Heartbreaking news...a big reminder to be aware of wildlife on property

[Traveliz]

And you don't have to be at the water's edge to come across one. My daughter and I were driving up Bonnet Creek Parkway one day and one came across the street from Best Friends and crossed over the grass in front of Port Orleans. It was huge and no water right there. It probably came from the small lake near Best Friends and was headed to the PO canal but still this was right out in the open.

Liz

 

[CaliTex]

Those villas at Poly? Built over the water? Oh, no thank you, Disney.

Just heartbroken over this.

 

[maciemouse]

The police are at the area where they play the movie. The sandy section between the Poly and The grand. (More towards the Grand)

 

[maltdizzy]

I have definitely seen posted signs warning of gators at WDW in the past, I can't remember how frequently. I expect you'll see a lot more after this tragic event. That an attack like this one is an uncommon event doesn't make it any less heartbreaking.

 

[Hank Scorpio]

Heartbroken for the family. This is a problem if Disney knew of (presence of gators) AND they did nothing AND also invited people to the beach to watch a movie. All of those elements they will be liable for this incident.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I'm reading all the comments about how everyone says, " it's Florida, of course there are gators". So why in the world does Disney put movie night on the beach? If it's such common knowledge to everyone that there are gators everywhere, why does everyone sit on the beaches and watch fireworks?

 

[maltdizzy]

Why do the police believe a gator took the child? News says there have been no eye witnesses so far that can confirm? Also, what was a 2 yr old doing near the water?

The article was poorly written, what I believe they are trying to say was no eyewitnesses to the attack were available for immediate comment.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I definitely saw a giant alligator by the GF when I was passing by on the monorail in April. I couldn't believe how big it was and pointed it out to my hubby. I wasn't surprised to see it but a lady overheard me and basically scoffed at the idea that there was an alligator in Disney.

 

[soniam]

I'm reading all the comments about how everyone says, " it's Florida, of course there are gators". So why in the world does Disney put movie night on the beach? If it's such common knowledge to everyone that there are gators everywhere, why does everyone sit on the beaches and watch fireworks?

I don't think the gators usually take off with children.

 

[jmccoy18]

I am so so heartbroken over this. I am literally sick thinking about that poor baby and her family.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

It was just reported on our local news
They were watching the movie on the beach and the water pageant. They were close to the water and the alligator took the baby , the dad jumped in the water and tried to wrestle with the alligator but the gator was just to strong and swam away with the baby

So sad!

Hopefully, this will not happen again, but for those who don't know, just to make you aware, to make a gator let go, jab your thumb into his eye. (For those who like to read things that aren't there, I am in no way saying that this father didn't do everything he could etc. Just posting this for info. for others - may they never need to use it!)

 

[thedonduck]

You do realize that on land or water there are deadly animals in FL. Just because you are in the "protective bubble of nothing happens in Disney" doesn't mean wild life give a crap. There are poisonous snakes all over (they are constantly in our yards and yes I still let my kids play outside), there are gators, there are sharks. Be aware of your surroundings. Disney CANNOT control what is in the lakes. FL FWC won't do anything until the animal becomes a nuisance.

MOST animals want to stay away, so being on the beach isn't a big deal. My best guess is this child was playing on the waters edge and the alligator thought it was some sort of distressed animal and it would get an easy meal.

 

[AJA]

So very scary and heartbreaking. I cannot imagine.

 

[mking624]

I'm reading all the comments about how everyone says, " it's Florida, of course there are gators". So why in the world does Disney put movie night on the beach? If it's such common knowledge to everyone that there are gators everywhere, why does everyone sit on the beaches and watch fireworks?

People know that there are sharks and jellyfish in the ocean. That doesn't stop them from swimming in it. This is an incredibly rare occurrence. No matter where you go, there is going to be an element of danger. Even driving in your car can be dangerous. The point is to be aware, even at Disney. You can't live your life in fear and live in a bubble where no one and nothing can get you. You stay aware of your surroundings and keep living.

 

[jahber]

I'm reading all the comments about how everyone says, " it's Florida, of course there are gators". So why in the world does Disney put movie night on the beach? If it's such common knowledge to everyone that there are gators everywhere, why does everyone sit on the beaches and watch fireworks?

I assume it's difficult to understand if you're not accustomed to living near gators--and I don't mean that condescendingly at all, because I would have no idea how dangerous show could be if I hadn't spent some time around it, for example. But we live near gators, we swim in lakes WITH gators, water ski, whatever. With gators. Because we can't make them stop coming in our lakes. I've mentioned it before, but as a girl at Girl Scout camp we would take a walk around the swimming lake at night to listen to them. They are part of Florida. Most of us aren't afraid of them, although we certainly respect them, because they just don't attack people that often. And especially not when the people aren't in the water or feeding them or taunting them. This was truly a tragic freak accident. It hasn't happened before on Disney property that I know of. Has it?
All we can do is tell far and wide that there ARE gators in pretty much EVERY body of water in Florida. Go near the water at your own risk (but also know that the risk is small). Obviously that's no comfort to the poor family of the toddler. But maybe it will be a reminder to us all to be vigilant around water. Me included! I rarely even think about it at WDW, despite knowing the gators are there.

 

[glohoffman]

I am heartbroken and seriously sick to my stomach thinking about this. That poor family. We were just at the poly September, watching the fireworks from the beach, and didn't hesitate to let my girls play in the sand waiting for it all to start. And I am very aware of gators, saw one that trip right by splash mountain! I can't even imagine. My thoughts are with that family and everyone searching for that poor baby.

 

[Betty_Baylor99]

Absolutely heartbreaking When I took my 4 yr old in April, we had pool/swim time with friends at the Polynesian. After the girls played in the pool, they played at the Poly beach that stretches along that very same lagoon

 

[wendow]

This poor, sweet baby and family. Oh my, this is just heartbreaking to read and like others have posted, it just makes me sick to my stomach. As a mom of little ones who have played near the water at the Seven Seas Lagoon, this scares me. I knew there were gators in those waters but there is such an illusion of safety there at WDW, you just don't think anything bad will ever happen. Praying for this family and what they are going through.

 

[stitchrulz]

Heartbreaking beyond words . . .

 

[Starclassic]

So so sad....I cannot even imagine. That poor baby and family...my heart is just breaking!!