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

[nandm92574]

Earning my ears

 

[mickeyluv'r]

If it was common sense then this would have been happening for years. Disney goes out of their way to protect guests from events like this. Adding a word onto a sign or adding another sign or two will not stop a guest who wants to do what they want to do. We have all ignored signs, leaned out a little further on a ride then we should have to get that perfect selfie. This time it ended tragic and everyone is looking for someone to blame. Regardless of who is to blame it can't be changed. I am sure Disney will add more signs and I am sure this story will be told for years. Hopefully that will be enough to not let this happen again.

I don't know. I hear you, none of us is perfect, but I've never gone swimming in the lakes of WDW. I saw the sign that said "No Swimming" and obeyed.

To me, a sign that says, "No Swimming" is pretty clear. Maybe the sign needs to be bigger, but I don't think adding a list of reasons will make the signs MORE understandable.

Last year we went to the Everglades NP and saw LOTS of people doing really DUMB stuff, DESPITE the MANY warning signs, and park rangers. People smiled and posed, backs towards the gators, within five feet of some very large gators. The bigger the gator, the more eagerly they posed.

Before that, we visited a park with wild horses....guests were repeatedly warned to stay away.....and STILL a father held his baby's face less than a foot from a horse's face/mouth, then told his child to pet it! He IGNORED everyone who told him NOT to do it - even his wife.

Sadly, it often takes a tragedy to get people to listen.

A few years back (when WDW bus drivers still regularly talked to guests) , we saw EMT's at one of the AK bus depots. The CM driver shook his head and said, "I see this at least once a week. We tell people again and again NOT to sit on the metal handrails, but they just ignore us. Then they fall, and we call the EMT's."

 

[A Mickeyfan]

A friend's house...she took this from inside...yes, they walk amongst us too! She doesn't live on water but backs up to woods.

 

[Dis703]

First off I would like to say my thoughts and prayers are with the parents, I am truly heartbroken for their loss.

It took me some time to form my opinion as who I feel is more at fault, the grieving parents or Disney. After a lot of thought I believe Disney is at fault for this tragic event. Here is a list of reasons as to how I came to my conclusion.
1. You pay a premium just to go to Disney (theme parks and resorts) so that you can escape the harsh realities of the world.
2. Signage is not posted clearly stating the dangers of the waters. "No Swimming" means only that.
3. Disney CM's should make it a point at the time of check-in to inform the guest of the possible Florida dangers that surround the restores/them-parks.
4. Who really does their do-diligence when researching vacations spots for all the bad and terrible things that can happen? Not very many (to include myself), you only research the fun things to do, such as excursions, which ones appeal to you and your family.
5. To assume that everyone knows that Florida has alligators in every body of water is ridiculous. If you not native to that area then you probably would not know or not know the severity of it. This also includes other dangerous animals.
6. Disney recognizes the dangerous of the alligators to the guest but has done nothing or very little to ensure the safety of the guest. Which goes back to point # 1. Disney's own CM's state that at night and especially during this time of year the alligators are more active. Meaning they they are more likely to get out of the water to hunt for food or to locate to a different body of water to mate. Also to go as far to say how dangerous it really is and they try to do their best behind the scenes, "it's like Jurassic Park at night time".
7. Stories are starting to surface of all the alligator sightings at Disney Resorts and in the theme parks. My family has even witnessed a smaller (baby I guess) alligator when we stayed at CSR, luckily nothing happened and the alligator (when we saw it) remained in the water. However, there are stories (and I can't verify the legitimacy of them) of an alligator in the bathroom at a Disney theme park, in the Splash Mountain attraction (a real one), in the mote that surrounds the castle and seen on Tom Sawyers Island. I am sure there are plenty more alligator sightings at the theme parks, resorts and Disney Springs.

For these simple reasons I feel that Disney bears the responsibility to that family and also all the guest to make it safer for all of us.

I know that "common sense" will be thrown out as the go to answer for that family and all other families. Normally I would agree but in this case I disagree with common sense because it is Disney fault for not taking the necessary precautions to prevent this from happening in the first place.

I have also heard that this is the first incident of this nature in the 45 years that WDW has been there. I ask this question, is this really the first incident of this nature at WDW or has there been others that got swept under the rug and pay offs by Disney?

I am a big Disney fan and this has not discouraged me from going to their theme parks and resorts however it has been a real eye opener for me and my family of the dangers that Disney does not protect it's guest from.

Yes Disney can/should do more at protecting their guest! Especially when guest pay so much!

My post is not debatable, as I stated this is "my opinion". If your opinion differs from mine, please don't try to debate with me. Thank you.

May the family of the two year old find some peace.

It's the first fatal incident. There was another attack 30 years ago that was not fatal. Considering that with over 1 million alligators in the state of Florida there are only an average of 5 attacks per year in the entire state I highly doubt there were more at Disney and they were being swept under the rug. It truly just does not happen all that often.

 

[Sona99]

I find ridiculous that people think Disney doesn't do anything about gators. This is Florida. Gator removal is a thriving business model. I wouldn't hazard a guess as to how many get removed in a year but considering the size of Disney property I suspect it's a large number. Even so, you can't catch them all.

 

[Pinkos]

Just because they RARELY cause harm, doesn't mean there won't be times that they won't.

Just because not everyone abides by signs, doesn't mean there aren't hundreds that would.

The logic in some of these posts has me shaking my head ... I can't fathom why ppl are so opposed to a few signs being put up with beware and a picture of an alligator?! Even if it only saves one life in the next 50 years, isn't it worth it? To simply shrug our shoulders and say "it's Florida, u should be aware" is shameful.

Has anyone thought that maybe if there was a sign with an alligator on it that this little boy might be right at this moment be having the time of his life at the happiest place on earth?!? Who knows for sure if it would've saved him, but it MIGHT OF, and that is important. And we should no lose sight of that.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

The whole lightening thing is silly. Disney does take precautions in lightening. They shut down rides, pools, etc. things that are under their control. Anyplace that they are maintaining a beach for families should be treated the same. Patrolled aggressively and guarded. Just a few more employees on the payroll. Do they need to do ALL of DW no but if they are selling sand toys and hosting people on that beach with the money you pay.... Please put a guard and signage there

Why pay a guard to make sure people adhere to a sign? ????? No, people need to take responsibility for their own actions. If signs are changed, why should I pay more to ultimately pay for that guard because some cannot follow directions

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I love how people are so "educated" about the potential dangers of the Seven Seas Lagoon at the WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT. My family and I have stayed at the Poly and walked along the beach NOT THINKING TWICE about if a Gator or something could come out of the water and attack one of us.

I don't know how anyone can blame the parents in this situation. Not everyone is from Florida or a place were dangerous wildlife plays a factor in how they enjoy their vacation.

I also understand the challenge Disney has in delivering the message of potential dangers. I'm not sure how effective a sign or new signs with different and more direct language would be, but its a start. SOMETHING needs to done.

Fact is... this should NEVER happen on property. It wasn't a deliberate act of ignorance on the child or parent. I believe they simply didn't know or realize the SSL had Gators in it.

NOW, if DISNEY knew of the dangers, THAT's a problem. They shouldn't even allow people near the watering knowing Gators could potentially exist in a close distance.

No one is blaming parents per say. On same token it is not Disney's fault because you never thought twice about it

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Jeff Corwin said, "If gators are getting fed regularly by humans, they'll eventually see them as a food source." This was in reference to as to why the gator attacked.

And fwiw, I haven't known anyone whose fed a gator, but knowing Disney tourists, I'm sure there's 1...2...3...

Hmmmm bungalows on 7 Seas Lagoon..hmmm cannot tell me thst there haven't been guests who think it's cool to throw food over the deck and watch the gators come up to eat...especially if the guest isn't from FL. As many are saying, um, they are uneducated on gators???? Their little bit of excitement of the day created a gator who viewed a child as food and in turn became another guests nightmare. ....

 

[dnkmmw]

Good for you!!!!!!!!

So did I.

Not everyone will know to. No reason to oppose placing signs there that will educate them, right??

But I have yet to see a response as to where the signage ends. In previous posts, it was mentioned that perhaps bees and mosquitos need to be warmed about as well, but the response was that this is "silly". Why? Where is the dividing line between what needs to be warned about and what doesn't? Why isn't it the responsibility of the state to warn people once they cross state line or why aren't there signs at the airport? People are in Florida before they get to Disney property and there are gators between the airport and passing through the gates.

For the record I am not opposed to more signage and just because I'm questioning it doesn't mean I'm not compassionate, which has also been implied on this thread.

 

[bryanb]

My post is not debatable, as I stated this is "my opinion". If your opinion differs from mine, please don't try to debate with me. Thank you.

Sorry, nobody gets to do that on here. I respectfully decline your mandate that people don't respond. This is a dialogue. All opinions can be challenged. Our society has thrived on free speech. Yes, you have the right to close your ears to people whose opinions differ from yours, but it is disrespectful and closed minded to speak your own opinion out there and demand others to shut theirs. (Sorry, I usually try not to disagree with someone so directly on here, but if you don't want people to respond, don't post it on a discussion board!)

 

[mercydisney]

MY 2 cents
It was an accident. No one is to blame. A tragedy could happen in an instant. It could of happened if their was a sign or not. It was dark would the parents have seen the sign. Then the argument would be, "Disney should of put a light by the sign".
The parents were on vacation doing what people do on vacation, having family time. My husband is very strict when our kids were little. Could this have happened to us in a lapse of judgement? Yes, maybe not the same accident but an accident all together.
We can all judge until some morbid accident happens to anyone of us.
My children are 16 and 21 yrs of age. I pray everyday for them. Because it is a crazy world out their.

 

[msdroz]

Such a debate about signs and what type of signs... isn't the gross murky mucky water reason enough not to go in? We walked over to the Poly and GF last week during the tropical storm and could have easily walked through the water but it wasn't even tempting because it's so full of seaweed and sludge.

 

[PAcpl]

Just because they RARELY cause harm, doesn't mean there won't be times that they won't.

Just because not everyone abides by signs, doesn't mean there aren't hundreds that would.

The logic in some of these posts has me shaking my head ... I can't fathom why ppl are so opposed to a few signs being put up with beware and a picture of an alligator?! Even if it only saves one life in the next 50 years, isn't it worth it? To simply shrug our shoulders and say "it's Florida, u should be aware" is shameful.

Has anyone thought that maybe if there was a sign with an alligator on it that this little boy might be right at this moment be having the time of his life at the happiest place on earth?!? Who knows for sure if it would've saved him, but it MIGHT OF, and that is important. And we should no lose sight of that.

Given that this is the first tragedy like this in over 40 years leads me to believe most people did read, and abide by those signs. And the people that didn't were fortunate enough not to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

[snoopboop]

My post is not debatable, as I stated this is "my opinion". If your opinion differs from mine, please don't try to debate with me. Thank you.

That's sort of the opposite of how it works when you post your opinion on a public forum.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

First off I would like to say my thoughts and prayers are with the parents, I am truly heartbroken for their loss.

It took me some time to form my opinion as who I feel is more at fault, the grieving parents or Disney. After a lot of thought I believe Disney is at fault for this tragic event. Here is a list of reasons as to how I came to my conclusion.


4. Who really does their do-diligence when researching vacations spots for all the bad and terrible things that can happen? Not very many (to include myself), you only research the fun things

For these simple reasons I feel that Disney bears the responsibility to that family and also all the guest to make it safer for all of us.

I know that "common sense" will be thrown out as the go to answer for that family and all other families. Normally I would agree but in this case I disagree with common sense because it is Disney fault for not taking the necessary precautions to prevent this from happening in the first place.


I am a big Disney fan and this has not discouraged me from going to their theme parks and resorts however it has been a real eye opener for me and my family of the dangers that Disney does not protect it's guest from.

Yes Disney can/should do more at protecting their guest! Especially when guest pay so much!

My post is not debatable, as I stated this is "my opinion". If your opinion differs from mine, please don't try to debate with me. Thank you.

May the family of the two year old find some peace.

Yes, this is your opinion and in my opinion, I do not understand how you can fault Disney because you only research the fun things to do? Why is it their job to protect you? It is from malfunctioning attractions, crumbling building and walkways, but not wildlife.

 

[HookedOnDCL1]

Just because they RARELY cause harm, doesn't mean there won't be times that they won't.

Just because not everyone abides by signs, doesn't mean there aren't hundreds that would.

The logic in some of these posts has me shaking my head ... I can't fathom why ppl are so opposed to a few signs being put up with beware and a picture of an alligator?! Even if it only saves one life in the next 50 years, isn't it worth it? To simply shrug our shoulders and say "it's Florida, u should be aware" is shameful.

EXACTLY! I know Florida has alligators but being from a country that doesn't have alligators, I never would have thought that there would even be the possibility of alligators in a man-made lake on private Disney property. I have followed the signs not to swim (or wade) in the water but wouldn't have thought twice about standing at the waters edge to look out at the view. If there was a sign warning of the possibility of alligators my family and I would not be within 10 feet of the waters edge! There, potentially 1 life saved.

I feel dissapointed in Disney for not having warning signs of alligators. They get visitors from all over the world, who would not know about this danger. It's not like we're visiting a national park, river or trail where one would expect to encounter wildlife. My parents live in Florida and the pond in their community has a sign - why can't Disney?

 

[kyomagi]

First off I would like to say my thoughts and prayers are with the parents, I am truly heartbroken for their loss.

It took me some time to form my opinion as who I feel is more at fault, the grieving parents or Disney. After a lot of thought I believe Disney is at fault for this tragic event. Here is a list of reasons as to how I came to my conclusion.
1. You pay a premium just to go to Disney (theme parks and resorts) so that you can escape the harsh realities of the world.
2. Signage is not posted clearly stating the dangers of the waters. "No Swimming" means only that.
3. Disney CM's should make it a point at the time of check-in to inform the guest of the possible Florida dangers that surround the restores/them-parks.
4. Who really does their do-diligence when researching vacations spots for all the bad and terrible things that can happen? Not very many (to include myself), you only research the fun things to do, such as excursions, which ones appeal to you and your family.
5. To assume that everyone knows that Florida has alligators in every body of water is ridiculous. If you not native to that area then you probably would not know or not know the severity of it. This also includes other dangerous animals.
6. Disney recognizes the dangerous of the alligators to the guest but has done nothing or very little to ensure the safety of the guest. Which goes back to point # 1. Disney's own CM's state that at night and especially during this time of year the alligators are more active. Meaning they they are more likely to get out of the water to hunt for food or to locate to a different body of water to mate. Also to go as far to say how dangerous it really is and they try to do their best behind the scenes, "it's like Jurassic Park at night time".
7. Stories are starting to surface of all the alligator sightings at Disney Resorts and in the theme parks. My family has even witnessed a smaller (baby I guess) alligator when we stayed at CSR, luckily nothing happened and the alligator (when we saw it) remained in the water. However, there are stories (and I can't verify the legitimacy of them) of an alligator in the bathroom at a Disney theme park, in the Splash Mountain attraction (a real one), in the mote that surrounds the castle and seen on Tom Sawyers Island. I am sure there are plenty more alligator sightings at the theme parks, resorts and Disney Springs.

For these simple reasons I feel that Disney bears the responsibility to that family and also all the guest to make it safer for all of us.

I know that "common sense" will be thrown out as the go to answer for that family and all other families. Normally I would agree but in this case I disagree with common sense because it is Disney fault for not taking the necessary precautions to prevent this from happening in the first place.

I have also heard that this is the first incident of this nature in the 45 years that WDW has been there. I ask this question, is this really the first incident of this nature at WDW or has there been others that got swept under the rug and pay offs by Disney?

I am a big Disney fan and this has not discouraged me from going to their theme parks and resorts however it has been a real eye opener for me and my family of the dangers that Disney does not protect it's guest from.

Yes Disney can/should do more at protecting their guest! Especially when guest pay so much!

My post is not debatable, as I stated this is "my opinion". If your opinion differs from mine, please don't try to debate with me. Thank you.

May the family of the two year old find some peace.

Someone always has to be held responsible for something, even if its an accident huh? Mother nature has no safe guards. If you got struck by lightning in a disney park, would you expect people to take up pitchforks and demand disney put up signs warning against lightning

If its not debatable and just your opinion, you could have kept it to yourself

 

[Duckiedee]

So your areas would permit wading in E.Coli/bacterial infested waters? What's the difference if the water is coming in contact with you. Someone could easily be pushed over while horsing around and the water could be ingested. The no lifeguard/drowning situation is still a concern when people are wading if small kids are involved, and if these people are pushed over or pushed out into deeper waters, on purpose or not. IMO, it's all or nothing - you're allowed in the water or you're not. No swimming signs are there for a reason so why test your luck?

I don't think people worry too much when it's just E. Coli on your feet. That might be wrong, but generally, that's what I'm thinking.

 

[nugov2]

Agreed. News reports I've seen are also emphasizing the rarity, which I think is important. I want to see better signs, but really hope they don't overreact either (permanently close all water areas, etc.).

I agree with this...I hope they do not overreact either. That said the more I think about it the more I do believe Disney dropped the ball. I have looked at a bunch of brochures of the GF beach area and all of them show people up close to the water, boating on the water, beach chairs to lounge on even playing on the edge of the water. In every way they make it seem it is a traditional family beach resort...that is the theme. That is what gives the false sense of safety and that it is man made and controled and why the extra wildlife warning needs to be there. I don't think Disney took the necessary steps to warn of this possibility when in every other way presented this as a beach. As many have said ad nauseum the no swimming seemed to pertain to a bacteria/life guard issue, not a wildlife one. I can see where anyone who researched this resort and saw the images presented by the WDW resort and felt as if it was safe to be in the shallows.

This is no where near the same as overeating mickey bars or lighting warnings IMO.

When I did a quick image search of GF lots of images came up on WDW, Dis and a travel agents websites that make it seem like a beach. I wish I knew how to upload the pics.