On Monday, Aug. 21, a solar eclipse will be seen across the United States from coast to coast. During the eclipse, the moon will pass in between the Earth and the sun, causing a shadow on Earth. This rare, natural event is expected to be visible in the Central Florida area from approximately 1:15-4:30 p.m. For this reason, select attractions located across the Walt Disney World Resort may be temporarily unavailable due to low visibility.
Solar Eclipse Impacts to Park Operations
MAGIC KINGDOM
Tom Sawyer Island will end operation at 2 p.m. and remain closed for the remainder of the day.
DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM
The animal trails will temporarily close prior to the onset of darkness. They will resume operations as natural lighting allows.
DISNEY’S BLIZZARD BEACH WATER PARK
The park will close attractions as needed during this time, depending on light levels at the park. In addition, Blizzard Beach will have entertainment at the beach area with additional lighting when light levels reduce and a direct Disney Transportation shuttle to Typhoon Lagoon from 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON WATER PARK
Typhoon Lagoon will utilize their nighttime lights as needed and continue to operate with little to no impact to guests.
Additional Information
I also would not be surprised to see additional outdoor attractions go down to protect guests. Additionally, Disney will not be providing guests with special protective sunglasses to view the solar eclipse safety. According to the National Weather Service, the only way to safely observe a partially eclipsed sun is through special solar filtered glasses. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the sun.
If you would like to view the eclipse, but do not have special glasses to do so. Many news stations will be broadcasting and live streaming footage online and on t.v.
[Source: Orlando Park News]
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