Gator Tragedy

[tltay2005]

I am sure most of you have heard about the tragic accident involving a gator dragging a toddler into Seven Seas Lagoon from the Grand Floridian. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. This was a very rare occurrence, but it is a reminder there are gators in every standing body of fresh water in Florida. Removing all of them is not possible, that is like removing all the sharks from the ocean. If you are at the Fort and venture to the beach at night, please do not wade in the water, and keep a close eye on your children.

 

[skyp4WDW]

Disney should post GATOR/DANGER signs near every body of water. They are aware of the risk to guests...but not everyone who visits Disneyworld is aware that there is danger at he waters edge. Disney could also use some of their huge profits to sweep for gators on a regular basis; not just after a child is killed. (No they won't get them all; but they can definately reduce the chances of this sort of nightmare happening)

 

[bama_ed]

In reading the main thread on the Theme Parks board, someone posted a link from a 1986 gator attack at Fort Wilderness (the child was saved).

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1986-10-12/news/0260190168_1_hitt-alligator-fort-wilderness

This is terrible for the family. What a rough week for Orlando.

Bama Ed

PS - I haven't listened to the DIS WDW podcast in a while but Pete Werner used to always sign off with, "stay out of the damn lakes".

 

[North of Mouse]

Disney should post GATOR/DANGER signs near every body of water. They are aware of the risk to guests...but not everyone who visits Disneyworld is aware that there is danger at he waters edge. Disney could also use some of their huge profits to sweep for gators on a regular basis; not just after a child is killed. (No they won't get them all; but they can definately reduce the chances of this sort of nightmare happening)

Such a huge tragedy, but could have been prevented had the family heeded the 'No Swimming' signs that are prominently displayed in every beach area! I have seen it blatantly disregarded on every trip at the FW beach area (especially in the evening hours - which are the worst).

Why don't people understand that 'no' means 'no'!! There are reasons signs are posted on public property - and every reason (danger) doesn't have to be stated. Just heed the warnings! I could hardly sleep last night with this poor baby and his family on my mind - unfathomable pain and agony in this family's hearts.

 

[peg110]

I can't even begin to imagine how the family is coping. I pray for a positive outcome.

 

[tltay2005]

Disney should post GATOR/DANGER signs near every body of water. They are aware of the risk to guests...but not everyone who visits Disneyworld is aware that there is danger at he waters edge. Disney could also use some of their huge profits to sweep for gators on a regular basis; not just after a child is killed. (No they won't get them all; but they can definately reduce the chances of this sort of nightmare happening)

I agree with the "DANGER"/Beware of Gator signs. Growing up in Florida we know from a very early age the dangers of gators and water moccasins in shallow water. If you were visiting from out of state, these dangers may not be on your mind when reading the "No Swimming" signs. I think some think the signs mean the water is "unhealthy", and not "unsafe". We camp at a lot of State Parks in Fl and they all have "Beware of Gator" signs along the water's edge. Even those that allow swimming, post that you are swimming at your own risk, that gators are present.

Again, you can not kill off every gator, they are part of nature and are needed to keep the balance of things. Yes, they can be monitored and nuisance gators removed, which is what Disney does now. This is why it is so important that the gators are not fed, so that they keep their fear of humans.

 

[tiggerdad]

Agreed, terrible to hear about this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

We are surrounded by animals at all times. You just have to try your best to remember it. Whether it is snakes, dogs, bears, alligators, etc. All we can do is try our best to be mindful of their presence.

I can only imagine the pain of the parents, having tried to wrestle the child from the alligator.

So sad to hear this.

 

[rideswithchrist]

So sad
I would think Disney does not put up "Alligators in Water" signs because they think it would be a negative notion, where "No Swimming" is just neutral.

Many people probably think ALL of Disney is a big vast, fake attraction and do not understand that it is a real lake.

 

[peg110]

I guess the argument could be made that "Wading" in the water is different from "Swimming" (Which is where I bet any legal argument will go). That said, if they don't want the "Negativity" of an "Alligators in the water" sign, then perhaps a "Keep out of the water" altogether is better then a "No Swimming sign"

 

[stobaugh6]

I guess the argument could be made that "Wading" in the water is different from "Swimming" (Which is where I bet any legal argument will go). That said, if they don't want the "Negativity" of an "Alligators in the water" sign, then perhaps a "Keep out of the water" altogether is better then a "No Swimming sign"

Was the baby in the water, or just playing in the sand by the water?

We live in a canal off a lake in East Texas and we have gators in our canal. I know the dangers of being anywhere near the waters edge, especially in the evening, but there there is a false sense of security at Disney World I believe, especially if you aren't from an area with alligators. My heart hurts for this family. I have a 2 year old. I can't even imagine...

 

[jbrostek]

This is so sad to read. I feel for the family. We know that its FL and we know Disney does its best to relocate them away from the resorts. But this is always possible if you are wading much less swimming in the water. My thoughts and prayers for the family.

 

[Madonna3]

Was the baby in the water, or just playing in the sand by the water?

We live in a canal off a lake in East Texas and we have gators in our canal. I know the dangers of being anywhere near the waters edge, especially in the evening, but there there is a false sense of security at Disney World I believe, especially if you aren't from an area with alligators. My heart hurts for this family. I have a 2 year old. I can't even imagine...

The baby was playing in the water near the shoreline with parents close by. He was the only one in the water.

You are so, so right about the false sense of security. We all know the "no swimming" rule and I think a lot of people differentiate between "no swimming" and "no wading" or "keep out of water". To me, no swimming means, putting my feet in and walking along the edge is ok. The kids are always running to the water and filling buckets and bringing it back to the sand. I've taken my shoes off and walked along the water's edge. My son has sat at the edge of the water splashing in it. I absolutely do not feel these people knew they were in any real danger. If the sign said' "keep out, Gators!" then your decisions might be different, but just seeing a "no swimming" sign when the threat of gators is not something you live with daily, doesn't say "keep completely out of the water"

There is not one perfect parent here or anywhere for that matter. I doubt these people thought there were putting their children in any harms way and when you visit Disney, you have a reasonable expectation you are safe from any perils. It's a place where you let your guard down and try to just enjoy the moments with your family. I am sure these parents were cherishing their son being so happy on vacation before he was viciously snatched by a gator.

My heart absolutely hurts for them. I have never seen gators in the area while there. I know there's a few in Coronado Springs they allow to stay because it has no access to the resort areas, but I think everyone was surprised by this one. So, so sad.

 

[skyp4WDW]

I may have to cancel our Sept. trip.... I just don't think I can get on the ferry and ride back and forth to the Magic Kingdom without thinking of this incident and feeling sick about that poor little child and his family. I'll also be thinking about what still is swimming around just beneath the surface. Until today, crossing that lake at the beginning and end of the day was one of my favorite reasons for staying at Ft Wilderness and the other MK area resorts. It's just not very "Magical" anymore.

 

[Maligator]

Don't let it ruin your time. Tragedy happens every day, everywhere. Life has to go on and we pray (if you are religious). It's an alligator, so we can hardly blame it or be surprised that he's there in the first place. Just a suggestion but take the bus if the water bothers you badly. Personally, I hope you find peace with it though and still enjoy yourself.

We'll be there in a month and I know I'll think of the poor baby. But, I'll take that time to count my blessings.

 

[Madonna3]

I'm in the mental health field and canceling your trip is absolutely not the right thing to do. If you are very bothered about how you think you'll feel due to this incident, then talk to a counselor. However, right now, emotions are raw, and I would give things some time before you absolutely decide to cancel this trip. I know, that for myself, I will be sure to toss a pressed penny or flower in the water as my way of mourning him.

What's swimming in the water, has and always will be there, today, tomorrow, and next week. This was a tragic, very rare occurrence that you should not allow to dictate your plans. There have been other deaths at Disney World and I doubt you'd have this same reaction. For example, a boy was hit by a Disney bus on his bike at the Fort and killed. Are you going to stop riding your bike? Are you going to stop riding Disney buses? Are you going to stop visiting the Fort? Of course not because that too, was a very rare and tragic accident.

This little boy will join the small number of the elite "gone, but not forgotten" club and in my mind, he will be eternally playing in the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon. He'll be my little "Peter Pan".

 

[Pookasaurus]

I'm in the mental health field and canceling your trip is absolutely not the right thing to do. If you are very bothered about how you think you'll feel due to this incident, then talk to a counselor. However, right now, emotions are raw, and I would give things some time before you absolutely decide to cancel this trip. I know, that for myself, I will be sure to toss a pressed penny or flower in the water as my way of mourning him.

What's swimming in the water, has and always will be there, today, tomorrow, and next week. This was a tragic, very rare occurrence that you should not allow to dictate your plans. There have been other deaths at Disney World and I doubt you'd have this same reaction. For example, a boy was hit by a Disney bus on his bike at the Fort and killed. Are you going to stop riding your bike? Are you going to stop riding Disney buses? Are you going to stop visiting the Fort? Of course not because that too, was a very rare and tragic accident.

This little boy will join the small number of the elite "gone, but not forgotten" club and in my mind, he will be eternally playing in the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon. He'll be my little "Peter Pan".

I've been sick to my stomach and so heartbroken about this since last night. I can remember so vividly when my youngest was a toddler - almost two - and we sat on the poly beach and watched the fireworks and splashed in the pool (I don't do fresh water things in general, even just the feets typically). The joy on his little face digging his feet in the sand and just the perfection of everything and the love.... It is one of those memories that will carry me through my days, that trip (and so many more). To think of it ending the way it did for that family.... My heart just breaks for them.
Your post... Particularly the last portion... Thank you for the beautiful imagery to replace something so awful.

I won't cancel our trip - but I know I'll think of him and whisper a prayer on those waters.

 

[ms_flo]

I'm in the mental health field and canceling your trip is absolutely not the right thing to do. If you are very bothered about how you think you'll feel due to this incident, then talk to a counselor. However, right now, emotions are raw, and I would give things some time before you absolutely decide to cancel this trip."

Raw is a really good description. We're just a week and a half from heading to the Fort. If I had to leave today or tomorrow, I would cancel. It's just too much right now. I wouldn't be able to handle the hours of driving let alone the rigors of a June tent-camping trip! Thankfully I've got a little time to process everything and make some adjustments to our plans. ...and thankfully I've got a support group of DISers available as a resource.

...in my mind, he will be eternally playing in the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon. He'll be my little "Peter Pan".

Okay, that brought tears to my eyes. But it also made me smile. Hmm, happy thoughts... I hope his last day on the earth was full of joyous moments. I hope that death came quickly and that the shock of what was happening numbed him to any fear. And I hope his parents will not grieve as others do who have no hope.

 

[Shanti]

Such a huge tragedy, but could have been prevented had the family heeded the 'No Swimming' signs that are prominently displayed in every beach area!..Why don't people understand that 'no' means 'no'!!.

Quit blaming the family. Read the linked article in the post right before yours (#3), which describes a 1980's alligator attack in Fort Wilderness (the boy in that instance was saved, fortunately), which occured on dry ground.

 

[ms_flo]

... I can remember so vividly when my youngest was a toddler - almost two - and we sat on the poly beach and watched the fireworks and splashed in the pool... The joy on his little face digging his feet in the sand and just the perfection of everything and the love.... It is one of those memories that will carry me through my days...

Your post... Particularly the last portion...

...in my mind, he will be eternally playing in the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon. He'll be my little "Peter Pan".

Thank you for the beautiful imagery to replace something so awful. ...

Well said Pookasaurus.

 

[MattFromPA]

This little boy will join the small number of the elite "gone, but not forgotten" club and in my mind, he will be eternally playing in the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon. He'll be my little "Peter Pan".

That is beautiful. This incident has really shaken me. There are no words and there is no blame. It could have been one of my kids. During our last trip to FW we watched the fireworks from the marina beach one night and the kids played at the water's edge. At the time I was more concerned about them getting filthy than anything. And I'm aware of gators, but I just let my guard down and frankly didn't associate them with Bay Lake. I always keep an eye on the canals when we're walking around the Fort, more out of curiosity than anything. Needless to say there will be no contact with water that isn't a pool in the future.