Had a fantastic Time & Got Lucky!
Went on a Saturday in June 2008 with my Husband and 14 yr old son.
Drive from Orlando was great... on the way we had heard a boom which sounded like the sonic boom, my husband and I both agreed that's what it sounded like...without reading newspaper or watching news before we left, we dismissed the sound as a nearby car, what are the odds as we happen to be going to the space center today.
We got to the space center, about 50 mins drive from Kissimmee, parking was free and a breeze.
We were informed our tickets were good for a weeks re-entry.
Once inside we were informed as we boarded the tour bus, that the space shuttle had indeed landed that day, 2 hours earlier and while we were driving to our first stop along the tour, our bus was motioned off the road by NASA Security so the transport vehicle carrying the astronauts back from the just landed shuttle could go thru.
It was neat to see the astronauts and them waving to the tour buses pulled off to the side, everyone was pretty impressed. I mean, your at the space center, you might as well see the real deals going on and see just landed from space astronauts.
Then we started the tour, the exhibits were very informative and impressive. On our way to stop #3 on the tour, we were stuck at the front of NASA Security pulled to a stop traffic where they were slowly driving the "just landed" space shuttle back to the hanger. We were literally 30 yards from the shuttle which was followed by a parade of cars that was the different support crews. The camera crews were going nuts, the tourist were going nuts, everyone was filled with excitement to be so close to a just landed shuttle.
To happen to go to the Space center on the day the shuttle lands is a great thing as so much buzz is going on from the tour bus drivers and employees, even other guests.... really just made our trip very exciting so I HIGHLY recommend going on a day when the shuttle goes up or is coming down to land at Kennedy.
We got there about 11:30 am and left about 5:30pm as they close at 6pm, which in the summer I think they could stay open a bit longer for longer sun lit hours, but for $12.00 more as locals, we did decided to upgrade for a year pass as we didn't even get to see it all.... we go to Cocoa Beach often.... and we do look forward to the next trip and will certainly schedule it around a shuttle launch or landing day!
I highly recommend this to science, history, space & high tech buffs.
I personally wouldn't bring little kids...just lots of walking tours, movies and boring for those who are too young to understand.... waiting in line to board and re-boarding the tour bus in the heat would get tiring for little ones let alone parents, I didn't bring my 4 & 6 yrs old, day with grandma... but in a few years I think it would be a better idea! Not much for young kids to do, not even a smaller kids area. I HIGHLY suggest 10 and over! Not worth the admission price for the young little ones to be annoyed, hot and bored! Which is how I saw the majority of those 8 or so and under!
Cocoa Beach Pier is not far and a great place to enjoy a great meal after the Space Center, I didnt think the food was all that great for the value, overpriced fast food. Wear good walking shoes, you will do alot of walking and bring sunscreen and cool clothing!