Best Orlando Attractions

Best Orlando Attractions include Disney World Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Sea World, Gatorland, Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, and much more!  Get discount attraction information, reservations, coupons and tickets online from Central Florida Magazine.

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Historic May 14 Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis

On May 14, Central Florida residents and visitors will have a chance to view the historic last launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center.  Atlantis is one of three remaining shuttle orbiters, each of which is scheduled to have its final flight between now and the end of the year.  The mission designation for the flight is STS-132 (which stands for Space Transfer System mission #132).

Atlantis’ 12-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will deliver a 23-foot long, 17,000 pound Russian-built research module that will provide additional storage space and a new docking port.The module will be permanently attached toone of the existing sections of the ISS and will carry important hardware on its exterior including a radiator, airlock and a European-built robotic arm.  Three spacewalks are planned to install spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a Ku-band antenna and spare parts for the Space Station’s Canadian-built robotic arm.

This and the other final flights of Discovery on September 16 and Endeavor no earlier than mid-November will be the last opportunity to transport large components and spare parts to the ISS, which can only be delivered using the large cargo bay provided by the Shuttle.

This will be the 32^nd flight for Atlantis, which lifted off on its maiden voyage on Oct. 3, 1985.   Later missionsincluded the launch of the Magellan probe to Venus in May 1989,Galileo interplanetary probe to Jupiter in October 1989, the first shuttledocking to the Mir Space Station in June1995 and the final Hubble servicingmission  in May 2009.

Atlantis is named after a two-masted sailingship that was operated for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute from 1930to 1966.

In total Atlantis has logged 115 million miles of space flight has spent 282 days in earth orbit.

The scheduled launch time is 2:20 pm, given favorable weather conditions at the Kennedy Space Center and at its downrange emergency landing sites in case one is needed.

For those who wish to be as close as possible for the launch, prime viewing sites are along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1 especially in Titusville, the Beachline Expressway Rt. 528 where it crosses over the Indian River, in Cocoa Beach off Route A1A, and at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral.  Plan to arrive at least 3-4 hours prior to launch.

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Central Florida Vacation – Disney Cruise

If you’re planning a Central Florida vacation, consider taking a Disney Cruise. There are many different cruise lines to choose from, all offering some of the same, but if you have children you should especially consider a Disney cruise. Disney Cruise Lines offers activities for kids of all ages (adults too!) and a variety of package options are available. You may want to consider a three, four, or seven night cruise to the Bahamas, Eastern or Western Caribbean ports of call, or the popular Land and Sea Cruise, which includes a visit to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

The Disney name has always been synonymous with family oriented quality fun, and if you’ve never been to either Disneyland or Disney World, or on any cruise for that matter, then a Disney Cruise may be just the ticket! You’ll be able to spend time at exotic ports of call such as Key West, Cozumel, The Bahamas, Grand Cayman Islands, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. John,  and Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private paradise. Special cruise ports are sometimes available on a limited basis to such tropical paradises as Antigua, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Costa Maya. Be sure to check with Disney Cruise Lines for all available options before booking your trip. Special cruise packages are also available at certain times of the year like during the holidays, and you can tailor your vacation to spend more time at sea or at various ports of call-it’s your choice!

A Disney Cruise vacation offers original Disney entertainment and activities, comfortable staterooms, and a variety of onboard activities in addition to those offered on shore. Special accommodations are also available for those with disabilities or other special needs. Your kids won’t be disappointed with the Disney kids’ clubs that have activities for all age groups, of course, you don’t have to feel left out, and you can join in as well! There are also pools (with Disney movies on the side for the kids), spas, state-of-the-art cinemas, lounges, nightclubs, restaurants, and Broadway-style nightly entertainment; you will never run out of things to keep you and your family occupied!

Check out the official Disney Cruise Line website at www.disneycruise.com or call your local travel agent for discounts, accommodations, and ports of call available in your desired travel time frame. For a truly magical memorable vacation experience, consider a Disney Cruise vacation whether it’s for the whole family, or for a romantic getaway-be a kid again.

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