Changes made to resorts to make guests safer?

[KellyHonos]

A week before my trip to WDW, the news broke about the little boy who had his life taken from him far too soon by an alligator attack, may he rest in peace. I truly cannot imagine what his family was feeling and continues to feel to this day. Aside from being broken-hearted for the family, I got scared, wondering how something like that could happen...

With my next trip approaching, I was wondering if anyone who either works for WDW, or frequents more than I, could tell me if new safety measures have been implemented to keep the alligators from taking another human life again. Fences? Signs? Anything? I haven't heard anyone speak about the alligators since a couple of years ago, so I just wanted to know what was being done about this to prevent future issues.

Thanks guys!

 

[dansdad]

With my next trip approaching, I was wondering if anyone who either works for WDW, or frequents more than I, could tell me if new safety measures have been implemented to keep the alligators from taking another human life again. Fences? Signs?

Yes and yes.

 

[buzznina]

They put up fencing and rocks to help prevent people going into the water and animals coming onto the beach areas. They did this immediately after the accident.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Edit, duplicate post as the PP.

 

[KellyHonos]

They put up fencing and rocks to help prevent people going into the water and animals coming onto the beach areas. They did this immediately after the accident.

Is this for all resorts with neighboring water, or just the grand floridian? I'm staying at Coronado springs in July which I know has a decent sized body of water near it. I'm assuming they did it for all, but just asking for clarification

 

[Marionnette]

A week before my trip to WDW, the news broke about the little boy who had his life taken from him far too soon by an alligator attack, may he rest in peace. I truly cannot imagine what his family was feeling and continues to feel to this day. Aside from being broken-hearted for the family, I got scared, wondering how something like that could happen...

With my next trip approaching, I was wondering if anyone who either works for WDW, or frequents more than I, could tell me if new safety measures have been implemented to keep the alligators from taking another human life again. Fences? Signs? Anything? I haven't heard anyone speak about the alligators since a couple of years ago, so I just wanted to know what was being done about this to prevent future issues.

Thanks guys!

There were signs on display warning guests to stay out of the water long before this tragic incident. Since then, Disney has erected fencing along the water's edge at GF and increased the visibility of warning signs. But this is Florida and if there is water, there will be alligators. Disney has always been proactive about removing the larger animals when they have been spotted but they cannot eliminate the entire population.

 

[KellyHonos]

There were signs on display warning guests to stay out of the water long before this tragic incident. Since then, Disney has erected fencing along the water's edge at GF and increased the visibility of warning signs. But this is Florida and if there is water, there will be alligators. Disney has always been proactive about removing the larger animals when they have been spotted but they cannot eliminate the entire population.

I understand this, but it was Disney that brought the family down to the beach area for a movie. That would have given me the impression it was safe to be near the water. I don't want to divulge the details, I find it disrespectful to the family. I just was wondering if changes had been made at all, and whether they were made to all resorts or just GF.

 

[dansdad]

I understand this, but it was Disney that brought the family down to the beach area for a movie. That would have given me the impression it was safe to be near the water. I don't want to divulge the details, I find it disrespectful to the family. I just was wondering if changes had been made at all, and whether they were made to all resorts or just GF.

All resorts.

 

[KellyHonos]

All resorts

Lovely. Thank you!

 

[rg35]

I understand this, but it was Disney that brought the family down to the beach area for a movie. That would have given me the impression it was safe to be near the water. I don't want to divulge the details, I find it disrespectful to the family. I just was wondering if changes had been made at all, and whether they were made to all resorts or just GF.

Nobody should have assumed it was safe since there were signs staying to stay out of the water. It was not a new event for movies to be show on the beach at GF. Nobody was ever killed by an alligator there before. Had the family heeded the signs it would not have happened. Doesn't make it any less terrible, but it was sadly an avoidable incident.

 

[KellyHonos]

Nobody should have assumed it was safe since there were signs staying to stay out of the water. It was not a new event for movies to be show on the beach at GF. Nobody was ever killed by an alligator there before. Had the family heeded the signs it would not have happened. Doesn't make it any less terrible, but it was sadly an avoidable incident.

Again, not looking to divulge the details, it is disrespectful and not the intention of my thread. I was seeking updates as to whether or not changes had been made. Thank you.

 

[DebbieB]

Nobody should have assumed it was safe since there were signs staying to stay out of the water. It was not a new event for movies to be show on the beach at GF. Nobody was ever killed by an alligator there before. Had the family heeded the signs it would not have happened. Doesn't make it any less terrible, but it was sadly an avoidable incident.

Sign said "no swimming". Technicality but it could have been more clear to not even walk along the edge. Disney even had a brochure showing a couple wading along the edge.

 

[Dave006]

In addition to changes at the individual resorts, there have been changes in the parks to improve the safety and security of guests around water ways, lakes and ponds.

Dave

 

[Marionnette]

I understand this, but it was Disney that brought the family down to the beach area for a movie. That would have given me the impression it was safe to be near the water. I don't want to divulge the details, I find it disrespectful to the family. I just was wondering if changes had been made at all, and whether they were made to all resorts or just GF.

My point is that wildlife is going to do what is in its nature to do. Fencing and signage are proactive measures but guests also bear some responsibility for their own safety. The fences give a sense of security but they are meant to keep guests from entering the water, not to keep alligators from getting out of the water. Gators can climb fences, just Google a few videos.

 

[DSLRuser]

I feel for the family, but I see it as Disney is making themselves safer from guests who are not too bright. Who lets their toddler play in knee deep water that is known to have carnivores in it at dusk. Anyone who has ever watched animal planet knows these animals like to eat at dusk. Sharks, alligators, wolves, tigers...

But Disney gets sued because guests negligence. It is impossible to remove every possible animal form the world, there for the human has to remain vigilant. i know this is not a popular view, so my flame suit is on.

 

[KellyHonos]

Technicality but it could have been more clear to not even walk along the edge

Exactly my point, Disney hosted a movie night near the water with no fencing, I would have assumed it was safe to be near the water just based off this alone.

there have been changes in the parks to improve the safety and security of guests around water ways, lakes and ponds

That's really awesome to hear.

My point is that wildlife is going to do what is in its nature to do. Fencing and signage are proactive measures but guests also bear some responsibility for their own safety. The fences give a sense of security but they are meant to keep guests from entering the water, not to keep alligators from getting out of the water. Gators can climb fences, just Google a few videos.

Well there certainly is no denying that aspect. I understand that wildlife cannot be tamed fully. I just was curious as to what changes had been made.

I feel for the family, but I see it as Disney is making themselves safer from guests who are not too bright. Who lets their toddler play in knee deep water that is known to have carnivores in it at dusk. Anyone who has ever watched animal planet knows these animals like to eat at dusk. Sharks, alligators, wolves, tigers...

But Disney gets sued because guests negligence. It is impossible to remove every possible animal form the world, there for the human has to remain vigilant. i know this is not a popular view, so my flame suit is on.

As I have mentioned multiple times, my intention on this thread was not to rip this poor family apart for the loss of their son. It's not my place to say who was wrong and who was right in this situation. At the end of the day, their baby is dead and he can't get replaced, so I think we need to be a little more compassionate. Also, I'm from Michigan, and I don't find myself as not being "bright" just because I didn't know gators lurked in the Disney waters. It needs to be more blatant and obvious. And perhaps Disney shouldn't host events down by the water.

 

[Moliphino]

Exactly my point, Disney hosted a movie night near the water with no fencing, I would have assumed it was safe to be near the water just based off this alone.

It had been completely safe for 40+ years. It was a freak accident.

 

[KellyHonos]

It had been completely safe for 40+ years. It was a freak accident.

Either way, I think it's good they're taking extra measures to ensure it NEVER happens again.

 

[tobikaye]

OP: I am going to say that you could easily have asked this question without bring the child, his family, or the tragedy that occurred into your question.

Example: "Do all bodies of water, such as the lake at Coronado Springs, have some fencing now?"

Sorry if this offends you and I welcome you to click the "ignore" feature so you no longer see any posts I make as I have done to future posts you make.

 

[KellyHonos]

OP: I am going to say that you could easily have asked this question without bring the child, his family, or the tragedy that occurred into your question.

Example: "Do all bodies of water, such as the lake at Coronado Springs, have some fencing now?"

Sorry if this offends you and I welcome you to click the "ignore" feature so you no longer see any posts I make as I have done to future posts you make.

Alrighty, see ya!

 

[cruisin5]

Near the water and IN the water are two different things.