Space Coast Tourism Archives - On the Go in MCO

Florida’s Space Coast Is Full Of Fall Fun

Florida’s Space Coast brings a wave of ‘cool’ this Fall

-Spooky treats, jazzy tunes, crafty arts and “cool” deals this fall on Florida’s Space Coast-

This fall, Florida’s Space Coast brings a wave of “cool” to families and couples. From jazz concerts, to Halloween themed kid experiences to art festivals and even holiday delights, there’s so much to do on the Space Coast. Starting at just $59 guests can stay on Florida’s Space Coast and experience some beloved fall and holiday happenings.

Fall Florida’s Space Coast Favorites For All:

o Jazzoo at the Brevard Zoo – November 8 at 7:00 p.m. – Guests will relish in an unforgettable night featuring five live bands, extraordinary food and cocktails from more than 25 of Brevard County’s best restaurants and caterers for just $75. Starting October 20, tickets are $85. Jazzoo will feature the acclaimed jazz recording artist Jackiem Joyner, plus bands representing country, surf rock, top hits and classics.

o Melbourne Air & Space Show – October 4 and 5 – Families can soar with amazement during this air and space show at the Melbourne International Airport for a one-of-a-kind experience featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and an all-star line-up of some of the nation’s top civilian acts. Advanced adult tickets are $15 and $10 for children ages 6 through 12. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

Observatory Art & Algorithms Florida's Space Coast — Observatory – Art & Algorithms

o Art & Algorithms – October 3 through 12 – Art gurus can’t miss this 10-day digital arts festival. Held in a host of venues in downtown Titusville, guests will experience an international short films festival, digital art galleries, celebrity artists, animations and hands-on entertainment. Plus see the awe-striking digital projection on the side of a building transforming it before guests’ eyes. A 10-day pass is $25 and single day tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are free.

o Brevard Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo – Specific Dates in October – Kids can enjoy an evening of spooks and treats at Boo at the Zoo with a variety of fun Halloween activities, including creepy crafts, trick-or-treating, a spooky, but not too scary Boo Choo train, costume parade, a live DJ and a Haunted Trail recommended for children 10 and older. Plus come face-to-face with meerkats, rhinos, and giraffes. Boo at the Zoo runs October 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Prices range from $8 to $14 a ticket depending on the day of admission.

o Bill Cosby – November 21 – Don’t miss America’s dad and three-time Emmy winner, Bill Cosby performing at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, November 21. Tickets are on sale now ranging from $39.50 to $69.50.

o Space Coast Art Festival – November 28 through 30 – This Thanksgiving weekend, families can gather at The Cove at Port Canaveral for the 51^stAnnual Space Coast Art Festival where hundreds of artists will showcase their artwork. Families can enjoy hands-on-activities, art, food, music and a 5k Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.

Sneak Peek of Florida’s Space Coast Holiday Delights:

o Holidays in Space – The holidays are out of this world at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex during Holidays in Space beginning November 28. The Visitor Complex is adorned with a stunning array of holiday decorations. The International Space Station mural is swathed in holiday candlelight. Wreaths, garlands, lights, ribbons and bows throughout the Visitor Complex add to the holiday festival atmosphere. Holidays in Space is included with admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

o Brevard Zoo’s Holiday Happenings – Families can join the celebration at Brevard Zoo’s Holiday Happenings all December long with fun activities for kids and families. Plus, don’t miss the chance to see some of the Zoo’s favorite furry and feathered friends receive some special holiday treats on December 20 through 23.

o Holiday Nights & Candlelight Shopping – Shoppers will delight during Holiday Nights & Candlelight Shopping in downtown Melbourne. Strolling past carolers, shops decked with window candles and festive décor, shoppers will find all kinds of holiday gifts and goodies every night during the holiday season.

o Christmas Boat Parades – The holidays wouldn’t be the same on Florida’s Space Coast without the famous Christmas Boat Parades where boats glisten over the dazzling water ways of the Space Coast. Christmas Boat Parades are held at Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Merritt Island.

Florida’s Space Coast includes Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay and Titusville and is only 35 miles east of Orlando – making it Orlando’s closest beaches and a perfect destination to celebrate with family this fall and holiday season. To discover more, visit www.VisitSpaceCoast.com.

About Florida’s Space Coast

Located 35 miles (56 km) east of Orlando, Florida’s Space Coast is home to Orlando’s closest beaches. Encompassing Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, Palm Bay and Titusville, this family-friendly destination offers more than 10,000 guest rooms, and is an ideal, value getaway. Guests will discover 72 miles (110 km) of beaches, the longest stretch in the state and more than 250 square miles of wildlife refuge. It is home to one of the nation’s busiest cruise ports; is the nation’s East Coast surfing capital and the location of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where all 135 shuttle missions launched and unmanned rockets continue to launch. The Space Coast is home to Space Shuttle Atlantis and is one of only four destinations nationwide where visitors can view an orbiter. For more information, contact the Space Coast Office of Tourism at (877) 572-3224 or visit www.visitspacecoast.com. Visit www.spacecoastlaunches.com to learn about upcoming rocket launches. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitspacecoast. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/flaspacecoast.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Father’s Day Fun

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Gives Dads

An Out-of-This World Space Experience for Father’s Day

Dads can indulge their inner space geek with an out-of-this-world, space-exploration-themed Father’s Day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where visitors are always exploring.

The whole family can enjoy a full-day space experience at the Visitor Complex, which brings to life the exciting past, present and future of the U.S. Space Program. The Visitor Complex recently extended its hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to allow families more time to explore the endless fun and educational activities available.

Highlights of Father’s Day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex include:

· Becoming a space shuttle astronaut at the unique $100 million, 90,000-square-foot Space Shuttle Atlantis^SMattraction, where visitors get nose to nose with a real spaceflown orbiter. Space Shuttle Atlantis is displayed as if floating in space – the only space shuttle orbiter in the world exhibited this way. Dads also can train on various realistic simulators: take a simulated spacewalk, land the space shuttle on the shuttle landing facility, operate the robotic Canadarm or dock with the International Space Station.

· Experience the sights, sounds and sensations of a space shuttle launch at Shuttle Launch Experience. Called by NASA astronauts the world’s most realistic simulation of a space shuttle launch, Shuttle Launch Experience is now a part of Space Shuttle Atlantis.

· The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour, which gives an insider’s view of the U.S. Space Program, from the launch sites of today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the past and future of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center. The KSC Up-Close Explore Tour includes up-close views of the massive, 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), one of the largest single-story structures in the world, and the Shuttle Landing Facility. The tour stops in between the Kennedy Space Center launch pads for a close-up photo opportunity, in front of the VAB and on the NASA Causeway where guests are surrounded by a panoramic view of launch pads at Cape Canaveral that are currently accommodating rocket launches by NASA, SpaceX and the United Launch Alliance

· The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where dramatic multi-media shows and numerous hands-on displays provide visitors with an inspirational and exhilarating look into America’s quest for the moon. Guests relive the historic launch of Apollo 8 at the Firing Room Theater, then marvel at a monstrous 363-foot long Saturn V moon rocket, the most powerful rocket ever built and one of only three Saturn V rockets in existence. The Apollo Treasures Gallery showcases treasures from the Apollo moon missions, including Apollo 14 Commander Alan Shepard’s spacesuit and the Apollo 14 Command Module, Kitty Hawk.

· ATX– Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex invites guests to explore as never before. During ATX, a highly interactive program allowing guests to experience the thrill of a personalized space adventure. Participants experience the Multi-Axis Trainer, which randomly spins and twirls its occupant in multiple directions and through 360-degree revolutions, the Micro-Gravity Wall, that allows them to climb and descend in an almost effortless state, and the 1/6^th Gravity Chair, which incorporates springs and pulleys to create the true-to-life feeling of walking on the moon. The experience culminates in a simulated space shuttle mission to the ISS, with each crewmember assigned a specific role. Based on assignment, participants proceed to a full-scale shuttle mock-up or take the helm in a realistically outfitted mission control room.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the new Angry Birds^™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noonand closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers annual passes starting at $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

Week In Review And News – January 3, 2014

With the start of a new year and with so much going on after the holidays, I thought it would be a great time to restart our Week in Review and play a little catch up on this week’s highlights and news from the Orlando and Central Florida Attractions and Venues!

Week in Review – December 30, 2013 to January 3, 2014

Walt Disney World Resort

The Disney Parks Blog announced a new contest where you can win a 5-day/4-night vacation for four to either the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

We’ve just launched disney.com/resolutions where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January.

On disney.com/resolutions, we are also awarding a vacation-a-day from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to individuals, who are, as of Entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S., D.C., Puerto Rico or Canada (excluding Quebec) and who are not Minors. Sweepstakes starts 12:01 AM (EST) on 12/31/13 and ends 11:59:59 PM (EST) on 1/31/14. Click here for Official Rules.

runDisney

With Walt Disney World Marathon weekend right around the corner, runDisney was everywhere when they released details about the Limited Edition runDisney 2014 New Balance shoes!

httpv://youtu.be/C8YXAZu9kCE

You can find out more about these shoes here.

Universal Orlando Resort

With construction on Diagon Alley ramping up, A Celebration of Harry Potter drawing close, Cabana Bay opening reservations being taken, and CityWalk undergoing a HUGE transformation, the Universal Orlando Resort is buzzing with energy!

Diagon Alley Construction on December 29, 2013. Week in Review — Diagon Alley Construction on December 29, 2013.

I don’t know about you, but I am so excited for everything that is coming to the Universal Orlando Resort!!!

SeaWorld Orlando

January is Passholder appreciation month at SeaWorld Orlando, and they are offering some great deals!

Bring a friend for FREE! SeaWorld® Orlando Pass Members receive a friend for free ticket*. Online registration is required. Valid for one single-day admission by January 31, 2014. Register Now.

Double Your Discount**

Save 20% on dining in all of our cafeteria-style restaurants

Save 20% on merchandise in our gift shops

*Pass Member must be present for guest to gain admittance. Free ticket offer valid for active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year and FL Platinum Pass Members. Not valid for Fun Cards, Teacher’s Study Passes or Friends & Family Passes. Free ticket is non-transferable, not for resale and may be revoked for misuse.

**Offer only valid between Jan. 1-31, 2014. Must present active SeaWorld Orlando 1-Year, 2-Year, or FL Platinum Pass to receive savings. Not valid with any other discounts or offers. Not valid on All-Day Dining offers. Merchandise offer valid for in-park purchases only.

Amway Center

The Circus is coming to town!

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus LEGENDS is coming to the Amway Center January 9-12, but Monday the circus train rolls into Orlando. Fantastic photo opportunities will be available as the Ringling Bros. pachyderm performers parade to the Amway Center.

The Ringling Bros.animal performers will unload at 8:00 p.m. and walk beginning at 8:30 p.m. Animals will unload at railroad tracks near 1035 W. Amelia, then travel east on Amelia, south on North Hughey Ave., then west on West South St. and enter the GEICO Garage behind Amway Center. (Note: route and time are subject to change without notice.)

Tickets are still available and start at $16. Ticketmaster service charges and facility fees not included. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available atwww.ringling.com or www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, by calling 800-745-3000, or at the Amway Center box office (phone:407-440-7900). For group ticket sales and information, call 866-248-8740.

LEGOLAND Florida

If your house is anything like mine, you have watched the trailer for ‘The LEGO Movie’ four times daily and I was excited to see that they are going to be having a weekend of activities in February!

httpv://youtu.be/fZ_JOBCLF-I

February 8 & 9, 2014 Enjoy fun for all with activities to celebrate “The LEGO Movie”, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO adventure featuring an all-star cast and set to open in theaters February 7. Guests will enjoy a special movie-themed building activity, movie-themed scavenger hunt in Miniland USA and meet and greet sessions with costume characters Emmet and Wyldstyle, who play leading roles in this epic movie.

Busch Gardens Tampa

January is also Passholder appreciation month at Busch Gardens Tampa!

Double the Fun – Bring a Friend for FREE

During January, Pass Members can bring a friend for free! Online registration required. Limit one free ticket per active Pass Member. Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply. Log in now to register your friend’s ticket and learn more about this limited time offer.

Triple the Savings – 30% off merchandise, food, and beverages

All month long, Pass Members get 30% off merchandise, food and beverages when you visit the park! Offer valid between January 1-31, 2014. Other Restrictions Apply.

Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex

A Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to lift-off during a dramatic SpaceX launch scheduled for January 3, launch time is subject to change but the launch window of 5:05 p.m. to 7:17 p.m. EST. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests may view the launch from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the closest possible public viewing area, or special areas at the Visitor Complex.

Launch viewing from the Apollo/Saturn V Center, located in Kennedy Space Center, includes live mission control commentary and is available for Visitor Complex guests for $20 plus the cost of admission. Admission to the Visitor Complex is $50 plus tax for adults and $40 plus tax for children 3-11. Bus boarding for the Apollo/Saturn V Center begins at 3:15 p.m.

Launch viewing, featuring live mission control commentary, also is available from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is included in regular admission.

Week in Review- Posts from On the Go in MCO

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Staycation

New Year’s Eve at the Walt Disney World Resort

Wordless Wednesday – Happy New Year

Merchandise Spotlight – Walt Disney World Resort

Thanks for joining us for this Week in Review, and if this is indication of how jam packed 2014 is going to be I am really excited!

Historic Spanish Ship El Galeón Sails Florida Coast for Viva Florida 500

Galleon replica visits from Spain for 500th anniversary of Ponce de León landing

Marking the 500th anniversary of the landing in Florida of Juan Ponce de León, the historic replica ship El Galeón sailed from Spain for a four-port tour of La Florida, and we had the really unique opportunity to explore the ship on its visit to Cape Canaveral.

The Viva Florida 500 Voyage tells the story of this 16th Century vessel, its importance in Florida history and U.S. history, and plans for visitors to come aboard through June 3 in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, and St. Augustine.

Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer who claimed Florida for Spain 500 years ago after landing on Florida’s northeast coast. His ship’s last known navigational reading was 30 degrees, 8 minutes, off the coast of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States.
El Galeón began its historic Viva Florida 500 Voyage in Spain and recently departed from Puerto Rico, where Ponce de León was a governor. The ship’s route is similar to the one Ponce de León sailed 500 years ago and is being sailed using technology of that past era.

Ponce de León’s arrival in Florida in April 1513 marked the beginning of a European presence in what is now the U.S. mainland. He also is credited with discovering the Gulf Stream, which led to development of the early trade routes between Spain and the Americas that brought galleons filled with treasures close to Florida’s shores.
El Galeón is a 170 foot, 495 ton, detailed wooden replica of a galleon that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet. In the Viva Florida 500 Voyage, it will cover more than 900 nautical miles, with 28 crew members aboard, maneuvering more than 9,600 square feet of sail area, as it was done in the 16th century. The ship is owned by the Nao Victoria Foundation of Sevilla, Spain.

At each port, visitors can come aboard to learn about the ship and crew, the important time in Florida history the El Galeón represents, and how these events five centuries ago shaped the Sunshine State of today.

It was beyond awesome to take in all the details of this amazing ship, and to take in all the information we could! We especially loved the video of El Galeón as it was sailing with dolphins swimming along side of her!

If you have the chance to catch El Galeón during the Viva 500 Celebration, I definitely would!!!

El Galeón Information

Public tours April 15 – June 3
Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

— The Cove at Port Canaveral, Cape Canaveral: Wednesday, May 1 – Sunday, May 12
— Bahia Mar Marina, Fort Lauderdale: Tuesday, May 14 – Sunday, May 19
— City Marina, St. Augustine: Thursday, May 23 – Monday, June 3

For More Ticket information visit VISITFLORIDA.showclix.com