VGF hesitation - Lane

[DisneyStarWisher]

I was at WDW in April last year and walked around VGF thinking how much I would like to stay there. I went back in June with my family. We were at AK when the incident happened. His body was found on my 45th birthday. I now have no desire to stay there. I had a very strong emotional reaction to it. I have a strong faith, but I have trouble wrapping my head around freak accidents. I was just in shock that it happened and couldn't imagine what those parents were going through. We have two sons (now 21 and 19), but I kept imagining them when they were little. I think eventually I will stay there, but it will be awhile. It's one of the last DVC resorts I haven't stayed at, but it will take time for me to check it off my list. This probably doesn't help you, but I totally understand your hesitation.

 

[MamaCrystal]

I was at WDW in April last year and walked around VGF thinking how much I would like to stay there. I went back in June with my family. We were at AK when the incident happened. His body was found on my 45th birthday. I now have no desire to stay there. I had a very strong emotional reaction to it. I have a strong faith, but I have trouble wrapping my head around freak accidents. I was just in shock that it happened and couldn't imagine what those parents were going through. We have two sons (now 21 and 19), but I kept imagining them when they were little. I think eventually I will stay there, but it will be awhile. It's one of the last DVC resorts I haven't stayed at, but it will take time for me to check it off my list. This probably doesn't help you, but I totally understand your hesitation.

How awful. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone in my hesitation.

 

[lisaviolet]

The grand villa would be a special treat as we'd be taking my parents for my mom's first ever trip to Disney World!

OT but -

I can't even imagine going on my first trip to WDW and staying in a Grand Villa. Unreal experience for your mother.

 

[lisaviolet]

Oh and I wanted to tell you that the best thing about the Polynesian and the VGF are the Polynesian and VGF! The fact that you can easily walk back and forth is heavenly.

I have spent the last four vacations at both of the resorts. And even though my heart has always been at BWV, I could easily spend every vacation at either. Just a small problem - my point total.

All the best in whatever decision that you make MamaCrystal.

 

[MamaCrystal]

Oh and I wanted to tell you that the best thing about the Polynesian and the VGF are the Polynesian and VGF! The fact that you can easily walk back and forth is heavenly.

I have spent the last four vacations at both of the resorts. And even though my heart has always been at BWV, I could easily spend every vacation at either. Just a small problem - my point total.

All the best in whatever decision that you make MamaCrystal.

Yes!! Love that they're right next to each other! The boardwalk looks wonderful too

 

[Donna M]

We have stayed in a room with the view of where it happened. When I walk by the beach I do think about the little boy and say a prayer, but the resort is beautiful and we will keep going there.

 

[lodge]

I have struggled with what you described in your post, as we were there that night. I sold my VGF points for that year (had been there on banked points), banked points from this year into next, and plan to go in 2018.
I have difficulty watching or seeing any reference to Zootopia, as that is what we were going to see that night. I just ran the possibilities through my own mind, as I had my own child playing on that (non-fenced) same shore the summer prior, and the beach at night as well. I was shocked at my own ignorance. I HAD to read that Lane's family had closure with Disney (a brilliant thing that company did, for this family) and that an enduring life-saving donor program for children was set up in his name! If it had been a legal battle, I would have felt their pain moreso, knowing how gut-wrenching the process can be.
I still think of Lane. Any alligator, live or fake, reminds me. My heart continues to go out to his family, as I'm sure the reminders are still overwhelming.

 

[MamaCrystal]

I have struggled with what you described in your post, as we were there that night. I sold my VGF points for that year (had been there on banked points), banked points from this year into next, and plan to go in 2018.
I have difficulty watching or seeing any reference to Zootopia, as that is what we were going to see that night. I just ran the possibilities through my own mind, as I had my own child playing on that (non-fenced) same shore the summer prior, and the beach at night as well. I was shocked at my own ignorance. I HAD to read that Lane's family had closure with Disney (a brilliant thing that company did, for this family) and that an enduring life-saving donor program for children was set up in his name! If it had been a legal battle, I would have felt their pain moreso, knowing how gut-wrenching the process can be.
I still think of Lane. Any alligator, live or fake, reminds me. My heart continues to go out to his family, as I'm sure the reminders are still overwhelming.

So sorry that you are still struggling with those memories It really was a devastating event and so many of us could too easily picture being that family. I hope that your 2018 trip is a joyful, healing experience for you <3

 

[NicoleLarson]

I can relate to how you are feeling. My heart completely breaks for the family. I have a son the same age as Lane and I think how easily that could have been us. They made a foundation in his name and I read all of the wonderful things they have done for other children. These parents are really special people. I think that helped me, so when I pass that spot now, I try to think of those happy things and hug my son tighter. You may want to stay there once before buying a contract just to see how you feel. Its an amazing resort with a superb staff.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Chain link. I dont think Disney wants anyone climbing over it....animal or human. We observed it multiple times when we walked by the cabins and from the boat to the MK.

HAHAHA well if the alligators had a good reason to do so, they could still climb over. They can climb an 8-foot fence... well, actually it's more like they climb up a few steps onto it, and then their body weight makes the fence crash over.... LOL

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I feel kind of hard hearted, I didn't even think about it when I was there in November. And I walked right by where he was taken.

I guess I've always realized that alligators were there and that they, well, that they eat meat.

I think it was more shocking, to me, that so many people were unaware that Florida and Disney had alligators.

I do have to say, if it bothers you, you shouldn't buy there. And you shouldn't stay there. It is really hard to avoid the beach area.

 

[disneynutz]

If it bothers you, stay away from the area, I wish that Disney had taken the protection steps years ago. Accidents happen everyday, everywhere. Only you can decide if they upset you enough to change your life.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I thought of it on our stay but no, it doesn't prevent any room choices as I learned long long ago that people are fragile and accidents do happen. Actually for me all of the fencing they've put up by the water at all resorts is a reminder of the event so it's impossible to avoid IMO.

There's a 6 foot fence between the cabin porch and water? Is it chain link or solid? That seems odd! I was hoping for some kind of fence so gators couldn't wander up to the front of the cabins but 6 feet seems excessive!

Never think that an alligator or many wild animals couldn't navigate a 6 foot fence should they wish to. They can and they can do it faster than you might imagine. One still has to keep an awareness of the area and know it could happen. What it does is prevent a particular situation such as happened with the young Lane but that is not the only thing that could happen. Not meant to scare as it shouldn't - it would be uncommon to happen but so was the accident you are talking about. It's said to make certain you continue to keep in mind the realities of humans and wildlife.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

We were at the Poly in May and walked over to GF often so we did pass by the beach quite a few times. I did think about the alligator incident and while sad, did not stop me from enjoying the beauty of the place. We even saw a family with kids playing on the beach and making sand castles. I think its important to remember that to honor the dead, we should continue to live life in the fullest way possible.

 

[MamaCrystal]

I think its important to remember that to honor the dead, we should continue to live life in the fullest way possible.

This is good to keep in mind. After this discussion and thinking more about it, I am still leaning toward VGF.

 

[MamaCrystal]

Never think that an alligator or many wild animals couldn't navigate a 6 foot fence should they wish to. They can and they can do it faster than you might imagine

True. We live in MI so there's not much danger in terms of wildlife that we're used to (except a buck running in front of our van totaled it last fall!). While an awful incident with Lane, it hopefully has caused a lasting response in guest awareness at WDW.

 

[mikebb]

We were at Poly last week, watching the fireworks after picking my daughter up at Lilo's Playhouse. As she ran around on the now-fenced beach, my mind did drift to thoughts of that poor family and what happened to them. With that said, I agree with the PP who said that we must continue to live life to the fullest, what kind of life would it be otherwise? VGF is a beautiful resort, make your decision on that and enjoy it!

 

[kboo]

Our younger daughter is now 19 months and our stay next month will be at VGF. We did stay at the GF last year, just 2 months before Lane was taken. DH and I followed the story with horror since we had so recenlty been there and played on that beach with our own kids. The most terrifying picture I have on my phone is from a 2015 trip when our older daughter (then 3.5) and our friends' 3-yo twins were all wading ankle deep at the BC beach while we, the parents, stood several yards away taking pictures of them. If I had stopped to think at the time, I would never have allowed my kids in the water, but ... that is the tragedy. That it could have been any of us. I will never walk past that beach without thinking of the tragedy that occurred, but as others have said, I had lovely memories of the resort before it happened, the changes to all waterfronts at Disney are a sad, but truly necessary reminder, and I hug my kids and think of Lane's family and hope that they can find some tiny measure of peace.

 

[MamaCrystal]

I will never walk past that beach without thinking of the tragedy that occurred

I think I'll be ok walking through that area but I'm sure it would always cross my mind like you mentioned. I'm mostly having a hard time with the thought of those grand villa windows and balcony being adjacent to and facing the water where it happened. I still want to experience VGF but perhaps would book a 2bdr + studio instead. The grand villas look beyond dreamy and it would be great to stay in one big space, but I'm sure VGF would be wonderful either way!!

 

[lodge]

The most terrifying picture I have on my phone is from a 2015 trip when our older daughter (then 3.5) and our friends' 3-yo twins were all wading ankle deep at the BC beach while we, the parents, stood several yards away taking pictures of them. If I had stopped to think at the time, I would never have allowed my kids in the water, but ... that is the tragedy. That it could have been any of us.

My thoughts exactly. We are from the North and though we knew of alligators, just were NOT thinking this was a POSSIBILITY! My child's feet were in the very water behind of the Grand Floridian. It was a large-scale lesson learned.

I'm sure Lane's sweet soul is looking down upon how his parents have handled the foundation bearing his name, and how Disney has protected the welfare of other children by efforts to keep a repeat minimal, and he can truly rest in peace. Having his passing affect us is not a bad thing, it means you are human and have a good heart- enjoy life, and your children, while at VGF, in Lane's honor.