Alligator Signs ... inside Magic Kingdom! :(

[hiroMYhero]

Just dropping in to remind everyone this is a family friendly board and posts must pertain to the topic of new signage within the parks. Thanks!

 

[HatboxHaint]

There have been 28 recorded alligator-caused deaths in the U.S. in the last 43 years https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_alligator_attacks_in_the_United_States It would be unreasonable to expect any business to predict that [this] one might even possibly occur and provide the type of warning you expect.

Most waterways are interconnected, and alligators don't know they're not supposed to be in Disney-owned waters.

A) This is new information
B) Not every person has to read every thread.

I agree that attacks are rare but WDW does invite people to play and spend time near or in the waters which have dangerous animals, animals who are experiencing a population explosion due to wildlife management policies. When Disney bought the land gators were nearly wiped out. Also I understand the canals are connected but that's disney's decision, they could fix that to where the theme parks are disconnected or install some devices to prevent wildlife from entering.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

The incident was tragic but honestly it was ignoring signs that led to this ever being able to happen in the first place. Disney is covering their bases, which is good, and I am glad they are placing reminders not to feed wildlife, as many don't realize this is also harmful to the animals. It's sad that they have to be added but at this point I'd rather they be there than not.

 

[Number Six]

I agree that attacks are rare but WDW does invite people to play and spend time near or in the waters which have dangerous animals, animals who are experiencing a population explosion due to wildlife management policies. When Disney bought the land gators were nearly wiped out. Also I understand the canals are connected but that's disney's decision, they could fix that to where the theme parks are disconnected or install some devices to prevent wildlife from entering.

Don't think so.

 

[sgtdisney]

I think Disney should also enact a strict policy where if resort guests are caught feeding alligators, they are forced to leave the resort. I really feel the people who are most at fault for this horrific accident are not the parents or Disney, but people who are feeding alligators from the shore or their balcony/patios.

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree that attacks are rare but WDW does invite people to play and spend time near or in the waters which have dangerous animals, animals who are experiencing a population explosion due to wildlife management policies. When Disney bought the land gators were nearly wiped out. Also I understand the canals are connected but that's disney's decision, they could fix that to where the theme parks are disconnected or install some devices to prevent wildlife from entering.

If you invent a device that prevents gators from going into certain bodies of water, with out causing harm to the ecosystem, you will be rich beyond your wildest dreams. Until then, all they can do is make sure people know about the dangers. Signs are a good start. I'm wondering if they will put something into the check in packets at the resorts as well.

 

[STLstone]

The incident was tragic but honestly it was ignoring signs that led to this ever being able to happen in the first place. Disney is covering their bases, which is good, and I am glad they are placing reminders not to feed wildlife, as many don't realize this is also harmful to the animals. It's sad that they have to be added but at this point I'd rather they be there than not.

The signs said "no swimming." Nobody was swimming.

 

[maxiesmom]

The signs said "no swimming." Nobody was swimming.

We have already beaten that one to death. That sign means different things in different places. Around here it means Stay out of the Water. So apparently the sign wasn't as clear as was previously thought. The new ones, there are no mistaking what those mean.

 

[STLstone]

We have already beaten that one to death. That sign means different things in different places. Around here it means Stay out of the Water. So apparently the sign wasn't as clear as was previously thought. The new ones, there are no mistaking what those mean.

At Disney, it does not mean that because you can get in the water for a fee. "Common Sense" would tell you the water itself can't be that dangerous if Disney is charging to play in it.

The phrase "no wading" was invented to mean stay out of the water.

Additionally, if the phrase "no swimming" means something different "around here" then that's all the more reason to provide some explanation of what it really means, since it doesn't just mean "no swimming," apparently.

 

[maxiesmom]

At Disney, it does not mean that because you can get in the water for a fee. "Common Sense" would tell you the water itself can't be that dangerous if Disney is charging to play in it.

The phrase "no wading" was invented to mean stay out of the water.

Additionally, if the phrase "no swimming" means something different "around here" then that's all the more reason to provide some explanation of what it really means, since it doesn't just mean "no swimming," apparently.

Which is why it is great the new signs are very clear. Me, if I saw a No Swimming sign, it wouldn't have dawned on me that wading was ok. Now, there is no question.

Btw, Around Here is a short distance from Lake Michigan. Grew up here. No Swimming has always meant Stay Out of the Water. They don't list the reason why, as it varies. And some places just use a flag system. Common Sense to me would see a sign that says No Swimming, and one that goes on about dangerous drop offs and not think that was a place my toddler should be playing in the water at night. But it was all in how the signs were read, and now the signs are very clear.

 

[pigletgirl]

Oh no, another alligator thread...

Common sense folks, common sense.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Pretty soon we'll see signs saying there ARE signs---

 

[Uncleromulus]

At Disney, it does not mean that because you can get in the water for a fee. "Common Sense" would tell you the water itself can't be that dangerous if Disney is charging to play in it.

The phrase "no wading" was invented to mean stay out of the water.

Additionally, if the phrase "no swimming" means something different "around here" then that's all the more reason to provide some explanation of what it really means, since it doesn't just mean "no swimming," apparently.

Well--we used to stay at the Poly all the time when swimming--er wading--er floating--er standing in the water was allowed and even encouraged at the beach--we got in the water there on a daily basis. Then later on they put up "No swimming" signs--and to us that clearly meant they didn't want us in the water!! So we never got in again--very simple.

And being Md residents then it was still easy to understand what they meant!!! Even now living in Pa. I still understand what it meant---

 

[Nancyg56]

Why is this so upsetting to you? A child lost their life. Disney is trying to be proactive to make sure it doesn't happen again. And unfortunately, there's a lot of idiots that visit MK/WDW and feed the alligators, so yeah, this is necessary.

I agree. I was surprised at the number of people who had no idea. I won't say that they are idiots, because in my opinion there is a vast difference between not knowing sowing thing and ignoring something.

For me, it's not that it makes it any less magical, I coukd honesy care less if there are sugns are not. It's the larger issue of society's shift to lack of responsibility for individual choices and decisions. If we have to warn people about every single little thing they could ever possibly encounter in life, then when exactly do they ever start to think for themselves?

Well we are getting there I think. Sad but true.

I don't see the harm in your mom feeding birds and things in her yard. Comparing feeding birds and deer to an alligator attack is really reaching for a connection. I will admit I feed the birds in my yard. I love seeing all the different types of birds that come. Plenty of people bird watch for a hobby.

Oh goodness! In my area feeding the birds is not a good idea, and in fact can be dangerous. I wish I knew how to post video because I would post the one that shows a big old bear strolling though the yard behind me. He lives in my neighborhood, as do many more. We sometimes see Mama and Cubs walking down the street. WHen you feed the birds you invite the Bears as well, and when dinner is not there as usual, they look for it. On porches, through scenes doors......

I used to feed the birds all the time and enjoyed watching them, but no more. We have a town forum on FB, and it has taken the entire year+ we have been around to convince people to at least stop calling DEEP for every sighting, and to please please STOP feeding the birds.

I'm just saying what most people are thinking.

No. You are saying what YOU are thinking. Most f us know how to scroll past threads that hold no interest or that we will not be able to resist getting snippy on.

Yeah, it's a complicated feeling. I don't wish them any specific harm, it's more like I wish they just never existed.

I feel that way about mosquitos. And ants. I don't like ants either. And spiders. I detest those things.
I am not a candidate for bug good will organizations.

 

[declansdad]

Right? I'd rather people feel like their "magic" is being ruined than have another person get attacked by an alligator.

Right because there have been so many attacks over the years.

These signs will not prevent an attack; they are only there to make the people who have over-reacted feel better and because a lawyer and a PR person said it would look better if they put them up.

 

[Momof2Singers]

After reading these same type of threads for weeks now, I am beyond flabbergasted at people's responses. Sometimes I just have to turn to another thread to escape.

No Swimming signs posted, but no signs giving people the impression Alligators were that close to the edge where they have had activities for families that have done exactly the same thing as this child for many years.

There should be signs everywhere in parks where water and possible danger are nearby; saving one person from this kind of horror should be top priority in lieu of not liking a sign that is posted and should not "take away" from the "magic" you are experiencing with your family. If they are, you are focusing on the wrong things.

Insert your "child's" name in this scenario, would these signs be appropriate then? Common sense is relevant, responsibility of signage and compassion for all people in general should be just as relevant.


DISNEY in 27 days, no signage will influence my magic, yet it will be a reminder to hug my kids and remember how precious life truly is...

Everyone have a blessed and safe 4th.

 

[rajak73]

Well the signs must be working, haven't heard of a attack since they put up the signs.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think Disney should also enact a strict policy where if resort guests are caught feeding alligators, they are forced to leave the resort. I really feel the people who are most at fault for this horrific accident are not the parents or Disney, but people who are feeding alligators from the shore or their balcony/patios.

Yes, this! That is the story I would like to see in the news next, so people stop feeding them. You get kicked out and banned.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I think Disney should also enact a strict policy where if resort guests are caught feeding alligators, they are forced to leave the resort. I really feel the people who are most at fault for this horrific accident are not the parents or Disney, but people who are feeding alligators from the shore or their balcony/patios.

Yes, this! That is the story I would like to see in the news next, so people stop feeding them. You get kicked out and banned.

ITA and have been saying so back to the first thread on this. People respond that Disney doesn't like to ruffle guests' feathers. As we've seen, THERE ARE FAR WORSE THINGS THAN THAT.

Feeding gators is ILLEGAL in FL -- this should be an EASY place for Disney to be extremely firm on enforcement. Combine the LAW with this tragic event, and I really want to see them be VERY strict on this one: Caught feeding gators -- I.e. Breaking the law and endangering others -- you are ejected. Period.

 

[wdwrule]

No Swimming signs posted, but no signs giving people the impression Alligators were that close to the edge where they have had activities for families that have done exactly the same thing as this child for many years.

I agree and especially with this. I'm hearing many say "well I'm from ____state or ____country, and I do my research and duh everyone knows there's alligators in Florida's waters and I have so much common sense that we don't go near the water" and on and on. Yes I get it. However when you have one of the largest theme parks that attracts people from all over the world and they see this....
And they're encouraged to build sand castles, etc etc it gets a little wishy washy. So I'm glad Disney finally sucked it up and did the right thing to help prevent another similar situation. And yes, sure, some people will still disregard signs but for the families in between, in the gray area, it just very well might help. I'm all about safety for others...not just my own family. I would also love to see some type of no feeding alligators sign ....with a fine or something steeper.