It's about $40 for a ticket, but it's a two-day ticket. We were literally there all day and could have spent even more time there. And you can upgrade to an annual pass for only about $10 more, which I did because I do plan on going back. It's probably one of the MOST amazing places I've ever been. A definite must-see before you get to old to go.
In addition to visiting the boys and girls at Cape Canaveral we took a little trip over to Tampa. Why, you may ask? Because it is home to the World's Largest Bowling Pin! Huh-zah! It's quite large, and awesome. It was a little tricky to find, as it sits in a sort of a pavilion of sorts along the water. If you can find the bowling alley it is home to, you can find the bowling pin. If only we had been there later in the day for a couple frames...
But what makes our trip to Tampa even better was finding a dinosaur on the side of the road. Are you confused? Because we were at first. And then we saw that the dinosaur belonged to a mysterious place called "Dinosaur World," and our interest was peaked. So on our return back to from Tampa to Orlando we stopped and were very happy with what we found. Dinosaur World was worth the trip alone! It looked like they were even expanding Dinosaur World... what wonderful things it might hold for the future. Plus, they had Godzilla action figures in the gift shop which in itself tells you how cool this place is.
It was definitely better than the disappointed Recyclosaurus Rex at the MOSI that we also went to Tampa to find, and though he was quite cute, he wasn't worth more than a drive-by. Recyclosaurus Rex resides outside the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Fla. It very hard to get up close to him, although as we were driving away we did see the sidewalk running in front of him.
I can tell you that when you visit Florida make sure to go when it's not unbearably hot. Other than the space shuttle and the world's largest bowling pin, our main reason for visiting Florida was to get away from the bitter cold of the Pacific Northwest. We couldn't take it anymore. The idea of flip flops and sundresses was much more desirable than bundling up in a parka and rain boots. April was a perfect month to visit... except for the whole Easter thing. That part we didn't plan so well. The cost of renting a car was much higher than usual because of the holiday. So beware what holidays surround the days of your travel. A lesson learned for future trips.
There was so much more we wanted to see in Florida, but we ran out of time. I've got a list for when I return. Also, note that driving is more of an art than a science in Florida. High speeds, changing lanes without signaling, and passing cars in either the right or left lanes are all part of the art. I took to it quite well, which surprised me.
Also, you should bring a beach chair as checked luggage. Best. Idea. Ever. I'm not even joking. When you're waiting for the hotel shuttle to come pick you up, you can pop it open and have a rest because Orlando's airport didn't have much outdoor seating. And when you're waiting your fellow traveler to change into warm weather clothing, you can have a seat in the middle of baggage claim. It also provides entertainment for all airport employees and passersby. Plus, you have a chair to bring to the beach (if you go, which sadly we didn't, and which is doubly sad because that was the whole reason we brought them, to sit at the beach and watch the space shuttle launch - this is where sad face comes in).And I HAVE to go back to spend at least a week in Disneyworld. We went there for dinner one night, and based on that meal alone I decided I had to do it at some point in my life. And I have to stay at a Disney resort hotel, because really, if you're going to go to Disneyworld you should do it properly and do it all.
And I decided the best piece of furniture ever invented is a rocking chair and very nearly bought one at Cracker Barrel to bring home and put on my deck.
See you again sometime in the future, Florida. I think I like you.
