Model Forum / General / Rockets / November 2006

For most people the "Up Close" tour will be more interesting.  The "Then &
Now" tour takes you to some of the old Canveral launch sites but there's not
much to see any more. Also, the "Then & Now" tour isn't run very often -
only when they get enough reservations, I guess.

-- Roger

We did the "Then & Now" tour this past spring and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The visit to Pad 34A was worth the whole trip, but everything else (as
Ted just described it) was amazing, too.  It's worth taking in and
remembering the very primitive equipment they used to do absolutely
amazing things.  It all seemed to be interesting even to those who
hadn't been born when  it all happened.  Our tour guide's father had
worked on the progeam then, and she had all sorts of good info.

We found out when we arrived to pick up our tickets that the entry
ticket to the Space Center was actually good for 2 days.  We basically
wasted a day driving around to some other things, then went to KSC for
one day, but we were leaving the next day.  If we had known we could
have easily filled two days there.

Whatever time they tell you to get there for your tour, go early in the
day, since you have to go through security if you take then "Then & Now"
tour.  Have good ID, and be prepared for some level of confusion.

If we went back again I'd take the "Then & Now" a second time - I didn't
get a chance to wander as much as I wanted at some of the stops!

Enjoy!

Do both.  Is you is or is you ain't a rockethead?

If I HAD to pick only one it would be Then & Now.

Art, the reason I recommended the "Up Close" tour is that I assumed you
aren't visiting alone. But I just re-read your message and you don't mention
whether anyone else will be with you.  Non-space-freaks, especially kids,
may be bored by the "Then & Now" tour.  But enthusiasts will, of course,
enjoy it. You'll like either tour, I suspect.  I haven't been on the "Then &
Now" tour for a few years.  I tried to take it about a year ago, but it
wasn't offered the day I was there.

I ran out of time, but I was also going to suggest that you'll want to take
advantage of the "second day free" offer on the "Maximum Access" passes.
Without the guided tour, KSC is an all-day experience.  Whether or not you
take one of the guided tours, get to the visitor's center early.   I'd
suggest, in addition to one of the tours, you sign up for the "Lunch with an
Astronaut" lunch (another extra-cost thing, but worth it - see
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/visitKSC/astronautEncounter/dine.asp).
Not only is the food (marginally) better than available elsewhere in the
Visitor's Center, but you are treated to a presentation by an astronaut and,
usually, an autographed photo. You could take the guided tour one day and do
the lunch the other.

My wife and I visit KSC several times a year.  Usually we go to "have lunch"
with a specific astronaut.  Most of the times the astronauts are one of a
few regulars such as Sam Gemar.  All of the regulars are excellent speakers
and I'd recommend seeing any of them.  But every once in a while, they'll
have other astronauts including ones from Apollo and earlier.  That's when
we usually visit.  We also attend the Astronaut Hall of Fame induction
ceremony each year which is attended by dozens of astronauts.

My favorite attraction at KSC is the Saturn V Center.  They've created a
terrific presentation and there's nothing like walking under a real Saturn
V.  I also can't get enough out of the 3D Imax films - especially the space
station one.  We also enjoy spotting widlife while riding the bus during the
tour.  One time, our bus had to stop because a very large alligator _ran_
across the road - an amazing site.

Oh ... as an aside ... sometimes people are confused the first time they
visit KSC thinking they have to sign up for one of the guided tours to take
a bus to see the shuttle pads and other things.  That's not true.  A bus
tour is included with your regular ticket that takes you near the launch
pads, to the Saturn V center, and to the International Space Station
facility.  The "Up Close" tour gets you closer to the Vehicle Assembly
Building, launch pads, and other interesting sites with a tour guide.

-- Roger