The Kennedy Space Center near Orlando, Florida is a sprawling complex highlighting the marvels of space and the adventure of being an astronaut. It is the only place on earth where visitors can tour a launch area, meet an astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators and even view a launch. When I arrived at the complex, I was amazed by the actual size, 140,000 acres, and even more impressed by the technology present. The first-hand look at space flight made me feel a part of some of man’s greatest discoveries and let me experience what it feels like to be an astronaut, which is every child’s dream.There truly is a lot to do at Orlando’s Kennedy Space Center, so allow a full afternoon for you and your family to enjoy all that it offers. On top of the rockets you can tour, there are also some interesting Imax movies to take advantage, including Magnificent Desolation: Waking on the Moon 3D, which gave me a whole new perspective of the moon. There is also a live theatrical production, Mad Mission to Mars, where audience members become astronaut trainees, plus a rocket garden, Astronaut Hall of Fame, and Space Shuttle Plaza where one can tour the inner workings of a space shuttle and see how astronauts live during missions. However, my two favorite things to do at Kennedy Space Center were the Space Flight Simulator and the Launch area. The Space Flight Simulator was a great first-hand experience of what it’s like for astronauts in a rocket, including preparation, blast off and orbiting. The end of the ride is the best part, as you get an amazing view of “outer space.” The Launch area, which you get to by bus, was an interesting experience because I got to see the exact area where space shuttles blast into space. It really is a piece of history that I felt proud to see. In addition, when actual launches are scheduled, visitors can see those too.
Tips: At the Kennedy Space Center, there is a food court area offering a variety of options, so you can spend your day or afternoon here and still eat well. Plus, there is a gift shop for souvenirs. Be sure to plan your day at the complex ahead of time in order to have enough time to do everything available.
