Florida's Famous Family Attraction With Outdated Displays Has A History Of Disappointing Crowds

Along Florida's unique themed stretch of coast — the Space Coast — lies Kennedy Space Center. The site has long served as a beloved museum, educating the public on the ins and outs about space launches and the astronauts who have operated them. Florida locals have even dubbed it a "must-visit" destination in the state. However, a 2024 study by Jeffbet (via Thrillist), which collated low-star reviews on Tripadvisor and Google reviews, suggests that the attraction isn't living up to the hype. Despite its historic significance and prime location near Cape Canaveral, many visitors are walking away underwhelmed. 

Many Tripadvisor reviewers agree, saying outdated displays, lackluster exhibits, and expensive fees have left them disappointed, especially in an age when immersive, tech-driven experiences are expected. One May 2025 review states that the center is "out of the world... kinda." Another from April 2025 says, "It was OK, but for the price I expected more ... I'm glad we went but I wouldn't go back."

While the Kennedy Space Center continues to draw crowds out of nostalgia and reputation, there is a history of visitors leaving underwhelmed, given the price. With NASA entering a new era of missions to the moon and Mars, like the Artemis program, there is a growing interest in storytelling at its flagship attraction to reflect the bold vision of the future, not just the faded glories of the past.

An ongoing topic online seems to be the steep entry fees and other costs guests pay to see what is quite a famed museum on the Space Coast. Many report paying over $70 for admission, plus an additional $15 just to park. With prices that high, visitors expect a world-class, immersive experience — but many leave feeling shortchanged.

Today's audiences, especially families and younger guests, expect all-encompassing tech-forward exhibits. Virtual reality, live simulations, and hands-on displays are now standard at many museums worldwide. Take the Van Gogh exhibit, for example — it's no longer just portraits on a wall; it's an interactive world tour. At Kennedy Space Center, however, much of the experience feels stuck in the 1980s, according to some Tripadvisor reviews. Visitors describe static displays, dated videos, and minimal digital engagement. 

On the flipside, the museum is rather highly rated on Google Reviews, with many visitors praising the overall experience.