Just because it is located in Orlando, home of Disneyworld and Universal Studios, NASA is not a ‘kids’ attraction as many would believe.
Everyone can really enjoy the visitor complex of the Kennedy Space Center where I visited in June 2023
Especially the Saturn Rocket exhibit is definitely worth the extra bus ride. It is reachable only with the free shuttle bus from KSC, as it’s located in a secure area.
A special feature of the bus were the collapsible seats that I could not resist noticing.
The entrance porch provides all facilities for the differently abled like wheelchairs, strollers, accessible vending machines and recycle bins.
For every space technology enthusiast, this is absolutely an essential tribute to the Apollo space program.
Although I visited Houston to see the Saturn Rocket out there it is always entertaining this giant a second time.
Goodness! the place inside was MASSIVE just as it was in Houston.
They made many such rockets for the various Apollo missions one of which took humans to the moon.
This is the real one and not a replica.
The Mission Control Center that I had seen only in movies previously now was in front of my eyes suddenly.
The huge displays that once showed the trajectories of the rocket now showed movies of the rocket launches.
Within the exhibit area were also original space suits that the astronauts used along with the cartoon character Snoopy the Dog wearing a space costume.
This remined me that the first living being to travel to space was the dog Laika, though that was in faraway Russia.
Although the truly massive Saturn 5 rocket is the star of the show, I kept an eye out for little exhibits during the 15 minutes bus tour.
For example, this rocket getting ready to be launched.
Besides that, is the Atlantis Construction Hall.
The US flag here was the biggest of its time when it was installed a few decades ago.
Also seen was the NASA Calibration Facility and Vehicle Assembly Building.
The largest single roof structure ever built.
Back inside the Saturn V rocket hall, the exit is via a compulsory gift shop.
They have very cool water bottles and collectible medallions.
And the regular stuff like NASA caps, T-shirts, toys and keychains.
Not just that the prices are exorbitant, they have overdone with these funnily named snacks.
There is also ice-cream sandwich touted as space food.
Accessibility Features
Also, as if the 6 restaurants in the main Visitor Center of the Kennedy Space Center were not enough, there was this dimly lit restaurant called Moon Rock Cafe.
The seating is sprawling and accessible.
Adjacent to it was also seen accessible washrooms.
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.
Top Tips and Alerts for the Kennedy Space Center
- 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.
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
