One of the lesser-known Orlando-area attractions is the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame near the Kennedy Space Center. I’d almost go so far as to use the term overlooked, but it’s impossible to miss the Space Shuttle in front of the building as you approach from the East. (Then your attention quickly turns to the Space Center only a few miles away.)
If you decide to check out the Hall of Fame, you might be interested in these three secrets that we discovered on our recent trip.
1. You can avoid long lines at KSC by starting your tour here. The Hall of Fame sells tickets that are valid both there and at the Space Center. On days when there are a long lines at the KSC visitor complex, the Hall of Fame is a great place to start your day. Then, head over to the Cape and blow through the ticket lines. Many of the exhibits are hard for little kids to follow, but don’t fret — there are several interactive attractions that the young ones will like.
2. Get a bird’s-eye view of the rockets. At the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum next door, you can choose between five helicopter tours. They’re a great way to see all of the KSC launch sites up-close and personal. Police helicopter tours are open daily to the public, weather permitting. Tickets start at $22.
3. See the Space Shuttle — free! OK, so it’s not a real Shuttle, but it sure looks like the genuine article from afar. You don’t even need to pay for a ticket to the Hall of Fame or Kennedy Space Center. If you want to get inside a Shuttle (or close to it) you have to visit KSC. But it’s well worth it!
Hope you enjoyed our three secrets blog entry as much as Aren, Iden and the rest of the family did in discovering them. Send us any comments about our videocast or blog at by e-mail.
Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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