drive from DW to KSC and other questions About This Page:

[jenblondie]

How long is the drive really going to take us? Is it cheaper to get a taxi then to rent a car?

Do they do bag searches; is it better not to carry a bag?

I haven't been there since I was 13 so I don't remember much, only from what I see in the pictures my mom has. Being a DVC memeber, my husband and I are weighing the possibility of renting a car; we are planning on going down the week of May 10th and go to KSC (hopefully see a shuttle launch) for a few days and possibly Disney, as we bought annual passes when we were there in November.

I have read all about it in the books, but I am looking for some more specific information. Its too late and my brain is not thinking of all the questions I had proposed earlier, so you might hear from me a couple times.

Thanks!

[rescuesk]

We drove from Port Canaveral to WDW in September, it took just about an hour. With no traffic, you will be looking at about 50 minutes to KSC. If you go on the day of a confirmed launch, expect to hit heavier traffic and more crowds.

I think they did a basic bag search, I actually don't remember, so it musn't have been too bad!

Are you thinking of renting a car for the day or for the week? If you rent it specifically on the day of the launch, there is a chance that the launch will get postponed or cancelled, as there is usually some glitch. It woudl stink to have the car specifically to see the launch and not be able to see it.

I also think that certain operations and attractions at KSC are suspended on launch day, such as the tours and the view of the launch pad. The area that we toured where we were able to view the shuttle is actually a VIP viewing spot for the launch, so that would be shut down to the general public.

Tickets are available for the launch in advance, but if the launch is cancelled, there are no refunds. You can also go to other places off of KSC to see the launch. Jette Park charges $5 and is a pretty good viewing spot.

We LOVED KSC and will definitely be planning a return trip in the future!

[Colexis Mom]

I think everything went thru the x-ray machine at KSC, at least when we were last there (2006). Plan on at least a basic search, but don't be surprised if it's something more extensive!!

[chezp]

I would guess the drive took us about an hour in October. The bag search was very basic. I seem to recall just walking through a metal detector and the bags, I think, went through an X-ray machine. It was very straightforward.

[jimmymac]

The drive is about an hour, but much longer on launch days. The bag search is with a metal detector and x-ray for bags. Pretty simple, but once again longer on launch days. The bad thing about shuttle launches is they rarely launch on the announced day, so you might need the car fior more than 1 day. If you get a chance to see a launch do NOT miss it. It is an unforgettable experience

[RobDVC]

It will take about an hour to get there using 528 (Beeline Expressway) on a normal day. On a launch day, plan to leave well ahead of the launch time and make a day of it (spend the day at Cocoa Beach).

[stonewall]

Rent a car!! I have no idea how you would even go about getting a taxi to drive you from WDW to KSC much less how you would get one to come and fetch you (you might have to pay the driver to hang around all day and that could get really expensive). The bag search is quick and the whole entry process goes much faster if you purchase your tickets in advance. If you haven't been to the Center in a long time, don't expect to have time to hang at the beach- the tours at the Space Center will keep you occuppied for the entire day. Plan to take the bus tour- it is more than worth it and permits you access to areas you can't get to on your own. There are plenty of good photo ops, even if you don't get to see a launch, the Rocket Garden, the Shuttle mock-up and the Memorial will keep your camera busy!
Don't worry about asking questions, that's what we're here for!

[mikki]

I really enjoy KSC - we got annual passes last year so we could go both trips (only $12 more than a 1 day ticket). Suspect 1 day car hiore will be less than a taxi in cost and much more flexible. You may have time to visit Astronaut hall of fame which is a couple of miles from KSC and that is also fun. It is on way (or way back) so easy to visit and included in the price.