I'm from Australia, so apologies if I'm a little out of touch. Yep, we
had to pay to see the rocket garden, though I thought that it had always
been part of the whole visitors centre. It was the first time I'd ever
been there.

I thought it was well worth the money, and the exchange rate is shocking
(I still remember when US$1=AUS$1.12).

Don't forget that they'll give a military discount, though I think you
have to go down to the AFB south of the Cape (Patrick AFB?) to get it.
I didn't bother.