Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center!

 Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center!

 

At the end of May 2007, my family and I experienced something "out of this World!" We went on the NEW Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. I can't say enough, but let me start with-WOW! 

 

This ride begins with standing outside awaiting entry onto the ride, and before you get to do anything, they explain everything to you. This is quite informative, and let me tell you, make sure you watch each and every screen, you might miss something! The ride is explained to you before you even get on, and you can consider yourself educated. Things you didn't know, are now part of your knowledge base. The floor vibrates; you even have the smoke from take off. Again, even this experience was awesome!
 
Then you get to stand outside and line up for your shuttle simulated ride. There are four shuttle simulators. These shuttle simulators seat 44 persons, and quite nicely I might add. Once you are inside, again they explain everything to you. You buckle up, and let the fun begin!

You will go step by step through the experience of a shuttle launch just like all the astronauts. They even do the countdown, you have your main engines ignite, and then the solid rocket boosters ignite. As we are lifting off, we are being pushed back into our seats; we are now leaving the launch pad. There are several stages you get to go through, to which before hand, and during, your shuttle launch instructor, on video has already explained the scenarios. You have main engine cut off and the external tank separation. They open the pay load doors, and low and behold there is Earth from space. Again, let me say-WOW! Who ever would've guessed, a person of my age, would get to fly in space?
This ride is not scary, will not make you sick, and if you have medical conditions, you have nothing to fear. This is very educational, and a wonderful experience for one and all. Everyone in my family loved it, and can't wait to go again!

When you are through with this awesome ride that you will talk about for months on end; as you exit the ride, you are going to go through a spiral like walk way, which has photos of Space Shuttle Mission Plaques, one for each of the 100 missions. In the center of it, you are viewing Earth from Space just like an astronaut. It too, is quite memorable.

The best part, is this ride doesn't cost extra when going to Kennedy Space Center, this is included in your ticket price.

So if ever you head to Florida, and want to experience something "out of this World!" Be sure to go to Kennedy Space Center, there is so much to do there, and so much to learn. They have a lot more to offer, then this experience, although this is there newest attraction, and one of there best! This place even has bus tours, everything there is handicapped accessible, and even if you need a wheel chair or strollers, one can be provided for you. Also an added bonus, they can pet sit, if you brought your pet with you, when you came to visit! Now tell me, how special is this?

I give the Shuttle Launch experience two thumbs up, and more if I could! I will definitely frequent this when time allows!

Interview: Kennedy Space Center Tour Bus Driver

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An Interview with a Kennedy Space Center Tour Bus Driver

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Jul 1, 2008

I decided to get details regarding driving the tour buses at Kennedy Space Center. Driving for a place that famous has to be interesting, and I wanted to know. So here are the details, I hope you enjoy this as much as I did getting the information!

 

 

 

I interviewed: David Williams, Sr.

Q. What is it you do with Kennedy Space Center?
A. I am a tour bus driver.

Q. Is all that you do all day is drive?
A. No, I also point out the places, and things, and tell the people about them.

Q. Is this your first bus driving job?
A. No.

Q. Did you like your other bus driving jobs?
A. No

Q. How many years have you been with KSC?
A. Two years now.

Q. Do you like it?
A. Yes, I love it.

Q. What made you want to become a tour bus driver?
A. Well, they were hiring at the time, and I knew quite a bit about KSC because of my prior job, so I thought I would give it a shot.

Q. What do you like best about your job?
A. The teaching part of it. Every day and every bus ride is different. The people, the wildlife we pass along the way, NASA itself, other bus drivers, and even famous people come to KSC, it's never a dull moment. You never know what might happen on your next turn. You meet many people from different walks of life too, it is not a dull and boring job, like you might think!

Q. What is the worst thing about your job?
A. Not getting enough hours, and being a junior driver. The job is so fun, sometimes at the end of the day; you don't want to go home. Oh, and another thing that is bad, is the rude people who talk over top of you as you are doing your speech. It isn't just me they are punishing; believe it or not, people do want to hear what the driver has to say.

Q. Is your job an easy job?
A. Yes and no. Yes, it's easy driving. It isn't a strenuous job, no physical labor-but on the same token, you have to learn all the facts and know them. It is challenging. You have to pay attention to the Customers, and their safety, you know basic road hazards. You have to know what symbolic lights mean and how to react if we are being held up or terrorized. There are a lot of rules; it is a very strict facility. And we have to be nice, even to the rude people.

Q. Were you, or are you a NASA space buff?
A. Not before my family and I moved to Florida. I mean I knew Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, but being in Florida and living on the Space Coast I learned-even before I started driving for KSC.

Q. Is there a Union at KSC?
A. Yes

Q. How many years have you had your bus endorsement?
A. For 11 years now.

Q. How many people fit on the buses?
A. It ranges from 54 to 63 with the capabilities of carrying up to 2 wheel chairs.

Q. Did you think you were going to like this bus driving job?
A. No, not really. I didn't think I would be able to memorize everything. And I don't really like public speaking. But here I am, no regrets!

Q. Have you met any famous people?
A. Yes, astronauts like Al Warden and John Glenn as well as others!
 
Q. Have you met any non space famous people?
A. Not to my knowledge.
 
Q. Have you ridden the new Shuttle Launch Experience ride yet?
A. Yes, and it is awesome. Everyone needs to try it. It does not cost extra to ride it either; the price is included in your Admission ticket!

Q. have you rode on other people's buses?
A. Yes
Q. Do you get tipped?
A. I get offered tips but technically we aren't supposed to accept them. If people insist we can and do take them. I get offered and tipped quite a bit, and complimented all the time.

Q. Do you hope to advance in your current position, or is there even advancement opportunities?
A. In this particular job, there is no advancement, you just move up in seniority. Each slot in seniority is based on hours to be worked. The more you work, the more money you make, with raises and hours. But yes, I do hope to advance eventually.

Q. Is there a big turn around on drivers?
A. Yes and no. Lower end seniority drivers can't handle the less hours so a lot of times they leave. But those that stick around with the small amount of hours in the beginning will eventually get more hours if they remain. Some drivers have been here for over thirty years. You just have to be patient, it is a slow and painful start, and trust me; it isn't easy paying your bills on a tiny pay check!

Q. If someone asks you a question about NASA and KSC can you answer them?
A. Yes
Q. Has anyone ever asked you a question that you couldn't answer?
A. Yes. You direct them to the information center. If they can't answer your question, they will take down your name and address, and research it, and mail the answer to you. I personally research it as well, this way I am prepared for the next time!!

Q. Have you ever been scared, hijacked or terrorized during work?
A. No, not yet, and thank God!

Q. Can you tell us something customers say about you?
A. They say I am very informative, very thorough, understandable, and I make learning fun. I am entertaining. I make it so they are learning and don't even now they are doing it.
Thank you David, for this interesting interview. I do hope this helps anyone who might be interested in joining Kennedy Space Centers Tour bus drivers. I know I like to ride the tour buses when I go to KSC, and I like to have a good time when doing so! After all, it is supposed to be fun!

Published by Deneale K. Williams