[badchap]

I'm posting a few links that were helpful to me.. apologies in advance if you're already familiar with them, but perhaps for the benefit of any others who may be considering a similar adventure, you might bear with me..

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/event-sign-up.aspx


http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/sp...g-tickets.aspx



http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html


http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/


http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/

http://www.launchphotography.com/Shu...h_Viewing.html


http://www.spaceflightnow.com/


http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html

First link - to sign up with KSC so you recieve email updates on all launches, and notification of when launch tickets are going to be on sale.. they usually go on sale about 6 weeks prior to a launch, and the causeway tickets usually sell out in about 2 minutes.. followed by ' dine with an astronaut' + causeway tickets (so just go for the latter if you're going direct through NASA , IMHO, you have an extra couple of minutes that way)
Tickets to view from the Visitors Centre are a bit slower to sell out - a few days from what I gather from following it) as you do not see the shuttle on the launch pad, but can only see it once it has lifted off and has cleared a line of trees.. however, I believe there are tv screens around to compensate, and if travelling with young children, there is lots to look at within the centre to keep them amused whilst waiting for the clock to restart after that final 9 minute hold..

You must read all about their conditions of sale of launch tickets, but also, on the second link about launch viewing tickets, you'll notice over on the right of that page, two bus companies named.. Central Florida Tours, and Greyline/Gator tours - you are also able to purchase tickets through these 2 coach companies; they are more expensive than the direct NASA tickets, but they include of course, transport to and from the space centre - so saves you hiring a car if you preferred not to do that.. They have designated pick up points that you have to be at though.