Overnight Getaway to Visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL
An Epic “Out of This World” Experience
We wanted to get away from it all but only had time for an overnight trip that would give us two full days to explore before heading back home. So, where could we drive that would offer us an exciting experience? I’m no rocket scientist but I had a brilliant idea for us to visit Kennedy Space Center. This birthplace of American spaceflight is located in the Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area on Florida’s East Coast.
But wait, my excitement blasted off the charts when I discovered that The Wizard of Oz Museum is also located in Cape Canaveral. So off we went to first explore space and then to “follow the yellow brick road.”
Launching to Kennedy Space Center to Explore
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Visitor Complex is open from 9am to 5pm, which gave us plenty of time to explore. We drove straight to KSC from home and immediately jumped on the KSC Explore Tour. It was a full-size, air-conditioned motor coach, that took us into areas of KSC that are restricted to the general public.
A space expert provided an informative history and happenings of the space program. This tour made several stops where we got off and take photos. It was amazing to see the NASA Press Site that we’ve only seen on television and the NASA Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), an iconic structure at the space center that looks even bigger in person.
In the distance from our seats on the tour bus, we could see the space shuttle launch pad, Launch Complex 39B, but we didn’t see a rocket on the pad while we drove by. The tour dropped us off at the Apollo/Saturn V Center where we walked around at our leisure and simply hopped back on the bus when we were done.
Please note: There are many attractions offered at KSC requiring additional fees. This includes the KSC Explore Tour that we participated in, costing us an extra $25 each in addition to the 1-day adult admission of $75. Also note that the admission ticket included a free guided bus tour, but we upgraded to the KSC Explore Tour.
Attractions offered:
:: Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex® featuring Spaceport KSC®
:: Space Shuttle Atlantis® with the Shuttle Launch Experience®
:: Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame® presented by Boeing
:: Meet an Astronaut
:: Shuttle Launch Experience®
:: Forever Remembered
:: Spaceport KSC®
:: Heroes and Legends
:: U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®
:: Behind the Gates
:: Apollo/Saturn V Center
:: Chat With An Astronaut
:: Astronaut Encounter
:: Fly With An Astronaut
We ate a quick lunch at the Orbit Café, a tasty turkey bacon ranch salad and a crispy chicken sandwich. The key lime pie for dessert was our favorite part of lunch. We were pleasantly surprised to discover a Starbucks, and the coffee and iced chai latte gave us a nice jolt of energy after lunch before continuing our exploration.
Shopping at Kennedy Space Center was an experience of its own. It’s more than 15,000 square feet, the world’s largest store devoted to space memorabilia and NASA gear. We bought a “Go For Launch” coffee mug and NASA Astronaut Glove Oven Mitts that are super cute and a conversation starter when we entertain guests at our house.
Our Stay at the Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center
When we finished exploring space, we were exhausted and ready to come back down to earth to get some rest at one of the closest hotels near Kennedy Space Center. We stayed at the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral hotel near the cruise port on the night before our last cruise. However, this Hyatt Place hotel was located in Titusville, just minutes away from Kennedy Space Center.
We were able to book the Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center hotel for the one night at a rate of $149. Hotel rates vary based on the time of year. We got lucky that there were no space launches scheduled, because there would have been no vacancy at this hotel.
The hotel offers a room type that provides a “launch view” that would no doubt be an incredible experience and vantage point for guests staying in that room. We stayed in a standard, King Bed room that was pleasantly spacious and comfortable. The room included a convenient work area plus a sofa-sleeper.
Room amenities:
:: 55″ flat-screen TV
:: Individual climate control
:: Blackout curtains
:: Hair dryer
:: Bath amenities
:: Coffee maker
:: Mini refrigerator
:: Iron and ironing board
We had a great night’s sleep and started the morning with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Coffee, tea, eggs, toast, sausage, and orange juice, no complaints from us. We only stayed at the Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center for one night, so we checked out of the hotel after breakfast and headed to another must-visit place in Cape Canaveral …
“Over the Rainbow” to Explore the History of the Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz Museum takes the famous childhood story and presents the facts, highlights, and history, much of which we’d never heard before. And it’s all through captivating, immersive exhibits and memorabilia displays. I had no idea that there were 40 official Oz books in addition to the Broadway musicals, plays, and 1939 movie that we continue to watch over and over again.
I loved walking up the yellow path leading to the front door of the museum, that from the outside, resembles more of a large store than a museum. But don’t judge a book by its cover because the inside of the building has so much to look at … that it truly is a museum.
Plan ahead, because The Wizard of Oz Museum limits daily ticket sales. Like we did, try to visit on weekdays as we were forewarned that weekend spots sell out.
:: Hours: Open 7 days from 9 am – 5 pm.
:: Tickets: Adults $29.99, Kids $14.99
Included with the general admission ticket are all museum exhibits in addition to the special Van Gogh and the Universe Room.
Highlights of The Wizard of Oz Museum
The museum is a 20,000 square foot immersive journey through the world of Oz. Allow yourself the minimum of 90 minutes to walk around. Tired from the previous full day at Kennedy Space Center, we strolled around the museum at a slow pace. And we stayed for at least two hours. There is a guided tour option, but we skipped it.
The museum boasts more than 2,000 pieces including movie props. We immensely enjoyed every display as we couldn’t help but sing along as the movie music was playing in the background. I was fascinated viewing Judy Garland’s personal items, original movie costumes and detail-oriented displays of recreated movie scenes. It was also cool to view some scenes from a Wizard of Oz book that never made it into the classic movie. I laughed seeing the life-size Oz characters that made for a great photo opportunity.
The Wizard of Oz, Van Gogh, and Universe Immersive experiences were impressive. Imagine Wizard of Oz images projected on the walls and floors through more than 30 laser projectors. It’s like we magically transformed into the movie and pages of the books. When I repeatedly say the word, “wow,” I know that I’m enjoying a one-of-a-kind experience.
The gift shop offered so many Oz-themed products. I wanted to buy everything, but I restrained myself and only bought small replica ruby slippers to remind me that “there is no place like home.”
Our Overnight Stay in Port Canaveral Was a Blast
We were so pleased with our short visit to Cape Canaveral, as we went “over the moon” and “over the rainbow” to enjoy a fantastic 2-day getaway.
Before visiting Kennedy Space Center, I thought I knew a lot about the space program. I was mistaken. There is so much to learn about the past, present, and future happenings with NASA. My career pales in comparison to the dedication and commitment from astronauts and while we often use the term, “rocket scientists” in jest, that’s actually a real career title for a group of the smartest people. KSC was an enjoyable, enlightening, and thought-provoking experience.
As for The Wizard of Oz Museum, I wouldn’t go as far as saying I relived a childhood experience because Wizard of Oz is a scary movie, and some movie scenes still make me uncomfortable even watching as an adult. However, the magnificence of the movie’s success and longevity is expressed inside the walls of The Wizard of Oz Museum. The book and movie’s history blended with images from the high-tech laser projectors to help make a magical, unforgettable experience for us.