Alligators, Amoebas, and a Resuscitated Horse

[fakereadhed]

Thanks to the DIS for giving us an unbiased Podcast.

The horse isn't dead yet. Just finished listening to "a certain podcast I won't name names" WDW Radio Show and the last email was from someone who wanted to get a second opinion on the alligator and amoeba discussion "from a certain podcast".

The information given was not fact, and stated there were no "flesh-eating amoebas" in Bay Lake and that Discovery Cove is not infested with alligators.

While I don't believe everything I hear, I do have google and snopes and (half)a brain and I don't need to consult another podcaster to know that the info from the DIS was fact with the opinions of some folks at a roundtable thrown in for good measure.

Anybody else hear this?

 

[Becx N Gav]

My goodness! There are such extremes, some people will believe anything you say, others can't think for themselves and make an educated decision!

I would ask myself (if I doubted the Podcast crew - which I don't!) what would the crew have to gain? I giant lake all to themselves!

I guess that teaches you to listen to 'another' podcast LOL

To be honest it may be better if people do start to catch this amoeba - shorter lines, ADR's available, fewer crowds?!?!

When I mentioned this to DH (about people wanting to swim in the lake) he turned his nose up and wondered why anyone would have the urge to do that when there are perfectly good pools at every resort AND 2 water parks

 

[DisneyKevin]

Discovery Cove?

So that's what makes it soooo expensive.

Discovery Island folks........Discovery Island is in the middle of Bay Lake.

 

[fakereadhed]

My goodness!
I guess that teaches you to listen to 'another' podcast LOL

If only every day was Wednesday...

 

[cocowum]

That podcast is like The Birnbaum guide (sp?). He wears seriously Rose colored glasses. I'll stick with the DIS.

He also said that the stroller increase was not that bad.

I love that the Team gives it to you straight. Good or Bad.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Ok, I listened to the podcast and that was strange. I listened three times and still didn't understand the email or the response. It was confusing.

The emailer wanted to re-assure her kids they could swim in Bay Lake and not be eaten by alligators, amid much laughing he promised that they would not be eaten by alligators, but then said you aren't allowed to swim in Bay Lake anyway because of bacteria.

And who said anything about amoebas in the sand? How in the heck could amoebas live in sand?

 

[SamIAm21]

Flesh eating... sheesh. Nothing like blowing things out of proportion. Maybe had the question been posed more credibly, the answer would have made more sense.

 

[MenashaCorp]

And who said anything about amoebas in the sand? How in the heck could amoebas live in sand?

"And when there was no crawdad to be found, we ate sand."
"You ate WHAT?"
"We ate sand."
"You ate SAND?!?"
"That's right..."

 

[aspen37]

I just listened also. I went to Discovery Cove and did not see alligators! Now that was a few years ago. Hey Corey and Julie did you see any alligators at Discovery Cove? I think they should have listened to the Dis Unplugged before they made light of show and what was said.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I think they should have listened to the Dis Unplugged before they made light of show and what was said.

I didn't think of this, but I agree. Not something you want to give out inaccurate information about. I was a little surprised he promised they didn't need to worry about alligators. Can you imagine how awful if something happened to someone?

 

[Becx N Gav]

I just listened also. I went to Discovery Cove and did not see alligators!

Maybe it was an 'add on' you can now purchase

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

 

[rlduvall]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

Excellent e-mail. I also heard this Podcast today and was shocked at the misinformation given by the requestor . . . as well as the equally misinformed response. Of course there are alligators in the water . . . that's Florida in general. And most people should know about the Amoeba danger. It's very common in my neck of the woods.

Also, the Travel Agent gave an incorrect response to verifying numbers of days on old passes. There is now a number you can call to get this information. Now, the individual asking the question was wondering about the water parks and I am not sure about that, but the Travel Agent acted like it couldn't be done at all.

Edited to Add: I do really like and respect this Podcaster, though. He has a heart of gold and is not a mean spirited person in any way. I think alot of it was the way it was presented to him.

 

[Kimberle]

Nancy - Bravo!

I listened to that podcast today. I was appalled at how he & the travel agent were laughing at a very serious question.

I do like listening to him, but take everything with a big grain of salt. Let's see, last week he said you could refill the refillable mugs given with the new counter service dining plan in the parks.

Also, in today's show, he and his travel agent guest answered a question about park hopper tickets. The listener was staying for 2 weeks and wanted 14 day park hoppers with water park admission. Instead of telling them they could go to the parks 10 different days and the water parks the remaining 4 days, they told the caller to buy 1 day water park tickets, 10 day + 4 park hoppers, or annual passes.

 

[aspen37]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

Nice job Nancy. I did post on his website some of the same info. You did a lot better job with your email.

 

[fakereadhed]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

Well stated!

I feel like the DIS gets treated like a stepchild. I think commenting on another show was really uncalled for.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Well stated!

I feel like the DIS gets treated like a stepchild. I think commenting on another show was really uncalled for.

I agree, very well stated email! I'll be curious to hear if there is any response to it.

I didn't feel like the DIS got treated like a stepchild though, he didn't even mention the name of the DIS. I do think it's very poor reporting and in this case possibly dangerous, not to research the question. Does that podcaster live in Florida? Maybe he hasn't heard of the amoeba problem. I know I never heard of it until Pete talked about it.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments about the email. I tried really hard to make it one he would actually read, as opposed to an offensive one that could have been easily blown off. While I do like listening to Lou (admitedly sometimes he gets a little over the top and everything is "his favorite thing"), he is a podcaster based out of NJ, and doesn't have the "local advantage" that our team does to know or acknowledge the issues that are faced in Florida.

I think it's a symptom of the greater issue - no one wants to face reality when it comes to Disney or their vacation, in general. Especially in a place that is synonomous with Happiness TM, adorable critters and Magic Moments TM. Remember the flack about Pete's Bahamas comments..... Another thing that solidifed that for me was the travel agent saying she would be out of a job if they had alligators and amoebas.

I also thing that for a lawyer doing a show, it was a little sloppy. Doesn't he realize that someone could try to make him held liable for his claims, if something happened to their kid and he guaranteed it to be okay? Anyone can sue anyone, anymore. It felt like he was in a rush to get that juicy email out there and on the air, by his comments regarding it. Then he pushed things a bit too far when they commented about "other podcasts and extremist reporting".

I really do hope he makes a retraction on another episode.
Nancy

 

[fakereadhed]

I didn't feel like the DIS got treated like a stepchild though, he didn't even mention the name of the DIS.

That's what bothered me. If you aren't going to mention it, don't mention the podcast at all. Lots of other podcasts reference each other openly. And I don't think it would have hurt to talk to Pete about it before putting the email to the top of the list to read either.

 

[adsrtw]

Please forgive me if I am wrong, but...

Aren't gators the state reptile for Florida?!? Heck I remember being a dumb 20 something a few years ago driving along 312 near Ocala when one jumped out at me. Ok, Ok, it didn't jump, but it scared me enough that I jumped while driving.

It shouldn't take a group of people who care about tourists' welfare to bring sense to this situation (I'm talking amoebas too). But it is appreciated and very classy. I would not have known about the amoebas otherwise. Swimming in stagnate lake water is just plain gross. I don't know about y'all (had to get the Evansville twang in there), but I would rather have something else become gator/amoeba bait.

I am respectfully stepping off my soap box for now. Who's next?

Amiee