Railroads to Space Shuttles

[Zazu]

Cape Canaveral is a bit north of due east of WDW. Depending on the inclination of the orbit they're trying to reach, the launch path might trend north or south of that, though more often north.

Haven't watched a launch from AK, but try to find a place with a clear view to the east and barring overcast, you should be easily able to see it. It's sort of a Disneyesque event -- not subtle at all.

[turkeyham]

I would say try Cocoa Beach. Or near Kennedy Space Center.

[Big Wallaby]

If you can get on one of the buses that goes out on the Causeway, I recommend that. If you see a launch from there and have a dry eye when the sound hits you, then you need to check your pulse.

[strlnblue]

Since we're on the topic of railroads, something just FYI. If you look at some of the old pics of the railroad maintenance crew, you'll see them skillfully balancing themselves as they walk on the rail. NEVER did they walk between the rails. Why? Well, on a trip from Italy to Switzerland one time, I learned quickly why. The train was jam-packed. I mean, I couldn't friggin believe my eyes: some were sitting three across even though the seat said only two could sit there. People were sitting on the floor in the hallways to the rooms. I had to got to the loo so badly. I fought my way past the PACKED (I mean it was packed like sardines in a can!:eek :) crowd in the hallway. I made it! There was a woman sitting on the toilet seat! She didn't speak any English or Italian so I gestured frantically at the toilet. Fortunately, she got the message and left. I thought I heard something odd. I lifted the seat and saw...
the railroad tracks rushing by! NOW I understood why the guide books warned people to never walk between the tracks even today. You might as well stick your new Nikes in a sewer. It also explains why some places in the wilderness stink to kingdom come. I mean, they smell like a toilet that has never been flushed. Why? The very heavy train traffic going by every day means more human waste dumped on the tracks! Grosssss!

[techie-13]

I would say try Cocoa Beach. Or near Kennedy Space Center.

If you do venture out to the coast to see the launch, it is beautiful. BUT, coming back to Orlando can take a loooong time. Everyone arrives over the course of the day and they all try to head home about the same time.

[felinefan]

Since we're on the topic of railroads, something just FYI. If you look at some of the old pics of the railroad maintenance crew, you'll see them skillfully balancing themselves as they walk on the rail. NEVER did they walk between the rails. Why? Well, on a trip from Italy to Switzerland one time, I learned quickly why. The train was jam-packed. I mean, I couldn't friggin believe my eyes: some were sitting three across even though the seat said only two could sit there. People were sitting on the floor in the hallways to the rooms. I had to got to the loo so badly. I fought my way past the PACKED (I mean it was packed like sardines in a can!:eek :) crowd in the hallway. I made it! There was a woman sitting on the toilet seat! She didn't speak any English or Italian so I gestured frantically at the toilet. Fortunately, she got the message and left. I thought I heard something odd. I lifted the seat and saw...
the railroad tracks rushing by! NOW I understood why the guide books warned people to never walk between the tracks even today. You might as well stick your new Nikes in a sewer. It also explains why some places in the wilderness stink to kingdom come. I mean, they smell like a toilet that has never been flushed. Why? The very heavy train traffic going by every day means more human waste dumped on the tracks! Grosssss!

I understand they do that in India and similar Asian locales. There was even a case of a woman who gave birth while on such a train toilet, and they had to go back and get her baby. Fortunately, it was unharmed.

[Zazu]

Since we're on the topic of railroads, something just FYI. If you look at some of the old pics of the railroad maintenance crew, you'll see them skillfully balancing themselves as they walk on the rail. NEVER did they walk between the rails.

Speaking as an old railroad worker, this is bunk.

You don't walk on top of the rails, you don't even step on them, because they're smooth steel covered with grease. Can you say "slipping hazard"? I knew you could.

Further, toilet hoppers dump outside the rails, so it was generally (slightly) cleaner between the rails than beyond, plus the ties outside the rails were too short to walk on, and beyond that is a graveled slope -- also poor walking.

So the truth is, unless there's a parallel roadway or path, railroad workers did and do walk between the rails, even on lines with old-style passenger cars in service.

... unless they're dumber than stupid theme park guests.

[BRWombat]

I also heard they would only hop on their left foot, unless it was a Thursday. Then they wore roller skates and just put up with the bumpiness of the ties. True?

[darph nader]

As far as the width of a horses backside,check with Syndrome or Main Streeter. :D:

[BRWombat]

As far as the width of a horses backside,check with Syndrome or Main Streeter. :D:

What exactly are you implying here? :D: