Thursday, 27 March
The Journey from Orlando, FL to Titusville, FL
Our journey from Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday to The Great Outdoors RV Nature & Golf Resort in Titusville covered just 63.5 miles, yet it took us nearly four hours to complete. We started eastward on I-4 E, only to find ourselves stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic as we navigated through Orlando. After about 29 miles, we exited onto FL-50W, which led us through eastern Orlando, where we endured a seemingly endless series of stoplights. As we neared Titusville, we finally turned onto Plantation Drive, arriving at the entrance of The Great Outdoors Resort.
The Great Outdoors RV Nature & Golf Resort
Spanning over 1,400 sites, The Great Outdoors RV Nature & Golf Resort is an expansive community offering a wide range of amenities. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, a heated pool, hot tubs, and a fully-equipped fitness center. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are tennis courts, pickleball courts, and scenic walking trails. The resort also boasts a large clubhouse for social gatherings and events, along with a well-stocked convenience store for essentials.
Our caravan was parked in a large lot equipped with water and electrical hookups. Locals referred to it as the “rally lot,” and while it was conveniently located near a small pond, we were warned that an alligator had taken up residence there—something to keep in mind for dog walkers! After staying at several scenic RV parks, this parking lot felt a bit underwhelming. However, with only two nights planned and a full itinerary ahead, we didn’t dwell on it for long.
While setting up, we encountered several power pole issues that the RV park personnel had to fix. The caravan leaders also informed us that the electrical supply was “dirty 30,” meaning the voltage was inconsistent and could potentially cause our voltage regulators to shut off. I was able to locate a functional power pole that wasn’t in use, allowing us to get the camper set up without complications.
With the camper squared away, Lisa and I changed into our swimsuits and headed over to the community pool. The large heated pool and hot tub provided the perfect place to unwind after a long travel day. We spent several hours enjoying the warm water and chatting with friendly residents, many of whom spoke enthusiastically about the tight-knit community and active lifestyle the resort offered.
At 6 PM, the caravan staff provided us with an impromptu group meal at the resort’s restaurant, The Blue Heron. This was an unexpected treat, made possible by extra funds in the budget. However, it quickly became apparent that the decision may have been a misstep. The menu was limited, resembling a lunch selection rather than a proper dinner. I opted for a half meatball sandwich with a side salad, while Lisa chose a crunchy chicken sandwich with fries. Unfortunately, service was slow, and the food left much to be desired. While we appreciated the gesture, the meal itself wasn’t particularly memorable.
After dinner, we had a trip briefing about our upcoming stay near St. Augustine.
Friday, 28 March
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Today, our caravan visited the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located just 12 miles from our campground. We planned to meet the wagonmaster at the ticket counter at 9 a.m. to pick up our tickets. While Lisa and I arrived on time, the wagonmaster was delayed by traffic, so we didn’t enter the complex until after 9:30.
We began our visit with a Kennedy Space Center bus tour, which took us past the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), where rockets are prepared for launch. Our first stop was the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where we experienced several audiovisual presentations about the history of the Apollo rocket launches. We then stepped into a massive hangar that housed a full-scale Saturn V rocket. Standing beneath this awe-inspiring machine, we marveled at its immense size. After exploring the static displays, we attended another captivating presentation, which recreated the Apollo 8 Firing Room. Through a vivid simulation, we could feel the tension and triumph of an actual launch countdown.
Feeling hungry after the tour, we grabbed a quick meal at the local café, sharing a pretzel sandwich, fries, and a soda—all for about $20. We enjoyed our lunch at an outdoor table, soaking in the atmosphere.
Next, we returned to the main complex to watch two IMAX movies. The first, Deep Sky, showcased breathtaking images captured by NASA’s Webb Telescope. The second, Space: The New Frontier, explored the history of space exploration. At the snack bar, we purchased a movie “package” that included soda, popcorn, and Skittles for just $10.
Afterward, we hurried to another theater for a presentation on upcoming space initiatives, followed by an engaging “Meet an Astronaut” session. Astronaut Bob Cenker gave us a fascinating firsthand account of a space shuttle mission, offering a glimpse into the life of an astronaut.
We then explored the Heroes & Legends exhibit, which celebrated NASA’s trailblazers. A moving cinematic presentation was followed by exhibits that highlighted the core values required to become a hero.
As the day wound down, we only had an hour left before closing. We made the most of our time by visiting the Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex. Here, we enjoyed two immersive simulated journeys—one through space and another to Mars. We also explored next-generation spacecraft, including SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, and models from NASA’s Artemis program.
By the end of the day, we left with a renewed sense of appreciation for the space program and its remarkable achievements.
Saturday, 29 March
We left the campground/parking lot at 8:30 am and headed toward St Augustine.