The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - THREAD 3 REPORT COMPLETE Updated 11/6 About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

<font color="blue">Day 9 Part 2.....Would we ever make it to KSC [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/questionicon.gif[/img]

By this time, it was close to 1, and we certainly weren’t on plan. We ate the sandwiches in the car, ate some fruit, and Alexa ate the cake brownie (well, the frosting anyway [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] )! I know I’m in the minority here, but we (or at least I) was not impressed with the sandwich. It just didn’t do anything for me. We pulled into the KSC lot just after 2, and headed for the ticket window. There was quite a line, and only 1 window opened. After it was finally our turn, I looked at my receipt after I left the window, and the woman had charged me for 3 kids, not 2 [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img] Thankfully, they had just opened another window behind us (which no one had figured out yet) so I quick jumped over there and got my refund!

Next up was the security line, and boy, it was the tightest security I’ve ever seen (the airports paled in comparison). We had to take out the cameras, video cameras, and Matt’s camera lens, turn them all on and off, and take the covers off the lens so she could look thru it all the way. We finally made it to the bus terminal, where we encounted yet another long line waiting for a bus. I guess everyone is trying to get in at the last minute, as the busses stop running from the main center at 2:45.

Finally we were on the bus and on our way to the LC-39 Observation Gantry. We took the elevator up to the top, and snapped a bunch of pictures. The space shuttle was out on the pad, due to lift off next week (which was delayed). The bus driver told us an interesting tidbit about the water tower next to the launch pad. They start releasing water (I think he said 300 gallons – must be more than that) just before launch to help reduce the noise of the shuttle engine and boosters firing. It helps to damped the noise and prevent damage from being done.



After we made our way down from the tower, we stopped for some Space Dots! The next bus came, and we boarded to go to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. We had to sit thru the movie and simulator of launch control, and then we had free roam of the center.



We took the bus back to the main visitor center, as it was too late to go to the International Space Station Center [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img] The sun had come out in full force at this point, and it was quite hot. We walked around the Rocket Garden and the kids played in a little water feature they had over there.



Colin was warned not to get soaking wet, just cool off, and of course, he couldn’t obey those rules [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] He wound up soaking wet. I refused to change him, as it was still plenty warm out, and he didn’t listen to me. What a meanie!

The center was getting close to closing, but I wanted to go up to the Astronaut Memorial. Colin actually came with me. Matt and Alexa were too tired (and hot).



Then Colin and I went to check out the Space Shuttle they had at the main center.



We met back up with Alexa and Matt, and then decided to call it a day. We were bushed!!



Back at the car, we let it air out a bit, and then drove over to Cocoa Beach. We had reservations at the Residence Inn, which I was able to get online before the hotel opened up last spring. We had no problem finding it, other than turning into the wrong driveway (we thought it connected with the Country Inn and Suites next door [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502no_prv.gif[/img] )!

I went inside to check in, and was greeted warmly by the staff. They couldn’t have been nicer, and we were soon given our room, which was on the second floor right next to the elevator. We parked the car, and lugged everything upstairs (well, Matt did) so we could repack for the cruise. The room was great, much bigger than I expected and everything was fresh and clean (you could still smell the fresh paint on the walls)! We unpacked a bit, and tried to organize, and then I tried to connect to the internet with the laptop. I couldn’t get past my company’s firewall (it was my work one) so I finally gave up. We gathered our stuff and headed back out to make a stop at Ron Jon.

It was just a short ride down the street, and we parked the car and walked over. This place is so huge! Amazing. Matt got a new bright orange T-shirt, I got more sunscreen, and that was it. Then we stopped at CVS so that I could get some Bonine (I couldn’t find it at home) and some other nick nacks. It was well after 8, and we were starving. We opted for Chinese takeout at Gin-Seng. Matt ordered, took us back to the hotel, and then went back for the food. Good thing we had utensils and plates in the room, because I didn’t even think about not having those! It was very good, and it was lights out not too long after that. Tomorrow was our big day, we were finally boarding the ship [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/woot.gif[/img]

Memories of our Ninth Day
The weather today was ……..rain at WDW, but sunny and hot at KSC.
The best thing today was……..heading to the Port.
The worst thing today was ………the rain at DTD.
The funniest thing today was…..Colin getting all wet at KSC.
Today we tried……Earl of Sanwich (DTD) and Gin-Seng (Cocoa Beach)…….
And the result was……EoS was just okay, Gin-Seng was good.
The most magical moment today was………driving over the bridge into Cocoa Beach, knowing the ship would be docked tomorrow morning.

Coming Up Next…………What do you mean we’re too early?? And we’re finally on board!!


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[chezp]

It sounds like you guys had a great time at the Kennedy Space Center - we'll have to try and get out there again, maybe on our 2007 trip! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[lauren-roxy]

Wonderful pictures from KSC!!! We really enjoyed it there too, there is just so much to see. Can't wait for more!!!

[angiek1024]

Looks like a good day at the Space Center. We definitely need to do that again. Don't you just love that Ron Jon store? We have spent our fair share of money in there over the years!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I am excited to here about the cruise. I love cruises and Disney is definitely the best in my opinion! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[gwugirl03]

Great picture! I can't wait to read more. I would love to take a trip to the KSC one day. I never realized there was so much to do there!

[lindawdw]

Great pictures of the KSC Marnie! We haven't been there since 1996. Looking forward to hearing about the cruise.

[MontiMouse]

Great update Marnie. I really enjoyed your pictures of the space center. I would like to see it for myself one day.

More please.

[christiejay]

Great update!

We were at KSC in 2000, and if there was one bad thing, it was all the movies you had to watch at the stops on the bus tour. Oh, and there's just too much to see! I'd like to make it back one day when we have more time to spend.

I didn't know you were spending a night away from the Disney magic! At least you had a great and new room. Bring on the cruise!

[clio]

Another great update, Marnie. I liked all your pictures of KSC. We used to go there quite often when Lori was younger. It looks like we should plan another trip over that way.
Liz

[MAria R]

Wow, your pictures of KSC brought back some memories. I am so glad the cruise part is finally here. I can't wait to hear about it.

[disneydani]

Looks like a nice afternoon at KSC...we haven't ventured there, yet. Looking forward to reading about your cruise! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[luvnwdwgal]

Marnie, I've really enjoyed catching up on your trip! Keep it coming! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[mattnkatsmum]

It's years since I last went to KSC. I'm thinking another trip is due. Your pictures are great.

I can't wait to hear all about the cruise.

[Meggera]

I've never been to KSC. It looks fantastic and looks a lot like Huntsville's Space and Rocket Center. I think my DH would [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] KSC. We'll have to visit one year. Can't wait to read about your cruise.

[mom2mudmonsters]

Looked like a great trip to KSC. Can't wait to hear about the cruise!