In case you missed it, a solar eclipse will take place on Monday, Aug. 21.

  • Disney World making slight adjustments for solar eclipse
  • Some areas will be closed during peak eclipse time
  • All parks and other areas will operate normally

The rare event has sparked excitement across the U.S., including Florida.

Central Florida won’t be in the path of totality, but residents will see about 80 percent to 85 percent.  

If you are heading to the theme parks on Monday, here’s what you need to know.

Walt Disney World isn’t hosting or sponsoring any viewing events, however the solar eclipse will affect some resort areas.

Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom will close at 2 p.m. due to visibility concerns. The attraction is expected to reopen on Monday.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the animal trails will close temporarily prior to the eclipse. The trails will reopen once there is enough light in the area.

No adjustments are in place for Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot.

The changes mostly affect attractions that don’t have nighttime lightning, a Disney spokesperson said.

The solar eclipse will also affect the water parks. Attractions at Blizzard Beach could close periodically during the eclipse when necessary. There will be live entertainment on the beach area with additional lighting. Typhoon Lagoon will operate normally.  

Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre, which provides watercraft rentals for Seven Seas Lagoon, plans to be closed from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.

Disney has also placed signs around the parks informing guests of the solar eclipse.

“Area lighting will be turned on as the solar eclipse causes the daytime sky to darken,” reads one of the posted signs.

To safely view the solar eclipse, you should use special filtered glasses, or you can make a pinhole projector.  

Disney World will not be distributing any solar eclipse glasses.


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