Visiting the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando was a memorable experience.
Of all planetariums and space museum I have been to in the US and in India this one stands out.
I took a tour bus that did everything from pickup/drop to ticketing.
It was a lavish super-comfortable 2x2 bus that picked me from the ICON Park.
I was the last to board on the bus which headed straight to the Kennedy Space Center.
The route was scenic with water bodies on both sides and greenery all around.
The parking at the Kennedy space Center is huge and the rent is a steep $10-15 for a day.
It is also nicely leveled with the sidewalk that leads to the entrance of the space enter complex.
There is manual ticketing counter that is both accessible for a wheelchair bound person and also nicely landscaped.
Then there are also attractive self-help ticketing kiosks.
Look at these beauties… everything, every station, is well thought of.
There is also a spacious and accessible Information Center.
The amount of information and galleries here are so many, expect a whole day to see everything.
Also, on display at the entrance are huge electronic display boards with the rate cards for the daily passes, daily schedule of the shows.
The most unusual one was the name of the astronaut of the day that visitors can interact with. I mean, Wow…! really cool place.
One point of frustration was that most shows and attractions close relatively early, around 4:30 PM.
This limited availability can be disappointing if you’re hoping to catch all the shows.
The first sight of the Kennedy Space Center after the ticket checking is that of the rocket Garden.
This is incredible! absolutely incredible.
Seriously, don’t even bother going to Disney, or Universal… KSC is the best place to visit hands down.
Be prepared to be impressed.
Here is the replica of the Saturn 5 rocket that took man to the moon.
The original big one is only a bus tour away out here in Orlando.
Also, there is one more original one in the Houston Johnson Space Center.
Yes, they always made several copies of the original ones as backup for such important missions.
For now, this replica was enough as a warmup to the amazement that was in store.
The main building is called the Gateway and hosts several exhibits and artifacts from the long history of American space explorations.
There is also a universal theatre that host the exciting simulation rides that were both informative and an experience of a lifetime.
From the space history to newest invention, this place gallery opened my eyes about all things out of the earth.
The red planet simulation ride is especially exciting. I waited about 15 minutes for the ride.
The Mars Rover model is a quick pit stop and nothing much to see here except marveling at the model of a vehicle to be used for a future Mars expedition.
The ATX or Astronaut Training Experience was one gallery that I gave a complete miss for lack of time.
Note the various benches and shaded places that are scattered all over the space complex to take occasional breaks during the long walks in a very warm Orlando afternoon in June, especially on a heated concrete surface.
Alert: Make sure to carry lot of drinking water and of course your favorite summer cap or hat.
The IMAX theatre was the most amazing experience I’ve had in a long time.
Note: They have their own little restaurant inside though carrying outside food is permissible.
There are two shows, and the timings are shown below:
Here’s the interior view of the IMAX theatre that must be viewed using the free 3D glasses that can be collected at the entrance.
The space shop is hyped as the world’s largest and that must be true since I almost lost directions inside this souvenir shop that sold exorbitantly priced gifts around the space theme.
The objects included rocket toys, space suits for the kids, caps, mugs, jackets, T-shirts, keychains, and all such regular stuff.
The Kennedy Space Center is an overwhelming sight of the shuttles, rockets, satellites and rovers that kept me in awe for the entire visit.
It was definitely much bigger than I expected, especially compared to the Space Center in Houston that I visited a day before.
So much history and so informative, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-see feature of Florida that I definitely recommend, but you certainly can’t see it all in a day. Walking around a full day in June 2023 was tiring but well worth it.
Top Tips and Alerts
- Parking cost are a steep $10-15 depending on the vehicle.
- You can bring your own food and drinks in the park.
- Don’t miss the free bus tour that takes you to where they actually build the rockets.
- Do the simulation rides first in the morning since they get super crowded after 12 noon when most people come back from the free tour buses.
- Also, some of the cafes close early, which can limit your dining options if you prefer to have a late lunch or snack.
- Visited here on a weekend since most people would head to other major attractions like Disney world and Universal Studio on a weekend.
Accessibility Features
Most places starting from the parking to the ticketing counters are accessible.
Various Galleries and the internal tour bus are accessible via folding ramps.
Strollers are available for rent.
Mobility scooters are also available for those with difficulty walking.
Where to Stay
I stayed at the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham that was just across the street opposite the ICON Park.
Orlando Tourist Places
