Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Visitor center · Brevard County

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Visitor center · Brevard County

3

Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953

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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex by null

Highlights

At Kennedy Space Center, dive into space history, live launches, and epic exhibits like Atlantis and the gigantic Saturn V rocket.  

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Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 Get directions

kennedyspacecenter.com

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Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 Get directions

+1 855 433 4210
kennedyspacecenter.com
KennedySpaceCenterVisitorComplex
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Jul 30, 2025

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@travelleisure

Kennedy Space Center in Florida Keeps Retired Astronauts on the Payroll — and You Can Meet Them in Person

"The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Florida, offers a unique experience for visitors to learn about the American space program. It allows visitors to meet retired astronauts, hear their stories, and witness the massive spacecrafts that have taken astronauts to space. The center hosts various programs, including the Astronaut Encounter and Chat With an Astronaut, where guests can interact with astronauts in intimate settings. The center also continues to host launches and is expanding with new areas like the Gantry at Launch Complex 39." - Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and the author of “This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States.” Her work has been published by Condé

https://www.travelandleisure.com/kennedy-space-center-meet-astronauts-8774402
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@travelleisure

This Florida City Is the Top Thanksgiving Getaway This Year, According to Google Data

"For those with their eyes towards the skies, there’s also the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for an insider's look outside of this world." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/orlando-florida-most-popular-thanksgiving-2024-destination-google-data-8707499
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@cntraveler

Family Travel Experiences Catering to Your Kid’s Latest Obsession, From Dinosaur Digs to Rocket Launches

"Little astronauts will love blasting off to Florida’s space coast, where U.S. space travel began in the 1960s. Along 72 miles of pristine coastline, anchored by Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Port Canaveral, families can witness a live rocket launch and then go straight to mission control at the Kennedy Space Center, where they can get up close to Space Shuttle Atlantic (and even have lunch with an real-life astronaut)."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/family-travel-experiences-for-kids
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Alaina Braddy

Google
A Wonderful Surprise! I arrived at the Kennedy Space Center with zero expectations—and left completely inspired. I was genuinely surprised by how quickly my interest in space travel was reignited. The exhibits are more than just educational; they bring history to life in a way that’s deeply immersive and nostalgic. From Launch Complex 39 to the recreated control room, getting an up-close view of the solid rocket boosters (SRBs), and of course, seeing Atlantis—it all transported me back to the awe and wonder I felt as a child. Every stop was a reminder of how powerful human imagination and ambition can be. I highly recommend visiting the Kennedy Space Center. It’s not just a museum—it’s a revival of curiosity, inspiration, and the dreams that first made us look to the stars.

Tony Rosca

Google
Had a great time at Kennedy Space Center! There’s so much to see and learn — from rockets and shuttles to interactive exhibits and space history. It’s fun, engaging, and perfect for all ages. The food was actually really good, and service was fast — a nice surprise for a busy tourist spot. The only downside was the bus tour. It felt like a lot of downtime, and some of the stops weren’t that interesting. It kind of slowed down the momentum of the day. Still, it’s an awesome place overall and definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area. Great for families, space nerds, or anyone curious about NASA and exploration.

Amelia T

Google
Kennedy space center was a fabulous experience. A lot to see in one day. Definitely take the bus tour to see the launch pads and to get a sense of how large the space center is. Very informative experience. We really enjoyed the flight simulation. Less busy on weekdays in the summer but still crowds and lines! Would recommend if you are in the area

Lee Hullinger

Google
Highly recommend! We completely enjoyed a spectacular day touring and exploring the Kennedy Space Center. The tour was very well organized, fun, educational and a great value. Truly an American iconic destination. We personally watched a rocket launch the next morning at the Kennedy Space Center which was breathtaking, awesome and something we will never forget! Thank you, NASA, for all you do to share so much knowledge, information and history with the entire world!

Mama P

Google
Our visit to the Kennedy Space Center was unforgettable! We had an amazing time with our kids exploring all the exhibits and learning about space in such a fun, interactive way. The highlight of our trip was getting to witness a live rocket launch, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left all of us in awe! This is a must-visit spot for families, especially if you have curious little ones who love science and adventure. We can’t wait to come back!

Marcin Janowski

Google
And children's dreams come true... Many years ago I dreamt about being here. Back then it was a dream of the future. Today it is more a dream of the past but still worth it. Most of the place is focused on the history and don't get me wrong - it is done fabulously! You can feel the emotions and pride everywhere. Americans really know the drill. You also can see, almost touch the things that so far you could only read about or see in the TV. That creates a unique, only one of its kind, atmosphere. You will not have it in any other place in the world. That is for sure. If you dreamt about being an astronaut as a kid, that more than a must see! The only "but" here is a feeling of a loss that the future part is so limited. That those days won't come back, at least not with NASA as it is a shadow of what is used to be and even the limited future plans are done in cooperation with or by external companies.

Chi Tran

Google
Visiting the Kennedy Space Center was an unforgettable experience! The exhibits are immersive, educational, and inspiring for all ages. Walking under the massive Saturn V rocket, seeing real space shuttles, and learning about past, present, and future missions gave me chills. The Space Shuttle Atlantis display was a highlight—so beautifully presented and powerful to see up close. We also enjoyed the astronaut encounter and the simulation experiences. Everything was well-organized, clean, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just curious, this place is a must-see!

Britt

Google
Dale was one of our bus drivers to the further exhibits and he was amazing and hilarious, wish there had been a way to leave a staff compliment about him. We all had a wonderful time at the Space center, everything was wonderful to see. The children's play area must be newer, and it's an amazing addition. Kids could have played there all day. The fee to get in is high, but we thought it was worth it. The food was well priced too, especially compared to other museums/tourist places. Nothing was broken on our visit and lines weren't long either, like some reviews state. Learned a lot and really enjoyed seeing everything. Definitely come right when they open if you want to see anything. We missed a few things and missed the cool astronaut talk/autograph session they have. That is probably amazing to take part in.
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Lisa S.

Yelp
I haven't visited this place in some time so it was all quite new. We got there when it opened which I recommend as the car check in line can get long. Our first stop was the bus tour which also took you to Saturn and Apollo. This was my fav. Anything that educates about the moon mission is of great interest to me. The size of the rocket is something to behold. Seeing it just above my head helped show its huge size. It was cool to be part of the control room as the rocket took off. Just love everything about the exhibit. Next we went to Atlantis. This is all about the space station. I enjoyed learning about how the astronauts sleep and eat. The shuttle takeoff experience was well worth it as well. We saw Deep Space in the iMax. That was worth the time. It was cool to see how the telescopes have advanced and how much clearer the pics are. We ended our day with Mars which was also cool. There were several things we didn't see but our group was tired after a 9am-3pm day.
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Andrew L.

Yelp
Absolutely wonderful experience and lots of activities to do. So much that we originally purchased a one-day ticket and ended up upgrading to two-day ticket to come back the very next day to finish the exhibits. The astronaut lecture was very cool and eye opener. I never expected the bus to the Saturn V rocket area was also an immersive experience as well. Just a heads-up for the EV owners, only 1-2 electric charging spots are working and there is high demand for it. Bonus: On the second day we saw two cranes hanging around in the parking lot.
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Tom C.

Yelp
Totally awesome for the curious of all ages. The science, history, displays (especially the inter-active displays) are a real challenge and treat. Make this a bucket-list item!
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Aparajita S.

Yelp
We visited the day after Christmas break and was relatively surprised to see that it wasn't overly crowded. Tickets cost around $75 for the entire day, and they had senior citizen discounts too. Upon entering, we decided to head towards the buses to take us to the shuttle area and explored that area before it got too busy. We then came back and explored the other attractions before heading out for the day. As an avid space enthusiast, I appreciate the efforts they put in for the attractions and was overall pleased! We unfortunately didn't know about the simulators, and the tickets were all claimed before we got there. If you visit during the holiday time, make sure to stay for the holiday lights!
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Carl F.

Yelp
My wife and I had an amazing time here! I was here about 11 years ago, and it's incredible how much has changed. Back then, there weren't many people, and the buildings were showing their age. But now, wow! There are so many new buildings, the rocket garden that's been spruced up, and a variety of activities. The walkways are wide and nice, and there's a dining area. I love that they have activities for kids and adults of all ages. The rocket garden is always neat to see, and my favorite is seeing the shuttle Atlantis. I grew up closely following the entire space shuttle program, and it's so cool to see one up close and in person. When I walked around, I almost felt like I was on a Disney property with a space theme. The bus ride is also good, and it's neat to see the different buildings, especially Blue Origin and SpaceX. In fact, I think these two programs are a major reason why KSC has come back to life. It was a really nice experience.
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Monique Y.

Yelp
I went here for a work conference, and was given a free pass for the center. It was pretty crowded with schools that were taking children on tours. I was able to experience some of the virtual rides and I was very impressed. The line for some rides were extremely long while rides for others were extremely short. I think it all depends on where you would like to experience your virtual reality session Grounds we're pretty clean and there's a cafeteria that serves cafeteria style food. More on the fast food side like chicken tenders, fries, and burgers. There's also a Starbucks located on site which I thought was pretty helpful. I would definitely recommend taking a visit here as there's so much to explore in so much history.
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Gail C.

Yelp
This was a fun day. Everything is very well organized. Even the food venues are well planned. We enjoyed the bus tour, the IMAX movie and just all the rocket ships. I felt like a kid again. Don't forget to get a real astronaut's autograph.
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Carla S.

Yelp
Kennedy Space Center is one of those places you need to visit at least once in your life. On my first visit, I was impressed by seeing all the amazing things that are part of our history. I have been coming back for many years and there's always that element of surprise and awe. I haven't had visited in a while and I loved seeing some new attractions such as The Getaway which showcases the present and future of space innovations. I feel that's a perfect addition since space exploration has changed so much since the shuttle and Apollo years. Inside there is a simulator where you can pick from 4 journeys. It was cool and not too intense. Also another VR experience for an additional fee. I was lucky to be there on a launch day and it was pretty cool to see a launch up close. Such a cool experience. There's so much history here and I recommend not missing out on the bus tour to see the Vehicle Assembly Building ( VAB) and the Apollo Saturn exhibit. It is included with your ticket. I would say food offerings are okay and prices are decent. Water however is expensive and there are no stations to refill your water bottle, besides the water fountains which are not easy to use to fill up a water bottle. And there's a Starbucks now!
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Shelby W.

Yelp
If you love NASA and anything to do with Space then this is the place to go! Ticket prices run $75 a person but I got in with a deal for $19 for being an Orange County resident. There is so much to do here, you almost need two days to fully do everything. They have something for young kids like Planet Play and Ice Cream. We got to see the Atlantis and learned all about Spaceships. I definitely recommend coming if you are a Space junkie!
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S K.

Yelp
$15 to park. $75 per adult. Downloaded the app, but didn't find it useful. Spend the whole day here. They open from 9am to 5pm. Couldn't do everything in one day. Make sure you plan accordingly. If time allows, you should get the two day ticket which is $89 per adult.

Linus P.

Yelp
As of end 2024, parking $15, entrance $75. I saw rockets. I saw tons of NASA themed photo props. The further displays like astronauut experience, Atlantis, etc. cost more money. I did not think the mockup displays through the pavillion were that great The highlights to ME were the rocket garden and a lot of opportunities for street photography of people doing amusement park stuff. As others stated, the place is very pricy, there are lots of queues all week long and you will need to pay more than you think at first. Bottom line. It was worth near 100 to me to see the rockets. Other than that, pass. If you love rocket nerd stuff, go for it. I can't speak to the stuff that cost more money because I don't think it very honest to charge big money for exhibits inside the park I already paid big money to enter.
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David D.

Yelp
I just cannot imagine anyone giving KSC less than 5 Stars on YELP! I have been here a number of times and I am going to tell you below exactly how to make sure you have a 5-Star experience. KSC is not only the best attraction in Florida, the United States, and probably the World. Where else can you see a rocket launch, go out to the launch pads, see actual moon dust on an astronaut's space suit, see an Apollo capsule that returned to earth, see moon rocks and touch one, see a Space Shuttle, see the Apollo and Space Shuttle astronaut transport vehicles in a professional Smithsonian level museum setting, walk on the ramp that every Space Shuttle astronaut walked on to get in the shuttle, plus ride on the same road that every astronaut from Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle took to the launch pad and meet a real astronaut! Plus see the location set-ups and buildings for Space X, ULA, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, the pre-launch astronaut quarantine building, and rocket assembly building. Since the end of the Space Shuttle program--what KSC has turned into is nothing short of amazing. It's a daily active military and commercial launch facility. And you can jump right into the middle of it and get immersed in the past, present, and future by taking a tour here. If you are not inspired for the future after a tour here-I don't know what to tell you... While KSC is not appropriate for young children that cannot behave, focus and understand rockets and the moon, it needs to be on the list for everyone in their lifetime and certainly a full day if you are at nearby Disney (1.5 hour drive). In fact, I spent 4 days at Disney and 1 day at KSC and the KSC day was far more exciting, interesting, and uplifting than any Disney Park--and much less crowded too, and the best day of the entire vacation! I am going to post some pictures here, but I don't have the space here to write about all that KSC has to offer, coming here is a dramatic experience, but I am going to outline some rules for you to have a successful visit: 1. There is so much here to see and do that you really need 2 days--but most people only have 1 day like me so make sure you are here within 1 hour of when they open the gates--best when they open the gates. Coming here at 2 pm is like showing up at a wedding when they are ready to cut the cake. "Hey, give me a piece of cake...did they get married yet?" Don't let that be you! 2. It's a great place to celebrate your birthday--they will give you a birthday pin and maybe sing happy birthday to you like they did for me. My birthday here was a lot more special than Disney. 3. Pay the extra $25 for the Explore Tour--money well spent. They will take you to the launch pads and more--it was the best part of the day. They leave you off at the Apollo center and you can spend as much time there are you like. Do this earlier and first thing. If you don't take the extra Explore Tour, then take the bus to the Apollo Center first Before exploring the visitor's center. You are going to want as much time as possible at the Apollo Center--that is the meat and potatoes of NASA. When you are done at the Apollo Center--you just go outside and get the bus back to the Visitor's Center where you came in. 4. When you get back to the Visitor's center--don't miss the Space Shuttle, daily astronaut lecture (usually a space shuttle astronaut)--when we were there it was 3 Times Space Shuttle Astronaut Richard Hieb. 5. Unless you have 2 days here--you don't have time for the Chat with an Astronaut ($50). We did it in one day with the Explore Tour but it sharply cut the time off our Apollo Center visit. That was okay for me, because I have been to Apollo two other times--but it was too rushed for 1 day. 6. Optional: See if you can coordinate your visit here with a launch and buy an optional launch ticket for one of their viewing areas. (Subscribe to their launch alert emails.) But keep in mind that launches are not like Broadway Shows--the show does not necessarily have to go on and can be delayed to another day. I got lucky in 2009 and was able to catch a Space Shuttle launch from here after it was delayed more than 6 other times--and it was delayed at 7th time again and I raced back from Key West to thankfully see it. 7. By 6 PM everyone has to be out. Perfect time to take a short drive to Cocoa Beach and have dinner in one of the restaurants there you can easily research on YELP. Have dinner in the town where all the Astronauts since the 1960's dined and hung out. Great way to end your incredible day at KSC before many of you will drive back to Orlando. 8. They have food for sale here--but best if you can bring some stuff to keep you going to 5 PM--you don't want to take up valuable time dining here if all you have is one day. 9. Admission is $75 for one day adult, $89 for two day adult. Inexpensive compared to a Disney day. Some discounts--see website. 10. GO, GO, GO!
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Chrissy F.

Yelp
Ibe been going to KSC since a kid!! Our parents would take us to which we would walk around in wonder but really couldn't grasp it for our age at the time. Been a few more times over the years and I'm still in awe of the wonders humans can do to learn more about our planet and galaxies beyond our comprehension. They added more over the years but the notable things for me were the Apollo mission info (shuttles come every 15 minutes or so), the IMAX showed 2 different films to which both have substantial insight, and the liftoff simulation was pretty neat to experience. There's lots of interactive displays and a mix of some artifacts from the moon to nostalgia pieces of the astronauts. They added a playground for kids with an attached lounge area so parents could relax while the kids play about. Overall a fascinating experience to which always leaves me more speechless each time over the marvels of mankind. As far as pricing for July 2024: $75 for 1 adult, 1 day park pass and a 10% off discount for military members. My sister is a Florida school teacher so she showed proof and has free admission for up to a year. I recall when I was a student at UCF our student union would sell discounted tickets which was nice. They have will call and kiosks for ticket sales!
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Esperanza D.

Yelp
Expensive but it's worth it to spend a whole day. It gets super hot! Bring water, sunscreen, hats and a portable fan. They have their own tour bus! Lots of souvenir shops The food is good!
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Allyson M.

Yelp
I would 100% recommend the tour it is so fun to learn about the history of space and all the rocket ships. It has a Starbucks that I really nice and the people there are super friendly! And there are real rockets and last but not least the rides are super fun!
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Apple S.

Yelp
This is really a fun way to spend the day and very interesting and they make it diverse with all the information it doesn't get boring. The only thing that really bothered me is I could not do any of the VR experiences, you have to reserve them and everywhere was fill and I find that unfair. I paid like everyone
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Suzie R.

Yelp
A must if you are into the history of the space program, into history or if you're anywhere on the "space coast". We have a 6 year old who is obsessed with anything space and everyone had a blast (literally). I couldn't believe how much I learned. He was excited to see his 2nd space shuttle (discovery being his first). The presentation to see Atlantis is a must see while at the KSC. If you want to see everything and you have the time. I would suggest a 2 day ticket. We arrived at 10am at KSC but we were tuckered out by 3. If you don't have to rush seeing everything I would suggest doing 2 shorter days. $10 to park. We had a family member who is handicapped and we rented a wheelchair by the entrance. Well worth the money so he was able to see everything! FYI - if you grab a wheelchair by the handicapped parking section, those wheelchairs are not allowed past the entrance (they are only parking lot wheelchairs). Suggestions - I would start by doing the bus tour first and heading to the Saturn 5 rocket building. Great tour and info on the bus rides too. Try not to miss the huge eagle nest on the way back to the main compound. You also need to check out the beautiful memorial inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis building for Challenger and Columbia - must see! Gift shop - had to stock up on some great nasa clothing and gifts!
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John C.

Yelp
I mainly spent time in the Atlantis Hall. I was in there over 90 minutes watching the videos, reading the displays, and taking pictures. I honestly had no idea the actual space craft is on display here and the way they present her is amazing. The Atlantis Building also has info on the other Space Shuttles and their missions. There's also a very good memorial for the two crews lost in the Challenger and Columbia Disasters. (And there's a memorial outside for all NASA astronauts who have lost their lives in the course of their duties: Apollo 1, Challenger, Columbia, several T-28 accidents, one X-15 accident, and one astronaut who was in transit to his work.) The Mars display was also interesting to me. They have models of the different explorer craft that have reached Mars and good info about each one. The future manned exploration to Mars presentation was so-so but the graphics were great. I ran out of time even though I had three hours. There was lots more to see. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area.
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Andrew K.

Yelp
Came here as an excursion from our cruise ship. While certainly not the spot to go to if you're looking for a tropical vacation, this was actually a surprisingly fun day trip. It's much closer from the cruise terminal than advertised, which was nice. And once you get there, there is so much to do. We thought we would have too much time and ended up feeling crunched for time. Definitely take the tour bus to the Apollo/Saturn V Center-definitely a highlight. And when you come back to the main campus, make sure to go to the Atlantis area, especially the flight simulator (the line for this is super quick so don't be intimidated). There are a ton of eating options, which seemed a bit much. And so many picture options which, if you're super touristy, can be quite a delight. Tons to learn and tons to see, so a great option if you don't want to head to the beach in Orlando.
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Michael H.

Yelp
If there is one space to stop to get a feel of what the space program is all about, look no further, KSC Visitor Complex! Pay the extra cash and get the bus tour. There is so much information you get from the tour guide there (Bart). he was the best tour guide I have ever had on this trip. Gave your perspective, told history. Man, worth every penny. You get to see a Saturn 5 rocket on its side. Amazing!!!!! There is a moon rock you can touch as well. (Worth touching it!) The Astronaut history area too is so worth going through. We have done some much in such a short period of time reaching beyond the edge of our atmosphere into the void of space. It always, always takes me back to a little boy when I went there with my family and saw the Vertical Assembly Building for the 1st time. It would be over a decade or so later while on a visit for college. There is so much richness a kid could get from that area. The cost to get in worth every penny.
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Emil C.

Yelp
Make sure you enter Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in your navigation device/app. If it has you going up to Titusville, you're headed for the wrong entrance and will waste about an hour with that detour! My friend and I drove out here on a Friday after taking a break from the Walt Disney World Marathon weekend of races. We arrived at just before 11:30 am and left right before 4 pm. Here were the 3 exhibits that we checked out during our visit: Heroes and Legends featuring the Astronaut Hall of Fame Space Shuttle Atlantis Apollo/Saturn V Center (bus tour included with admission) If you love history and museums, you will have plenty to see and experience with just those 3 exhibits. I would say that this space center was more geared towards the younger ones. The shuttle launch experience was somewhat disappointing as it was rather underwhelming. Keep in mind that the bus ride out to the Apollo/Saturn V Center will take about 30 minutes each way. We had lunch at the Orbit Cafe. They had several kiosks for you to place your order. There was quite the crowd when we were there, so they had a couple of employees there taking food orders the old fashion way. There were other food options at the complex, but it all looked to be average at best.
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Lisa M.

Yelp
Cool place to visit in Orlando, Florida. It's pricey but supports Nasa as they do not get any government funding. The Kennedy Space Center is very educational with plenty of small shows prior to seeing the exhibits. There is also a bus tour that is included with your admission as well as a space launch stimulator. The only real complaint is that I wish you could see the exhibits without having to watch the shows. It was a lot of waiting in line and then waiting for the show just to go see all the exhibits. The moon rock was also disappointing since it was basically just a small, smooth piece of rock. Basically, unless you really like Nasa and want to support them, get the annual pass.. otherwise it's a good one time thing to see with your family and friends.

Jess G.

Yelp
Well-organized and the signs were easy to navigate. Ate at the all u can eat Barbecue inside the facility for $22 plus tax pp, food was good. Highly recommend and will go back to tour for more areas that we didn't cover!
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Tammy A.

Yelp
I was in Cape Canaveral earlier this month and we decided to spend the few hours we had going to the Kennedy Space Center. At was a short drive from our cruise ship maybe 20 minutes. We got there like afternoon. Not sure if it was the time or what but most of the attractions and everything we expected for the amount we spent to come here were all closed. We had higher expectations as we wanted to see some of the NASA work being done. Also currently with the big project to get a rocket to Mars in the future. Maybe the only area that impressed us was the only building open with the space and exploration and ride in it. Sadly nothing else was opened at the time and all we got was a picture with someone dressed up in a NASA space outfit to please the kids. Here's hoping more things will be open the future with the space exploration to Mars.
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Stephanie F.

Yelp
We visited here the past Summer after our amazing Disney cruise. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful vacation and we were very exhausted afterwards. I had not been here since I was in grade school so it was great to go with our kids and share the experience. Especially since we all love the exploration of space.
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Ashley D.

Yelp
I've visited Kennedy Space Center twice now. The first time was in June 2021and the second time was in June 2024. I think everyone should visit and experience as much as possible. I personally think in the summer it's best to start with the bus over to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. It's cooler so it won't be as hot standing in line and the lines are shorter first thing in the morning. The bus over to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is maybe 10-15 minutes, the drivers are friendly and sometimes will tell you some information or things to look for that are not included in the video. You pass by the giant NASA building where the shuttles and rockets were assembled. You also pass by the Space X and the Boeing buildings. Once at the Apollo/Saturn V Center there is a decent amount to see. I definitely enjoyed the presentation/video about the moon landing. There are artifacts such as rocks from space/the moon, space suits, and models of the landing PODs (sorry, I doubt that's the correct name). There is a good amount to see and look at. I'd estimate about 1-2 hours for this area. There is also a restaurant inside but seating can be limited. Before you leave there are statues in the garden area that show the details about the different Apollo/Saturn missions as well as a statue in the middle. Once you are back at the visitors complex my favorite area is the Atlantis building. The walk inside can be a little long so if you are not capable of walking, you may want to rent a scooter. I think my mom was glad she did. There is then a video you will watch about the Atlantis missions which when done, opens up to the very front of the Atlantis space shuttle. It really is quite impressive. You can easily spend about 2 hours just in this building. Take your time really looking at the shuttle, it is amazing. There are lots of opportunities for kids to play around and different modules to try landing the shuttle. There is even a small scale ISS for kids to play in. My son loved it when he was smaller. The problem was trying to get him out. Don't pass up the launch simulator, it is really neat. I'm a larger person and had no problem fitting in the seat. The other items not to miss are the tributes to the Columbia and Challenger. Those are very moving and should not be missed. There is much more to visit but really 5-6 hours can be tough to fit it all in. It's definitely some place everyone should visit at least once. I've been twice and would not hesitate to go a third time. Be on the look out on their website for discount coupons. This last visit there was a coupon for FL residents, 4 tickets for $180, so being from CA I just bought a discount ticket from ticketsatwork. It was definitely the better way to get tickets for 5 people.
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Tim A.

Yelp
We have taken our family here the last 3 years in a row and we just bought tickets for August 2024. The Gateway attraction is really awesome. Two complexes to explore and let your imagination go wild. This is one fantastic vacation destination. Fun for kids as well as adults. Five stars isn't enough.
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Amanda C.

Yelp
Maybe I'm a sap but this place hits me in the feels every time I go. I especially get teary-eyed when I see Atlantis. I love space and I love the history of learning about us going to space and how far we've come. This is a fantastic theme park that you absolutely must visit if you love all things space. All of the employees were so friendly and kind. They were eager to answer my questions and give recommendations of must see attractions when I was on a time schedule. Go and have a blast!
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Pete A.

Yelp
So so I wasn't a fan by any stretch of the imagination! First parking .. it's self pay... the kiosk thing wasn't working properly! The lady standing in the middle just kept yelling push the red button Which I did time and time again She finally realized that it wasn't working. Which made her even more rude ! Let me sum this up This place is Boring !!! We waited an hour for one little ride thingy that didn't work right! Almost everything is an extra charge So pay for admission.pay for parking when she's done yelling at you Couple of things for kids 8-15 maybe But they have to wait forever I wouldn't recommend bringing younger children at all Unless you want them to bake in the sun There are plenty of places to eat !
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Eve S.

Yelp
I absolute loved visiting Kennedy Space Center! I admittedly spent WAY more than I planned in their large gift shop ...so tread carefully upon entering. There's something for every age range and the live demonstrations for kids were fun and engaging. It was an amazing experience to be in the same space as the original Launch Operations Center. The video to display presentations are spectacular! As for food, there's a cafeteria on site, with plenty of options, so no need to eat prior to visiting. If you visit on a launch day then be prepared for large crowds. If you have a space obsessed little (or big) kid then this is 1000% worth the visit!
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Paul V.

Yelp
For an aerospace geek like me, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the best highlights of our Florida vacation. Miles ahead from the main entrance of the complex, you are greeted by a slew of space rockets, making anyone (especially myself) giddy. Entering the complex, you at immediately greeted by the rockets from Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo projects. These immense towering rockets leaves one at awe, and there are even more in store. Each building shows the cool tech and accomplishments of the men and women of NASA. My wife surprised us and had tickets for the KSC explore tour where we were driven in the different locations of the space center. We were driving in a bus and was showed the different locations in the complex. The vehicle assembly building and the different launch sites were just spectacular. After the tour we were then driven to the Saturn V center where a whole Saturn V is displayed, what a massive and impressive rocket indeed. On our way back, we visited the shuttle Atlantis. I will not spoil the surprise to those who haven't visited KSC; but the introduction of the Atlantis to us visitors is the most dramatic, epic show of any museum I have ever experienced. Seeing a space shuttle up close was so much memorable. It is sad that we didn't even see the other attractions at KSC. But even if we did, the Kennedy Space Center is such a grand and beautiful attraction in Florida that visiting this complex is an absolute requirement when vacationing around the Orlando area. This is an absolute must.
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Dayla K.

Yelp
While staying in Cocoa Beach, My daughter and I were able to get a bucket list destination checked off my list!!!! Pulling in, I cried seeing the Kennedy Space Center sign! The entire experience did not disappoint! For your visit: 1. Parking is a breeze so do not worry about that! 2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing! You will want to walk and see everything! There are plenty of info boards to read so standing for periods of time is expected! 3. Make sure you plan ahead to see the special shows! Go online and plan out your day so you do not miss anything! 4. The day we were there they had a lunch with an astronaut opportunity! If we would have known, we would definitely have ordered tickets! This is a perfect example of why you should go online and plan your trip in advance! 5. There is enough to do here that you really can spend the entire day!!!! I want to take a moment and thank all of the staff for being so welcoming and educational! For a Nerd like me, this really was a bucket list experience that exceeded my expectations! MOST MOST MOST SINCERELY!!!!
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Bessie C.

Yelp
We had a 6 hour layover so spent it at the space center. Fun experience with lots of virtual and interactive activities. Highly recommend for the family.
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Denae K.

Yelp
Space...the final frontier! I'm not crying, you are! If you can visit the Kennedy Space Center and walk away without having cried/teared up or leave feeling wildly inspired to be/do more with your life and mind...I don't know if we can be friends. Honestly walking through the buildings and reading the stories of the legendary minds who have pioneered so much of space travel was moving. I was brought to tears a number of times while reading a plaque, listening to a speaker, or watching a show/presentation. Get there early! Get the daily itinerary! Read as much as you can! Attend as many talks, presentations, and shows as possible! If you are looking to inspire the next generation or inspire yourself, go to Kennedy Space Center and look beyond who you are now and reach toward the bright stars of your potential!

David G.

Yelp
Bucket list for the scape exploration lover...there is so much to do, you might want to breakdown into two days. I believe it would've been more enjoyable. There was only one instance of the high school aged kids acting up, so we left and went to another attraction. Other than that, a return visit is desired.
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Brittney B.

Yelp
My husband and I took our son to Kennedy Space Center for his one-year birthday, and it was an AMAZING experience! From the time we walked in until the time we left, he was pointing at the rockets and shuttles in the Rocket Garden, the Mars Rover, and everything he saw. There are some great photo opportunities around the park. He was fascinated by the astronaut suits and the samples of moon rock. I really enjoyed the mint ice cream sandwich that we got in the gift shop. The Gateway building has a STUNNING display when you walk in that project the galaxy and the moon onto the wall. The new simulator that replicates the feeling of being on a rocket going into space is a lot of fun and has some unique features. Rating from F to A+++, it gets an A+++!
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Mel E.

Yelp
Great for a day trip or overnight. The program is very well organized and the staff is amazing! We were a group of 155 and they did not disappoint! Can't wait to go back!
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Vanessa L.

Yelp
Kennedy space center is so cool and I'm so happy it's open for us to see and experience. Came here for a field trip with my child recently but had been here before with the fam. When I did go it was during covid so I knew this experience was going to be much different. The place was full. Let's start with that which is obviously a positive. Starbucks was open when you go in and I was happy to be able to get some in the morning. The line was very long though. There are a lot of things for kids to do but I wouldn't say this place is kid friendly. I think although yes this place is ran by adults the population who want to visit the most in my opinion are kids. I say this because although the place is wonderful and educational it lacks kindness to kids. I felt the staff was really angry everywhere we went in the field trip. It was this passive aggressive tension from most employees we encountered. Obviously there were nice people but there were a lot more rude people than anticipated. Our kids for the most part were well behaved. There was 0 incident in our group and the kids were following direction. But even running was not permitted in their playgrounds. It's just well weird. And I get they are avoiding injury but then why have a playground if the kids can't play? Anyway all the rocket stuff is awesome. The educational things were great. It's nice to see our history with space as I recommend for everyone to do it at least once.
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John D.

Yelp
Finally back to KSC to finish what we started a couple of years ago. We started at the Gateway and enjoyed the interactive exhibits, including a simulated Red Planet trip. We made it to the Journey to Mars exhibit & Legends & Heroes Display with the Astronaut Hall of Fame. We were a little surprised that Christa McAuliffe didn't make the cut. She was her own trailblazer. Prices were noticeably higher this time - $150 for 2 adults plus parking, food & souvenirs. They offer a mil discount. Unfortunately I couldn't access it on line. It was still had a great experience, learned new things and a new appreciation for others. Hlad we could finish what we missed on our first trip.
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Audrey L.

Yelp
We took the family here for a two day pass which is necessary to see most of the park. It was a fabulous experience to see how NASA has changed our lives and what our future may have in store for us. This was an inspiring journey for our 12 year old grandson who always loved learning about the space program and especially the rockets. It's completely handicapped accessible which made our lives so easy. Being that these days are extremely hot, the exhibits are mostly inside. There are several simulation rides also. Honestly it's not appropriate for young children not ready for space travel. Not enough hands on activities for that type of child who needs to jump and move constantly. We were able to get phenomenal pictures with our Astro pass which I purchased on line for $14. Parking cost $10. Florida residents can purchase tix at a discount on line even for out of town guests.
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Michael C.

Yelp
Edit: Previous review was for the Space & Rocket complex in Huntsville, AL. However, I also went here the week before. This place is a definite must-see if you are in the Orlando area going to town to see Disney parks and Universal parks and eating all the restaurants. The location is about 1 hour east of Orlando and easy to get to for a day dedicated to learning about space travel. When compared to the costs of the parks in Orlando, this is pretty nice. There are plenty of exhibits and some of the cooler ones like the virtual coaster ride can have some long lines. However, they are worth it. I didn't get a chance to see the IMAX due to time constraints, but everything else was great to walk through and see. This is by far the best space center to visit in the country IMO and I've been to ones in AL, DC, VA, and TX. I only was able to be here about 3 hours before I had to catch my flight out of MCO to head home. However, you really need about 6 hours to truly see everything and still have time to have lunch while there.
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Christina G.

Yelp
An absolutely amazing experience for adults and children alike. My husband has wanted to bring the kids to the Kennedy Space Center for years. Being that my children are five and two I felt like this was a bit ambitious. Plus it is a 2 1/2 hour to 3 hour drive from where we live in Tampa so we had to make a weekend trip out of it. I decided for his birthday this year we would make the trek and experience this compound (which I think is the correct word for it, because it is huge!) Also, it helped that my kids qualified for the Junior Explorer Program so by signing up online I got free tickets for both of them. These tickets aren't cheap. It's $80 per person. But once we walked inside I understood why it's so expensive. This place is massive. I grew up outside of Houston so I thought I understood what a space center looks like. I'm pretty sure the one in Houston is one building whereas this one is many. I lost track. You walk from giant building to giant building and then take a bus to another giant building. My husband said we should get there before 9 a.m., that people start lining up at 8:30 a.m. I thought he was crazy and was afraid we would look crazy. We got there at 8:50 a.m. and there were a ton of people already lined up. It's not like Disney rope drop lines, but you won't look crazy getting there at 8:30 a.m. Walking through security went pretty fast. We also read that you should do the bus tour first, because later in the day it can take up to an hour waiting in line. First bus tour leaves at 9:30 so we got in line at about 9:16 a.m. and I think we were on the first bus. The bus is very comfortable and it is a 15 minute to 20 minute ride to the other building. I couldn't figure out why we were all waiting outside and the doors didn't open. It's because most of the buildings have a video that they play before you get to the building part. You can always skip that by walking around the building to another door, but they are pretty neat to watch. I really don't know how to describe this other than lots of videos and interactive opportunities to learn about space. We stayed until 4:30 p.m. and that was even with skipping the 45 minute IMAX show and other shows. I wanted to get out of there before traffic got bad. If you're an adult, I'd suggest planning to go for two days. If you have young children, one day was enough and I'll probably wait a year until we go back, but we will definitely be back. This is a great place to get your kids interested in space and to delight a space loving member of your family. You can definitely come here rain or shine. If it's raining just bring an umbrella, but most of the attractions are indoors so you'd just be running from building to building. It's $10 for parking, but the parking lot is huge. If you do have young kids, there is a play center that will delight them for hours. They even have beer/wine/coffee for the parents to just sit and drink while the kids run around, which is brilliant. My younger one is still too young to run around on his own, so I did end up climbing through most of the attraction, but I'd let my five year old run free here. If I lived closer, I'd get an annual pass solely to come to this play center. The food is terrible, it is what it is. We got a burger and chicken tenders. Randomly they make you order grapes with the kids meal so I had to get a side of fries. That's one way to make future astronauts healthy. At least it has a couple different food areas and one healthy bowl place (but the bowl place didn't have kids meals so that prevented me from being healthy). I like how they have food scattered throughout the entire place, they understand that everyone can get hungry at a moment's notice.
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Pat F.

Yelp
I first visited Kennedy Space Center with my family over 20 years ago and thought it time to revisit. This shore excursion was booked through Royal Caribbean's The Oasis of the Seas. The Excursion includes round trip bus transfers, plus entry to the park and all exhibits. Docking in Port Canaveral around 12:00PM or so, to arrive at the Center after 2:00PM, does not allow enough time to encounter all the exhibits, as the park closes super early at 5:00PM. So much has changed in 20 years and we were only able to squeeze in 2 IMAX shows, which were great by the way way, a few exhibits and a lengthy stroll around the park. Others have noted that it takes at least two full days to get the full experience, so we promised our space nerdy selves to return on our own time in the future.
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Liz A.

Yelp
Always Exploring, Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL is a BLAST for space lovers of all ages! We recently adventured down where we relived the Apollo launch at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, then blasted into the future at the NEW Gateway, The Deep Space Complex, followed by a mesmerizing look at the actual Space Shuttle Atlanta, got to chat with an Astronaut, Charlie Walker, and explored the larger-than-life rocket garden. And that just the beginning of the adventure, the adventure has just begun at Kennedy Space Center. To the moon! Our first stop was to the bus tour to Apollo/Saturn V Center where you go behind the gates onto NASA property and see the Vehicle Assembly Building that's bigger than three Empire State buildings and even a NASA crawler transporter (it was in the movie Armageddon). Then, enter the world of Apollo 8 and Saturn V, where first you'll relive the Apollo launch where they immerse you in a lifelike reenactment of the Apollo launch. I was particularly impressed with this and even got goose bumps! Then, head over to the vault where you'll see Shepard's space suit, an Apollo capsule, and other cool relics from that time in the Space race. On top of that you can touch a moon rock AND stand underneath the largest rocket ever flown. After the bus tour, we rode back to the main visitor's complex and made our way into Gateway, The Deep Space Complex. There we explored visionary human deep space travel designs from SpaceX, NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin including Deep Space Habitat, Starliner from Boeing and their innovative space suit "Rosie." Interact with a variety of touch screens to explore further into each cutting-edge innovation. Gateway also includes Spaceport KSC, immersive rides that will take you on an epic futuristic journey. Our Kennedy Space Center adventure then led us to Space Shuttle Atlantis. After a brief video about the shuttle, the curtain raises to reveal the ACTUAL shuttle! The sheer size of the shuttle is absolutely breathtaking. You can explore the orbiter that traveled 126 million miles up close and explore every aspect including what the bed quarters looked like, the toilet, a replica of the controls that actually work, as well as 60 other exhibits, see shuttle-era artifacts, and fun interactive simulators. PLUS, Shuttle Launch Experience that simulates an actual launch into space! Being huge space lovers, we went to infinity and beyond and got an intimate Chat with an Astronaut. Two times a day, join a small group of Space aficionados for an intimate and thrilling adventure. During this experience, ask questions of one of NASAs astronauts, enjoy an unlimited food buffet with fruit, sandwiches, and hot foods, as well as water and soda. They're also frosty adult beverages for those 21+ like local beers and wine. Our astronaut was Charlie Walker, an industry payload specialist from 3 Discovery voyages! He told us they DO drink their own pee in space (it is filtered!), that it takes 30 minutes to prepare a meal in space, and the best food is shrimp cocktail. You go home with a signed photo and a coin! Finally, we took some time to make our way around the Rocket Garden, a "garden" of HUGE ROCKETS! Explore these engineering feats of technology that got us to where we are today. The most fascinating to me was the Titan-Mercury.
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Terri H.

Yelp
If you're space buff, this place is where it started and still is active! The visitor center is packed with memories and artifacts. Also the "Explore Kennedy Space Center" is worth the extra price. It includes the Apollo/Saturn V complex and other points such as the Vehicle Assembly Building and other places of interest. The bus driver and tour guide were awesome and informative. Orlando may be the land of the theme parks, but take a side trip for a day, maybe even 2 and see part of not only our past, but future. If you're lucky, you may even get to see a launch by SpaceX, or other organizations that launch into the stratosphere!
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Tom H.

Yelp
If you're a space fan, this is nirvana. If you're interested, interesting. If you're a critic of NASA, the bravery-music sound track at each area will make you nauseous. There are some fun rides, interesting facts, and food prices are reasonable. This is a fanboi fantasy in many ways. People come here from all over the world to get immersed in NASA and space flight. If that's your interest, young or old, you'll have a great time. It's a very accessible place. Clue: Take the bus ride, not the optional $70 version-- they go to the same place and have the same fun. It's not huge like an amusement park. It also doesn't empty your wallet like an amusement park; it's pretty reasonable for the value. Go early, and plan on taking your time. Yes, there's a Starbucks and the lines are long. You'll hear many languages spoken here; space travel and science progress are NASA's leadership skill and you'll get a huge dose of that spirit here.

Bryan M.

Yelp
Fun Had a great few days there both my teenagers enjoyed and that says a lot if you have teenagers.
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Kirsten J.

Yelp
Wow! The Kennedy Space Center is just wow! When we arrived I was a bit shocked by the ticket price but I honestly have to say that it was worth every penny of the $75/person we paid to get in. There is so much to see that you could easily spend two days. Our favorite building was the Gateway where you can learn a lot about the planets, satellites missions, check out the new rocket Artemis that will launch with my favorite astronaut Christina in 2025. Up on the second floor you can take a virtual ride into space. Amazing!!!!!
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David G.

Yelp
Ok... Here we go. I first visited back in 1992 or 1993 as a pre-teen. Now here I am 30 years later bringing my own teens. We had discounted tickets for the family and KSC was on the summer bucket list of things to go do. We got there early, before the parking gates opened, because we wanted to make sure we had enough time to do everything. Parking was easy, waited in the security line, and went on through once they opened. Headed to the bus tour first. Seeing the Saturn V rocket is amazing. Plus hearing all about the vehicle assembly building and the Artemis launchpad as we drove by was neat. Seeing the Space Shuttle Atlantis was also thrilling. At times it looks so small, and other times, so big! Probably my favorite thing to do at KSC. Now the bad part. The Orbit Cafe. This may possibly be the worst thing not only at Kennedy Space Center, but of anywhere I've visited. Ever. We lucked out and snagged a table and I did an online order. Because it'd be easier to just pass the phone around instead of being at a kiosk ordering. What a nightmare. The order was placed and the email said to pick it up at station #1. So we waited. And waited. And waited. Our order number never showed up at stations 1-3 (left side). I had my son go look for our food on the right side (4-6). But he didn't see it. Nearly 45 minutes go by, and we've asked the people behind the counter where our food is, what is going on. We're hungry, it's like the hunger games inside the place, and it's just ridiculous. Finally, we find out food had been put out on the other side (why tell me in the email confirmation it's going to be at #1?) You can't see the order #'s for that side on the left side (and vice versa). Not knowing how long our food has been sitting there, we ask them to remake it, because there's no warming lamps, nothing. Just sitting on the counter. Upon it being remade, they still had to re-do more of the order that we were missing. It is extremely overpriced for what you get. I would suggest never eating here. Ever. Don't even get a drink. Go to one of the other smaller cafes or quick service places and get food there. This is a black hole which you and your wallet will never escape from. TL;DR - Go if you can get discounted tickets. Pack a soft cooler for food or get food at one of the smaller places. Take your time, there's lots of reading to do... and for the love of everything, do not go to Orbit Cafe.