their careers and contained personal items from each astronaut.
Shuttle Launch Experience
This is an ABSOLUTE MUST! It’s the closest thing that would classify as a “ride” at Kennedy Space Center. They didn’t let us do photography once inside so sorry for the lack of photos. The Shuttle Launch Experience simulates an actual launch into space and is located on the lower floor of the Atlantis building. We did have to wait a little in line but it was WORTH it! NASA astronauts say it’s the next best thing to an actual launch and I believe them!
Before you can enter the line though, you will have to put your things away in the complimentary lockers by the entrance (don’t forget your locker number!). The ride has lots of shaking, rapid movement and does tilt up and down so anything loose in your shirt pockets will definitely fly out!
Note: I wouldn’t do this on my first visit as the presentation and reveal of entering the Atlantis Center is so good, but say on your next visit, if you don’t want to wait in the regular line, you can just head straight to the Shuttle Launch experience by cutting through the gift shop.
The line for the ride (left) and a peek at what you’ll see after (right).
Journey to Mars
I don’t know what I expected, but I did feel a bit let down after seeing this was mostly just a live presentation talking about NASA’s current plans to explore Mars, the moon again, and deep space. Don’t get me wrong, it was informative, interesting, and the presenter did a good job but I suppose I just expected something different?
Besides the presentation, there are interactive games and simulators and replicas of the Mars rovers.
Astronaut Signing
Tip #9: Bring something to be signed by an astronaut for a memorable souvenir!
What better souvenir to bring home from Kennedy Space Center than an item signed by a real life astronaut! That’s right, every afternoon, the Astronaut of the Day (ours was Norm Thagard from our lunch) does an autograph session on the second floor of the Space Shop! Also, it’s included with your admission so it’s FREE! You have the option of buying a $10 headshot photo but it’s up to you! He’ll also take photos!
I ended up buying a photo and a mini NASA toy shuttle for him to sign while my dad opted for his hat. There doesn’t seem to be a limit either (although please be respectful) – the guy in front of me had him sign nearly a dozen items!
Funny story, my dad was totally geeking out over meeting Norm. He loved that Norm was an engineer too and had read several of his papers – they got into quite a nice little discussion over it. There was still a line behind us though so I gently had to urge my dad away to let others have their time XD
Gift Shop
I usually try to avoid gift shops in fear I’ll fall prey to purchasing overpriced merchandise I can find much cheaper elsewhere. However, you don’t come across official NASA merch every day and there was really some cool stuff there like this cute baseball cap. (My dad bought his at the Saturn V gift shop earlier in the day.)
Heroes & Legends
Our day was winding down and knowing we could only fit in probably one more bigger thing before closing, we made our way to the front of the complex to the Heroes and Legends building. You will enter a circular room with a large group of people and watch a movie about heroes then move into a standing theater to watch a short multi-sensory 4D film. Afterwards, you’ll move onto the museum portion of the building with lots of interesting artifacts and memorabilia.
They had little areas with various heroic qualities that contained videos you could watch and memorabilia.
Buzz Aldrin’s 9th Grade Report Card – I’m surprised he didn’t get straight A’s in Science!
Mercury Control Center: At these very consoles, a team were able to send a man into space using computers no more powerful than a modern wristwatch. Mind-blowing.
It also included various artifacts like a real Redstone rocket, Sigma 7 capsule, Gemini capsule, and more.
This NASA sign was once displayed on the walls of the Mercury Mission Control Center
US Astronaut Hall of Fame
It concludes with the US Astronaut Hall of Fame which was created by the Mercury 7 astronauts. Here you can learn about the lives of these various space heroes.
This flag was flown in space on the first and 100th piloted spaceflights!
Alan B. Shepard: First American in Space
Astronaut Training Experience
This is not included in your admission but, wow, I wish it was! Here, through simulation technology, you can experience astronaut training, see what it’s like to live and work on Mars, navigate the Martian surface, and do one-of-a-kind Spacewalk training in a microgravity environment!
I didn’t do any of these things because I didn’t have the time to schedule them in but maybe next time!
Tip #10: Wear comfortable walking shoes
I don’t think I really need to explain this at this point in the post. As you can see, you’ll be doing A LOT of walking. Get those steps!
Dining
The only food I actually had at the complex was during the Dine with an Astronaut, but they do have four other dining options:
- Orbit Cafe is located in the main visitor area
- Rocket Garden Cafe is near the Rocket Garden
- Moon Rock Cafe is located in the Apollo/Saturn V Center
- Red Rock Grill is a stand next to Journey to Mars
There is also a food truck outside the main entrance, Starbucks by the bus tour entrance, and an ice cream shop! I can’t speak for any of the restaurants and would say to go ahead and check them out, but I also want to mention my final tip…
The Moon Rock Cafe in case you get hungry at the Saturn V Center
Tip #11: Bring your own food and drinks
Save some money and bring your own lunch/snacks and water! While you can’t bring large, hard-sided coolers, small, soft-sided ones are fine. The only restrictions are glass containers and alcoholic beverages. FYI your bag will be searched when you first arrive.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my trip to Kennedy Space Center and that my tips are helpful in the event you decide to visit! It really is such a fun and unique experience! I highly recommend that everyone go there sometime in their life! Even if you’re not a space geek like us, Kennedy Space Center does a great job of really immersing you in these important events of human history, making you feel inspired and excited about the future.
Tips
Just so you can see them all together, here are my 11 Tips for visiting Kennedy Space Center:
- Arrive early
- Buy your tickets in advance through an online discount retailer
- Grab a map and daily schedule
- Head straight back to the buses
- Sit on the passenger side of the bus for the best views
- Skip the standalone movies
- Meet an astronaut
- Do the Space Shuttle Atlantis after lunch
- Bring something to be signed by an astronaut for a memorable souvenir
- War comfortable walking shoes
- Bring your own food and drinks
