12/25/13 - Coco Beach & Kennedy Space Center

This morning we took advantage of the free breakfast before we headed to Coco Beach.














It took us about 2 ½ hours to get to our La Quinta hotel.  Luckily they let us check in even though it was only 12:30. 

 While Roger rested a little bit Amanda and I walked out on the beach and went a little ways on the pier.  To go all the way out to the end it costs you $1.00 per person.  I guess that is one way to pay for the upkeep of the pier or to keep people off of it.  We went back and told Roger we wanted to head over to the Kennedy Space Center. Since it was already 2:00 I got on to find out how late they were open and it was only until 6.  I went over to the hotel computers to print season passes so that we could go every day if we wanted (buying a season pass was cheaper than 2 days).  Well when I went to print the tickets I found out the printer does not work.  The young lady who was working the front desk was very helpful and let me use her computer to print our vouchers.

So off we went to the Kennedy Space Center.  It took a half hour to get there because the speed limit never goes over 50.  On our way there we passed Port Canaveral and there was a Carnival ship in port. It got us just a little excited we can't wait to set sail on the 28th. Later I found out it was the Carnival Pride.










I have wanted to go to the KSC for a long, long time so I was very excited when I finally saw the sign and parts of the Atlantis exhibit.  I bought Roger the season pass that also included parking, which for cars is $10 a day.  So that worked out nicely. 










Of course we had to take a picture of the NASA ornament before going in. 














Once we went through the ticket gate we went to the right and entered Guest Services where we picked up our passes.  Roger didn’t get a lanyard with his pass because they were all out of the orange ones and it would confuse the park staff if he had a white lanyard since his benefits are different. 

  One of the first things you come to is the Rocket Garden.















We had fun climbing inside the different rocket modules.

Another family had asked us if we would take a picture of them in front of the Christmas tree and we said sure, as long as they would then take a picture of us. So at least we got one family picture.

We were able to catch one of the last buses for a tour that is included with admission.  We saw the 39A & B launch pads. Along with a stop at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

They are rebuilding this launch pad so they can use it in 2017 for their new space craft.

We also passed by the Vehicle Assembly building.

But for most people what got their attention were the alligators. The bus driver said that this is what most people get the most excited about.

They dropped us off at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Where we got to see & hear what happened in the Firing Room during an Apollo launch.











When we walked out there was a 363-foot moon rocket.

Amanda noticed that the date of our first walk on the moon coincides with Brad's birthday. Of course Roger said that "we planned it that way".

We also watched a recreation of the Lunar Landing.

They had displays of space suits and other items that were either used or were brought back from the moon.

 When you get dropped off the tour bus right in front of the Atlantis Exhibit.  We plan on seeing this tomorrow.

These always intrigue Roger.

Amanda and Roger picking out which design she wants for her penny.














I thought this astronaut looked kind of creepy.

Amanda thought of some of her students when she saw the Angry Birds Space Encounter. So of course she couldn't disappoint them by not going in.












Amanda was a better shot.















The views as we were leaving were touching.












It was not easy finding someplace to eat Christmas dinner but we finally found someplace we could agree on, Papa Vitos Italian Restaurant. It turned out to be pretty good. Then it was back to the hotel with full tummies.