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Although we've been to Florida many times, and pretty much done all of the tourist traps to death, last year was the first time we visited KSC.
I have to say, unashamedly, that we found it a special experience.
The entire day passed in a flash, and we didn't take in everything that we hoped to.
Certainly, it is set up to make money and the commercial implications of this are visible throughout, but the subject matter is brought so vividly to life that even an old cynic like me was completely captivated.
A must see from my perspective!
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I just returned yesterday after a 2 day stay and my experience mirrors yours.
The NASA Visitors Center is operated under contract by a company called Delaware North and they do a fantastic job of running the place on the behalf of NASA.
Every single employee that my wife and I had contact with was ultra friendly, helpful and professional and I was impressed with that.
The place was spotless too, and each and every exhibit was in working order.
The KSC visitor center isn't intended to be a money maker, but rather it's supposed to be financially self sufficient and yes, it's an expensive operation.
It cost me $160, including tax, bus tour of the actual launch facitilities and free parking, for two Multi day passes which are good for a year and which covered everything we did except for lunch.
The concession type food was very reasonably priced, probably at NASA's insistence under the terms of the operating contract.
Compared to some bullshit theme park, NASA's Kennedy Space Visitor Center is a huge bargain; and it's awe inspiring as well.
ETA: naturally since its a NASA installation, carrying is prohibited and you do walk through metal detectors on the way in.
Yeah, I left my gun in the car, but I totally forgot about my Benchmade AutoStryker.
When I emptied my pockets of change and placed my wallet and watch into the blue rubber tub they hand you, I threw my knife iside my wallet and under the pile, and placed my camera bag on top of everything.
While I engaged her in pleasantries, the lady at the gate took a quick peek into the tub and my camera bag and I was through the gate.
I'm not sure whether or not the knife was spotted but the following day it remained in the car.
Just remember; you'll be passing through a metal detector.