5 replies to this topic

[Bill Forrester]

A must see for anyone visiting Florida is the Kennedy Space Center. Lying on the Space Coast it is a 35 minute drive east of Orlando or a three and a half hour drive north of Miami on the I95. Kennedy Space Center is synonymous with man's exploration of space from the early Mercury and Gemini mission, the Apollo Moon landings and the Space shuttle missions now in their final phases.
The Kennedy Space Center offers travellers with a disability a fully exclusive experience from the visitors centre to the bus tours of the complex.
All areas of the visitors centre are fully accessible from the large dedicated parking area adjacent to the entry, Imax theatre, full size Space Shuttle display, cafe, Shuttle Launch experience, Rocket Garden and cafe.



A highlight is the bus tour of the Kennedy complex to the launch pad observation tower and Apollo museum. It is operated as a hop on hop off system. Every bus in the fleet is fully equipped with a wheelchair lift and every attraction, including the observation tower is fitting with elevators and access ramps. Accessible restrooms are available at every stop in the tour as are accessible tables at the cafes. The Kennedy Space is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for an inclusive day out.
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Edited by Bill Forrester, 20 March 2011 - 10:42 PM.

[iSmokeMeth420]

That's really cool man! I've lived in FL my whole life and i've never visted the KSC. Although I've always wanted to. I'm sure you got a lot of nice snap shots there

[Fluid Matrix]

This is good to know as myself and 2 friends are driving down at the end of June for STS-135.

[Tetracyclone]

FM- so how are things in Shithole? Lotta snow?

[Fluid Matrix]

Sorry to bump the thread, but I have a question for the OP.

My friends and I just returned from the STS-135 launch, and while in Titusville, we also visited KSC. We took the "Today and Tomorrow" bus tour, as we wanted to get as close to the pad as we could. Everything was fine until we arrived at the VAB, and they refused to let me off the bus with everybody else. I was deeply insulted, and vented my frustration with the driver and tour guide. They informed me that being in a chair was a security issue, and therefore had to stay on the bus. Everybody else was free to exit the bus and get their pictures, while I had to stay on the bus and get pictures from where I was sitting.

What was your experience? I am going to write a letter, but want to get a little more info regarding others who have toured the facility.

Thx

[Bill Forrester]

We have just visited it again. I cant comment on the VAB as on both visits there was no tour. The first was due to a launch preparation and last due to shuttle decommissioning. I can give some more updated information though:

Shuttle Launch Experience
The shuttle launch experience is accessible via a ramped entry. The ride itself requires transfer from a chair. Each ride cabin has one specially equipped ADA seat with a swivelling armrest. This seat is also equipped with a five point harness for those with poor trunk
control. There is an alternative observation room which provides the full video of the launch experience without the ride sensation for those not wanting the experience or not wishing to transfer out of their chair. The ride itself includes rotation through 90 degrees and considerable vibration. There are no sudden movements or jerkiness. Exit from the building is via another sloping curved ramp.

Apollo Complex
On arrival at the Apollo Centre the first activity is the theatre outlining the history of the Apollo missions. This area is a level floor with good wheelchair access. After the short presentation which is captioned, you are directed into the firing room for the launch sequence of Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the moon. Wheelchair access is via the left hand door with a level area at the front of the firing room. The same area has a hearing loop. The rest of the display area is flat and hard and very open making it extremely easy to view the mighty Saturn V. Full accessible facilities are available. On departing the complex the accessible bus loading is off to the left not at the main loading area.

Astronaut Memorial
Behind the replica space shuttle display is the Astronaut memorial. It is accessed by a gently sloping ramp, about the only ramp. This display recognises those astronauts whose lives have lost. All displays can be easily read.
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