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

[MickeyMinnieMom]

It is a man made lagoon, connected to a natural lake that is connected by canals that connect to other bodies of fresh water.

Yes. And it should now be clear to Disney that this fact is NOT clear to all of their guests. Make the danger clear. Easy.

 

[momofkids]

I don't agree that it doesn't help to have signs. It doesn't stop EVERYONE. That doesn't mean it doesn't help to have signs -- otherwise no one would ever bother posting them about anything! [/QUOTE
Sometimes companies just post signs to avoid lawsuits. That doesn't mean people pay attention to the signs. I do think Disney should post better signs now; however, I don't think we can keep faulting them for not having done so prior to this event.

 

[djc9699]

We just left WDW yesterday morning and when I heard this news, I just sat and cried. I have not read all of the posts here, but I am appalled by many. While you are arguing about signage and how perfect a parent you are (because nothing bad will ever happen to your child), maybe we should pull up some empathy and compassion. A two year old boy has died in a tragic ACCIDENT in front of his parents. His dad and mom will live with the images of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. In the next few days they will head back to Nebraska to pick out a casket and bury their child. They will look at his room, see his little clothes and his favorite toys, and relive that moment. They will hear his favorite song, see his favorite movie, or eat his favorite food and it will be devastating. They will have to explain to their son's little friends why he is gone. Perhaps you have never lost a child and I pray you never will, but think about how you would feel at that moment. These parents had taken their kids on a magical trip and were spending time with them. They were not negligent or abusive. His father was right beside him, trying to keep him safe. A freak occurrence snatched the life of their precious child. Why does someone have to be at fault? Bad things happen and sometimes we just need to be supportive and say I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry your child died. Please don't feel like it was your fault or that there was anything else you could have done. Show some compassion.

 

[meggybear17]

Castaway Cay, Disneys own private island has very explicit signage depicting the dangers of the water there. Can't imagine why something similar is not used at the parks to warn guests who may not be aware of the dangers in Floridian waters.

 

[BlondeAppetit]

Please click this link. https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.venditti.18/posts/10154371872047147

Hug your babies a little tighter tonight.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

We just left WDW yesterday morning and when I heard this news, I just sat and cried. I have not read all of the posts here, but I am appalled by many. While you are arguing about signage and how perfect a parent you are (because nothing bad will ever happen to your child), maybe we should pull up some empathy and compassion. A two year old boy has died in a tragic ACCIDENT in front of his parents. His dad and mom will live with the images of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. In the next few days they will head back to Nebraska to pick out a casket and bury their child. They will look at his room, see his little clothes and his favorite toys, and relive that moment. They will hear his favorite song, see his favorite movie, or eat his favorite food and it will be devastating. They will have to explain to their son's little friends why he is gone. Perhaps you have never lost a child and I pray you never will, but think about how you would feel at that moment. These parents had taken their kids on a magical trip and were spending time with them. They were not negligent or abusive. His father was right beside him, trying to keep him safe. A freak occurrence snatched the life of their precious child. Why does someone have to be at fault? Bad things happen and sometimes we just need to be supportive and say I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry your child died. Please don't feel like it was your fault or that there was anything else you could have done. Show some compassion.

If you had read all the posts, I think you would have seen compassion from the majority of people. On a discussion board, it's natural to ALSO touch on other aspects. If I knew this family, of course I would be focusing only on the things you mentioned. I've thought about ALL of the things you posted above and it's heartbreaking. Since I am not in their lives I also have the distance, though, to think ahead to how things might be improved to help prevent even one more tragedy like this if at all possible -- that is not demonstrating a lack of compassion.

 

[luvthemouse71]

That DailyMail article with the photos of the lake just solidified my bewilderment as to why parents would let their kids play in there. Murky and nasty looking.

 

[thedonduck]

How are people supposed to know there were alligators there if no one tells them and there are no signs around.

Are there warning signs for every dangerous animal in your state? You need to be aware of your surroundings. FL has gators, the ignorance (and no this is not a put down to ANYONE) people have in regards to Disney having them is no longer excusable. Even if you are from a foreign country, you need to be aware just as you would be if you went somewhere else.

Again, I'm not against adding info to the signs. We need to get away from this silly concept that Disney is a magical place that can protect us from any harm be it from a shooter, from wildlife, from the dangers of an amusement park.

 

[thedonduck]

Castaway Cay, Disneys own private island has very explicit signage depicting the dangers of the water there. Can't imagine why something similar is not used at the parks to warn guests who may not be aware of the dangers in Floridian waters.

my guess is something similar will be coming to the resorts. Although if memory serves me, there are only two maybe three of these signs. They are not dotted along the shore line

 

[mamato3girls]

It is all around tragic. I'm sure in coming days and weeks Disney is going to pick this apart more than any of us ever could. They will reevaluate, brainstorm on what they could have done and what they can do in the future. These parents will replay these few minutes over and over again for the rest of their life. No blame or negative thing we can say about them will be worse than what they are living with.

The fact is it was tragic, it was horrible and tragic and I think the reason it has affected so many is because it could have been us. It could have been us who were enjoying our 2 year old splash in the water so much that we let it continue a little longer than we should have. Who probably focused so much on the right dining, resort and character interactions that we didn't think about the dangers lurking there. I know it could be me and it makes me hold my babies tighter tonight. I have twin 2 year olds, I can't even fathom what these parents are going through.

My heart breaks for the mom and dad who have to pack up their hotel room. Fold up his little clothes and put them in a suitcase, maybe pack away the stuffed Mickey that he wanted and clung to all day. They have to somehow get on a plane without him by their side, go home and be faced with his room, his things. Instead of coming home and sharing all their pictures everyone already knows about their trip to Disney, the trip that was supposed to be so magical and turned into anyone's worst nightmare. They have to face the weeks, months and years ahead.

If nothing else I think it will make parents more vigilant while there (I know I will be). It may make Disney rethink and take measures so another family isn't faced with the same devastation. All I can do is pray for this family, I can't imagine there is any peace and I know there won't be for a long time but I just pray they can put one foot in front of the other.

 

[thedonduck]

It is all around tragic. I'm sure in coming days and weeks Disney is going to pick this apart more than any of us ever could. They will reevaluate, brainstorm on what they could have done and what they can do in the future. These parents will replay these few minutes over and over again for the rest of their life. No blame or negative thing we can say about them will be worse than what they are living with.

The fact is it was tragic, it was horrible and tragic and I think the reason it has affected so many is because it could have been us. It could have been us who were enjoying our 2 year old splash in the water so much that we let it continue a little longer than we should have. Who probably focused so much on the right dining, resort and character interactions that we didn't think about the dangers lurking there. I know it could be me and it makes me hold my babies tighter tonight. I have twin 2 year olds, I can't even fathom what these parents are going through.

My heart breaks for the mom and dad who have to pack up their hotel room. Fold up his little clothes and put them in a suitcase, maybe pack away the stuffed Mickey that he wanted and clung to all day. They have to somehow get on a plane without him by their side, go home and be faced with his room, his things. Instead of coming home and sharing all their pictures everyone already knows about their trip to Disney, the trip that was supposed to be so magical and turned into anyone's worst nightmare. They have to face the weeks, months and years ahead.

If nothing else I think it will make parents more vigilant while there (I know I will be). It may make Disney rethink and take measures so another family isn't faced with the same devastation. All I can do is pray for this family, I can't imagine there is any peace and I know there won't be for a long time but I just pray they can put one foot in front of the other.

I agree! I think it is sometimes easy to dehumanize the higher ups at Disney and feel like all they worry about is the company's image and the bottom line. I can bet money that every single CM is feeling absolutely devastated for this family's loss especially those dealing directly with the family. It is really easy to forget that while they do have a reputation to protect (most magical place on earth), they are human beings first and foremost.

 

[Sammie]

We just left WDW yesterday morning and when I heard this news, I just sat and cried. I have not read all of the posts here, but I am appalled by many. While you are arguing about signage and how perfect a parent you are (because nothing bad will ever happen to your child), maybe we should pull up some empathy and compassion. A two year old boy has died in a tragic ACCIDENT in front of his parents. His dad and mom will live with the images of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. In the next few days they will head back to Nebraska to pick out a casket and bury their child. They will look at his room, see his little clothes and his favorite toys, and relive that moment. They will hear his favorite song, see his favorite movie, or eat his favorite food and it will be devastating. They will have to explain to their son's little friends why he is gone. Perhaps you have never lost a child and I pray you never will, but think about how you would feel at that moment. These parents had taken their kids on a magical trip and were spending time with them. They were not negligent or abusive. His father was right beside him, trying to keep him safe. A freak occurrence snatched the life of their precious child. Why does someone have to be at fault? Bad things happen and sometimes we just need to be supportive and say I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry your child died. Please don't feel like it was your fault or that there was anything else you could have done. Show some compassion.

I sincerely doubt there is a person in this conversation that is not heartsick over this. However from great tragedy maybe others can learn and other tragedies can be avoided. Everyone is very sorry it happened, and we hope it never, ever happens again.

You are presumptive to know how any of are feeling and who has lost a child and who hasn't. Some will call it a freak accident and some will see it differently. None of placing blame, for it serves no purpose. But yes some of us would never go in that water in the daytime much less at night because we are aware of the dangers.

I would not belittle anyone here for their comments.

 

[djc9699]

I sincerely doubt there is a person in this conversation that is not heartsick over this. However from great tragedy maybe others can learn and other tragedies can be avoided. Everyone is very sorry it happened, and we hope it never, ever happens again.

You are presumptive to know how any of are feeling and who has lost a child and who hasn't. Some will call it a freak accident and some will see it differently. None of placing blame, for it serves no purpose. But yes some of us would never go in that water in the daytime much less at night because we are aware of the dangers.

I would not belittle anyone here for their comments.

Not trying to belittle anyone. The post started off compassionate, then had many comments about why was the baby near the water, hope there are other witnesses, parents ignored the signs, father didn't try hard enough to save him, etc. Just pointing out that those types of comments are cruel if one of these parents was to read this. I read at least 3 pages of who is to blame - Disney or the parents - so yes, blame is being placed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and comment - you are correct. But some comments are coming across that are hurtful to someone who has lost their child in an accident. This is just my opinion and take on the situation.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Not trying to belittle anyone. The post started off compassionate, then had many comments about why was the baby near the water, hope there are other witnesses, parents ignored the signs, father didn't try hard enough to save him, etc. Just pointing out that those types of comments are cruel if one of these parents was to read this. I read at least 3 pages of who is to blame - Disney or the parents - so yes, blame is being placed. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and comment - you are correct. But some comments are coming across that are hurtful to someone who has lost their child in an accident. This is just my opinion and take on the situation.

Welcome to the Internet??

Seriously, did you expect several thousands of posts (between all the different threads) just to be "oh how terrible"?
While it certainly IS terrible it is human nature to examine the situation if for no other reason than to prevent it from happening again.

MG

 

[mousefan73]

I agree! I think it is sometimes easy to dehumanize the higher ups at Disney and feel like all they worry about is the company's image and the bottom line. I can bet money that every single CM is feeling absolutely devastated for this family's loss especially those dealing directly with the family. It is really easy to forget that while they do have a reputation to protect (most magical place on earth), they are human beings first and foremost.

Agree! I hope Disney is taking care of their own too. These people are also traumatized. Especially those first responders and assisting the family.

 

[chmurf]

Show some compassion

you're right
but let's not forget one thing. Most of the posts 'pointing fingers' will probably have raised some awareness in parents who did not realise that Disney was in Florida, and therefore shared Florida's dangers.

Compassion and Empathy have been expressed towards the parents who lost their child

But more important than that, pointing at how it *could* have been avoided (on Disney's or on the parent's side) is a way to make sure that it never happens again.

That child is gone, and as a father I can't even begin to imagine the sorrow and grief, and the feelings and phases they'll go through in the mourning process (and there will be denial, there will be blaming others, there will be a feeling of guilt, before they can get closure)

Empathy and Compassion is sent to these parents, but there's nothing we can do for that kid and for his parents. What WE CAN DO is raise the awareness on 2 fronts :
-parents awareness (supervise children at all times, you've heard that one, millions of times over at Disney's)
- Disney's way of informing guests of the dangers.

Because even if our heart is broken by this horrible event, what none of us here want, is to get heartbroke again because all we did was just crying our hearts out and sending our thoughts.

How many DISers on this thread have been made aware of the danger of those beaches, and of Florida Wildlife ? A lot.
after all that's what this thread is about : a big reminder to be aware of wildlife on property

 

[Nancyg56]

We just left WDW yesterday morning and when I heard this news, I just sat and cried. I have not read all of the posts here, but I am appalled by many. While you are arguing about signage and how perfect a parent you are (because nothing bad will ever happen to your child), maybe we should pull up some empathy and compassion. A two year old boy has died in a tragic ACCIDENT in front of his parents. His dad and mom will live with the images of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. In the next few days they will head back to Nebraska to pick out a casket and bury their child. They will look at his room, see his little clothes and his favorite toys, and relive that moment. They will hear his favorite song, see his favorite movie, or eat his favorite food and it will be devastating. They will have to explain to their son's little friends why he is gone. Perhaps you have never lost a child and I pray you never will, but think about how you would feel at that moment. These parents had taken their kids on a magical trip and were spending time with them. They were not negligent or abusive. His father was right beside him, trying to keep him safe. A freak occurrence snatched the life of their precious child. Why does someone have to be at fault? Bad things happen and sometimes we just need to be supportive and say I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry your child died. Please don't feel like it was your fault or that there was anything else you could have done. Show some compassion.

I think that had you ead the entire thread you would have a clear picture of how people are esponding to this tragedy. I have not seen one post that lacks compassion for this family or for the people who were called upon to help. What you do see is an honest expression of grief, and that manifests in many ways. Anger, fear, sadness, and pain. Blame? Possibly, in order to make sure this does not happen again. Ae the proposed solutions viable? Who knows, and at this point who cares? Whether we can agree that the solutions make sense is not important, IMO. What these conversations represent are people who have in some way been impacted emotionally by an horrific accident and want to try to help. I think that it is a bit sanctimonious to lecture here because not all of us esponding to this in the way that you find acceptable.

I also think that this is a conversation that needs to happen. I live in a rural area and I am used to the wildlife that I share space with. I know how to behave during early morning hours, dusk, and then again after dark. THe past year has been a learning experience fo me because my community has a lot of "City" folks who have joined us and they do not know how to manage their activities, and the animals are paying the price. We are all trying to educate in order to keep not only our neighbor's and their pets safe, but to keep the wildlife in the area wild and safe. What we shuld be taking fom this conversation is that it is NOT common knowledge that alligators roam freely throughout developed areas of Florida, and that pretty resort and theme parks are their home. I never received any info on any stay when I vacationed in the South. The only time I have ever gotten a flyer was to let me know why the lights were out on the beach so the turtles could come to shore. I wonder it the Tourism industry needs to look at how they can help inform a diverse group of visitors with expect to the wildlife in the area as well as how to stay safe.

I end this by saying that I have not seen any lack of compassion, but I have seen grief that a place we all go to to escape the eally of life, to revisit our childhoods and to introduce our childen to the magical bubble we call Disney has been violated but a tragic act of nature.

 

[Jafar30]

It was an accident, sadly these happen. Some of you should stop being keyboard warriors for once.

 

[nandm92574]

brain eating amoebas I didn't know about that one I always assumed the no swimming signs were there because of motorized boats, etc. Amoebas

 

[Koz]

Between the gators (which I didn't know about in 5 trips to WDW) and the potential for issues with the water which is even more of a concern, I'm pretty much all set with renting boats @ WDW. Why look for potential trouble?