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

[thetallone101]

I'm glad I posted this to make people aware because there are many that would not have known they lurk in the waters. I am a Canadian and had no idea they were so common until my first trip to FL several years ago.

 

[Huff]

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?

 

[thedonduck]

This is so sad! I can't believe all the heartache going on in Orlando this week. TBH I'm from Canada and while I know Florida has gators I would of never thought that would be one of the dangers to my child while visiting Disney. Perhaps Disney needs to be proactive in putting up signs to warn guests of the potential danger.

There are signs. It says to stay out of the water.

 

[brich330]

I'm from Alabama and have gone to Florida several times over the years, but everyone has to remember that people visiting Disney World could be from the north or even a different country where they don't see things like alligators except at a zoo. This also happened during a movie night and unfortunately could have happened to any of us because everyone falls in the same mindset. I'm in a Disney world bubble and nothing could go wrong. I'm so sorry for the family.

 

[drp4video]

Saw one near Splash Mountain once. We are always aware that they are there. This tragedy is so horrific. I cannot imagine what the parents are going through. My heart and prays go out to them and their little boy.

 

[SoarinSC]

This is so sad! I can't believe all the heartache going on in Orlando this week. TBH I'm from Canada and while I know Florida has gators I would of never thought that would be one of the dangers to my child while visiting Disney. Perhaps Disney needs to be proactive in putting up signs to warn guests of the potential danger.

I was wondering the same thing. Since WDW is so international, not every guest is going to have the threat of gators on their mind...doesn't Disney have a legal responsibility to post warning signs? Are there any?

This is just so sad...

 

[CaliTex]

May God comfort and keep the family of this sweet baby. I will keep them in my prayers, and hug my grandkids a little longer when I see them next.

Just heartbreaking news out of Orlando this week. The entire city needs our prayers.

 

[SeeDisney]

Orlando is not having a good week I am sick over this.

 

[yulilin3]

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?

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

 

[kandb]

Does Disney put up signs to not go near the water at the 7 lagoons lake? I am just wondering because if my child was playing in the sand near the lake I would of never thought about this. We are from up North and it would never occur to me that there are alligators near Disney. Poor family, extremely sad.

 

[TARAMEOW]

I was wondering the same thing. Since WDW is so international, every guest is going to have the threat of gators on their mind...doesn't Disney have a legal responsibility to post warning signs? Are there any?

This is just so sad...

Somebody just posted there are signs to stay out of the water. I think there should be signs saying potential danger Alligators or something. Just honestly not something I would of even thought of!

 

[Juliet25]

How many of us have watched fireworks or the water pageant in the lagoon??? This could've happened to any of us. I have no clue how to organize this stuff, but if someone here will set up some kind of way to donate to this family, I will contribute. Just something to say other families are thinking of them.

Last year DH and I were watching the EWP on the beach and there was a small gator like two feet beyond the embankment. A man had to alert someone that his kids were playing right next to it. I couldn't get away from the beach fast enough. It was just minding its own business, but I don't like being by WDW lakes at night. That poor family.

 

[Momtwofour]

I'm from Alabama and have gone to Florida several times over the years, but everyone has to remember that people visiting Disney World could be from the north or even a different country where they don't see things like alligators except at a zoo. This also happened during a movie night and unfortunately could have happened to any of us because everyone falls in the same mindset. I'm in a Disney world bubble and nothing could go wrong. I'm so sorry for the family.

Yes!! I had no idea there were gators on disney property. I am not from Florida and really know nothing about them. This comes as a huge shock to me and I feel naive.
Prayers for this poor family!! Can't even imagine!!!

 

[revdon64]

Took pictures of two different gators around Tom sawyer island in December. I know they're there, but I admit I never thought about them being a danger to my kids. This story has me weeping.

 

[sallytigger]

Heart broken and cannot sleep. We are here now and the helicopter is still flying above. These poor parents. Cannot imagine.

 

[JRennie]

Took pictures of two different gators around Tom sawyer island in December. I know they're there, but I admit I never thought about them being a danger to my kids. This story has me weeping.

I'm from northern Canada and gators aren't something I would have ever thought of either. The worst thing you have to watch out for here are bears and moose. That poor family.

 

[Shoshana]

I cannot imagine the horror and devastation the parents must feel. Another tragedy and more weeping in Orlando.

 

[graceclaire925]

Heartbreaking. I've stayed at gf, can anyone tell me where on the property this happened?

 

[maciemouse]

I'M staying at the poly right now. They made everyone clear the beach. There are atleast 5 boats with lights and a helicopter. The little girl was at movie night. It is.just heartbreaking to see. Cast members are out making sure no one is on the beach. Police are at the scene and the area is lit up.

 

[DOOM1001]

This is so sad! I can't believe all the heartache going on in Orlando this week. TBH I'm from Canada and while I know Florida has gators I would of never thought that would be one of the dangers to my child while visiting Disney. Perhaps Disney needs to be proactive in putting up signs to warn guests of the potential danger.

I know I've stayed at a couple of hotels in Orlando that have those signs,the last one I stayed at where I saw a beware of gators sign was the Clarion Inn lake Buena Vista.I've seen a gator in the lake on Market Street in Celebration and just this week I was at a shopping center in Davie Florida with a beware of gator sign in the parking lot as it had a small canal right next to it,as someone said if there's a lake or canal always be careful and aware.