5 WEEKS IN FLORIDA! Autism, gymnastics and a little bit of everything! Day 29- Kennedy Space Center

[Dollymixture]

Today has been a long day, but a good one!

We were up a little later than we intended and set off around 10am for the Kennedy Space Center. We had never been here before, so were all looking forward to it.

The journey was straight forward and the traffic wasn't too bad. It took just under an hour and a half and we arrived at 11.30am.

We had bought our tickets from an agent in the UK, and also had a voucher for a free ticket for a 5th grade child (aged 10 or 11) so we went to will call to swap them for real tickets. Although there was a bit of a queue, it didn't take too long, and they were fine with issuing Amber a free ticket, after checking her age in her passport.

We decided to do the bus tour first - this involves a 45 minute bus journey with a driver who commentates on all the different sights along the way and also a video you watch on a little tv screen on the bus. It was nice and cool on the bus and we all enjoyed seeing various launch sites and the building in which the rockets were made.

We then arrived at the Saturn and Apollo center - were you start by watching a video about the progress of building a spaceship to land on the moon. It was really interesting and even Lila managed to follow along and ask me some questions about it.

We then got to see an Apollo rocket and the lunar module, which was impressive! The kids enjoyed getting to touch a real moon rock.

We decided to stop and have lunch here - opting for either burgers and chips or chicken tenders with chips. All perfectly adequate and reasonably priced - i believe we paid just under $60 for the 6 of us.

We took the bus back to the visitor complex next, where i was unfortunately sat infront of a very rude woman who was on her phone the whole time, practically shouting at the top of her voice. (In a foreign language so no idea why, but she was clearly angry!). It was really rude as the bus driver was trying to give commentary and the video was playing and no one could hear anything. I kept asking her to please be quiet and she would say 'yes, sorry' and then immediately start shouting again!

We headed straight to Atlantis when we got back - and in a similar format you start by watching a video about it. After this, you get to see the real space shuttle that has been to space and back nearly 30 times. It's amazing, and very interesting to hear how they came about designing and making it.

There are a few fun interactive bits in this section which the kids enjoyed, including a space station that you can climb through.

The bit they enjoyed most was the launch experience though! It was pretty cool - you get strapped into the seat and then the shuttle moves as though it's taking off. It shakes and vibrates and makes all the appropriate noises! Lila was disappointed that she didn't actually get to fly around in Space though!

It was about 4.30pm when we were finished with Atlantis.We could have caught the last Imax film, but none of us fancied it. So we had a look around the shop instead. I bought Lila a Dr Suess book about Space that she doesn't have and we got some spaceman's icecream to try.

We drove back to the villa - and arrived home at about 6.45pm.We had a bit of a rest and then went to Cici's for dinner. This is something we haven't tried before. It was ok - the pasta and pizza was ok, some better than others, but there wasn't an awful lot of choice. However for the price we paid, we can't really complain too much. I think it was $51 for all 6 of us!

Now we are back at the villa and it's nearly midnight. Lila and Sonny are in the pool, and we are trying to decide what to do tomorrow.
We are thinking of going to Weeki Wachee Springs to swim and see the mermaid shows.

[mick]

A lovely day KSC is so interesting

Joan

[Tea]

Haven't done KSC since the 1990s... was it a lot of videos or is there a substantial amount of interactive stuff to do as well (the slide looks great!)

Also, not related but meant to ask- what sort of Disney tickets did you have? 7 day Ultimates?

[collybird]

Glad to see everyone enjoyed Kennedy's.

[clochette]

We love bed KSC when we went, even the girls, who didn't really want to go. I couldn't get DD2 to go on the space shuttle though. I think she thought it really did go into space and that out her off - the opposite of Lila, lol!

[Cinderella]

Never been here, maybe next trip!

[florida girl]

Glad everyone enjoyed KSC it is a really interesting place and looks like you had fun.

[caitlinsmummy]

Awesome day at KSC, such an interesting place x

[JudeB]

Really enjoying your trip report. NASA is a firm favourite with our family.