Happy Thanksgiving Eve all! After our journey around the world in a day, we figured it was only appropriate to get out of this world for our next trip. I am ohhhh sooo tempted to say something like Buzz Light Year “To Infinity and Beyond” or “Beam Me Up Scotty” or something super cheesy like that, but, I am resisting.
For our 3rd day in Kissimmee, Florida we decided to head to the Kennedy Space Center. We had the chance to sit on our patio and watch the sun rise as we ate breakfast.
Nothing really fancy ~ Just some Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds and a sprinkle of The Husband’s Captain Crunch….you know, for flavor. I rounded my breakfast out with a banana and some Starbuck’s Via!
I LOVE that they had the space center all decked out for the holidays too.
BEST TIP we received ~ buy your tickets and print them out BEFORE you arrive since the ticket lines can be long (as in like 50 minutes long). If you have your tickets, you just walk right in.
The first thing you see when you arrive is the Space Ship Garden.
It is actually pretty interesting because next to each space ship there is a sign explaining how it was built and whether it ever made it into space.
You can follow one of the guided tours or take a self guided tour.
There are a few shuttles you can actually walk right into and sit down for the full experience.
“Tight squeeze” ~ he is 6’3” but I cannot imagine having this be your seat for your ride to space.
After exploring the gardens, you can walk into several buildings to learn how the space center was built, how the space ships are made and how things operate at NASA.
It’s pretty cool when you walk in the door because it seems like you would be walking into a spaceship.
I think it’s awesome that they are “green” and often reuse the rocket/space capsule parts for future missions.
The “Control Center”
There are several types of capsules, rockets and ships used and they have a complete history and evolution since the space center first opened in the early 19th century.
There are several stories about the “crews” aboard and what their missions were.
Space Rover!
The lunch options at both café’s honestly left a lot to be desired. Most items were prepackaged/prepared and/or fried. I shared their chicken strips and fries with The Husband.
But, we were not brave enough to try the Astronaut Ice Cream……
There is a ride you can take where you can feel what it is like to launch in a space shuttle at 17,500 mph. It is crazy that you don’t actually move ~ they do it all by changing the pressure in the air and with the 4D movie type of affects.
We couldn’t resist ~ CHEEEEEESE!!!!!
Aside from the narrated bus tour that I heard is awesome, there are a few movies that are 45 minutes each that you can watch in 3D that are absolutely FANTASTIC!
Hubble 3D ~ it’s about the astronauts that went up set up Hubble the space telescope.
Space Station 3D ~ it’s about the astronauts life in space for those who go to space for months at a time.
If you get there early, then, you can definitely fit in everything there is to do at the Kennedy Space Center. If you are looking for something to do outside of the theme parks in Orlando, the Space Center is definitely worth the 45 minute drive.
On our way home, we had the chance to watch the sunset and see a few gaters too!!
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We stopped for dinner at a place called Little China, but, when, you walked in they said that it was Kobe Steakhouse. I guess Kobe owns Little China too.
I was totally OK with that ~ Chinese + Japanese Food = the BEST of both worlds in my book!
We ordered the combo meal to share…..It started with simple side salads topped with ginger dressing. (2 points+)
The Husband picked Pan Fried Gyoza as his appetizer to share. (2 points+ each)
I picked their Chicken & Peanut Lettuce Cups ~ Hands down the BEST lettuce cups I’ve ever had….I’d come back and have these just for my meal.
They were packed with chicken, mushrooms, crunchy noodles, peanuts and a ton of salty, sweet flavor that went well with the crisp lettuce. (3 points+ each)
They called this Clear Onion Soup ~ it was like a light beef broth soup. (0 points+)
I ate the Grilled Teriyaki Shrimp and The Husband ate the grass-fed Teriyaki Steak. For those wondering, Tepan/Hibachi Grill is actually very points+ friendly.
1 cup Shrimp ~ 6 points+
1 cup Chicken ~ 8 points+
1 cup Beef ~ 10 points+
Not too shabby, huh?!
This is where Kobe steps it up a notch to really make their teppan worth the money.
Your sides include these delicious teriyaki ginger noodles & veggies…..(5 points+ per cup)
Plus brown ride fried rice…..Not too bad for a $25 meal, huh?! (5 points+ per cup)
Your meal also comes with dessert ~ I totally LOVE the fruit presentation.
Today we decided to hang out, relax and do a little shopping. I think we are going to pick up our Thanksgiving Feast to make it tonight then head to the Beach tomorrow!!
Did you all see The Biggest Loser Thanksgiving Recipes last night?! I am all over making some of these when we get home….if you didn’t see them, you can see all the recipes here.
I can’t wait for tonight’s Biggest Loser Thanksgiving special!
Night all!
Happy Thanksgiving to you both!!
I love visiting the Space Center. Glad you enjoyed it. I agree that the food there is ho-hum. Have fun the rest of your visit.