Saturday's Launch (Orlando, Winter Garden, Cape Canaveral: rent, camp, beach)

[tiggergolf3]

We would like to spend the day at a beach on Saturday (May 31) and then stay to watch the 5:00 PM (?) launch.

We are coming from Winter Garden. I need specific suggestions/directions as to where to set up "camp" for the day. We will have two families / two vehicles. Kids are ages 6-16. We'll only be able to take so much sun/surf, but will want to have a spot to hang out. Looking also for somewhere that is close to a McDonalds / Subway type place.

Any suggestions? And what time do we need to get there?

[cmj_fla]

I would suggest Jetty Park. Its right on the beach and has an amazing view of the launch. However, it can get extremely crowded a few hours before the launch (but almost any viewing area that is good gets crowded). I suggest making a day of it and get there early. Enjoy the beach and bring a picnic and there would be no reason to leave. However, they do have refreshment stands. Admission to Jetty Park is $5.00 per car or $7.00 per RV. If you decide to camp then I think you have to get a reservation as soon as possible.

To get there from Winter Garden. Take the turnpike south to the Beachline (Rt. 582). Take the 528 east towards Cape Canaveral. When you get to the Port take the Terminal B exit. When you get off just take that road and it dead ends into Jetty Park.

Hope this helps!

[marypoppins]

I'll be at OIA meeting family around that time. Do you think we'll see anything from there?

[Wilshire81182]

You can see the launch from many places in Orlando. It looks like a shooting star though from the city, whereas up close it is much cooler. Kind of a cool thing to show your family when they get here if they are not from the area.

[Keeper]

You can see the vapor trail when it isn't cloudy even on the west coast of FL. You can also see the booster rockets if you watch it long enough.

[marypoppins]

Originally Posted by cmj_fla

I would suggest Jetty Park. Its right on the beach and has an amazing view of the launch. However, it can get extremely crowded a few hours before the launch (but almost any viewing area that is good gets crowded). I suggest making a day of it and get there early. Enjoy the beach and bring a picnic and there would be no reason to leave. However, they do have refreshment stands. Admission to Jetty Park is $5.00 per car or $7.00 per RV. If you decide to camp then I think you have to get a reservation as soon as possible.

To get there from Winter Garden. Take the turnpike south to the Beachline (Rt. 582). Take the 528 east towards Cape Canaveral. When you get to the Port take the Terminal B exit. When you get off just take that road and it dead ends into Jetty Park.

Hope this helps!

Thanks, very helpful info. My visitors are due to arrive at OIA at 2pm, so if they clear immigration fairly quickly, we are going to head over that way. Or do you think we'd be crazy to drive over there so soon before the launch is scheduled?

What happens if the roads/highways get gridlocked? Are there plenty of police to organise the traffic? And if traffic is at a standstill, are you allowed to get out of your vehicle and watch the launch from wherever you happen to be stuck?

[cmj_fla]

Originally Posted by marypoppins

Thanks, very helpful info. My visitors are due to arrive at OIA at 2pm, so if they clear immigration fairly quickly, we are going to head over that way. Or do you think we'd be crazy to drive over there so soon before the launch is scheduled?

What happens if the roads/highways get gridlocked? Are there plenty of police to organise the traffic? And if traffic is at a standstill, are you allowed to get out of your vehicle and watch the launch from wherever you happen to be stuck?

Why not give it a shot? The worst that could happen is that you get stuck on 528 and then I would suggest pulling over and finding a spot to view from there. If you can get to the portions of the Beach Line crossing over the Indian River (the Bennett Causeway) and the Banana River then you will get a pretty great view. Have fun!

[darcie912]

If you are traveling when the launch is actually happening there will be a bunch of people pulled over on the side of the road. The roads aren't normally gridlocked except maybe on the way home. Listen to the radio AM and you will hear all the broadcast

[tiggergolf3]

Thanks for your suggestion. We will try Jetty Beach. Do you think 11:00 AM is early enough to arrive on Saturday? Do they rent umbrellas? Cost?

[cmj_fla]

Here is a link to Jetty Park's website: Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral Florida with Campground, Pier, Beach and Fishing

Have fun!