You would think it would be exhilarating to visit where many American spacecraft take off and lots of NASA research is done. However, the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island in Florida apparently doesn’t live up to those expectations.

The educational space hub was recently ranked the worst in a roundup of the most disappointing tourist attractions in the United States. According to Thrillist, a JeffBet-conducted study found that the attraction got the most low-star Tripadvisor and Google reviews including the words “disappointment,” “bad experience,” and “unenjoyable.”

Thrillist claimed many Google online reviewers condemned their overall experiences at the space center. The site said many of the center’s visitors were particularly dissatisfied with the highly-priced admission tickets, as well as their overall poor experience and bad treatment from staff.

Despite that, the Kennedy Space Center boasts a 4.7 out of 5 stars as its overall Google review rating. Moreover, Yelp users give the attraction an average rating of 4.1. Tripadvisor users landed on a 4.5, and Facebook users gave it a 4.6.

What Have Positive Reviewers Said?

A mother on TikTok, @orlandofamilyfun, recapped her trip and appraised her experience at the beginning of her post’s caption. She wrote, “Kennedy Space [Center] is a great day out with the kids. It is both fun and educational.”

@orlandofamilyfun
Kennedy Space Centwr is a great day out with the kids. It is both fun and educational. Wondering what there is to do at Kennedy Space Center with kids? They can see rockets up close, see a Mars Rover, take a journey into Space, see live STEAM experiments, learn about the history of space travel and living in space, see an IMAX movie and more. There is so much to see and do at the Kennedy Space Center that one day might not be enough. #kennedyspacecenter #kennedyspacecenterflorida #orlandofamilyfun
♬ original sound – Mikaela | Orlando Family Fun

Another mom, @my_twinderful_life, also shared her experience on TikTok. She said those docked for the day at Port Canaveral after cruising at sea should consider visiting the Kennedy Space Center instead of Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, which are farther out.

“You can make it an educational trip, but they have so many fun things to do,” the mom of two young twins said. “I even went down the ‘sonic boom’ slide and thought I was going to be launched into space.”

@my_twinderful_life
A Port Canaveral can either be fun or a head ache depending on what you choose to do…here’s my recommendation 😊🤫 #nasaspace #kennedyspacecenter #portcanaveralflorida #portcanaveral #cruisingtiktok #cruisewithme #carnivalcruise #royalcarribeancruise #princesscruises #msccruises #mytwinderfullife #kenzieandkyomi
♬ CRUISING SAILOR – Fridolin Walcher

What Is The Kennedy Space Center?

The public can peruse the site’s Visitor Complex, go on a bus tour, or grab a bite at the Moon Rock Cafe. The space center’s website notes that the Visitor Complex is divided into Mission Zones, “where attractions and tours are grouped by chronicle era.” That way, visitors can traverse “from the dawn of space” to “current and ongoing missions.”

Things to do include exploring historic launch sites, learning about NASA missions, and viewing spacecraft.

space tourism