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never go hungry or lack for shopping—there are plenty of places to do both. The Disney attractions of Orlando may lie an hour west, but for me, they can’t compare with the lure of real science and real achievement tied up in a bow of fun.
robots in exploration through stories told at Robot Scouts or interact with Angry Birds to learn about physics. The Rocket Garden is the place to find Mercury-Redstone, Atlas, and Titan rockets as well as replicas of Gemini and Apollo capsules suitable for climbing. Time it right and you can take a free guided tour. Timing is also critical for the daily Astronaut Encounter (a 30-minute Q&A) and the Mission Briefing where Space Center experts talk about topics of space exploration. Both are included in admission. Admission includes a narrated bus tour of Kennedy Space Center that takes visitors to the Vehicle Assembly Building where the rockets were once carefully assembled, and actual launch pads, some of which are still being actively used. If you visit when a launch is scheduled, you can purchase a separate ticket to view the launch (although it’s from a vantage point several miles away). There are plenty of other add-ons available at an extra cost. If meeting a real astronaut is on your wish-list, you can make a reservation for Lunch with an Astronaut. While much of the complex has been created just for visitors, the original buildings are still on the grounds. Visitors can explore that history through KSC Up-Close Tours. I spent an entire day there and needed yet another full day. I definitely would make time for the sophisticated simulation of the Shuttle Launch Experience, and the IMAX theater. There are wheelchairs and strollers available for rent and all exhibits and tours are wheelchair accessible. You’ll also
How does an astronaut “go”? This exhibit explains the mechanics on the Space Station.
The Apollo Treasures Gallery includes Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit.
FALL 2015 COAST TO COAST 19
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