ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando Science Center unveiled two traveling exhibits, open through Jan. 6, that approach the human body from different angles. "Zoo in You" takes the natural approach, down to the microbe level, while "Humans Plus" looks at ways technology can enhance the abilities of our bodies.
The new displays are presented side-by-side on the second level of the science center. Visitors are greeted by displays of a robotic arm and a prosthetic hand, an entry into "Human Plus" kiosks that feature inventors of technologies and people who are able to use them.
Some of the displays simulate those uses. One large-screen kiosk allows visitors to replicate how a legless snowboarder maneuvers down a hill; another represents a wheelchair that a DJ can use to control the fade and scratch effects of music.
"Zoo in You" takes on the task of making the body's micro-organisms -- invisible to the naked eye -- relatable. One simple way is the use of photography, blown up to make the little guys nearly as big as cars. (There are also photo opportunity cut-outs in the back).
There is the chance to look into a microscope at different viruses, including the pause-worthy anthrax slide.
Other approaches are more game-like: Visitors are challenged to guide a marble through a path of microbe-heavy objects (your dog, your toilet paper), put together a puzzle representing DNA strands, stand in front of a green screen that represents an open mouth or intestines and even build their own viruses (where one learns that not all of them make you sick).
The display numbers are memorable: 2,300 kinds of microbes have been discovered in human belly buttons, and more than 200 kinds of microbes live in the spaces between your front teeth. Also, there are more microbes in your gut than there are people on our planet.
We'll just let that digest for a bit.
Regular admission is $20.95, $18.95 for students and ages 55 and older, $14.95 for children 3-11 and parking is $5. For more information, go to osc.org.
A new behind-the-scenes experience called Up Close With Rhinos will begin at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park on Nov. 1.
The 60-minute guided tour takes participants backstage to see how Disney World cares for the white rhinos along the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction and the company's conservation efforts for the endangered animals. The Disney Conservation Fund has given more than $2 million in support of worldwide efforts.
One tour will be given at 11 a.m. daily, rain or shine, according to Disney World's official website, and visitors must be at least 4 years old to do the Up Close experience. The cost is $40 per person. Bookings began Sept. 22, which was World Rhino Day.
Down in the fine print: no cameras, video equipment or cellphones may be used within the rhino enclosure; visitors will forfeit the price of the tours if they don't show up or if they cancel within two days of the reservations; and "comfortable closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended."
Animal Kingdom also offers an elephant-oriented experience called Caring for Giants and the three-hour Wild Africa Trek that shares unusual access to the park and its animal residents.
For reservations for Up Close With Rhinos, call (407) 939-7529.
Travel on 10/14/2018