Viewing launches from WDW

[tizzo]

I just saw the following about Sea World. It sounded pretty cool. I was wondering if anyone's been in the parks at WDW during a shuttle launch, and if they do anything at all to acknowledge the event, such as tell you it's happening, where in the sky to look, etc.

Orlando Sentinel - SeaWorld's shuttle salute by

[aph]

Was at downtown disney for one. Didn't know it was going to launch that night. Found out by people saying there goes the shuttle. It was like a really bright star. Really, too far away to get really excited about it.

[jacketsfan683]

Its not the shutle but there is a rocket taking off the last day of our trip. We a talking about going over to Cocoa Beach to watch it.

[disneydame2004]

A number of us were treated to a shuttle launch while we were at the DWT Family Reunion at Epcot! It was an amazing night launch - I know there are photos on here somewhere. They didn't do anything special to acknowledge it that I am aware of - no announcements or anything. But there was no missing the incredible orange glow or the streak across the sky!

[dcr]

Saw a day launch from Tomorrowland. A bit too far away to pick out any details, but the trail that it left was impressive.

[jcv229]

Was at WDW for the most recent launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The only real mention was in the hotel lobby they had the tv's tuned to launch coverage and a print out saying the time and direction to look. It was a daytime launch and really was spectacular. I have seen a few from the Gulf Coast side of Florida, and seeing it from Disney is much better. There is no sound, but you cannot miss the huge plume going into the sky, the SRB's separating, and then a bright twinkling star continuing. If you have the change drive to cocoa beach for the full effect, but if not just remember to pack some binoculars, I had just regular 7x35 compact sized ones, just like you'd take to a football game. It really makes a huge difference and can make it more eenjoyable for kids too. You can see the orbiter and it's components, and can clearly make out the SRB's and their parachutes after seperation. I found I was watching the shuttle for a good 2 minutes beyond what could be seen with the naked eye. But overall the plume is the most impressive and like on TV, big and unmistakable.

[jcv229]

This thread made me think of another thing: Do they psot notice of when the shuttle lands? You can't really see it, but you can definately HEAR it!! The twin sonic booms as it passes overhead are enough to rattle windows too.

[mrp4352]

We got to see a night launch last December. We were at the Magic Kingdom waiting for Wishes to start. No announcement was made, but suddenly, there was an excitement in the crowd, people started pointing and we all watched the shuttle going up and cheered together! it was a fantastic moment!

[DisneyDreamer13]

I've been in MK when a launch was due, the CM's at BTMRR were keeping us updated as they were fed info over their radios, but the launch was cancelled with about 5 mins to go. It went up the next day while i was busy feeding dolphins at Sea World, without information we totally missd it.
I've also seen a launch from somewhere near Kennedy, not too sure where, we just followed the local cars and ended up with a great view, just water between us and the launch platform.

[tiggerguy]

A number of us were treated to a shuttle launch while we were at the DWT Family Reunion at Epcot! It was an amazing night launch - I know there are photos on here somewhere. They didn't do anything special to acknowledge it that I am aware of - no announcements or anything. But there was no missing the incredible orange glow or the streak across the sky!

Here are some of the photos I took at the DWT Meet. They are small but still impressive!

In our group we had a member who had a connection to someone at Cape Canaveral so we had several minutes notice.

[disneymomx2]

We were in Epcot last July 4th for a launch. We were waiting and waiting and it was alot of word of mouth fom other guests as to when it was going to happen. The CM's were helping us figure out where to look. It was neat but we mainly just saw the trail of smoke. It was just as impressive to be standing with the CM's from the Italy pavillion and see their faces as well.