DEL.ICIO.USBUDGET TRAVELER
NASA shuttle launches are a good reason to travel to Orlando area
For the Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
One of life’s most thrilling moments is to witness, in person, the launch of a NASA Shuttle from Cape Canaveral-Kennedy Space Center. What a great spring break or summer experience for the kids! Even if Orlando is your main destination, the drive to the east coast launch view area is just under 45 minutes from the theme parks of greater Orlando. The next launch from Kennedy Space Center is the Shuttle Discovery on Wednesday, March 11, at about 9:20 p.m.
Clara
Bosonetto Maerz's column is published weekdays on ajc.com.
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Assuming you won’t make it Wednesday night, start planning to make the trip south, and soon. NASA plans to retire the entire shuttle fleet next year — which leaves only about eight more scheduled missions — and dramatic lift-offs.
According to NASA.gov, two upcoming Shuttle launches are scheduled for May. The May 12 launch of Atlantis with seven astronauts on board will attempt to finally repair the Hubble Space Telescope. The next scheduled date for a launch is May 15 (Endeavour) with the delivery of a laboratory to the ISS, or International Space Station.
Check out the NASA Web site for other launch (all are awesome) information, www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html
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And now, how about some great deals on hotel in the Orlando area, or maybe on the coast?
Have a look at the great vacation values at FloridaVacationAuction.com.
One of the many upcoming deals is for a three-day, two-night stay at the Courtyard Marriott Cocoa Beach Hotel.
This property is in a fine central locale to watch NASA space shuttle launches, enjoy the Atlantic beaches and discover the area’s wildlife preserves. It’s minutes to Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral cruise lines and other Cocoa Beach attractions.
A two-night stay at the Courtyard Marriott Cocoa Beach Hotel normally retails for about $338 for two persons, but take a chance to bid on a two-night stay for just $70.
The auction opens for this lot on March 15 and closes March 22. If you’re lucky and get the lot at a low rate, the stay is redeemable between April 25 and September 25 (some blackouts apply).
Winning bids are inclusive of all taxes and there are no add-on fees or service/handling charges. So, bid with confidence.
Florida Vacation Auction is a safe auction outlet with hundreds of deals on hotel stays and activities (attractions, golf, spas, etc.) from Pensacola to Jacksonville to Key West. It is a partner with VISIT FLORIDA, the State of Florida’s official source for travel planning. Also, the brand is a member of the Florida Lodging Association and the Florida Attractions Association.
http://www.floridavacationauction.com
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Through midnight Thursday (March 12), AirTran offers one-way sale rates from Atlanta to Orlando from $69 on trips finished on or before Nov. 4. Some blackout dates apply. www.airtran.com
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