Are seagulls still a problem?

[JudieB]

On our last few trips, about 10 years ago, there was a giant flock of seagulls around Liberty Square that would scavenge food right out of your hand if you weren't diligent about protecting it. Are they still a problem or has Disney figured out how to manage the problem?

 

[yulilin3]

Still a problem

 

[MyGirlLovesTink]

In all my trips I have never noticed any seagulls.

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

I've never noticed them... but then, we share the city with pigeons that think they are equal or superior to humans. I'm not sure they would have pinged my radar.

 

[Jennasis]

Never had a seagull problem, but of course have read stories of those who have. My sister had a pretzel taken from her hand by a swooping seagull.

 

[PetePanMan]

they are quite bad outside of Nemo ride in Epcot...

 

[MinnieMSue]

Never noticed seagulls at DW but at Cedar Point in the other hand - yikes! My bird phobic daughter is in panic mode all day. Only bird problem at DW we ever had was getting swooped by parrots. She literally tucked in a ball in the middle of the walkway at AK lol.

 

[cavepig]

Yep, they can be. A lot were around World showcase in early January (marathon weekend) as we walked around in the afternoon (it was cloudy and cool) and my brother got pooped on by one. I laughed which was mean....but it did come out of his shirt which luckily was a dark color.

 

[DisneyOma]

Didn't notice them last August. We spent a good deal of time playing SotMK in that area, and had no issues. We also ate outside there twice, and had squirrels and tiny wrens approach us, but not too closely.

 

[HopperFan]

They are not quite as bad as they used to be but yes, around some food locations they still try to hang out. If only people would THINK and not feed the wildlife. As long as folks keep tossing food to feed the birds, they will keep coming.

 

[mjkacmom]

They can't be as bad as the ones at the Jersey shore. I think all of my kids have had sandwiches taken right out of their hands, at some point (that's how you learn). I love it when people feed them, when they realize it might not be such a good idea.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

It's not just seagulls but also those giant stork type birds too. Last month I watched one land on a man's head and steal his pretzel.

 

[HopperFan]

They can't be as bad as the ones at the Jersey shore. I think all of my kids have had sandwiches taken right out of their hands, at some point (that's how you learn). I love it when people feed them, when they realize it might not be such a good idea.

Haha, all been there done that ......... but the shore is their home that we humans have invaded, guess they just think we are bringing them hostess gifts.

 

[larryz]

They are not quite as bad as they used to be but yes, around some food locations they still try to hang out. If only people would THINK and not feed the wildlife. As long as folks keep tossing food to feed the birds, they will keep coming.

And of course there's not much one can do about it once the birds decide to "help themselves..."

 

[HopperFan]

And of course there's not much one can do about it once the birds decide to "help themselves..."

My point more being the less they are purposely fed the less they feel they are your dinner guest. They are being domesticated and conditioned by guests, so they are no longer afraid to come close to humans and help themselves.

 

[ironz]

January 2015 I got about 3 seagulls in my face, stealing food. I had just gotten an order of Fish and Chips in Epcot's England, and was on the walkway to the patio area sort of behind and to the right of the Fish and Chips place. They came out of nowhere, right in my face, knocked my food and soda and tray right out of my hands. It was very scary how close they got to my face.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I have had more of an issue with the starlings( at least I think they're starlings). The birds are black with white eyes. My sister and I were staying at WL and decided to eat breakfast outside. One swooped in and took a beakful of my breakfast potatos. And at AK, one was flying at me, but it got caught in the ceiling fan at the outdoor seating area and landed at my feet!

 

[Dis703]

I can't say I've ever experienced a problem with the seagulls in 14+ trips now. I'm sure it happens and I do see them around but I can't imagine it's a huge issue or we'd hear a lot more about it.

 

[katt789]

The seagulls are HORRIBLE right now, Frontierland, Hub, they're horrible.
Last fall, Sept/Oct they seemed to not be there as often, not sure if it's a time of year thing or what but they're there, and they're bad. (because people have fed them so much)

 

[HopperFan]

I can't say I've ever experienced a problem with the seagulls in 14+ trips now. I'm sure it happens and I do see them around but I can't imagine it's a huge issue or we'd hear a lot more about it.

Used to be a HUGE issue, now it's just an issue. Some things may affect change like Disney has strung up some wires in a few places to discourage them and Pecos Bills used to be awful to be around outside but thinking the new menu has helped that situation (they love fries more than burritos ). And I do think some seasons are much worse than others, and a variety of efforts by Disney have seen a decrease.

But there seems to be an increase in reports of brazen squirrels entering stroller baskets, diaper bags etc helping themselves. Worse about that is you may not have known a squirrel was in your snack bag and then you go ahead and finish your snack. They have no fear of humans and will walk right up to them.