Reviews

Review of Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center

The John F. Kennedy Space Centre may not be as immediately synonymous with Florida as Walt Disney World, or Universal Studios, or any of the other theme parks for which the Sunshine State has become famous. However, a trip to Orlando is not complete until you have had the chance to visit the place where so many of mankind's greatest technological achievements have transpired. Child and adult alike will be fascinated to see the place where the US first put a man on the moon and for worn-out parents it offers a welcome respite after a fortnight's worth of roller-coasters.

When visiting the Space Centre, it's always best to make it a day trip and depending on which day you choose the activities on offer can vary. There are, of course, a core group of attractions available daily to visitors, but there are others which are date specific - none more so than the opportunity to see a live shuttle launch. It's the sort of awe-inspiring sight that stays with you for the rest of your life and if you know you will be in Florida during a launch, it's something you cannot afford to miss. Make sure to book very early in advance though and be prepared to get to there up to seven hours before your scheduled arrival time.

If the option to see a live shuttle launch is not available to you then the Shuttle Launch Experience affords you the opportunity to see and feel blast-off from inside the rocket. Visitors assume the guise of crew members and are briefed by veteran shuttle commanders as they are guided through a breath-taking launch simulator, allowing them to experience the atmospheric sights and dramatic sensations of an astronaut being launched into space. There are many other space-flight simulators in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Space Centre's IMAX theatre features a five-story screen, in which visitors can gaze in wonder while the amazing 3D technology and acute detail allows them to feel as though they are floating alongside the astronauts in the film.

The Space Centre's rich history is made manifest by the wealth of exhibits on offer, particularly those found at the Apollo and Saturn V Centre, where visitors can access behind-the-scenes information on the Apollo Moon Landings. Technology aside, it is the brave endeavours of the men and women who venture into the unknown which makes space travel such a wonder and no visit to the Space Centre would be complete without the opportunity to speak to the real NASA astronauts who have travelled amongst the stars. Listening to them recount tales which are, quite literally, out-of-this-world is the perfect way to cap off the day.

Located only 50 miles east of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Centre is extremely close to most big resorts in the area and very easy to get to. There are a number of daily tour buses, but driving there is simple enough and if you're looking for car hire Florida has many good rental companies which offer competitive prices. It might not be possible to vacation on the moon just yet, but in the meantime, the Kennedy Space Centre is the next best thing.

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