ex•plore /ik’splôr/

verb

1. travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it ”

definition by Oxford Dictionaries

Three, Two, One…….Liftoff! It’s World Space Week!

The Journey Begins

The idea of entering space isn’t new, it’s inspired stories, movies and vocations since before our great grandfathers pondered the meaning of life. However, the date of first recording us entering space, was much closer than you’d think. The year was 1942 when a German V2 Rocket reached space in a mistake that launched the beginning of space travel. Fifteen years later, the first man-made vehicle, purposely built to reach space, Sputnik 1, was launched by the USSR on an R-7 rocket. Then on January 1, 1958, from Cape Canaveral Missile Anex, Florida, the US launched the first satellite spacecraft to detect the Van Allen radiation belt. The aptly named Explorer 1 sent back data over almost four months until the batteries died.

Launching Our Interest

Then, almost twenty years later, in 1977 our imaginations were inspired again. Far reaching expectations, helped us journey beyond the atmosphere. From “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away”, appeared an amazing director named George Lucas, bringing us, “A New Hope.” I’d be dating myself to let you know I was 7 when they released it for the first time. Beside myself with anticipation, I couldn’t wait to see what happens in the farthest reaches of the universe. Forty two years later, my children are now die-hard fans of the empire George Lucas created around an epic world we love traveling to in the Star Wars franchise.

After Star Wars was introduced to us, a whole series of life among the stars and planets was imagined. Starting with a made for the big screen premier of Buck Rogers From The 25th Century (based on a 1928 short story). Then shortly after, Saturday morning cartoons were seasoned with a quirky futuristic family called The Jetsons.

Claiming Our Piece Of The Final Frontier

Glimpsing the darkness beyond the stars and the unknown possibilities awaiting us on the outskirts of our galaxy, gives us both pause for the past and excitement for the future. What once was only an idea, has been morphed into an industry. Now, finding a way to pierce the atmosphere and explore the worlds beyond us is a feat only the smartest earthlings dare to dream. Are you one of them?

Travel to foreign shores and foreign lands pulls on almost everyone’s heartstrings. If you’re adventurous enough and dream of visiting space, we’ve found the 3 best places to visit space, for you, from here on earth during this celebration of World Space Week.

Spend World Space Week At:

Kennedy Space Center™

It’s Rocket Science

It’s time to plan your mission, because it is rocket science here…….it all is! Enter a world where it all began for the American space program at Kennedy Space Center’s Mission Zones. From the dawn of space travel to on-going missions,you’ll travel through space in attractions grouped by chronological era.

Mission Zone 1

Starting at Heroes & Legends, you’ll reach for the stars learning the path of the pioneers of NASA’s early space programs. On this journey you’ll wander the US Astronaut Hall of Fame®. Be mesmerized as you walk among the giants in the Rocket Garden learning how to defy gravity.

Mission Zone 2

In the Behind the Gates Mission Zone, you’ll access historic launch sites & working spaceflight facilities on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. Venture further, to witness a human on the moon in Race To The Moon. This Mission Zone will help you relive the wonder and excitement of the Apollo Era, under the gigantic Saturn V, the largest rocket ever flown. Watch history unfold at the launch of Apollo 8 right from the Firing Room!. Learn what technology kept astronauts safe while traveling to the Moon. Explore how to land the real Lunar Module 9 on the foreign terrain of the Moon. And, just when you thought you’ve seen it all, lay your hands on an actual Moon Rock. Finish this mission with a fitting memorial to tribute the lives and accomplishments of Gus Grissom, Ed White & Roger Chaffee. These are the three astronauts who perished in training for the flight of Apollo 1.

Mission Zone 3

An American icon comes to life in the Mission Zone: Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other. At the Space Shuttle Atlantic®, learn of the missions that secured the future of the Hubble Space Telescope & the International Space Station. Train like an astronaut, practicing docking and landing it with training simulators. The, prepare for lift-off at the Shuttle Launch Experience®. Experience the sights, sounds and sensations of blasting off into space.

Mission Zone 4

And, for a grand finale, complete your mission in NASA: Now & Next’s Mission Zone. With 3D films at the IMAX® Theater, you’ll experience the awe of the Red Planet. This epic film makes you want to sign up now for the Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted. Get immersed in the wonder of science from current & upcoming missions. How will we push forward to explore deep space?

Re-Fuel

Of course all this space travel is sure to build up a worldly appetite. Enjoy the many eateries throughout to fuel this journey. From cafe’s to food trucks to the G Force Grill Dining and a final stop at the Milky Way Ice Cream Shop, you’re sure to have an out of this world experience.

Book Your Mission Now

For the best prices to get your tickets and plan your mission click on here: OnceUponAPostcard.com and scroll down to Best of Orlando. Click on that highlighted word or the ad below it. This takes you to the site to purchase the tickets. You’ll see a tab that says “Attractions” here, click on that and choose “All Attractions” You’ll find Kennedy Space Center here with 25% off the gate price. Click on that and choose your tickets. If you need transportation there, click on “Tours” in the top tabs & choose excursions. You can book your transportation to Kennedy Space Center here also. If you are planning a complete getaway, they also have a hotel guide there. For the ultimate getaway package, go back to OnceUponAPostcard.com and get the best deals on flights, accommodations, gears and gadgets (click Resources at the top & book everything right here).

The Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral

While you’re in the area and for the best views in town, don’t forget to stop in the newest addition to Port Canaveral. The Exploration Tower’s unique contemporary design is a metaphoric sail on a ship. These 7 stories of fun include interactive experiences, art and most importantly for World Space Week, an observation deck. Mainly a maritime exhibit following the path of the port, they’ve included a special floor called the Air & Space Port.

On the 6th floor, take in views of Kennedy Space Center. This zone and its exhibits celebrate the pioneers of air and space. You even have a clear view of a rising rocket. The 7th Floor is the Outdoor Observation Deck. This panoramic view is the perfect spot to witness a launch or take in the entirety of the beauty in Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Grab a drink at the first floor cafe and settle in for a once in a lifetime experience at one of the VIP Rocket Launch Viewings.

With tickets only costing $6.50 for adults & $3.75 for a child (3-10), how could you not. They also offer discounts for Brevard County residents, Military & Seniors. Check in with them for prices on tickets for VIP Rocket Launch Viewing Tickets.

The Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral is located at:

670 Dave Nisbet Drive, Port Canaveral, Florida 32920

Phone: 321-394-3405

Buy Tickets At: explorationtower.com

P.S. As a fun extra, if you’re planning a special corporate or private event they’ll put together packages for your group. For an out of this world wedding in an elegant setting, imagine your pictures with the Kennedy Space Center in the distance!

Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios™

A Far Away Galaxy

Enter a galaxy far, far away in Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ at Walt Disney World™,Orlando, Florida. Their newest attraction blasts you into the world of Star Wars at the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge™

Gear Up

Before you get started, choose your allegiance at the First Order Cargo or Resistance Supply. Pick up recruitment gear and supplies to aid you in the daring mission ahead. Then head out to explore the long-forgotten planet of Batuu and the exotic Black Spire Outpost. Hide out with the scoundrels, rogues and smugglers in this treacherous village of secrets.

Fly, Build & Create

Fly the Millennium Falcon on an interactive thrill ride and smuggling mission. Join the Force in Savi’s Workshop and build your own custom lightsaber. Stop by the Droid Depot to assemble and customize the droid you’ve always wanted. Dine in a hanger bay and feast on galactic favorites at Docking Bay 7 and Cargo. Or, grab a curious concoction at Oga’s Cantina. Peruse antiquities or outfit yourself in galactic apparel. But don’t leave without sampling the blue and green milk Luke Skywalker so famously drank in the movies.

Your Favorite Characters

This newest attraction is only highlighting the already amazing space-age encounters they have throughout this epic park. Take the munchkins on Alien Swirling Saucers. In the skies above Toy Story Land, space cadets of all ages enjoy this gentle ride with the cutest extraterrestrials in the galaxy. You can then head over to board your Starspeeder 1000 to race off in a flight simulator 3-D experience piloted by C-3PO. On this, Star Tours-The Adventure Continues, every ride is different. Be surprised by your favorite characters joining you on this journey of a lifetime. Get lost in the exclusive documentary on the creative team behind this ever evolving story. Explore exhibits, models , artwork and actual movie props at the Star Wars Launch Bay & Theater.

The Proof You Entered Outerspace

Before you leave and head back to your own galaxy, I’m sure you’ll want to prove to all those nay-sayers that you entered the farthest reaches of another world. So jump on in to every Star Wars Photo Ops placed throughout the park. Snap your pictures in those iconic Star Wars settings. I wonder how long it takes to post an Instagram™ from outerspace?!

Book Your Experience Now

For the best prices to get your tickets and travel to this galactic land click on here: OnceUponAPostcard.com and scroll down to Best of Orlando. Click on that highlighted word or the ad below it. This takes you to the site to purchase the tickets. You’ll see a tab that says “Theme Parks” here, click on that and choose your tickets. Get all your accommodations here as well for a complete getaway. If you’d like to compare prices, click here again: OnceUponAPostcard.com and scroll down to Undercovertourist.com and click on their highlighted name or ad. They also offer great ticket packages and accommodations for every budget. At this site, I also like to check their “Crowd Calendar” to plan my trip around the best times so I can maximize my fun!

Book This Trip To Slip the Surly Bonds of Earth For World Space Week

Of course, I’d be remiss to leave this out, especially since we’re celebrating World Space Week and planning travel. The future is here in light-speed, my friends. For the discerning traveler, the greater, grander adventure of traveling to space is already a reality. Believe it or not, there are already companies that have shown your friends zero gravity & they’re ready to take you too! If you keep tabs on the Space Tourism Industry, you know very recently they began sending people to space on a literal getaway. The tickets for these epic trips of a lifetime range from $35,000 per night to over $250,000.00 for the excursion, depending on how long you want to travel through space. If you’re looking to slip the surly bonds of earth any time soon, you’ll have to get in line, the waiting list is growing for these companies. Book your once in a lifetime getaway today by visiting the websites of these companies:

• Space Adventures®
• Virgin Galactic®
• SpaceX®
• Blue Origin®
• Zero2Infinity®
• World View Enterprises®

Observatories To Visit For World Space Week

If you’re not close to Orlando, Florida or Cape Canaveral this week, there are still amazing ways to get lost in space. One of my favorite places to wander the galaxy is Go-Astronomy.com™. They have a list of every Observatory in every state. Locate yours and visit it today!

Photo & Video Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Note: This information was accurate when it was published but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates, dates and details directly with the locations and events in question while planning your trip.

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