Alligators

[Emmafleur]

I know that this is probably a worry that I shouldn’t have but I’m not from a place that has any kind of dangerous wild animals nearby. My family and I are visiting WDW in August and are staying at OKW. I can see that there are waterways winding round the whole resort as well as further waterways at some of the parks and other hotels that we will be visiting. What are the chances of having alligators in the waterways and is it safe to walk near them/ ride on water transportation? I think news reports are making me slightly paranoid so I wanted to check with people who have been to Disney a lot about how to stay safe while we’re on holiday. TIA

 

[crazylady]

I've actually never seen an alligator at Disney but I know they are there. Just use common sense and you'll be fine: A. don't go in the warer B. If you see an alligator, don't go near it

 

[larissawbb]

You may want to ask this question on the DVC resorts thread. There have been alligator sightings at OKW. Especially on the nature path that leads to Saratoga. They weren’t especially large though.

 

[capegirl]

Yes, we have seen gators both in and out of the water on Disney property. Should you spot one, as the PP said, it will most likely be a young gator. As I understand it, Disney will remove them when they grow to a certain length. Just be aware of your surroundings and enjoy your vacation!

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

We have made numerous trips to Disney and have seen a gator only one time on Disney property, but it was at a distance. As the previous posts states, there are alligators in the waterways. Just be mindful of your surroundings. We are always mindful to watch for snakes & alligators, especially when we walk on paths or get near the water. We ride the water transportation without giving it a second thought. We stay at Port Orleans Riverside or The French Quarter. Both of these hotels set along one of the waterways. We walk the path near the waterway, but we never go towards the water's edge. In Florida, where there is water, there are alligators.

 

[PollyannaMom]

What are the chances of having alligators in the waterways and is it safe to walk near them/ ride on water transportation?

The chance that there are gators in the water is high, but the chance that you will see one is low.

If you do see one, don't get close to it. (But they are fascinating from a distance.)

You will be fine on the boats. They load at docks, so you won't be right on the water's edge to board them.

 

[Emmafleur]

Thank you everyone. I went in 2013 and never imagined that there might be alligators on property- guess I was lucky and naive. I will certainly be careful now

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Stay out of the water, and keep small children from the water's edge, as alligators could lurch out and grab them. You are perfectly safe if you stay on the walking paths or in a boat. If you are walking and see an alligator, back away slowly, making sure you aren't moving towards water. They don't have enough agility to eat you on land, but if they get you in the water it's bad news.

We all have our overblown fears. I personally am terrified of the sink holes that just open up randomly. One swalllowed a man in his sleep a few years ago.

 

[Staren]

As a native Floridian, I feel comfortable saying this. They’re pretty easy to live with most of the time. A little common sense goes a long way. You don’t walk along the waters edge, and you follow Pete’s advice on every DIS Unplugged sign off. Do that and you will be fine. It’s extremely rare to see them on land. If you do, just remember that gators have the right of way.

 

[Hisgirl]

Yep, keep kiddies away from water's edge. I'd be more concerned about watching for snakes near the water than gators. I've seen one snake on a sidewalk, but have heard of them hiding under bushes and at least one child got bit by a venomous mocc. So just be aware of of where your feet land and keep little ones in front of you and away from bushes.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

it is safe to assume that all bodies of water have alligators. In 2016 when the boy at Disney was killed, in search of the gator that killed him, they removed 5 gators from that body of water. Riding in the boats at Disney are safe. Disney has done a good job of roping off the area close to the bodies of water to keep guest out of the water. Shoot not long ago my Uncle who works at MK said the cleaning crew found a gator in the ladies restroom. So just be cautious and smart about what you are doing.