Disney Can Fix It

[J'Adore Disney]

Perhaps these signs are not aesthetically pleasing and do not "fit the décor" but they should be posted near Disney lakes.

 

[SgtTibbs]

I'm curious. How many of you agree with them discontinuing allowing passengers to ride in the front of the monorail due to a single accident in 45 years?

I have ridden there in the past and would do so again in a heartbeat. So, that puts me square in the disagree camp.

 

[Mousetopia]

I completely understand your point of view but swimming is not the same as wading and if you want people to stay out of the water then why not put up signs that say stay out of the water. No swimming signs leaves people to think that its permissible to wade in the water.
Here's a sign that I have often seen on Cape Cod; note that it addresses both swimmers and waders. This is my perspective; swimming and wading are not the same and no swimming to me means no swimming, nothing more.

View attachment 175725

I sent feedback to Disney saying just that..wading is different..to clarify so people are not required to assume the correct direction. ..and also add alligator warning.

I like the wall idea too..takes away those times when a parent looks a way for a moment and the child moves fast..happens to all parents ..does not make them a bad parent, but a wall would provide a cushion

 

[Boski]

But should we have signs for all dangerous wildlife? You're more likely to die from a bee sting than a alligator.

 

[WebmasterCorey]

I feel so terribly sorry for this family, and as dad knowing he tried to save his son, it makes me want to throw up.

I am not trying to blame anyone here. The point of this post is what can be done to prevent it from happening again. I'm going to focus on signage alone. Also, I have not read a single post on this thread, so I'm not rebutting anyone here.

I took this photo a few years ago and posted on Twitter yesterday.

As a former lifeguard, this to me is a warning of drowning prevention. Again, this was taken a few years ago, so it could have been reduced to simply "no swimming". Not everyone understands the presence of Gators here, especially at a magical place like Disney.



I know, I know. We can argue all day what the meaning of "no swimming" vs "stay out of the water" means. They do have two separate meanings in my opinion. True warning signs should leave nothing to interpretation. Show an icon of a gator, snake, and an amobeba (what does that look like anyway?) on this sign.

Has there been an Alligator attack at WDW in the past, not that I know of. Is Disney oblivious to Gators in that lake or on property, no.

Here's a photo taken from the entrance to my neighborhood.



We've had zero Bear attacks in my neighborhood, but they are present and even enter our screened enclosures and garages (personal experience). There have been attack cases around the area in the past, but mainly from people that were not following the "don't feed the Bears" warning signs. The point is that not everyone looking for a house or visiting friends or family know that we have Bears in the neighborhood. It's the same with tourists to Disney.

What should be done next?

In my opinion, the signs need to be to the point! Disney can still be magical while also letting guests know the true dangers, whether it's on a ride, being near a body of water, or standing in a smoking section (not really but had to throw that in).

The beaches at these resorts are extremely inviting, equipped with lounge chairs, hammocks, and silky white sand. Why wouldn't you want to dip your feet in the water? I don't because I know, and I also know it's not a beach.

Posted from my iPhone
Please excuse any typos

 

[deannaf87]

I completely agree with Corey on this one. The beaches are so inviting and I think a lot of people would see a difference between "no swimming" and "don't walk along the water's edge with your child". I've seen so many people say they would have taken "no swimming" as "stay far away from the water", but of course hindsight is 20/20.

I grew up in Southeast Texas and spent a lot of times on bayous with plenty of exposure to alligators. I never would have thought an alligator would come charging out of Seven Seas Lagoon and grabbed my child. I can't imagine that the thought of that happening would likely occur to a family from Nebraska. Like many have said, it happened once in 45 years. This isn't a regular occurrence. However, something like this will spur Disney into putting up more signage about the dangers of the wildlife. I, for one, think that is a good thing. We've stayed at Shades of Green, which is very close to the GF, and there were signs making guests aware of the presence of alligators and to stay away.

The comments I've seen on social media bashing the parents for this are sickening. I think they have suffered enough, and I hope they stay far away from the comments of all the perfect humans out there on the internet. I can't even begin to think about what they are dealing with and will deal with for the rest of their lives. God bless them all.

 

[Lisann]

There is a way to keep the beaches as they are and still beautiful to lounge on, put your toes in the sand, have movies, etc.

On the beach areas about 2 feet before the waters edge, beachcomber-style fences could be erected and themed to the resort. You know the type, you've seen them on the Cape and on the west coast of Florida beaches, near sand dunes, too. The are not very tall either. They would add to the theming as well. And they would appear to be nothing much but in reality would be engineered like a tank.

There would need to be only a small themed sign stating to not go into the water or climb/hang on/touch the fence, alligators beyond this point etc. Whatever works.

A gator is not going to be interested in messing with the barrier, or climbing the fence as some have suggested. I would at least feel better if I saw a gator on the shores of Poly that he can't get to me and I certainly have time to move away. It's completely workable.

 

[gojoe]

The beaches at these resorts are extremely inviting, equipped with lounge chairs, hammocks, and silky white sand. Why wouldn't you want to dip your feet in the water? I don't because I know, and I also know it's not a beach.

The following is a blog from One Room Cabin, someone posted it on Facebook. It makes very good points please read. I know I have to let this go but each time I see that little boys face in the news and my heart aches.

"I am you. We have never met, I have never faced your tragedy but that’s all I can think this morning- “I AM YOU”. I have done what you have done. I have saved and spent countless hours planning to take my family on a Magical trip to see the Mouse. Every trip has it’s own expectations, hopes and dreams. Weeks of preparing and talking with my children about all the exciting things we will do and see. Finally arriving and checking into one of the many beautiful Walt Disney World Resorts. Wondering the property pointing out the different animals we don’t see at home, a gecko, an armadillo even a small gator or two. We stand in line to catch our resort bus or monorail to the park of our choice. I lather my children with sunscreen to protect them from the Florida sun. We stop for the family photo at every landmark possible. Even after all these trips there’s nothing quite like stepping onto Main Street to see that Castle. Each time it’s breath-taking. I have spent many hours at the parks with children melting down trying to make the most of each moment. Maybe this was your first trip, that once in a life time trip or maybe like my family you go as often as possible. Whatever the case may be, we are the same. Like you, my family has spent our evenings on the beaches of a Walt Disney Resort. We grab our jackets and head to the resort beach to unwind from a busy day at the parks. We scout out a place to sit for the perfect view of the movie, fire works, Electrical Water Parade. My children run ahead of me excited to have a little freedom from my clutching hands. Sometimes I chase after them pretending to slip in the sand so the game can continue and memories are made. Other times I firmly plant myself on the beach because lets face it, walking all day at the parks is exhausting and now it’s time to relax! As I sit far enough from the water’s edge to miss the mist carried in by the gentle breeze, my children run along the shoreline. I carry on in conversation with those around me, keeping an eye on my children who play in the near distance. They scoop up the wet sand because it makes for the best sandcastles, they toss sticks in the water to watch them float. As they step into the shallow water I yell out to remind them not to get their clothes wet as it’s a bit of a hike back to our room for dry clothes or at least take their shoes off before wading in. I check my watch to see how much longer before the movie starts, until the fireworks begin, or the Electrical Water Parade is due to come by thankful for moments like these. Truth be told, I’m not the only one. Other families are doing this exact same thing. Some parents are multi tasking as their children head in different directions to discover their own areas to play in. Everyone is in a relaxed state because this is what vacation looks like! Tragically for you, a force of nature, an alligator, stole your child, your heart, while no doubt your family was enjoying one of these simple moments like I have so many times before. The unimaginable has happened and I’m sure you have replayed that moment over and over in your head. I can not begin to fathom what you are going through but I can tell you, I am you! This could have been my family, my child. It could have happened to thousands of others who have sat on these very beaches. People are harsh and they will be cruel accusing and blaming. Probably not nearly as mean as you are being to yourself with each passing hour. I simply want you to know, “This is not your fault”. You went on vacation and the unthinkable happened. It could have been my child or any other family who has walked those beaches. My heart is breaking for you. My prayers are going out to you. I am hugging my kids tighter because of you. Though you may feel other wise you are not alone. I am all to aware, I AM YOU."[/QUOTE]

 

[disneysteve]

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the thread. It has remained wonderfully civil and controlled. Rather than bashing other people's opinions, we've instead stated and explained our own. In the process, something remarkable happened. I learned a few things that have altered my view. Imagine that! Open and respectful discussion has led to education and understanding. What a concept.

This tragedy is not the parents' fault. They've suffered an unimaginable horror and don't need the judgement of strangers on the internet to make them feel even worse, if that's even possible.

Even though I personally would still view a "No Swimming" sign to mean "Stay Out Of The Water", enough of you have said you interpret it to mean something else (I'm still not sure what but that's irrelevant) that it's clear that there need to be more explicit warnings.

The fact that even once a Disney CM has been seen allowing or even encouraging kids to enter the water tells me there's a problem that needs fixing.

The fact that in a matter of hours, Disney was able to capture 6 or more gators from the lagoon tells me that there are far more gators on property than I imagined. Again, that warrants more explicit warnings. Sure most people know there are gators in Florida but they probably don't expect to encounter one on Disney property.

Again, thank you for having an open discussion on a really difficult topic.

 

[Boski]

Even though I personally would still view a "No Swimming" sign to mean "Stay Out Of The Water", enough of you have said you interpret it to mean something else (I'm still not sure what but that's irrelevant) that it's clear that there need to be more explicit warnings.

I think the question is what warnings should be posted? Statistically you're more likely to die from a wasp or bee than a alligator. Should Disney post a sign about those as well? I think a alligator attack somehow triggers images from the movies of some huge hulking beast coming to get them. Its some type of primitive fear, similar to a shark or a bear. Nobody seems to think a little bee or ant could, and again statically more likely, to kill you and so dismisses it. They hear alligator and they want signs, a wall, Disney shouldn't have invited people to the beach, etc.

 

[disneysteve]

I think the question is what warnings should be posted? Statistically you're more likely to die from a wasp or bee than a alligator. Should Disney post a sign about those as well? I think a alligator attack somehow triggers images from the movies of some huge hulking beast coming to get them. Its some type of primitive fear, similar to a shark or a bear. Nobody seems to think a little bee or ant could, and again statically more likely, to kill you and so dismisses it. They hear alligator and they want signs, a wall, Disney shouldn't have invited people to the beach, etc.

As someone who spent every summer growing up at the Jersey shore, I have always thought it was odd to have beaches that lead directly into water that you aren't allowed to enter. That's just a strange concept to me. I've also been going to Disney long enough to remember when swimming in the lake was a thing.

Personally, I think a low barrier between the sand and water makes a lot more sense than a bunch of warning signs. Make it clear that you can enjoy the sand but that the water isn't meant to be entered.

 

[disneysteve]

you're more likely to die from a wasp or bee than a alligator

You're more likely to be stung by a bee, but between the two, I would think the alligator attack is far more likely to be fatal unless you have a serious allergy to bee stings. If not, that would just be a nuisance.

 

[Jadeey]

Because I know (thanks to Pete) that you shouldn't go in the water at all, it's hard for me to decide if I would consider 'No Swimming' to mean stay out of the water entirely. I actually think I would probably think wading was okay based on that sign, because we have plenty of beaches here that are no swimming in certain areas due to things like dangerous rips, but going less than ankle deep is fine.

In the end it all comes down, I guess, to what people assume the reasoning behind the sign is. If they assume it is because of a lack of lifeguards or a steep drop-off then they will probably decide wading is okay.

 

[Sammie]

I think the new signs are very easy to understand, there is warning image of gator and snakes. The fence has 3 or 4 ropes, this was taken before it was finished.

 

[MolonLabe]

I think the new signs are very easy to understand, there is warning image of gator and snakes. The fence has 3 or 4 ropes, this was taken before it was finished.

My God that sign looks hideous.

As an aside, look at the water./shoreline. Does that look like anything you'd want your 2 year being a foot deep in?

This reminds me of some of the railings put around portions of the Grand Canyon. Seriously, if you aren't smart enough to know better than to get too close to the edge and wind up falling a few hundred feet, it's Darwin's way of weeding out the bad genes.