Kennedy Space Center
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SR 405Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
(321) 449-4444
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
71 reviews for Kennedy Space Center
Review Highlights
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71 reviews in English
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Review from Kim K.
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Definitely spend the extra bucks and do the KSC Up Close tour. Our guide was incredible - super knowledgeable, thorough, and answered every single question we had.
The bus is surprisingly comfortable, we had enough time at each stop, and the end point (the Saturn V building) was perfect to spend as much or as little time as you wanted at. The Rocket Garden and Art Gallery are other noteable must sees.
Worth a trip, absolutely! -
Review from Fannie S.
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
Loved this place.
Transported to the past.
Full of old relics-- if it moves, flies, or goes to space, it's here. Or at least a very nice copy of it. Large planes, big engines, and even the atom bomb mock-up.
Plenty of history of the wars.
Totally sad to see that NASA program has been shut down as of 2011.
Pricing = moderate. Go to AAA and use your membership for a discounted rate. -
Review from Nicole L.
Worcester, MA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
When i first ordered the "today and tomorrow" tour the staff seems unorganized and inattentive. They could not seem to get there act together or start on time. Once they did start the tour was actually interesting for someone who thought I would be bored to death. The narrative on the bus was informative but the type of info I expected ( and not interesting for the most part unless you like history and science. It was very picturesque. I thought the part where we went into the space hanger ( where you see the American flag and NASA sign) was the best. It was not massive from the outside but very impressive inside. We got to see the spaceship "endeavor" which was very cool since not many People can say they have seen a real spaceship.
The park itself was nice. They had multiple attractions and events for all ages to do on site. They had a rocket garden, simulator ride, 3d videos, meet and greet, multiple 5 minute shows about different events, and a museum type area.
When I thought the package was only the tour I thought the price was very high. After you consider the park admission for all the other items I think it was reasonable.
I would have never gone here if my hubby had not wanted to go there. I had no interest but i was pleasantly surprised.
FYI the brochures say 2-3 hours. The tour was 2 hours and we were there for 6 plus hours. If we wanted to see everything it could have been 8-9 hours. -
Review from Katey G.
10/25/2011
This place is awesome.
As other people have mentioned, upgrade yo' passes so you can see all the cool stuff. If you can't do that, well, at least the Saturn V rocket is worth paying to see all by itself. There are no words to describe the visual hit to the head that walking in to see that brings about.
The tour guides on the buses are information, the videos are a little cheesy, but you know. Educational.
Also, you can buy "space food" and torment your friends. -
Review from D H.
Seattle, WA
12/27/2011
It isn't what it once was. Skip the visitor center entirely, that is just a waste of time and space. Everything that is interesting is on the bus tour. The Saturn V (the only part I think is really good) is on the bus tour as is any thing good from the moon shots. I really hate that I have to be trapped on a bus for hours to see it. Why not let us just see some interesting things? I really don't want to see launch pads.
The extra guided tour showing the VAB was sold out. That might have made up for it.
The IMAX - old, dated and uninteresting. This is no Avatar. The glasses are rubbish and the movie was blurry, probably because of it. IMAX uses smaller glasses I think than "REAL 3D". They were old so scratched up. The way the auditorium was loaded is rubbish too - if one is in the front of the line, they make you go all the way to the side, so being early guarantees a bad seat. They could take some lessons from the big attractions. Also, I really wanted to see some Hubble shots in the Hubble show. Seeing the Hubble is OK, but there are spectacular shots which I'd love to see on the big screen. They showed a couple but it was really more about how impressive 3D is.
The space shuttle experience was a rather dated ride, they show a movie on a screen and shake you and tilt you a bit. OK, for very small children I imagine, but boring. Not at all interesting. How about some images of the shuttle or what the pilots do? They don't do a lot might be the problem.
The nature and technology exhibit. This one actually annoyed me. I walked all the way over here for this? There are some arrow heads, a 1800s linen dress, some photos and stuffed local animals.
It was nice to see a Gemini space capsule in the visitor center.
The models of moon landers are really bad. They looked as if someone made them from bad photos. Maybe because I am an engineer and use military and aerospace components, I just notice the bits that are wrong. Connectors going no where and that kind of thing, but it looked cardboard to me.
Educationally, it was not at all interesting. There were some really sad video games, but if you want to learn anything about this stuff besides a small blurb, Google it. The information is available. It just isn't available at the space center.
One exhibit showed an early satellite and early Goddard rocket, that was pretty interesting, but sparse. Not much to it.
The rocket garden is a collection of rust and pealing paint. Sad that the pride of a nation should be allowed to rot. It is still a more interesting part of the area.
In summary, everything good is on the bus tour, skip the visitors center, or better yet, skip it and tour space via Google. Only the Saturn V being just so big is really worth seeing in person. The staff are nice and parking is free, so it does have that going for it. -
Review from Stephanie L.
Miami, FL
9/5/2011
I visited The Space Center in Houston a few years earlier so I had to see the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral and see the difference.
As expensive but still a good place to visit. The bus tours are awesome and we got to see Atlantis waiting on the launch pad for the next day's launch.
Like in Houston the exhibition is good but the tours are way better!! Loved the Lauch experience where you get all the blood flow to the back of your head as your experience what the astronauts feel during a launch. Great place to learn the story of the space program.
Had the opportunity to see two shuttle launches and that made me admire those astronauts even more.
They have astronomy camps for the kids which make me wish I was younger and could sleep there a night. -
Review from Pete W.
Orlando, FL
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, why the HELL did I take so long to go back??
I went to KSC when I was a lil' one, waaaaay back in the day on vacation from home. I've now lived in Central Florida for over a decade and had yet to go back until last week. That was really dumb on my part. Bought tix online, paid an extra $12 or $13 to upgrade to a season pass (nice!), and paid an extra $21.99 for the "Behind the Scenes Tour".
Basically, your admission includes a bus tour, but it doesn't really go to all the COOL spots. The extra $22 gets you a really cool tour where you get to drive really close to launch pads 39A and B (where most of the shuttles launched from), as well as a stop at the Assembly building (the GIANT one), the landing strip, and a few other highlights. Definitely worth the upgrade. All tours stop at the Saturn V rocket building, which is... well... I'm not sure I can describe how HUGE and amazing it is to see. It's mind-blowing.
Back at "home base" there's a full sized shuttle replica you can go inside to get a sense of how small it really is, a number of galleries, the IMAX theater, the "Shuttle Experience" (launch simulator), the Rocket Garden, even a live Star Trek show going on. Wow, I was in space nerd heaven. And honestly? I could have spent half a day and thousands of dollars in just the gift shop.
Also your admission includes a visit to the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, a couple miles up the road from KSC (you probably passed it on the way there, pay attention!) We didn't have time to visit but are planning on it next time.
Ultimately though, it's about learning about and experiencing what the men & women who work at NASA have done, are doing, and will do. And about the astronauts and the insanity that space exploration is. True daredevils in every sense of the word. And being amazed by the sheer SIZE of it all.
All I could think about as my wife and I were leaving was how much I can't wait to go back again. If you haven't been you're seriously missing one of the most unique, compelling, and awe-inspiring things Central Florida has to offer. In these times of political strife and backstabbing, it's really wonderful to see something the US accomplished without all that BS, something we did just because we could, and because of our desire to explore. -
Review from Glen R.
Hauppauge, NY
9/30/2011
I can't believe that with all the times I've been to Orlando, I never made the drive to KSC. Well I'm sure glad that I finally did!
We took some other Yelpers suggestions about the extra tour upgrades and it was totally worth it. The bus tour was fantastic and awe inspiring, especially driving all the way out to the shuttle launch pads.
Believe it or not, this is a full day adventure so get there early in the day. It was very hard to fit in all the IMAX shows, exhibits, the tour, etc. We were there basically from opening to closing, had no lines to wait on and we still had to rush. -
Review from Kyle J.
8/15/2011
Let's start with this: I was never into space as a child. Just didn't care. This place made me care.
Things I got to do at the Space Center:
-See Bill Nye LIVE.
-Go through a Star Trek exhibit and sit in Kirk's chair.
-Drink soda out of a space rocket bottle.
-See a huge Alligator (the surrounding area is a nature preserve).
-The bus tour. OH THE BUS TOUR. Saturn 5 Rocket. Tons of shows.
-Was introduced to my new astronaut crush, Charlie Duke.
-See the Juno rocket.
All in all a fantastic day.
Yes it can be expensive. But your ticket is good for two days! Totally worth it. I wish I had more time to explore. I will definitely go back next time I'm in FL. -
Review from Todd K.
5/31/2011
Okay, I fully admit that I am a space geek. I really like all things scifi and had seriously considered working for places like NASA and JPL. However, KSC is definitely a must-see destination that has stuff to do for people of all ages. You can learn about the history of the space program, view visions of its potential future and hopefully be inspired to be a part of it.
While I was there, it was pouring rain off and on all afternoon but that didn't dampen the spirit of tourists who rain from exhibit to exhibit whenever the rain slacked off a bit. Visitor Center tickets are good for two days if used within a seven day period. If you can't spend a full day here then you will probably need/want to come back for the second day. Certain tours are optional and cost an additional amount. (Note: you should be able to find coupons online to bring the cost down a little bit.) You can even purchase a lunch with an astronaut. I paid for the Cape Canaveral: Then & Now tour which takes you on a guided tour of the 1960's launch sites, the USAF Space and Missile Museum and views of current launch platforms.
The main visitor complex includes an IMAX theater, the Space Shuttle launch experience, the rocket garden, the "Star Trek Live" show (kind of hokey but the kids seemed to like it), gift shop and café. From the visitor complex you board buses for the optional tours as well as to get to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
The Saturn V Center includes (amazingly enough) a massive Saturn rocket mounted horizontally along the middle of the main floor. Wandering through the exhibits and seeing what they were able to accomplish with the then state-of-the-art technology is truly amazing. Afterwards, one really appreciates the level of danger and adventure the race to the moon really was. -
Review from Hulda W.
Battle Ground, WA
Wasn't in the mood but my traveling companion really wanted to go and I learned to really enjoy the whole experience. The basic bus tour is really informative and actually being so close to the launch site is pretty inspiring. If you are going to be nearby it's worth the time to explore a little.
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Review from Lisa W.
5/16/2011
It's not a movie or SciFi, it's for real. I hope that everyone who lives in Florida or visits Florida visits KSC. The tours are awesome and the visitors center is a fun place to visit for the afternoon.
I thought it was insightful to see the amount things in our everyday life that have been impacted by space travel. The memorial is touching and the space craft on display are impressive. The IMAX is like nothing you've seen, spectacular.
I've had the pleasure of attending many shuttle launches in my years living in FL. It's an amazing experience to see people from around the planet gather here and hold their breath as the shuttle launches. If you are lucky enough to catch one of the last shuttle launches, go. If you can visit KSC while a shuttle is on the pad prior to launch, it's cool, even if you aren't watching it go up. -
Review from Frank E.
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I find this place depressing... it reminds me of the incredible things this country was capable of when we set goals for ourselves... now we could care less about exploring the "final frontier" and more about who is going to win idol... sigh...
I came here as a little kid for space camp (every kid that watched Nickelodeon dreamed of space camp) and man has it changed... the Saturn V center is awesome, you can really get an idea for how gigantic a machine it was... and what cojones three men had to strap themselves to the top of it! -
Review from Ming Z.
5/12/2011
I am glad I went there! And my advice: Americans, you should at least check out this place once in your life time. You will be very proud of the achievement previous generation did and still doing for the country. That is something!
I am glad I am a Floridan who can visit there any time I want. I bought the annual pass ($56) this time. Add another 21 dollar next time visit, I can register to participate their special tour which I can visit the launch pad.
If you can manage to see the launch during your vacation, Go Go Go. It is awesome. We got stuck in traffic during Atlantas launch. The beauty was everyone park their car on the side of Hwy 528 to watch the launch. Even it is 35 miles away, the sound of shuttle launch is breathe taking. One of my greatest memory since I come to USA. -
Review from Marley G.
Boston, MA
7/13/2011
Wow...wow...wow...wow! As a total space geek, this place amazed me! To be in the place where Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle program all launched from was not only humbling, but overwhelming. To see the actual capsules and rockets and space suits...again...wow.
We spent 8 hours there and still didn't see everything. Fortunately, your ticket is good for a second free day within 6 days of your visit. We'll totally take advantage of that. The bus tour out to the observation tower was great, with a stop at the Saturn 5 rocket building. Simply awe-inspiring. I hate that we didn't get to see the Space Shuttle roll out to the launch pad or sitting on the launch pad.
The only thing I'll object to is the price. It was $43 per adult and $33 per kid. On top of that, we spent $38 for three hot dogs and fries and one thing of chicken fingers. Add to that $24 for re-fillable soda bottles. That was good because we stayed hydrated all day...but the costs added up. Found out that Delaware North is the service vendor for the park, so that certainly explains the high prices of everything.
All that aside, the staff was friendly, knowledgable, and the place was amazing. Go, go, go!!! -
Review from Kunal M.
Washington, DC
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was the America that i immigrated to. A country whose daring vision was supported by brilliant scientists and engineers
All americans and tourists should visit the KSC. it shows how America came ahead in the space race and the underlying importance of technology in the eventual defeat of communism is obvious though not displayed.
The famous speech by kennedy is played in one of the IMAX shows and you can see an actual rocket. It will overwhelm you.
More importantly, this will teach you one lessson. the fierce urgency of America's need to restore supremacy in space.
Any trip to the Orlando area must include a day here. this is a must visit of American achievements.
parents take your kids here and inspire them to dream big.. one day they might achieve something even beyond your expectations -
Review from Sophia M.
Sea Ranch, CA
5/3/2011
This place really exceeded my expectations. The only flop was the food options, that is why I am only giving it 4 stars.
Plan on a full day here and arrive early. The entry ticket includes two IMAX 3-D movies (both are fantastic), space shuttle experience ride, mission briefings with a NASA employee, a few other features at the visitor center and then the bus tour. The bus tour stops at the launch pad viewing area. We got to see the Endeavour on the launch pad. The second stop is about the Apollo missions. Very well done.
I really came away with a much greater appreciation for what NASA does and all the people that have to come together to send a handful of people into space.
Parking is free, which is a nice change from many of the other area attractions.
Food options are dismal at best and just plain YUCK for vegetarians. I had a veggie burger that was almost cold ... even though it was "made to order". Blech. -
Review from William L.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wish I could have spent an entire day at the Space Center, there is SO much to see and SO much to do. Unfortunately, I only had about 6 hours but even still, was able to squeeze a ton into it.
The price of admission is a touch over $40, but you really get a lot for the money. The rocket garden is fascinating (and quite picturesque) and tells the stories of all of the early space exploration missions. The IMAX 3D films are very cool and really fascinating. I watched both the Hubble Space Telescope one as well as the International Space Station film. If you only have time for one, watch the Hubble one, it's WAY more interesting and some of the images are breathtaking (particularly in 3D). Plus, it's narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio (my Bromeo).
But where they really hit the home run was the shuttle launch simulation. It would be so easy to make this gimmicky and lame by just strapping you in and shaking the contraption a bit. But not only do you learn a lot about how the shuttle launches and the different procedures that go into making it work, but it's a pretty awesome simulation where you feel positive and negative Gs, the twang, and all the other details. A+ to the engineers that put this one together.
Included in the basic admission is a bus tour of the facility where I believe you get to go to the actual launch-pads, but I didn't have the time for it this time. Also included is admission to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which I also had to miss out on. You better believe I'll be back to do the whole thing and experience one of the guided tours for proper nerding out. -
Review from Sara Y.
San Diego, CA
5/5/2011
I wish we could have spent all day here, but alas we had to squeeze in a touristy airboat ride! We arrived around 2pm and got through as much as we could before it closed at 6pm. Unfortunately too hungry to check out the hall of astronauts that closed an hour later...those nachos I bought at the snack stand just weren't going to cut it. We didn't have time to go back for the second day of free admission.
Also check with AAA if you are a member, when I went in December they had a buy 1 admission, get 1 free. I still would have gone if I paid full price. Not too crowded, I think because we got there the week before winter break started for the schools in the area.
The bus tour that's included with admission was really informative, comfy seats and gets you access to exhibits on the launch pad and seeing a former mission control room! The simulated launch motion ride is quite entertaining, lacking any feeling of floating but your body will get rumbled!
I think if it's your first time there, you are probably fine with just the basic entry ticket. Plenty to take in and learn. -
Review from Deanna G.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had been here years ago and remembered I thought it was the coolest experience ever... a little too scientific for me since I was young... but what do you know. This experience pushed me towards my science degree. So it had to do something!
There's ample parking.. and it's free! It's a nice little drive to the KSC. We passed many gators in the water on the way.. which is perfect. Since you know Fl is known as Gator Country.
However the day we came, the lines were up the wazoo! And we didn't feel like fighting the crowds so left. However, if you ever visit the Orlando vicinity and have never been... KSC is an awesome educational visit! -
Review from David B.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
9/20/2011
One of the best places to visit if you're a fan of the space program. Good tours available. Great Imax theaters, typically with 3-D movies playing. Lots to see and do. Great exhibits. However as of this posting date the Yelp Andriod app will not recognize your location when attempting to check in. Yelp claims they are aware of this and are addressing it; makes no sense actually as the app knew I was there, even had KSC listed at the top of my bookmark list indicating as such. Anyway, a great place to spend the day.
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Review from Paul E.
It's official: I'm getting old. Yet another thing I grew up with is about to be put out to pasture. Hard to believe it, but the Space Shuttle program is 30 years old and fast approaching retirement; there's only one launch remaining as I type this. Always being fascinated by space travel, and wanting to be a pilot growing up, witnessing a Shuttle launch has been high on my list for years. As a little kid, I even met astronaut Dr. Ron McNair (killed a few months later in the Challenger Disaster), helping to further increase my love of space exploration. But with the impending end of the program, seeing a launch is a now-or-never proposition. So when a friend and fellow space program nut and his brother got extra tickets to observe the final launch of Endeavour on mission STS-134, and offered one to me, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Time to burn some vacation time and United frequent flier miles on a trip to Orlando.
In the heart of Florida swampland and nature preserve, it's hard to believe that KSC is the premier space center in the world. Yet here it is, high-tech rocket technology vying for space amongst mangroves and alligators. Did Alan Shepard have to dodge gators on his trip to the pad to board Freedom 7 and his date with history? Doubtful, but it's easy to imagine that while walking around the property, noticing the alligators floating lazily in almost every sizable body of water. All that aside, it's easy to get caught up in all the hardware and mementos of the US space program on display at the visitor's center. Like the backups and mockups of Mercury capsules that launched the first American astronauts into space; amazing, since their cabins were smaller than the inside of a phone booth. Or the twin-seat Gemini capsules, which weren't much bigger. Or the used shuttle rocket boosters strapped to a backup fuel tank on display next to a shuttle orbiter mockup, giving you an idea of just how big the complete shuttle assembly, or "stack", really is. Or the outdoor Rocket Garden, where various rockets used throughout NASA's history stand upright on display, seemingly poised and ready for one more launch.
Some displays are sobering reminders of NASA's tragedies - like the watch worn by Gus Grissom during the tragic Apollo 1 launch pad fire. Others remind us of their successes, like the massive Saturn V rocket on display at the Saturn V center, that sent astronauts to the moon and back (Apollo 13 notwithstanding). With so much to take in, taking a tour, such as the "Kennedy Then and Now" tour, is highly recommended. Which is what my group had tickets for, but thanks to the death of Osama bin Laden the day before our visit, and the resulting security alert on base, all special tours were cancelled, forcing me and my friends to go on a "regular" bus tour of KSC.
It was disappointing we weren't able to get the all-access tour that we had originally planned for, but the bus tour was still cool, since it takes you by the landmark and massive VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building), where the orbiter is mated to the familiar orange EFT (External Fuel Tank) and SRB's (Solid Rocket Boosters) in preparation for the next launch. Yes, NASA loves acronyms. You're next driven along the same path the shuttle takes from the VAB to the launch pad (you may even see the huge "crawler" vehicles the shuttle rides on for that trip), stopping over at an observation gantry, where you can get a nice elevated view of the launchpad, and if it's out there, a shuttle. Finally, they take you to the aforementioned Saturn V center, where the Saturn V and other Apollo program hardware and mementos are displayed. And of course, no visit to KSC would be complete without a visit to the NASA store, where you can get baubles ranging from Apollo 13 "Failure is not an option" shot glasses (I now own a pair), to t-shirts, to framed prints signed by the surviving Apollo astronauts (only $20,000).
So if you're lucky enough to be in Florida for the remaining shuttle launch, or are just in the area, try to visit Kennedy Space Center. Anyone, from a history and aerospace nut like myself, to a casual enthusiast, can find something that tickles their fancy and imagination. -
Review from Cadence C.
Phoenix, AZ
9/30/2010
I went here in late December.
It was cooooold.
But other than that, I enjoyed my time there.
I was thrilled bc I'm totally into aerospace. Very educational and fun. -
Review from Tony S.
El Mirage, AZ
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The glowing reviews do not add up.
OVERPRICED ADMISSION. Check.
MORE GIFTSHOPS than ATTRACTIONS. Check.
OVERPRICED FOOD of DUBIOUS QUALITY. Check.
Tours sold out....Check. So just stay in the area of the giftshop...blah.
AWKWARD and PAINFUL LIVE ACTION STAR TREK SHOW...Check.
I just do not know what to say. This place is not what it used to be. -
Review from Cherryl D.
San Jose, CA
11/8/2010
My Ratings: (2005 Visit)
Quantity: 4 - Plenty of things to do!
Quality: 4 - Lots to do and educational!
Price: 4 - Affordable!
Location: 4 - Cool place!
Parking: 4 - Parking lot
Service: 4 - Good
Speed: 4 - Good
Overall: Enjoyed my time here but it'll be a once in a lifetime trip!
My Opinion/Story:
It's very educational and lots to see and do. It's nice to compare myself from the awesomeness of the rockets... I'm so insignificant! We had lots of Kodak moments and then some! -
Review from Trent G.
Littleton, CO
3/23/2011
This place is awesome. If you don't like space stuff, stay away and play with yourself somewhere else. This is a superb place to visit. We spent two days at Universal Studios and visited here on day three.
We enjoyed every aspect of the place but didn't partake in the food. We were able to view the shuttle on the launch pad with the bay doors open while staff was loading the cargo.
Our tour guide's name was Ken and he was a hoot. Made plenty of nice jokes and explained what each building's purpose was. We couldn't go in them but he was able to describe things such that you could really visualize what went on inside.
If you don't like science, this place isn't for you. I like science so I thought it was neat. -
Review from Karen W.
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Okay, I was soooo ecstatic when we were able to squeeze a day to the KSC on our recent trip to Florida. The hubby and I rented a car for the day and drove over to KSC. First of all, it was a gorgeous day and an easy drive from the Orlando area. When we arrived at the KSC, it was easy to find a parking spot. As we got closer to the entrance to buy our tickets, it seemed like the lines took forever to move. Or maybe we just got into the slower line. :( Anywho, we made it inside, through security and off we were to see everything there. We saw all of the space shuttles and even the rockets that they've used in the space program. We highly recommend doing the Space Shuttle Launch experience. Very cool!! We ended up spending almost 6 hours at the KSC and it was well worth the money that we spent there. We grabbed some lunch while we were there too. Only recommendation is that if you plan your trip early enough, buy your tickets as soon as you can. We wanted to take one of the options, but they were sold out by the time we arrived at 10 am. We will definitely be back!!
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Review from Shannon T.
Pasadena, CA
12/16/2010
I'm a self-profesed space geek (hey, it's what happens when you watch "Star Trek" with your dad from the age of 3 and know all about the Solar System at the age of 4 and John Glenn is up on your wall with N*SYNC at the age of 13), so maybe this review is a bit biased.
I was able to visit KSC again in early November when I was down to see the shuttle launch that was a no-go. My boyfriend and I got there just in time for the last tour - good thing we didn't miss it! We were taken about 1 mile away from the shuttle to view it on the launch pad. It was sad knowing we wouldn't be seeing it launch, but still awesome to view all of the technology that the United States has developed and created to send humans into orbit.
I enjoyed our tour guide who pointed out an awesome eagle's nest and (GASP) MANATEES!
We rode in the space shuttle simulator - a new addition since I had last been there. That was AWESOME!
There are things we didn't have time to see and we figured we would be back in February to see Discovery hopefully launch then.... so we upgraded our ticket for $12 and bought a yearly pass. Ha. :) It will pay for itself by simply seeing an IMAX movie the next time we return.
The only complaint I had: the videos in the shuttle buses were at least 5+ years old and terribly out-dated in terms of NASA's current plans and goals. :( -
Review from Javier J.
5/18/2010
Big and phallic is the best way to describe the many things that have attempted to or succeed in piercing the skies above us to go into the blackness that is space. Clearly this place would be Sigmund's wet dreams come true.
When you're done with Disney World and Universal's Island of adventure this is one of the better and more educational "tourist" stops you can make in Florida.
The museums are really educational, you get a great sense of what it takes to go up into space and offers a first hand view of the ships and technology used to reach the stars. Nothing like walking under a huge rocket tube to make you feel small. As if the night sky doesn't make you feel small enough.
Oh yeah, you can watch Apollo 13 here in some huge screen. In fact, they push it on you. It's like riding the smallworld ride at Disneyland.. er.. Disney world.. Whatever. You get the picture, they push it on you and want you to watch it. WATCH IN ALL IT'S GLORY HOW TOM HANKS SAVES THE DAY!
Maybe that was a stipulation in their movie contract. We get to show Apollo 13 forever! Okay, once you've turned that down or sat through it, the gift shop is over there so you can own your own copy to take home with you! Yay.. wait. no.
Even though you'll never want to hear about Apollo 13 after coming here, you can still enjoy a rather cool space gift shop. While I have had the chance to buy Space Ice Cream from many stores, I was the most gitty to have the chance to eat dried out space ice cream from J.F.K Space Center. That's like eating seafood at an overpriced restaurant on the pier. You're paying for the experience of being close to the source.
I saw a couple of space launches from the area and from further away and it was just some amazing stuff to hear the noise, see the streak of light and the trail of smoke as it left this glorious earth. You know, when they actually launched them on schedule and wasn't postponed due to weather.
A shame the space program isn't what it used to be. Still a great place to come and learn about the sky above and how we want to probe it. -
Review from Paskesz K.
New York, NY
8/12/2011
Why have we not gone back to the moon? Why don't we go to Mars? What have we actually accomplished with the space program in the last thirty years? Billions (trillions?), of tax dollars and over a dozen astronaut deaths for...what benefit? It's called a space exploration program, not a "share-a-rinky-dink-russian-space-station" program. Either do what you're supposed to do and EXPLORE or just shut down.
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Review from Siniaya K.
Chincoteague Island, VA
6/21/2011
Very Impressive...
Been wanting to come here since i was a little kid and finally made it!
On my way to Key West from Savannah, GA decided to make this a good half way point "pit stop" and planned on only spending 2 hrs here... turned out to be 4.5 hrs! LOL And I so didn't want to leave.
from walking into the entrance you are impressed with the amount of different things to do here. I decided to take the bus tour first, our first stop a viewing tour looking out at the launch pad that space shuttle Atlantis was on prepping for the final shuttle mission. Second stop was the Apollo Mission center where we watched a short film and then participated in an awesome simulated launch using the "original" mission control center...AWESOME
We then exited to an area were there was a real Saturn V rocket on display! Along with several other vehicle, capsules, space suits, and rovers. A total kick ass history lesson and experience.
I ended my tour by finding my way to the "early space exploration" part located to the left of the rocket garden. I got to see an actual Gemini capsule which made me realize just how brave (or utterly insane) someone would have to be to agree to be put inside this smaller than a smart car tin can attached atop a few thousand gallons of highly combustible material lit on fire and sent to outer space!!
Took some serious balls! -
Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2008
When I was six I planned out my entire life based on a set of Young Explorer books (not sure if this is the actual name) my brother and I received for Christmas. After a meteoric rise to glory as a paleontologist, I would make a seemingly effortless transition to genetic research scientist, take a side trip into acting and then cap my career by becoming a space exploring astronaut.
Somehow I got sidetracked...
The Kennedy Space Center reminds me of the high flying, exciting dreams of my childhood. I'm not sure anything is considered truly 'impossible' by these people - and the Space Center exhibits make that abundantly clear. We are talking about adventurers who went into space in vehicles the size of an apartment bathtub enclosure, strapped onto explosive-filled rockets six stories high...with computers that had less computational power than my cell phone.
If you want to see the true power of human will, go to Kennedy and tour the Early Exploration and Saturn V/Apollo exhibits. Every step taken in the space program - then and now - is not only a step into a dangerous unknown, it's a step supported by procedures and equipment created out of imagination and ingenuity, based on lots of thought and a vast amount of hope. Seeing the results of what they built, and knowing the resources from which they built them, was amazing. I had shivers the entire time that had nothing to do with the air conditioning.
The respect I had for the scientists and astronauts of the space program before I went to Kennedy has increased exponentially. While we in the general public might become somewhat immune to shuttle launches and little rovers running around on Mars, the people here are steadily going about the business of putting man into space. And they don't forget how dangerous it is. One of the small memorials in the Early Exploration hall honors ground crew and other workers who have died at Kennedy without ever sitting in a space craft.
So why do we continue to do it? Go to Kennedy and I think you might find the answer - or at least your answer. And you may also find a return of that childlike wonder that makes all of us look at the stars and wonder what might be out there. -
Review from Lisa B.
Champaign, IL
6/7/2010 1 photo
This place was awesome! The food has a lot to be desired but that doesn't take away from any of the other cool things this place offers. The bus tours were very informative if you get the right bus driver. Some of them can be a little grouchy. I saw more alligators here than I did on an alligator tour on an air-boat! Imax films were great. We saw both of them and enjoyed them equally.
They have a fun play place for kids that my daughter spent a lot of time at. We also tried all the capsule in the rocket garden. So much fun! We went in 2008 & 2010. -
Review from Anne K.
12/28/2009
As I walked out of the Kennedy Space Center, I looked at the moon in the large blue sky over Florida differently!
I really enjoyed taking the standard tour bus across the large facility to the Observation Gantry, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the International Space Station Center. I also enjoyed seeing the alligators off the side of the road (the unused portion of the Space Center is a preserve) as well as the exhibits and very nice playground in the main visitor area. It was fun to refresh my "space knowledge" and to see how the center has changed since I came with my grandfather as a kid as well as to now be the adult enjoying it with my nephew.
While I came on a busy day, I was impressed at how well the crowds were managed. I'll probably come back later this week to view the IMAX films and/or go to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, as we didn't push ourselves to see everything in one day (given my $38 general admission ticket is good for two days within a seven day period and my sister's family has season passes).
Compared to other Orlando-area theme-parks, the prices are reasonable, especially considering parking is free. The annual season pass is particularly a good deal at $50 per person ($12 more than general admission). It also gives discounts on purchases of other tickets as well as on food items and souvenirs throughout the park. This made the prices at the Apollo/Saturn V Center cafeteria digestable. Other add-ons are available to the base fare. I would have considered the up-close tour with additional stops as well as the Cape Canaveral tour if I hadn't come with little kids.
However, the best part of the excursion was witnessing my four year old nephew's enthusiasm. He has been to the Space Center so many times now that he can identify the different rockets and types of space craft. When I asked him if he wanted to be an astronaut and go to Mars someday, he started talking about the fact he might encounter the asteroid belt...
It is nice when little kids (and big kids) can be entertained by educational things!Listed in: Florida
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Review from GINA H.
5/30/2009
Yay! I'm a fan....with conditions.
First of all. $38 dollars for an adult and $26 for kids over the age of 4 !!! ARE YOU ALL MENTAL?????? Its not like you have a bunch of characters in costume running around or a bunch of rides that need constant maintenance. I was maybe expecting $26 - $30 for adults and about $17 for kids. I guess I should be thankful that parking was free. Oh, and no Florida Resident Discount. Boo that.
Ah but then I get inside and the security check has more people working there than Miami International Airport on Thanksgiving. And they are more thorough. My video camera battery was dead so I couldn't bring it in. We had to schlep back through the car park to leave it in the car. OH well...that'll teach me to plug the darned thing in at the hotel when the electricity is free (helloooo too much Margarita at Margaritaville in Orlando!!)
OK...back we go and into the..ummm..facility. Its not really what you could call an adventure park now is it? But I have a 12 yr old son who's current form of entertainment is drinking coke and seeing how long he can burp. That and reading every single piece of interesting information he can lay his hands on. Is he a nerd? Possibly. Does he know more about space exploration than me? You betcha!!!
He wanted to see E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.
So we did. Almost.
Try to get here early in the day so that you have time to avail of the free visit to the Astronomer's Hall of Fame down the road that is included in the price. Also, you will want to see the Imax presentations and if you leave it too late you will miss the bus tour, the last of which leaves at 2:15.
I don't know if they let you bring in food but the food there was crazy priced as are all such like places. $2.60 for a bottle of water. It adds up like crazy when you have kids.
The bus ride to the outlaying exhibits is interesting. Getting close to the launch pads is super interesting. But getting into the International Space Station Center where the parts come for "clearance" (for want of the proper word) was just the WOW factor for me. The guard on duty was super excited to show us the final piece of the International Space Center which had just arrived from Italy and is due to be sent up there in February 2010. The majority of the staff here are super friendly and cool until its about 5p.m and they are itching to get home and then some of them become cranky old farts rushing you along and grumbling and complaining.
The Endeavour was out on the launch pad that day. It was there as a precaution as the Atlantis was due to arrive at California that day (which it did). So it was super cool to get up on the observation tower and look through the telescopes and see it close up - just as if it were ready for launch.
Man I would so love to be there to see one of those babies take off.
Maybe someday. -
Review from Kristen O.
Beverly, MA
11/19/2007
Maybe this place isn't terrible if you show up the minute it opens, but if you show up at 2 p.m. - it is.
The admission is $38 which seems steep when it covers a bus tour and 2 movies and your told there's no way you'll make the final bus tour of the day (which takes off more than 3 hours before closing time) and you can only see one of the IMAX movies.
Imagine dragging four kids here only to be told that the last bus leaves in 15 minutes and you won't make it - I saw this happen.
Unlike the previous reviewers two 45-minute IMAX movies are not a huge selling point for me. I thought I'd come here to see the things I've seen on TV in person, not watch them on a bigger screen.
There is no general admission fee for those of us who came to Florida to spend time outside and traveled to the space center hoping to just walk around and take a look.
A woman who just wanted to go to the gift shop was denied and directed 5 miles down the road to the one at the astronaut hall of fame.
The ticket window workers were actually kind of rude and offered that the admission allowed us to return the next day as a response when we asked why we would pay for a full admission when 2 of the three attractions they said it payed for were done for the day.
We thought the Space Center would be a cool and economical alternative to the theme park route - it wasn't.Listed in: Destination Daytona
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Review from Liz T.
Loma Linda, CA
9/9/2010
This was my second time coming to the KSC and the first time I went with family adn somehow we missed all the cool sections of the center. I'm so glad I had the chance to revisit, it was one of the best field trips I've had!
Just remember to go on the tour because I missed that the first time and it's the best part of the day. The tour is included with your admission price and it takes you to three separate stops.
Food prices are reasonable and our group of three adults had a blast. The Imax is a good place to go to when you wanna get away from the heat and see a nice cosmo show :). Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. -
Review from Cristobal T.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2009
Houston we have a problem!
I won a Kennedy Space Center Zippo Lighter from one of Great America's arcades when I was 10 when I had a season pass. What a coincidence that I ended up going there later that same summer.
From what I remember there's plenty of parking. The souvenir shop is alright. I forgot how much we paid for our tour. But when we were on those tour carts that take us around their facilities outdoors we got to see a lot of alligators in the water and vegetation surrounding all the roadways. We went right after they launched Space Shuttle Columbia on June 20, 1996 and actually saw it's flight into space from Orlando. Pretty cool sight. We got to see some manatees in the surrounding bay too. There was a lot of lightning when we went, so they had to cut our tour short. Boo!
They got a lot of lightning rods near their launch pad location and I remember them telling us how the rockets got some guard against lightning strikes when they're in mid-air so that they don't explode if they get hit. I remember seeing one of those lightning bursts that come from the ground, but never get connected to from an actual lightning bolt from the clouds. I forget what those were called, but I remember seeing that made me hella jump, cause it was like within 100 feet of me when we were in our rent-a-van, but it was a trip, cause there was a lightning bolt that touched ground maybe 1000 feet behind it behind some tree field.
Hurray for rockets! -
Review from Merrill H.
Redondo Beach, CA
8/29/2007 7 photos
Spend a whole day here, you won't regret it. I thought it was going to be small like the space center in Houston. Big mistake! There is a bus tour that will take you close to the launch pads, to the Saturn V rocket and info about the Apollo missions, and to the International Space Center. It will take you 3 hours, so plan carefully!
In addition to the bus tour, there are 2 IMAX theaters playing two 45 minute movies. One is about living in a space shuttle, the other is about landing on the moon. There's also a shuttle launch simulator, which is good, but not as good as the one in Epcot. You can also meet astronauts, check out the rocket garden, go inside a model of a space shuttle, touch a moon rock, buy space food, moon soup, whew! That's a lot of stuff! AND if you get your ticket validated when you leave, you'll get free, valid within 7 days admission to the nearby Astronaut Hall of Fame. -
Review from Alexa R.
4/4/2011
Drove here from Gainesville on Saturday afternoon and arrived too late to go on the tram tour out to the launch pad. Note to visitors: the last tour leaves at 2:45, but Kennedy does not close until 6. Also, the ticket prices are a little steep. Another note: you can print out a 5 dollar coupon before your trip. We were so sad, but still had a great time on a self-guided tour. We checked out the rocket garden, the lift-off simulator, walked through a replica space shuttle and walked through the early space flight exhibit. My Dad and I are nerds when it comes to space flight history and we had so much fun, even though we were disappointed we could not see the shuttle. Also, the gift shops are phenomenal - we bought books, hats, magnets and Christmas tree ornaments.
