launch questions About This Page:

[luvgoofy]

We may try to get over to see the launch on the March 15th but am not sure where to begin. I have several questions.

I know there is a rental car facility on Disney property. Should I book a car now? Do they sell out? Are you able to schedule a pick up there if I book it now? What car rental agencies are there? How do I get there from SOG to pick it up?

How long does it take to get to the launch area from Disney? How early should we get there to get a good viewing spot? Where are the good spots?

How often are launches postponed? We leave on Saturday the 17th. If it's postponed how soon after do they reschedule it? Is it worth it to keep some days free to make the trip? I don't want to miss valuable disney time just to have it wasted because the launch didn't happen.

thanks for any info you can provide.
Amy

[rescuesk]

It would be WAAAY cool to see a launch!

Disney has an Alamo and a National car rental near the Car Care center. If you reserve for a certain day, they will pick you up with their bus and bring you back when you return your car. We did this in 2005 and it worked out great. Make sure to ask what discounts are avaiable, I got an awesome deal with AAA!

As far as renting is advance, I called the night before (we were on property without a car and decided we needed one) and had one the next morning. I am usually a compulsive planner, though, so I think renting one in advance is a better idea. Check the cancellation policy, you can always cancel if the launch is delayed.

I'm not sure about the viewing areas, I'll see what I can find out!

As far as rescheduling goes, it's anybody's guess. Unfortunately, so many things can influence a launch that it's hard to predict. IF it's a s imple weather squall, it may be the next day. If it's more intense (like a front) it may be several days. And if it's cancelled for something mechanical, it could be weeks.

I'm going to try to keep everyone updated with the launch schedule here, hopefully you can come back with a trip report about the launch you got to see!

[luvgoofy]

Thanks Sue for the info! Any updates you receive would be great!
amy

[Grumpytiggernomore]

I just rented a car through DVC... I was told only Alamo was "on-site" @ the Dolphin Hotel. I was also told that we would have to get there... nothing about them picking us up . We booked so that we could possibly see the launch in March. We haven't told our boys... just in case... no sad feelings or high expectations.

I look at this as another very educational aspect and don't have any guilt about pulling my DS out of school for a week . A way to justify the trip . Shows that WDW and beyond are always educational and the experiences of a lifetime!

Just wondering, did DVC give me the wrong info? Could I find a better rate outside of DVC making the reservations? Thanks rescuesk for all the info you have provide and are willing to check on... I hope the launch is a GO!! (any good spot to view it outside of the center? The beach?--- how far from KSC is it?

[rescuesk]

I just checked Deb Wills site, and both Alamo and national have rental agencies at the Dolphin and the car care center. I know when we were there in 2005, they picked us up from the resort (WL) and took us back after we returned the car.

Not sure about the rate....I booked directly with Alamom (got the phone number fromt he front desk) and was quoted an outrageous figure but them I asked if they had an AAA discount and they said they had a special going on, and I got a great rate! (We were so disheartened with Disney transportation that trip that I would have paid anything for a car! lol) You might try the Alamo website direct. You can also look for discount codes at Mousesavers: MouseSavers.com - Disney Discount - Disney World Discounts - Disneyland Discounts

I will see what I can find about launch sighting locations!

[rescuesk]

I just posted a link to finding places to view a launch. If you go to the "Space Coast Links" at the top of the forum, click on the "Places to see a Space Shuttle Launch" link and it will take you to the article!

[luvgoofy]

Thanks for the link Sue!

[Tink and co.]

I got a great rate on our last trip at the DoulbeTree Hotel at DTD with Budget. They came and picked me up at our Disney Resort. It was very convenient, and we were on our way pretty quickly.

[CRCrazy]

Just a quick update - National's office at the Car Care Center and the Dolphin has closed - it's now just Alamo on site. They closed down in January. I'm kind of disappointed - I usually found better rates through National.

[lauren-roxy]

It looks like the shuttle is delayed until April now.

[Elsa]

Originally Posted by lauren-roxy

It looks like the shuttle is delayed until April now.

The launch did go and was not delayed. Funny, I didn't hear anything about a delay. It went up on March 11, as planned. And there was a rocket launch on the 14th.

[rescuesk]

Originally Posted by Elsa

The launch did go and was not delayed. Funny, I didn't hear anything about a delay. It went up on March 11, as planned. And there was a rocket launch on the 14th.

Actually, this thread was begun in 2007, and was in reference to a 2007 launch!

[Joy J]

Amy, did you get a chance to see the launch and if so, I'd love to hear about your experience.

Joy