Yesterday I visited the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex to plan a pre-BlogOrlando event. During my brief stay I was able to 'ride'...whoops, 'experience' the Shuttle Launch Experience (SLE).
That little slip was on purpose. The SLE is just that, an experience, and not necessarily a ride. When you tell people it's a ride they have a certain expectation and if you're thinking ride when you get on it, then it might not meet your expectations. This issue is compounded by the fact that there are a bunch of 'rides' about 60 miles away at places like Disney and Universal Studios.
That brings up the question, how do you marketing or tell people about the experience which simulates an actual Space Shuttle launch without using the word ride? When you try to tell somebody the word 'ride' always seems to slip in there.
I'm a space/aviation geek so the ride/expereince was cool and something I look forward to taking my son on soon.
The rest of my photos from KSC can be found on Flickr.
Visitor Comments
I think "simulator" would make people feel all fancy-pilot-like. Though "stimulator" might draw more crowds.
Posted by: shelbinator | August 24, 2007 4:16 PM
That's a tough one! I enjoyed the "simulator experience" too. It fits in well with the theme of the complex and the preshow is great. Some folks will be surprised when it's not a ride like they enjoy in Orlando. I do think KSC needs to be cautious how they publicize this one to make it clear and avoid confusion. "On Shuttle Launch Experience, Kennedy Space Center’s newest attraction, visitors strap in to the sights, sounds and sensations of launching into space...fully" leads some to believe that the experience is more intense. Perhaps if they toned down the language of "the launch" and kept the excitment of being an astronaut it would lead to more satisfied guests.
Posted by: John Stavely | August 27, 2007 2:05 PM
Good question, Josh. Setting customer expectations correctly is key to creating a great experience for customers. The web site makes it look like you strap into a seat that shoots you up; does that happen? (I haven't been on this "attraction" before.) Making it clear that this is a simulator, not a ride, should help improve customer response.
Great photos, Josh. You rock!
Posted by: Becky Carroll | August 28, 2007 12:18 PM
Empire State Bldg.in NY has a similar thing, experiencing a helicopter ride (I think) around NYC from the comfort of your seat. Perhaps take a look at the wording they use to get around the issue.
Posted by: Susan Getgood | September 5, 2007 10:18 AM