Big Doings for 2013 at Kennedy Space Center

The above pic is just one thing to look forward to—this March, the Angry Birds attraction will be open. Fans of the incredibly popular mobile game will be able to create their own Angry Bird, complete Angry Bird puzzles, and—of course—try to destroy things with slingshots. The attraction will be part of the Visitor Center and included in regular admission. 

But that's not all. The 2013 Rocket Schedule has been released, with 12 planned launches (three in March alone). The Astronaut's Hall of Fame Ceremony is slated for April 20, with inductees Curt Brown , Eileen Collins, and Bonnie Dunbar , Ph.D, all of whom flew aboard  space shuttle Atlantis.

And speaking of Atlantis, that's—literally—the big news. On June 29, 2013, the 90,000-square-foot, $100 million home for space shuttle Atlantis will be open to the public. Here's the official word, from the February 21, 2013, press release:

The exhibit not only will showcase Atlantis as if it were in space—raised 30 feet off the ground and rotated 43 degrees—but also will tell the compelling story of the entire shuttle program, including the thousands of people behind this incredible feat of engineering, its key role in the development of the International Space Station and the launch and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as how it paved the way for today's new space programs and the future of space exploration. 

More than 60 interactive, immersive exhibits and simulators will provide guests a never-before-experienced perspective on the shuttle's complex systems, components and capabilities. 

"We are so proud to partner with NASA to build the only place in the world to experience the remarkable voyage of Atlantis – one of the most storied spacecrafts in the U.S. space program. Without question, Kennedy Space Center is the best place to experience, learn about and be inspired by space exploration – past, present and future. With the addition of Space Shuttle Atlantis to the world-class Visitor Complex, visitors can now experience a space shuttle in "flight" – which is truly an engineering marvel," said Rick Abramson , who was president and chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is now president of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts.

Kennedy Space Center is in Titusville, FL, easily accessible from the Orlando area.