Shuttle launch in December About This Page:

[Patsy]

My husband and I are considering going to KSC for the December Shuttle launch. I have read that traffic is very heavy and to allow at least twice the normal commuting time. My plan was to tour KSC before the launch, but I am concerned about how busy the Center will be. I don't want to spend that much money and then not be able to see the movies, etc due to heavy crowds. For you locals, or others who have gone to see the launch, were you able to also tour the Center? Would it be better to just scrap the idea of seeing the launch and go to KSC another day? Thanks!

[rescuesk]

I can't answer from a personal experience, but I think that it would be quite crowded the day of a launch. Also keep in mind that if you plan on going the day of the launch specifically with the launch in mind, NASA sometiumes needs to postpone or scrap the launch.

This link gives you some other locations to watch a launch from without making the trek down to KSC:

How and Where to See a Shuttle Launch

[Patsy]

Thank you! I have bookmarked that site. I am now thinking that actually going to KSC that day would be a bad idea.

[Smiley]

Patsy,

I am so glad that you mentioned this! I had no idea that there was a scheduled launch in December!

Sue, thank you for the link.

While we are not fans of crowds, I think that we might be up for this... We are going to think about it and see if this is doable.

Thanks again!

[stonewall]

Well, Sue beat me to when she pointed out that there can be delays or complete cancellations of the launches, which would leave you stuck in traffic for nothing. If you can, try to go to the KSC a day or two before the scheduled launch, If you take the bus tour, you have some great photo ops from the top of the viewing area nearest the launch pad and you still get to see everything else without the extreme crowds. As has also been pointed out, you can see the shuttle from WDW, or for a better view, head for the beach anywhere from St.Augustine to Daytona,where you'll share the area with more sea gulls than tourists.
Have a wonderful trip!

[Jitterjet]

Originally Posted by rescuesk

I can't answer from a personal experience, but I think that it would be quite crowded the day of a launch. Also keep in mind that if you plan on going the day of the launch specifically with the launch in mind, NASA sometiumes needs to postpone or scrap the launch.

This link gives you some other locations to watch a launch from without making the trek down to KSC:

How and Where to See a Shuttle Launch

Thanks for posting that web site.
We're going to be watching the launch from the best possible location - on deck of the Disney Wonder at Port Canaveral while enjoying the Sailaway Party for our 3-day Caribbean Cruise.