Kennedy Space center, is the tour and lunch worth it?

mummyroo1 · 13 Jan 17, 12:02 AM

We hope to visit the space center for the first time this year with our 2 boys aged 6 and 10. Neither of them are massive keen on space but are interested and have good attention spans. We have no car so will be going for a with transportation ticket but is it worth upgrading to the pass + tickets with the tour and dinner with the astronaut. Is the tour any good? does it add lots to what you get to do with the basic tickets? Is the food OK? Can anyone share their experience or advice.

Guest · 13 Jan 17, 12:08 AM

There's lots to see on the Basic tour. Lunch with an astronaut is interesting.

Gryff · 13 Jan 17, 12:23 AM

DH and no 1 son loved it but it's one of there things but we all love a visit to,MOSI in Tampa
And the boys partners do too GD 10 loved it last trip so much so on her day to chose a repeat visit we went to MOSI

Mr Tom Morrow · 13 Jan 17, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by Gryff

DH and no 1 son loved it but it's one of there things but we all love a visit to,MOSI in Tampa
And the boys partners do too GD 10 loved it last trip so much so on her day to chose a repeat visit we went to MOSI

Didn't even know about MOSI. Looks very good and it's only a short drive as well. Looks like a must do for the future.
Probably not for this year as at 6yrs old it may be a bit too 'adult' for her?

Gryff · 13 Jan 17, 09:59 AM

It's a great day away from the parks very interactive for kids of all ages well worth it Mr Tom

Mr Tom Morrow · 13 Jan 17, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Gryff

It's a great day away from the parks very interactive for kids of all ages well worth it Mr Tom

OK. I will go with that recommendation and will try a weekend as we don't do the Parks then as they are too busy.

ianc · 13 Jan 17, 05:43 PM

Getting back to the OP and the original question about KSC...
Note that there are 2 types of coach tour: a free one and several 'pay extra' ones. The free one is a 'must'. It takes you into KSC itself to the Apollo/Saturn Center, where all the exhibits about the moon are, plus a cafe. It is 7 miles from the main visitor centre - hence the need for the bus - basically the attractions are split between the 2 sites. This bus goes past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Shuttle lauch sites without stopping. The 'pay extra' ones stop at various things on the way to the Apollo/Saturn Center, so take another hour or so. I suggest for a first visit with 6yr old, the free tour is best.
The Lunch with an Astronaut might be an option (haven't done it myself) - you have lunch whilst an astronaut talks to you and you can ask questions. However, instead you can do the free Astronaut Encounter, where the same astronaut gives a presentation in a theatre and answers some questions, or you can meet the astronaut upstairs in the shop to get his autograph (which you pay for), and have lunch separately (e.g. at the Apollo/Saturn Center). On a first visit, with kids who are not really interested in space (though, I bet they change their minds once there!), I would just do the free stuff. There is more than enough.

THOR1 · 13 Jan 17, 06:36 PM

To answer the OP I would say the dine with an Astronaut is worth it,

The cost difference when we did it wasn't much more than we would have paid for lunch, the food was different (better) than the normal fare and the venue was quiet and well air conditioned.

IIRC you get to see additional footage and whilst you may not get to ask a question certainly hear interesting answers to others questions.

Next time we go to KSC we will do it again.

mummyroo1 · 13 Jan 17, 06:58 PM

Thank you very much everyone. Sounds like the extra tour and astronaut meal aren't necessary but are nice extras so I'll see how flush I'm feeling when I get to booking the tickets. Is the meal buffet? and is it really quiet? while people listen to the astronaut. Hubby and I are both Science teachers so it will be tough to not do the whole lot just don't want to put the boys off, heaven knows they get plenty of us being super keen on all things science. Will look at MOSI for next trip thanks I'd never heard of it :-)

13 Jan 17, 12:08 AM	#2
	13 Jan 17, 12:08 AM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	There's lots to see on the Basic tour. Lunch with an astronaut is interesting.

13 Jan 17, 05:43 PM	#7
	13 Jan 17, 05:43 PM ianc Apprentice Imagineer
ianc Apprentice Imagineer Join Date: Jun 10	Getting back to the OP and the original question about KSC... Note that there are 2 types of coach tour: a free one and several 'pay extra' ones. The free one is a 'must'. It takes you into KSC itself to the Apollo/Saturn Center, where all the exhibits about the moon are, plus a cafe. It is 7 miles from the main visitor centre - hence the need for the bus - basically the attractions are split between the 2 sites. This bus goes past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Shuttle lauch sites without stopping. The 'pay extra' ones stop at various things on the way to the Apollo/Saturn Center, so take another hour or so. I suggest for a first visit with 6yr old, the free tour is best. The Lunch with an Astronaut might be an option (haven't done it myself) - you have lunch whilst an astronaut talks to you and you can ask questions. However, instead you can do the free Astronaut Encounter, where the same astronaut gives a presentation in a theatre and answers some questions, or you can meet the astronaut upstairs in the shop to get his autograph (which you pay for), and have lunch separately (e.g. at the Apollo/Saturn Center). On a first visit, with kids who are not really interested in space (though, I bet they change their minds once there!), I would just do the free stuff. There is more than enough.