Top day trip from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa: Kennedy Space Center
Yes — Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a straightforward full-day outing from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. Guests typically combine the resort’s resort-area transfer options (boat transfer plus ground transport where required) and a park visit; plan a full day at the Visitor Complex and check schedules for ferry/ground connections and KSC opening hours before you go.
In this guide
- Why go to Kennedy Space Center from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa?
- Timing and planning your day
- Getting there from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
- What to see and do at Kennedy Space Center
- Packing list and tips for the day
- Which Westgate Lakes rooms work best for a Kennedy day trip
- Practical matters: tickets, accessibility, and weather
Why go to Kennedy Space Center from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa?
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is Florida’s primary space-history and NASA visitor attraction, with rockets, exhibits, and live presentations that appeal to families and space fans.
From Westgate Lakes, guests can make a day of it using the resort’s guest transfer options plus local ground transport to reach Cape Canaveral and the Visitor Complex; confirm transfer arrangements with the resort concierge in advance.
- Space artifacts and historic rockets on display
- IMAX films and astronaut presentations
- Exhibits suitable for a wide range of ages
| Good for | Why it works from Westgate Lakes |
|---|---|
| Families with kids | Interactive exhibits and films keep different ages engaged |
| Space and science fans | Original hardware and detailed history on-site |
| Visitors on a single-day excursion | Can be done as a long day trip with planned transfers |
Timing and planning your day
Kennedy Space Center often requires a full day to see the main exhibits, IMAX, Rocket Garden, and any special tours you choose. Check the Visitor Complex website for current opening hours and special-event schedules before you go.
Arrange transfers the day before with Westgate Lakes’ concierge or front desk; the resort’s guest-services team can explain available boat/ground transfer combinations and any required reservations.
- Confirm KSC opening hours on the day you plan to visit
- Reserve any special KSC tours (e.g., bus tours or astronaut encounters) in advance if available
- Plan food: the Visitor Complex has dining on site, and Westgate’s Marketplace & Deli or Cordovano Joe's can also supply to-go items
| When to leave the resort | Why |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Maximize time at KSC and avoid afternoon crowds |
| Check return options | Some transfer services run on fixed schedules — confirm evening returns |
| Bad weather plan | KSC is largely outdoors; bring rain gear or move to indoor exhibits/films |
Getting there from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Per the resort’s guest-transport approaches, off-property day trips that require significant ground travel are handled as a combination of resort-arranged boat transfer plus ground transport where applicable. Contact the Westgate Lakes concierge (phone available at the front desk) to learn current transfer options and to reserve seats.
If you plan to use a rental car, rideshare, or a third-party tour, the concierge can advise on local pickup points and schedules; always verify return pickup times so you don’t miss the last transfer back to the resort.
- Ask Westgate Lakes concierge about combined transfers (boat + ground) and any partner tour operators
- Rideshare or rental-car options are alternatives if you prefer direct ground travel — confirm local pickup logistics with the front desk
- Bring your KSC admission confirmation and a photo ID for group/tour check-in
| Transport option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Resort-arranged transfer | Book through Westgate Lakes concierge; schedules vary |
| Rideshare / private car | Flexible timing but confirm return arrangements |
| Organized tour | May include hotel pickup/drop-off and timed entry |
What to see and do at Kennedy Space Center
Highlights typically include the Rocket Garden, the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, IMAX films, and live presentations by KSC staff or former astronauts. Exhibits can change, so check the Visitor Complex’s current listings.
If you book any special-access tours (for example, bus tours that reach the launch pads), note that those tours may have age or accessibility restrictions and often require separate reservations.
- Space Shuttle Atlantis and Shuttle Launch Experience (if available)
- Rocket Garden and guided talks
- IMAX space films and educational shows
- Special tours and astronaut encounters (reserve early)
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Main exhibits | General visitors and families |
| IMAX and films | Rainy-day or seated viewing |
| Special tours | Visitors seeking deeper access or launch-area views |
Packing list and tips for the day
Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle. Much of KSC is outdoors and in Florida sun; covered areas and indoor exhibits are available but do not cover the entire complex.
If you’ll return to Westgate Lakes in the evening, consider ordering dinner from Cordovano Joe's (in-room delivery is available) or eating at Drafts Sports Bar & Grill when you get back — both are on-property options.
- Comfortable shoes and sunscreen
- Photo ID and KSC admission confirmation
- Light jacket for indoor theaters or air-conditioned spaces
- Snacks or plan for KSC dining; Westgate’s Marketplace & Deli can provide to-go items
| On-resort options after return | Why choose |
|---|---|
| Cordovano Joe's (in-room delivery) | Convenient family meal delivered to your villa |
| Drafts Sports Bar & Grill | Casual sit-down dinner with TVs and a varied menu |
| Sid's Bistro or Marketplace & Deli | Quick coffee or sandwiches if you return late or want light fare |
Which Westgate Lakes rooms work best for a Kennedy day trip
If you plan an early start or late return, choose a room type that suits your group size and post-trip comfort. For couples or small families, Room (Resort Select) or Room, 1 Bedroom are simple options with a mix of sleeping and sitting areas.
For larger families who want space to spread out after a long day, consider one of the villa options such as Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom or a multi-bedroom Villa — these provide kitchens or kitchenettes and living areas that make late dinners and unpacking easier.
- Room (Resort Select): compact option with convenient amenities
- Room, 1 Bedroom: extra living space for families
- Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom or larger Villa types: best for groups who want kitchen facilities after a long day
| Room type | Why it helps after a long day |
|---|---|
| Room (Resort Select) | Smaller footprint, quick to return to and rest |
| Room, 1 Bedroom | Separate sleeping and living space for family downtime |
| Deluxe Villa, 1 Bedroom | Kitchenette for easy meals and space to unwind |
Practical matters: tickets, accessibility, and weather
Buy Kennedy Space Center tickets in advance on the official Visitor Complex website to secure entry and any timed experiences. Check the site for details about accessibility services or mobility needs before you go.
Florida weather can change quickly — the Visitor Complex posts seasonal hours and weather updates, and the resort’s concierge can help reschedule transfers if needed.
- Purchase KSC admission ahead of your visit where possible
- Confirm accessibility services and tour restrictions with KSC
- Watch local weather forecasts and confirm transfers with Westgate Lakes if storms are expected
| Who to contact | What they can confirm |
|---|---|
| Westgate Lakes concierge/front desk | Transfer schedules, local pickup points, dining and return logistics |
| Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (official site) | Opening hours, ticket types, tour availability |
| Local weather advisories | Possible weather changes affecting outdoor exhibits or transfer timing |
