NASA’s Space Shuttle program is scheduled to end in September, 2010 – if the scheduled missions launch with success - so if seeing a Space Shuttle launch is on your bucket list, now’s the time to schedule that Florida trip and see a shuttle launch from the Kennedy Space Center. Here’s a list of scheduled launches with all missions going to the International Space Station. The schedule is subject to change because factors may delay a launch (such as weather) so when booking your Florida vacation, plan on an extra few days.

Orlando makes a great base when planning a shuttle launch vacation since it’s about a 90-minute drive, however on launch days, plan on an additional hour or two drive time. You’ll be able to experience both the thrill of a launch and Florida’s best theme parks.

While the Kennedy Space Center offers premium viewing of the space shuttle, there are many other viewing points such as parks, piers, and parking lots (I know, not very glamorous but true!). And if you can’t make a space shuttle launch, rockets will continue to be launched from the Kennedy Space Center. Other cool activities offered at the Center include lunch with an astronaut and the Shuttle Launch Experience where a shuttle launch is simulated for us common folks so we can feel almost like astronauts. Check out the Kennedy Space Center Web site to keep up to date on launch schedules and other activities and visit the Space Coast Launches site for viewing tips and other activities that are out of this world. And don’t forget to book your stay with Resort Rentals, Inc., for the best Florida vacation value.

Remaining Launch Dates for the Space Shuttle Program
March 18, 1:34 p.m.              Space Shuttle Discovery STS-131
May 14, 2:28 p.m.                 Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132
July 29, 7:51 a.m.                  Space Shuttle Endeavor STS-134
September 16, 11:57 a.m.    Space Shuttle Discovery STS-133

Orlando may not be in a galaxy far, far away but for one weekend in August next year it will the location of Star Wars Celebration V. The event will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the fan-favorite, The Empire Strikes Back and the weekly animated television show, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This out of this world convention is scheduled for August 12 – 15, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Combined forces of Lucasfilm Ltd. and Reed Exhibitions PopGroup are promising to produce the largest official Star Wars event E-V-E-R. The spectacular convention will feature cast and crew celebrities, fan-run events, costumes, music, live entertainment, screenings, autographs, collectibles, panels and sneak peaks into the future of Star Wars.

“We’re going to have a blast commemorating the 30th anniversary of fan-favorite The Empire Strikes Back as we welcome an entire new generation of fans watching our animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” said Steve Sansweet, Lucasfilm’s head of Fan Relations. “There’s no doubt that Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando will be the ‘must attend’ event for Star Wars fans of all ages and from all parts of the galaxy,” he added. “We’re also very excited to launch our partnership with Reed PopGroup, which has shown great expertise in running large, fun-filled events that satisfy fans, show participants, and exhibitors. We’re expecting the biggest and best Celebration to date.”

Tickets for Star Wars Celebration V go on sale Thursday, December 10 and weekend and daily admission passes will be available for sale. Visit www.starwarscelebration.com for additional information and updates. May as well make a week-long vacation out of the Stars Wars conference. Check out the rates Resort Rentals is offering on Orlando vacation accommodations and may the force be with you.

Image Credit: Star Wars Celebration V

Following a seven month refurbishment, Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom Park’s fastest ride, reopened on November 22. The upgraded ride includes a few video games along the walls so riders can pass the time while waiting in line and runs a bit smoother than before the refurbishment. Most of the ride takes place in the dark and is full of unexpected twists, turns and dips resulting in a screamingly wild ride.

Trust us when we say the waiting in line 45 minutes for the less than 2 minute ride is worth it and if you’re a screamer, bring along some throat lozenges, you’ll need them from all the screaming. Of course, when visiting Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, hit Space Mountain first as it is certainly a popular ride. Take a sneak peek of Space Mountain with this YouTube video.

New to Walt Disney World is Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee also at the Magic Kingdom Park and features characters from the new Walt Disney Pictures’ “The Princess and the Frog” movie. See Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen along with a host of other good and villainess characters. Let the good times roll and transcend to Louisiana. The party begins at Liberty Square and shimmies on down to the water’s edge where the Princess and Prince board a big white showboat with a live jazz band.

Better get on down to the Sunshine State for an Orlando vacation because Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee is running for 10 weeks through January 3, 2010.