Experience Solar Eclipse Day with one of Orlando’s many offerings
This year marks the first time in nearly 100 years that a total solar eclipse will be visible in the United States, which is set to take place on Aug. 21.
To celebrate, many locations and attractions in Orlando are offering special experiences or changes to accommodate those wanting to catch this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Check out the list of participating attractions, and their special offerings and operational changes below:
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Located in a partial eclipse zone, the Kennedy Space Center is commemorating this event with a special viewing opportunity. On Aug. 21, guests will be able to sit in the Rocket Garden and watch the moon as it begins to cover the sun.
Complimentary certified eclipse viewing glasses will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Space experts will be at the event to engage guests and answer questions, and NASA TV will also be present to livestream content from across the country onto the visitor complex’s jumbotron.
The eclipse viewing event will be held on Monday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, check out their website.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is offering public viewing locations for those wanting to see the eclipse, complete with solar glasses and demonstrations on how to properly use them. As staring at the sun can damage your eyes, proper viewing glasses are strongly recommended in order to protect your eyes.
Glasses will be distributed at the viewing locations from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. For more information, visit their website and RSVP to their Facebook event.
Crayola Experience
Crayola Experience will provide a safe and fun environment for families to experience the solar eclipse from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 21, with the space normally occupied by Art Alive transformed into a Solar Cinema.
Kids will be able to craft their own honorary eclipse glasses, build a retractable telescope, and even see their colored creation glow in the eclipse at their Color Magic attraction.
Regular admission to Crayola Experience is $22.99 at the door, and $19.99 online. Children under the age of 3 receive free admission. For more information, visit CrayolaExperience.com.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World will be utilizing some operational changes in light of the solar eclipse in their parks, with some attractions closing early or entirely.
For Magic Kingdom Park, Tom Sawyer Island will close for the day at 2 p.m. on the 21st, and the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will march down the middle of Main Street at 2 p.m. per its schedule.
The animal trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closed temporarily due to the darkness brought on by the solar eclipse. However, the trails will resume normal operations as natural light returns.
Blizzard Beach will close their attractions as necessary during the eclipse and its resulting light levels. The water park will also host live entertainment at the beach area with additional lighting to accommodate for the change in darkness. Guests will be able to take a direct Disney Transportation shuttle to Typhoon Lagoon on that day from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Typhoon Lagoon will utilize their evening lights as necessary, and operate normally for guests.
Walt Disney World will also not be distributing any specialty solar viewing glasses during the eclipse.
Peak viewing for the solar eclipse is expected to occur around 2:30 p.m. Be sure to wear appropriate eye protection while viewing the moon as it crosses over the sun. Solar Eclipse Day will be held on Aug. 21, 2017.
