Would You Stay at Grand Floridian? Beach Avoidable? No Parent Bashing Please!

[Docsknotinn]

The last meteorite to strike a human was allegedly in the 1950's Vs the last gator fatality in Florida which was less than two weeks ago, then six months before that and six months before that etc etc etc.
I see no need to freak out but lets have a bit of compassion and empathy for those who actually are making reservations and have legitimate concerns after this tragedy instead of just offering flip remarks.
To the OP; The beach is easily avoidable at the GF. The main pool is very nice and well away from the beach. The real question is do you want to pay for a beach resort and then avoid the beach? This is something only you can answer. I'd give some consideration to what room category you booked as well as it sounding like your primary reason for picking this resort may not be an option for your children.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

You're far more likely to suffer a meteorite strike than a repeat of this incident.

My point too. It won't stop the alarmist fringe. They'll be looking around every corner for an alligator from here on out and not enjoying their time at Disney.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would MOST DEFINITELY stay in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.

I live in Miami, Florida and very close to beaches and the Atlantic ocean. When I go to WDW, I find those man-made beaches pointless too. Personally, I go no where near them, I wouldn't even considering sticking my pinky toe into one!

However, I understand how guests visiting WDW from a landlocked state or country may desire the feel of a beach and having somewhere cool and breezy to sit while watching their kids play, watching a movie under the stars, or watching fireworks, and while totally being enthralled in the "perfect moment" sadly become oblivious to the dangers.

Landlocked doesn't generally mean beach-free http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/ne-beaches/

 

[Sunnywho]

To dissent from the majority, I would switch resorts if I was going to the GF with small children. Not because of the danger, which seems minimal because it was a freak accident, but because I would be reminded of the tragedy every time I saw the beach area. It is too easy for me to put myself in the parents' shoes and feel that loss. There are many other lovely resorts at WDW.

 

[edk35]

Yes in a heartbeat.

 

[fairytalelover]

I would stay there but I wouldnt go near the beach.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I would MOST DEFINITELY stay in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.

I live in Miami, Florida and very close to beaches and the Atlantic ocean. When I go to WDW, I find those man-made beaches pointless too. Personally, I go no where near them, I wouldn't even considering sticking my pinky toe into one!

However, I understand how guests visiting WDW from a landlocked state or country may desire the feel of a beach and having somewhere cool and breezy to sit while watching their kids play, watching a movie under the stars, or watching fireworks, and while totally being enthralled in the "perfect moment" sadly become oblivious to the dangers.

Landlocked doesn't generally mean beach-free http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nebraska/ne-beaches/

 

[Ziggie]

I've been there but to answer your question... no, because it's my least favorite hotel on property.

 

[minnie mum]

I posted this on another thread...seriously think about what happened....A BABY IS DEAD. I am not saying not to stay there but I can honestly say I don't know if I could. To be reminded of this tragedy every time you walk by the beach might be too much. For me at least. I pray for those poor parents and hope they can eventually heal from this.

I didn't quote the entire post since it was unnecessarily repetitive. But. Yes, we all get it. No one here is dismissing the pain being experienced by the parents. And we all are fully aware that not only the GF, but probably all of WDW will be a place they will wish to avoid in the future. But their pain is not ours, and while we can sympathize and understand, the vast majority of people can put this accident in perspective and not let it irreparably alter our lives. I'm not suggesting anyone will simply forget or dismiss it hard heartedly. Just add a measure of perspective.

There have been accidental deaths at FW, POR, Pop, AoA, the CR, both water parks, and at every single one of the theme parks and at least one DCL ship. Will you, and should we, refuse to go to all of these places because a death has occurred there?

Tragedies happen- both accidental and on purpose. If you live your life trying to avoid all of the sites of past (or possible future) ones, you'll find your life becoming a sad and confined one.

 

[KrazeeK120]

If I liked the theme and could afford it, yes I would stay there.

Not to be morbid, just trying to put things in perspective here...I don't have "stats" to back this up, but I'm very sure your child is more likely to die in a car crash on the way to the park/library/store/school/insert child's favorite activity here than he/she is to be nabbed by an alligator at Disney, particularly if you are vigilant about staying away from the edge of the water (particularly at dusk). And, as others have pointed out, you can certainly avoid the beach area all together if you wish to do so.

Another option may be to stay at a different resort and do a meal at the GF instead (like 1900 Park Faire).

I hope you find peace and happiness in whatever you choose to do!

 

[tsme]

I would stay there. I would go in the pool, in splash area, & even walk or sit on the beach (not close to the water though). As tragic as this accident is, it would not stop be from going to or enjoying the GF.

 

[socababy]

I own a guaranteed week every Thanksgiving at The Grand Floridian Villas. We will be heading there this November. While I am there, I'm just going to say some prayers for this family, hoping that they will find peace with their new normal one day. I'm not going to focus on the details of what happened there. It does no good for anyone. I know grief. I became a widow at 31 years old, left to raise 3 kids under the age of 6 on my own. It took me some time to start really living again and that's where my thoughts are with this family. I hope they too can start living again one day and not just have visions of what happened that night. I hope one day all they can see is their sweet boy's smile and hear his laughter. If you decide to stay at GF, just focus on your daughter's sweet smile and laughter. It would be a disservice to the Grave's family if you didn't because I'm sure they'd give anything to be able to with their sweet boy.

 

[Ziggie]

I became a widow at 31 years old, left to raise 3 kids under the age of 6 on my own. It took me some time to start really living again and that's where my thoughts are with this family.

I was widowed at age 29 with a 16 week old infant... my heart goes out to you ((hugs)).

 

[AshleeH]

We're planning a weekend trip there next year and I don't have any worries about it. If it worries someone that much, Disney World is not the place you should be vacationing. Actually, avoid Florida and all the southern gulf states while you're at it. This could've just as easily happened at the Contemporary, at the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, etc. Anywhere that has any type of water, it's a danger. But I've always been more concerned and aware of snakes than gators.

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

We are going in December for a Christmas trip

Christmas is gorgeous at the Grand!! It's probably my favorite place to be at Christmastime - it's so festive and beautiful. We always make a point to stop there and get chestnuts and see the tree

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you thank you everyone! Without being there physically to see how close everything is was driving me crazy! Now that I know for sure we can avoid the beach I feel 100% better.

#1 Do not tell me I am over worrying, I am a mom that is what I do and not that it is any of your business but no I do not fly when we go to Disney I drive. The reason I created this thread was to get info on the RESORT not to discuss mine or anyone else's parenting or the incident of that little boy. My questions has been answered by several nice people who took their time to make me maps and show me pictures. Unless you have a positive thing to add to this that will help me in my decision, which has already been made, Please do not comment.

I am a Mother, and a Nana. I understand why people worry about their kids. You want to be in control so you keep them safe. I get it.

You can avoid the beeach, but if you want to avoid any threat of coming into contact with the alligators in WDW then you need to avoid more than beaches, I would say that if you want the illusion that you are being proactive by avoiding teh GF beach, you can do that easily. The Splash Pad is far enough away so that will to be a problem, but there is water all over Disney. If you check out the threads here you will see a Lot of pictures of alligators in parks as well as the beach areas.

I also need to say that this is a discussion board. Once you open a thread, or you make a comment, you need to be aware that you can no longer control who posts or what they say. Telling people to stop will not help and most likely will backfire.

 

[Yarbogash]

To dissent from the majority, I would switch resorts if I was going to the GF with small children. Not because of the danger, which seems minimal because it was a freak accident, but because I would be reminded of the tragedy every time I saw the beach area. It is too easy for me to put myself in the parents' shoes and feel that loss. There are many other lovely resorts at WDW.

For better or worse I'd feel the same way.

 

[Docsknotinn]

We will be heading there this November. While I am there, I'm just going to say some prayers for this family, hoping that they will find peace with their new normal one day.

Now there's a kind thought

 

[Annadesu]

Well, after this, I wouldn't be surprised if room rates drop a little... <_< People canceling reservations, and what-not

I would stay there, and not worry much about all this. I personally wouldn't let my kids near water unattended,. And no, I'm not bashing the parents. My heart hurts for them. But Alligators or not, if my kid can't swim, then I am watching them like a hawk around water. But I guess that's just me.

 

[Aliceacc]

Well, after this, I wouldn't be surprised if room rates drop a little... <_< People canceling reservations, and what-not

I would stay there, and not worry much about all this. I personally wouldn't let my kids near water unattended,. And no, I'm not bashing the parents. My heart hurts for them. But Alligators or not, if my kid can't swim, then I am watching them like a hawk around water. But I guess that's just me.

Keep in mind, Lane was not "unattended." His dad was close enough to try to fight off the alligator in the few short seconds it took for it to get Lane.