Kennedy Space Centre - Fly with an Astronaut

Question

Hello

Having never been before is the “Fly with an Astronaut” tour worth it for something different? Does it allow you access to places normally restricted to the public? Or is it all the same places with an astronaut as your guide?

At the end of the tour it says that it takes you back to the Apollo/Saturn v Centre - I assume that is where most of the “exhibits” etc are? Would you need a second day to come back and see everything or is a lot covered in the tour?

Sorry for all the questions but just trying to work out what will be best for us. We are all extremely interested in the Space Centre (2 parents and 3 young adults aged 21, 19 and 16) and wanting to maximise our experience. Coming from Australia we may not get another chance to come back in a while.

Oh and it will be in Dec.

Thanks again.

Answer

First of all, it’s great to hear that you and your family are so excited about visiting the Kennedy Space Center! It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, especially if you're coming from Australia. Now, to answer your questions about the "Fly with an Astronaut" tour and how to make the most of your time there:

1. Is the "Fly with an Astronaut" tour worth it?

The "Fly with an Astronaut" tour is a unique and immersive experience that allows you to interact with an actual astronaut and gain a deeper understanding of space missions. While it doesn’t necessarily give you access to secret or restricted areas, the real value lies in the exclusive insight the astronaut provides. You'll get a guided tour by someone who has experienced space firsthand, and that’s something you won’t get in a regular tour.

The astronaut will share personal stories and experiences, making the tour much more engaging and educational. For space enthusiasts, this personal connection is often a highlight of the visit. If you’re someone who loves learning about the space program and has a strong interest in astronauts’ perspectives, then it’s definitely worth it for something different. However, if you’re just looking to see exhibits and displays, you might be able to skip this and explore the center at your own pace.

2. Does it provide access to places normally restricted to the public?

While the "Fly with an Astronaut" tour gives you special access to an astronaut-led tour, it doesn’t typically include areas that are completely off-limits to the public. However, it does give you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at parts of the Kennedy Space Center that are not included in the regular tours, such as the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and sometimes you’ll get access to areas that are not on the general public's radar. For example, you may get to visit parts of the Apollo/Saturn V Center or see the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close with the guidance of your astronaut host.

3. What is covered in the tour, and should you plan for a second day?

The "Fly with an Astronaut" tour is about 4.5 hours long, and at the end, it takes you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, which is indeed home to some of the most iconic exhibits. This includes the massive Saturn V rocket, which is one of the centerpieces of the Kennedy Space Center, and the various displays related to the Apollo missions. The tour will also include time at the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which is one of the most popular attractions, showcasing the retired Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Given the comprehensive nature of the "Fly with an Astronaut" tour, a lot of ground will be covered. However, if you're planning to explore everything in depth, you might find that you could benefit from a second day. There are additional exhibits, such as the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which takes you to restricted areas like the launch pads and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), that would require more time. Since you’ll be visiting in December, it can be a bit busier than usual, so having a second day could be helpful to avoid feeling rushed.

4. Should you plan for a second day?

If you are deeply interested in space exploration and want to maximize your experience, a second day would be ideal. The Kennedy Space Center is expansive, and there are plenty of exhibits that might require more time to fully appreciate, such as the Mars exhibit, the Orbiter Processing Facility, and more detailed NASA history displays.

That said, if you're only able to spend one day, the "Fly with an Astronaut" tour will still cover a lot of the highlights, especially if you're focused on the major exhibits like the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Apollo/Saturn V, and the astronaut-led tour. You might just want to pace yourselves and pick a few additional exhibits to see after the tour ends to round out your visit.

5. Other Tips:

Arrive Early: The Kennedy Space Center opens early, and getting there when it opens allows you to beat some of the crowds, especially in December, when there may be more visitors due to the holiday season.
Plan Ahead for Lunch: There are some great dining options at the space center, but they can get crowded, so it's good to know where you want to eat ahead of time. There are both quick-service and sit-down restaurants, but if you're tight on time, the quick-service options may be better.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be walking quite a bit, especially if you're exploring both the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen since you'll be outdoors for part of the day.
Check for Special Events: Depending on your travel dates in December, there may be special events, presentations, or demonstrations at the Kennedy Space Center. It’s worth checking the schedule before your visit to see if there’s anything extra you’d like to add to your experience.

Conclusion:

The "Fly with an Astronaut" tour is a fantastic way to enhance your visit and learn from someone who has lived the experience of space travel. While it doesn’t necessarily give you access to completely restricted areas, it does offer a unique perspective and a behind-the-scenes experience that will add depth to your trip. For a well-rounded experience, a second day is highly recommended to fully explore the center and its many exhibits, but if you’re pressed for time, the astronaut tour and major exhibits can still provide a lot to enjoy in a single day.

Enjoy your visit to the Kennedy Space Center! It's an unforgettable experience, especially for space enthusiasts like yourselves.