The Kennedy Space Center is a NASA space launch base located near Orlando in Cape Canaveral.
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The place is amazing as it involves both fantasy and learning in just one ride.
You've probably heard about the Kennedy Space Center as the NASA park.
However, he is so much more than that!
Therefore, you will visit a place where space operations take place and you will be able to learn a little more about space.
That's why we decided to prepare a complete guide so you can include a visit to the Kennedy Space Center in your travel itinerary.
Also, it is important that you know that the information corresponds to the year 2022.
The History of the Kennedy Space Center
According to the translation, the name of the place is John F. Kennedy Space Center.
That is, the launch pad is also a tribute to the former US president.
However, let's go back to the beginning. the area of Cape Canaveral It has been used by the United States since 1949.
That same year, the first sub-orbital flight in the country was carried out through this location. Then there were satellite launches.
After the founding of NASA, which took place in 1958, the site was transformed into the agency's main space launch point.
At that time, it was known as the Launch Operations Center.
In July 1963, the place was finally renamed to Kennedy Space Center.
Throughout its history, several missiles could be tested, in addition to satellites, space shuttles and rockets sent into space.
At the same time, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was inaugurated and received many tourists.
Since 1995, the site has been operated by Delaware North Companies.
How to get to Kennedy Space Center?
To get to Cape Canaveral, you will have to drive about 1 hour from Orlando. More precisely, the address of the “NASA park” is:
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, United States.
Click here to access the address directly in Google Maps.
Also know that the official site from the Kennedy Space Center gives you tips on the most accurate routes for you to get there.
opening hours
Currently, you can go inside the Kennedy Space Center every day, Sunday through Monday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
On the other hand, the place actually closes at 5pm.
So, plan to arrive early in Cape Canaveral so you can make the most of your visit!
Kennedy Space Center Values in 2022
Planning a trip also involves controlling expenses. Therefore, we have prepared a list of mandatory expenses so that you can visit the Kennedy Space Center.
Also remember that the values correspond to the year 2022.
Ticket
As with Florida parks, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center in one or several days.
In addition, to purchase tickets, just go to buy at a trusted agency, therefore,click here to secure your discounted tickets!
Another option is to buy at the local box office, but I don't recommend it due to the reduction in visitors due to COVID-19.
Therefore, consider the following values for the visit in a single day:
Children up to 11 years old: US$ 47
People over 12 years old: US$ 57.
Regarding visits to more than a day, you will have to pay:
Children up to 11 years old: US$ 67
People over 12 years old: US$ 82.
Annual pass
If you live in Florida, know that there is a way to visit the Space Center several times during the year. All you need to do is buy an annual pass. In this case, there are also two modalities.
In the first one (Atlantis Annual Pass), you can enjoy some benefits by:
- Children up to 11 years old: US$ 78;
- People over 12 years old: US$ 96.
in relation to Explorer Annual Pass, which involves even more benefits than the previous one, the current values are:
- Children up to 11 years old: US$ 116;
- People over 12 years old: US$ 146.
Parking
The Kennedy Space Center parking lot opens 30 minutes before the Visitor Center.
That is, from 9:30 am you can stop your vehicle and wait for the Nasa Park to open.
According to official site, there are 3 types of fees for parking at the Kennedy Space Center, which vary according to the vehicle:
- Motorcycles: US$ 5;
- Cars: US$ 10;
- Large vehicles (buses, vans and trailers): US$ 15.
Kennedy Space Center attractions
Like other parks in Florida, NASA Park is divided into areas. In each of them, you can find different attractions.
Ah, an important tip is that you can, for a few dollars, get a smartguide.
In summary, you will rent a tablet that will be able to guide your visit in Portuguese, which is very enriching.
Heroes & Legends
In this area, learn more about each of the names that marked the history of NASA. The average length of visit in this area is 2.5 hours. Discover the attractions:
Heroes & Legends featuring the US Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing®: you can also feel the same emotions and dangers as astronauts through this attraction;
US Astronaut Hall of Fame®: meet each of the astronauts who made their history at NASA;
Mission Control: the unsung heroes of Apollo: this attraction is a film about the team that controlled space travel;
Rocket Garden: some of the biggest NASA rockets are represented in this place and you can get to know them.
In addition, you can also enjoy the following locations, especially for photos:
John F. Kennedy Fountain: it is a font used as a tribute to the former US president;
Historic Countdown Clock: this is a countdown clock that is part of NASA history;
NASA Insignia: don't forget to take a picture in front of the NASA symbol.
Behind the Gates
If you've already thought about knowing how a space station works, be sure to go to Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour!
Through this tour, you will experience unique NASA sites.
In all, the area can be visited in about 1 to 3 hours. In turn, this time varies depending on whether or not you go on the tour.
However, be sure to enjoy the following views:
Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB): this is a kind of “garage” that houses some old rockets;
Launch complex 39A and 39B: both correspond to launch pads for space vehicles.
Race to the Moon
First of all, know that this area is exclusive for visitors who do the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour.
Therefore, you should spend a time that varies between 2 and 3 hours, but on the same trip as the tour.
The site's narrative involves a tribute to the people and machines that made space travel possible.
In addition, you will be able to see the Saturn V, the largest space rocket ever flown in the world.
Finally, the attractions of the place are as follows:
Saturn V Rocket: you will be able to get to know the biggest space rocket in the history of astronauts up close, in addition to feeling like an astronaut about to land on the Moon;
Apollo 8 and the Firing Room: in this attraction, you will relive the launch of NASA's first manned mission to the Moon;
Apollo Treasures Gallery: In this gallery, discover the treasures of NASA history (medals, prototypes, space suits, training equipment, etc.).
However, you might also be enchanted by:
Astrovan and Umbilical Tower: meet the van that took the astronauts from the accommodation to the NASA launch pad;
Fisher Space Pen: learn about the history of the special pen that was used in the Apollo Program missions;
The People's Moon: In this work of digital art, you can create an image of the Moon from photos taken by the Apollo Program. Also, take a selfie “on the moon”.
Shuttle: a Ship Like no Other
In this area, you can learn more about the space shuttle that took the Hubble Telescope into orbit.
For this, use about 2.5 hours of your visit. The main attractions of the place are:
Space Shuttle Atlantis®: get to know the Space Shuttle Atlantis® up close;
Hubble Space Telescope Theater: discover the history of the Hubble Telescope;
Astronaut Training Simulators: inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, you can simulate being an astronaut;
Forever Remembered: visit the memorial honoring the astronauts who lost their lives during the space shuttle missions STS-51L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia;
Iss Triumph of Technology: experience the sensations of microgravity inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis®;
Shuttle Launch Experience®: Finally, you can simulate taking off on a space mission.
In addition to these, there are also other interesting attractions there:
Constellation Sphere (Kugel Ball):this is a granite sphere on which 88 constellations have been engraved;
Join us on Orbit: discover all 135 space shuttle missions;
Fiere Ride Home: in this activity, you will be able to know how the space shuttle lands;
People Made the Difference: Hear stories from NASA employees and learn about the prototype that inspired the creation of the Space Shuttle.
NASA Now + Next
Finally, you will be able to know the most current NASA missions, which involve the study of Mars.
In this area you will need about 2.5 hours.
Discover the local attractions:
NASA Now: learn more about the Mars exploration program;
Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted: find out why NAS explores Mars, plus get up close and personal with a full-size replica of the Mard Rover;
Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator®: get to know the vehicle that travels around Mars;
IMAX® Theater: in this “cinema”, watch films about space;
Mission Status Briefing: Find out what's happening on NASA's most current missions, including launches from Cape Canaveral.
Food at the Kennedy Space Center
If you get hungry during your visit to NASA Park, there are 3 excellent dining options.
In addition, there are options for restricted diets (vegetarian, gluten-free and/or healthy) in all of them.
At Orbit Cafe, you will find several options in one place.
For example, salads, pizza, sandwiches and desserts. In addition, the location is also very beautiful.
no longer IMAX® Snax, you can eat movie theater popcorn while watching the IMAX® Theater attractions.
Finally, be sure to try the Space Dots®, a delicious ice cream “from the future”.
Kennedy Space Center stores
The Kennedy Space Center has only one place for shopping, but that is the largest space store in the world, or simply The Space Shop.
In it, you can find hundreds of souvenirs for you and your friends.
So, be sure to visit it to at least take a NASA mug or T-shirt!
Hotels near Kennedy Space Center
Despite not having a Hotel itself, the official website of the Kennedy Space Center suggests some nearby places for you to stay.
The following topics correspond to areas, while hotels are listed along with their addresses.
Regarding the links, you will be redirected to the respective official websites.
Area Hotels Titusville
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Titusville / Kennedy Space Center
- 4735 Helen Hauser Blvd.
- Titusville, FL 32780
- 321.385.1818
Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center
- 6299 Riverfront Center Boulevard
- Titusville, FL 32780
- 321.383.2280
Cape Canaveral Hotels with Pools
- 2750 Tingley Dr.
- Merritt Island, FL 32953
- 1.800.727.6845 or 321.830.2907
Radisson Resort at the Port
- 8701 Astronaut Blvd.
- Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
- 321.784.6572
Area Hotels Cocoa Beach
Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites
- 5600 North Atlantic Ave.
- Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- 321.783.7621
Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach
- 3435 North Atlantic Ave.
- Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- 321.784.4800
Hampton Inn® Cocoa Beach
- 3425 North Atlantic Ave.
- Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- 321.799.4099
International Palms Resort Cocoa Beach
- 1300 North Atlantic Ave.
- Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- 321.783.2271
- 3901 N. Atlantic Avenue
- Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
- 321.783.2221
Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated
- 1000 Shorewood Drive
- Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
- 321.783.2221
Is it worth going to the Kennedy Space Center?
Yes! Despite the distance from Orlando, I recommend that you go to the Kennedy Space Center at least once.
Space is incredible and you can learn a little more about it and NASA's work at the Kennedy Space Center.
Therefore, be sure to include the city of Cape Canaveral in your travel itinerary!
Kennedy Space Center Video Tour
We still haven't had the opportunity to make a full video about the Kennedy Space Center in our Youtube channel.
But we found one that shows enough of the NASA park so that you have a good idea of what to find there.
I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
