OKW - 2 snakes - first 2 hours - UPDATED 6/22

[ILoveMyDVC]

Think I might have made a mistake in bldg. choice. We were all set at 2:30 for a room in 45 (I asked for 45 or 46) and then I made a remark to my husband about almost requesting 55 because it was closer to the pool and made more sense for this trip. Well, the very efficient, friendly and kind cast member, Louis, volunteered that a room was available in 55...

First thing I noticed was all the maintenance equipment that
was visible. Second thing, it was less 'manicured' than the other bldgs. definitely more 'wild' looking. I have an extreme fear of snakes and am generally on high alert as soon as we exit the airport.

Bringing in the groceries, right in front of us, an elderly women lets out a scream. A snake ran over the pavement on the way to the room. She ended up in her car crying and shaking with her childen and grandchildren trying to console her.

I was already panicking about the overgrowth on the paths and stairways wondering how I was going to get through it comfortably.

After dinner, we headed over to the quiet pool and we're not there 5 minutes when the screaming starts. Snake heading over to the pool.

I can't imagine walking back and forth through the bushes to the car and the pool is out of the question. Snakes in water with me - I don't think so. The palms are hanging considerably over the balcony railing - will be avoiding the balcony the rest of the trip and it's always been a favorite activity in between the parks to sit outside and watch the boats and ducks.

I'm all done for now.

UPDATE 6/22: No snakes spotted today but I've also had my poor DH running out a few feet ahead of me; returning and then guiding me like I'm sight impaired. I know every inch of the back of his head.

Seriously, the landscaping at this bldg. is atrocious. There are weeds growing 2-3 feet out of the hedges and the palms are seriously encroaching on the balcony. The front desk has told me that 'horticulture' will take care of it two days in a row now.

 

[kim532]

We just stayed in 47 this past week. There was a lot of work being done on our building this week too. I didn't see any snakes. I would be freaked out too.

 

[BamaEd1]

I'll have to remember that building number for when we go. My kids (and I) would try to catch them. We have a little bit of the Crocodile Hunter in us and most of the snakes around WDW are harmless "black racers." We have a few of them around here and they are fun to mess with. If you don't know how to identify them, it is best to be cautious as there are some mocacins around WDW but not many. Usually though, the poisonous mocacins are afraid of humans and stay concealed. Try to relax and have a good trip. Maybe they could let you change buildings or something.

 

[Chuck S]

We were in a studio in building 50 a couple of weeks ago, so we used the laundry in the pool area of bldg 55. I was sitting in a chair under an umbrella, waiting for the washer to finish. My eyes were closed, I was just kind of dozing and I felt something, I looked down and a large black snake was slithering over my foot.

I know that the black snakes are good snakes, but I wish it wasn't so friendly. I've been giving snakes a much wider leeway since being bitten by a rattler 2 years ago.

 

[bobbiwoz]

It's not that manicured grounds will thwart snakes, at least I don't think so. Last Friday, we were eating in the outside area of the Beachclub Marketplace, and a smallish black snake poked it's head over the "window box" type of plantings that they have. I was about 5 feet away, and just watched it. In the end it decided to head into the bushes and not cross the path. That BC area is very definitely landscaped, not wild at all.

I've often seen snakes at Disney...I'm sorry they scare you so.

Bobbi

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes, I'm afraid if you want to stay away from snakes and other slithering forms, you probably shouldn't be going to Florida. Manicured or wild, they are going to be lurking in the bushes. Just remember that they are cold blooded, so when it's hot, you wont see them out in the open much.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

We were in a studio in building 50 a couple of weeks ago, so we used the laundry in the pool area of bldg 55. I was sitting in a chair under an umbrella, waiting for the washer to finish. My eyes were closed, I was just kind of dozing and I felt something, I looked down and a large black snake was slithering over my foot.

I know that the black snakes are good snakes, but I wish it wasn't so friendly. I've been giving snakes a much wider leeway since being bitten by a rattler 2 years ago.

and yet you did not have a heartattack or be carted away to a sanitorium....???

I'm thinking MONGOOSE

 

[JimMIA]

I'll have to remember that building number for when we go. My kids (and I) would try to catch them. We have a little bit of the Crocodile Hunter in us and most of the snakes around WDW are harmless "black racers." We have a few of them around here and they are fun to mess with. If you don't know how to identify them, it is best to be cautious as there are some mocacins around WDW but not many. Usually though, the poisonous mocacins are afraid of humans and stay concealed. Try to relax and have a good trip. Maybe they could let you change buildings or something.

A few months ago, we had the Anti-Venom Bureau guys from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue do a presentation at our EMT Refresher on snakes (and bees). They showed us about 2 dozen snakebite photos and every single bite was on the fingers -- most on the finger tips! So be careful.

Also, I don't know where you got your information, but water moccasins (Cottonmouths) are not the least bit afraid of humans. Like most snakes, they do stay concealed most of the time, but they generally will not flee from humans. They will stand their ground and they are aggressive biters. Their broad color range - from almost white to black, both with and without markings - makes them very hard to identify accurately. I'm around them every day and I still misidentify one every once in a while.

Pygmy rattlesnakes are another venomous snake that will not flee. You are not likely to see one of these, but they are present at WDW. They are not aggressive biters, but they will definitely bite if you try to pick them up.

 

[dianeschlicht]

They are not aggressive biters, but they will definitely bite if you try to pick them up.

See, that is the thing. I'm not going to pick one up, so I don't worry much about them.

 

[christa112]

I had three snakes in my backyard on Friday My dogs were trying to play them.

 

[Chuck S]

and yet you did not have a heartattack or be carted away to a sanitorium....???

Actually, I think I was just shocked the thing was that used to human contact. Now, if it had been within the first year of my bite, I probably would have reacted differently...but living in Texas, I've had to dispose of a few snakes since then, including a coral snake and a young diamondback. Plus we occasionally get Texas Blind snakes in our house, especially in the very hot dry months. These snakes are tiny, and harmless...their main prey is termites. You just get used to snakes living in this area.

Texas blind snake coiled upon a dime.

 

[hockeyprincess]

Actually, I think I was just shocked the thing was that used to human contact. Now, if it had been within the first year of my bite, I probably would have reacted differently...but living in Texas, I've had to dispose of a few snakes since then, including a coral snake and a young diamondback. Plus we occasionally get Texas Blind snakes in our house, especially in the very hot dry months. These snakes are tiny, and harmless...their main prey is termites. You just get used to snakes living in this area.

Texas blind snake coiled upon a dime.

That looks like a worm!!! Wow those things are tiny. How would you even find them in your house?

I am one that also would not be picking up snakes....although I would scream at the sight of them, like I would at seeing a mouse, I wouldn't freak. Although I know some would and I'm ok with that!! haha

 

[Chuck S]

That looks like a worm!!! Wow those things are tiny. How would you even find them in your house?

We have 3 house cats, they find all kinds of creepy crawlies.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Believe it! Snakes at the Boardwalk, just 2 little black baby ones, on the walkway from the bridge to the villas on the left side. Of course, DS(12) and his best friend had to pick them up and put them back into the grass. I think all of the rain and lushness we're expereincing has given Mother Nature a pick me up, the birds love it!

I guess they (snakes) aren't picky either, they love every DVC!

 

[Caren]

Here's a charming fellow I spotted near the International Gateway at Epcot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2872788174_a6e28a08e6.jpg?v=0

 

[JimMIA]

Here's a charming fellow I spotted near the International Gateway at Epcot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2872788174_a6e28a08e6.jpg?v=0

That's a black racer. Pretty good sized one, too -- looks to be about 4 feet or so. They're non-venomous.

 

[Disney_Villain]

I wonder if it was the same snake appearing twice.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've seen a racer by the International Gateway also...by the garbage container, and believe me, I think of it every time we go past there now.

Bobbi

 

[Deb & Bill]

We saw a pretty long black snake ( about 3-4' long) at SSR about three weeks ago right near the Grandstand bus stop. A bird was flying at it and attacking it. It was lying on top of the nicely manicured bushes there.

And Bill saw a black snake in the Lazy River at TL during that same stay. Some other guest found a rake on the side of the river, picked up the snake with the rake and flung it on the side into the brush. Bill said he thought it was a water moccasin, but wasn't sure.

 

[lsutiggeratwk]

I saw two snakes last week and I wasn't even at WDW

My dog spied one outside while he was inside and the same one or a sibling was in the yard the next day. It has been very hot and no rain here in Louisiana and we think they are in search of water.

I'm not a big fan of snakes and as long as they leave me and my dogs alone, life will be just fine. Definitely no slithering over my feet - EEK!!