Flowers at GF?

[Accident]

I was thinking of stopping by GF later with some flowers and a candle to put out. Is there a spot and has anyone else started some type of memorial?

 

[Lynne M]

I can't imagine that Disney would allow that.

 

[Accident]

I can't imagine that Disney would allow that.

I'm thinking the same thing but will reach out to see if I could.

 

[amg35]

I don't think the families staying at the Grand Floridian right now need to see a reminder of the tragedy that just happened at their location.

People may be on their own once in a lifetime trips, I sure hope they don't have to reminded of what happened daily. Geez, let them have fun.

 

[Shanti]

I doubt the grieving family is in a place, emotionally, where they would even notice it. For the other families there, it would be a sobering reminder- not exactly conducive to enjoying their vacation. Nice sentiment behind the idea but I don't recommend.

 

[NYUBwayBaby]

I was thinking of stopping by GF later with some flowers and a candle to put out. Is there a spot and has anyone else started some type of memorial?

I think the beaches are still closed, as well.
I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[North of Mouse]

Not a good idea - could get out of hand quickly, and people don't have to have constant reminders 'in their face' 24/7 - it's already on people's minds. Also, as others stated, Disney would not allow it for obvious reasons.

 

[Missymoe4]

That would be awfully kind of you.

I highly doubt Disney would allow it because it sets up all kinds of issues.

In a month I will be staying at the GF. Even then I will not need to see a reminder, it will be on my mind and heart. On my vacation, I don't need to walk past a display. I'm from Chicago and see daily reminders of people (including children) being taken too early. Honestly, people don't need that reminder on vacation, too.

My heart goes out to the family.

 

[Accident]

I never reached out to disney to see if it would be ok. Thanks for the input I was on the fence for many of the same reasons listed. In the end, when I saw the statement from the family saying please respect their privacy, and the feedback here it was better to just not waste time for something that would be unwelcomed by many. I do get it, a little shield from the family so you can try to enjoy your time on vacation.

 

[Ndusmama]

Have you thought about maybe just going and stopping on a walkway near by for a moment of silence? If it was anywhere but florida I would say place a flower in the water. That way you could remember but it wouldn't be a permanent thing that everyone would have to see or ask why it is there. BTW the family is home now.

 

[Lynne M]

The impulse to do it is kind, and good-hearted, but in practice, I think all it's going to do is give some poor cast member the job of clearing it away several times a day.

Remember, this is Disney, where presentation is everything and it's all about keeping the guests firmly away from the outside world, and immersed in theming. They won't be allowing a display to call every passing guest's attention to the fact that a guest was killed by an alligator at that spot.

I think stopping by for a moment of prayer or reflection would be nice, if anyone's so inclined.

 

[Sagginit]

I think they would clear it away for various reasons. I would recommend paying attention to news and social media. Often when tragedies like this happen the family might not be prepared for funeral or other expenses (WDW might cover some extra time at the hotel if needed but what about flights back or meals?). In that case a GoFund me page may get set up which is a nice way to spend the money you would have spent on flowers to offer moral support to the family.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

I think they would clear it away for various reasons. I would recommend paying attention to news and social media. Often when tragedies like this happen the family might not be prepared for funeral or other expenses (WDW might cover some extra time at the hotel if needed but what about flights back or meals?). In that case a GoFund me page may get set up which is a nice way to spend the money you would have spent on flowers to offer moral support to the family.

The owners of Kingdom Stroller Rentals have set up a Go Fund Me page it came up on my FB feed a few days ago. This family had rented their stroller for this trip from them & the owner feels very moved to help.

I will find the link & post it when I have the chance if that is not going to breach any forum rules.

***edited to update***

The Owner has stopped taking donations, the original post was hoping for $20,000.. it was increased to $30,000 as interest grew --- they have stopped at $50,250!! There is kindness in the world in the light of tragedy.

 

[Lynne M]

And just as a quick FYI, the DIS doesn't allow posting of fundraising links.

 

[OnceUponATime15]

And just as a quick FYI, the DIS doesn't allow posting of fundraising links.

That's what I figured, and why I checked.

 

[HopperFan]

Well, I am surprised but they are allowing flowers to be set out for now .... but I def would not leave a candle.

https://twitter.com/ScottGustin/status/743894395171246084

 

[Her Dotness]

From what was reported, the Graves family are Catholics. If you'd like to do something, contact a Catholic church near your home and ask about having a memorial Mass said for Lane Graves and what a typical donation is for that to be done. I'm sure that would be more meaningful to his family than things set outside as a memorial even if Disney permitted that.

ETA: Not to give a misleading impression, Catholics believe that a child so young goes straight to heaven. Having a Mass said as a memorial is sometimes done nevertheless to offer support and comfort to the family.