Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-129 on Launch Pad 39-A preparing to liftoff. Photo by- tbeck

Just back from Florida and I have to say, wow! After you read this post you’ll have to see if you agree.

After seeing my first Space Shuttle launch on July 4th, 2006, I continued to make threats to my Brother. He would HAVE to make it to a Shuttle launch before the program ends next year. Good fortune and timing worked out for my Brother, a friend and I, Monday, November 16th, 2009 when we witnessed Space Shuttle Atlantis launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

We had all been closely watching the preparations for launch for about a month. There was one delay which actually worked out in our schedules favor. Everything seemed to be working out. The weeks leading up to launch went so smooth it was almost eerie. There were no technical difficulties and even more shocking was the weather forecast called for only a 10% of launch scrub. In other words, there is practically no way weather would be a concern.

Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-129, main engine ignition. Photo by- tbeck

With the facts at hand we decided to make a run for it and try to catch the launch. There seemed nothing stopping a successful launch. We left Sunday afternoon and arrived in Titusville, Florida Monday morning around 6:15 am. There were already people parked along the Indian river waiting for the 2:28 pm launch. We were lucky to have arrived so early.

We staked out our spot and began the watching and waiting. It was very overcast in the morning but we assumed the weather would clear up. As the hours pasted it continued to be very overcast. News reports indicated the local weather had been updated as 80/20, or 20% chance the launch would have to be scrubbed due to weather constraints. More time passed and they announced it had gone to 70/30. The skies were not looking good and the forecasters agreed. Though weather did not go “Red” (no launch) they were not getting better and this was a serious concern. All emergency landing sites around the world were all a go.

Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-129, solid rocket ignition and liftoff! Photo by- tbeck

We began to think our chance to view a launch would be taken from us due to local weather. But then, just a few hours before launch, things seemed to begin to improve. Hints of blue sky began to appear. Reports started to coming in that weather was improving every minute. We heard (unofficially) that weather was a go!

Then the critical T-minus 9:00 minute hold. During this hold period more Space Shuttle launches have been delayed then at any other time in the countdown sequence. The whole launch team is polled for a go, no-go status update. We tuned to a local radio station broadcasting the update. All stations reported “Go flight!”, leaving the final report from range weather who responded, “No constraints to launch.”

After some high fives we all took our positions behind our cameras and prepared for launch, now only about 15 minutes away! I still could not believe I was going to get to see another launch. It didn’t (and still doesn’t) seem real.

Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-129, clears launch pad 39-A! Photo by- tbeck

Sure enough, the first telltale signs of main engine start could clearly be seen. Seconds later the solid rocket boosters are ignited and liftoff occurs. (Getting goosebumps just writing this) A huge cloud erupts from the base of the pad and we could start to see the Shuttle begin flight. Watching it leave the pad almost seemed to be in slow motion. The distances and scale of what you are witnessing are hard to comprehend.

The flame from the Solid Rocket Boosters is almost like looking into the Sun. It is incredibly bright and almost difficult to watch in person.

About 15 seconds after liftoff the sound reaches our location. Even from over 12 miles away, the sound was incredible. It sounded like a bomb had gone off, but it just continued to grow in volume and intensity. I could feel my pants shaking against my legs!

Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-129 beginning the roll pitch maneuver. Photo by- tbeck

Before long the Solid Rocket Boosters cut off and Space Shuttle Atlantis was gone from sight. It is a huge adrenaline rush just to watch a launch. I think it took me about 30 minutes before I felt my heartbeat return to normal.

We all packed up and hopped in the car but we were not heading home. Like the old commercial would read, “You’ve just seen Space Shuttle Atlantis launch. What are going to do next?” We went to Walt Disney World. There’s no way I’m going to be that close to Disney and not go! Actually I have to thank for sister for giving me a heads up. She emailed hours before we left to tell me that the Osbourne Christmas lights are running now. It’s all the excuse I needed!

On the drive over we called and got reservations at Disney’s All-Star Music resort. In fact, we scored a discount. We also began to formulate our plan. We had just a few priorities. #1- See the Osbourne Christmas light show. #2- See Illuminations! Time was tight, but we were up to the challenge!

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Photo by- LowPingBoy

We arrive at our resort at about 4:45 pm and got checked in very fast, no line, no waiting. No waiting at Disney is a rare event! Just after 5:00 pm we make it to our room, get cleaned up and head out to the bus stop. We make it to the bus stop by about 5:45 pm. Just as we stop walking here comes our bus to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s unusual to not have to wait for a bus at least for a little while. Again, no waiting at Disney is rare!

We made it to the Studios just before 6:00pm. We were greeted by a huge Christmas tree and appropriate holiday music. It seems so early but the holidays are just around the corner! The Christmas decorations were amazing. By this time we were hungry because the last time we ate was before the launch. We had a quick bit the The Commissary inside the Studios theme park.

Then we walked just around the corner to the Streets of America where the Osbourne lights were on display. I’ve seen pictures, but nothing prepared me for the scale of the display! There are over 5 million lights, 32 miles of extension cables, 66 snow machines, 100 gallons of snow fluid a night, and 43 hidden Mickeys. It is a massive display of lights, technology and Christmas spirit.

Illuminations- Reflections of Earth Photo by- LowPingBoy

Just as we turned the corner, the light show started and the song was my Brother’s favorite, Trans-Siberian Orchestra with Carol of the Bells. Simply amazing! I could have stayed there all night! The song finished and then the lights were just lite up solid, no dancing or flashing which was also nice. There is an incredible amount of detail to see. They played a wide mix of Christmas classics and new stuff for the kids. As we walked around and the next song played we realized it snows even in Florida. It caught everyone off guard because when it hits you it actually feels like snow because its cold to the touch. A bit of magic! It’s just so hard to describe how cool the show actually was to experience.

We could have stayed but it was about 7:45 pm and our timeline said we had to go. So we headed out and towards the boat dock for a ride over to Epcot. As the dock came into view we saw the ropes being tossed to the dock and it would appear that we would just miss the boat. A serious delay to our schedule! However, in the next bit of Magic of the day the captain was in no rush and let us board. Whew! We exited Friendship IV (the name of our boat) at the Yacht Club lighthouse and walked the remaining distance to Epcot.

Cinderella’s Castle complete with icicles Photo by- jbeck

We make it to Epcot with time to spare. Our timeline has some slack thanks to our good fortune with the boat ride. So we thought it was only appropriate to go ahead and ride Soarin’. Soarin’ is the hottest ride at Epcot and it’s not unusual for there to be a 90-180 minute wait. Our wait, 3 minutes! Yes, I have video proof. We walked right onto Soarin’. Awesome ride. Oh, and it was my first time on the top row. What a view! After the ride and as we walked towards World Showcase Lagoon LowPingBoy won his very first “guess the Monorail color” with his choice, Monorail Black. Congrats!

We had about 35 minutes before we wanted to find a spot for Illuminations so we walked over to Norway, had some refreshments then rode The Maelstrom. After the ride World Showcase was filled my favorite music of The Parks. The pre-show music for Illuminations is simply the best. We agreed to take position at the entrance to World Showcase as close to the Lagoon as possible. There is a very special location which is sometimes opened if the weather is just right. Because it is so close to the action the wind must be favorable to allow guests so close. I actually had never experienced Illuminations here. We got the word that they would be opening the special viewing area just minutes before the show was to start.

After a bumpy start to the show, Illuminations started with a loud boom as the first fireworks fired. It was immediately apparent we were closer to the fireworks then any other area around the Lagoon. For those that are familiar with the show, the Earth Globe looked huge from our vantage point. The concussion blasts from the fireworks were great too.

It wasn’t even 9:30 pm yet, and the night was young. We exited Epcot to an awaiting Monorail. When there are Extra Magic Hours to be had, you gotta take advantage of that bonus so we were off to The Magic Kingdom! We had another neat first when a Monorail driver rode in our train. LowPingBoy dreams of being a Monorail pilot so it was a unique opportunity to have his perspective on his job. It’s no surprise, but he loves what he does.

We make it to our third and final park around 10:15 pm. There may be nothing better than seeing The Magic Kingdom all decorated for the Christmas holiday. It’s always magical, but it feels even more like home around this time of year. And for the first time, we all got to see Cinderella’s Castle “iced” for the Holiday’s. It is so well done too. The lighting is like nothing else I’ve ever seen. Truly spectacular! We took in the sights over a Main Street USA classic Ice cream cone. Yum! Best strawberry ice cream I’ve had in a very long time. We had time to take in one ride before the park closed. We were going to ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority but it wasn’t running. So we turned back towards the Castle, passing through it to Fantasyland and onto Liberty Square for our one ride in Magic Kingdom, The Haunted Mansion.

As we slowly exited the Magic Kingdom we took in our last look down Main Street USA to the Castle and reflected on what we just accomplished. Just to recap:

1) Space Shuttle Launch thanks to parting cloudy skies
2) Discount for an on property resort
3) No wait bus ride to Hollywood Studios
4) Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
5) No wait boat ride to Epcot
6) No wait ride on Soarin’
7) Super close viewing of Illuminations
8) Monorail ride with actual pilot
9) Iced Cinderella Castle
10) Our first “Family Mystery Photo Contest video submission”

That wraps up our first and only day!
Not too bad for a 1 day vacation.

You can check out all the photos in Atch’s Gallery.