Found Deceased FL - Lane Graves, 2, Walt Disney World, 14 June 2016 #1

[BetteDavisEyes]

I know that some were wondering why young children were on the beach at 9:00PM. Besides the fact that they are on vacation and don't have to get up for school the next day, there are plenty of evening activities at all Disney resorts. For guests of certain hotels (including Grand Floridian), the campgrounds, Magic Kingdom, there is a nightly electric water pageant along the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Graves family and other GF guests were likely awaiting the water spectacle and would have a wonderful view from the beach.

The Most Magical Viewing Places

Discover some of the best places to watch the Pageant across Walt Disney World Resort! Locations include:

•Disney's Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at 9:00 PM
•Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee's) – Beginning at 9:15 PM
•Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at 9:30 PM
•Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Beginning at 9:45 PM
•Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at 10:10 PM; in instances when Wishes Nighttime Spectacular takes place at 10:00 PM, the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
•Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Beginning at 10:35 PM, during Extended Theme Park Hours only

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/electrical-water-pageant/

 

[blue22]

I know that some were wondering why young children were on the beach at 9:00PM. Besides the fact that they are on vacation and don't have to get up for school the next day, there are plenty of evening activities at all Disney resorts. For guests of certain hotels (including Grand Floridian), the campgrounds, Magic Kingdom, there is a nightly electric water pageant along the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Graves family and other GF guests were likely awaiting the water spectacle and would have a wonderful view from the beach.

The Most Magical Viewing Places

Discover some of the best places to watch the Pageant across Walt Disney World Resort! Locations include:

•Disney's Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at 9:00 PM
•Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee's) – Beginning at 9:15 PM
•Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at 9:30 PM
•Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Beginning at 9:45 PM
•Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at 10:10 PM; in instances when Wishes Nighttime Spectacular takes place at 10:00 PM, the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
•Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Beginning at 10:35 PM, during Extended Theme Park Hours only

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/electrical-water-pageant/

I wonder if the people asking this have never been to Disney? They've got all kinds of things to do at night. Even parks are open at that time for events. I think Disney is even better at night. So many people take advantage of the night activities.

Also, it's summer. It's vacation. Why not be up at 9:00? It's just people looking for something to criticize!

 

[sloane7777]

When I went, we were told not to get in the water. I agree with you and I think another huge problem is their lack of consistency. I assumed that everyone was told this as we are, but it seems that it's not the case. It was made very clear to us, but many, many people are saying they were told nothing. It's a problem. I think the whole shoreline just needs to be fenced. If someone chooses to hop over and beak the rules, the responsibility is not in question. Disney will NEVER be able to keep gators out of their parks. It's simply impossible. It's Florida. But they should certainly actively try. But they can make the warning very, very clear. Every little or big area of water should be marked. Guests should be instructed every time they step in a park or resort. There can be no assumptions that people know this.

Amen!!!! if there is anyone here that thinks a sign saying "ALLIGATORS Danger, (or whatever) wouldn't have stopped Lane's dad , please raise your hand ....and if there was a sign warning of danger there would not need to be a lawsuit, if they corrected the signage quickly I would even say hmmm they acted, then its ok or better but as of right now I wonder if there is a sign? probably not

 

[JerseyGirl]

Here's a video of a warden catching, hog tying, and hauling away an alligator at WDW in front of kids and guests at a restaurant overlooking the water:

[video=youtube;T7x_6l-N3SI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7x_6l-N3SI[/video]

 

[Vail]

It will definitely be interesting to see if the public blames the parents for not watching their child close enough, like they did with the gorilla incident.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is really tragic but it is not the alligator's "fault" just like it wasn't the gorilla's. Alligator is hungry, child is available. That is the nature of nature.

I am struggling to understand why Disney has alligators in their park at all.

 

[Jade]

Wow that thing isn't afraid of people AT ALL. Quite the contrary. Seems pretty brazen and almost aggressive.... not wanting to go away despite being whacked on the nose. So much for if you are attacked hit them on the nose.

Animal expert on TV advises that once the gator clamps down with its tremendous force you have little recourse except to wait for the gator to readjust its grip, as they are wont to do, that is your opportunity.....

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I wonder if the people asking this have never been to Disney? They've got all kinds of things to do at night. Even parks are open at that time for events. I think Disney is even better at night. So many people take advantage of the night activities.

Also, it's summer. It's vacation. Why not be up at 9:00? It's just people looking for something to criticize!

Agreed. The Electric Parade through the Magic Kingdom has always been one of my favorite WDW events Definitely not to be missed!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

The classic film Jaws (1975) and its sequels have been featured the past few days on AMC. I've seen the original dozens of times and have much of the dialogue memorized. Following the initial attack of the enormous man-eating shark, the Mayor of Amity says to new Police Chief, "You yell Shark!, and you've got a panic on the Fourth of July." Beaches would have to be closed, and local businesses of the summer resort community would lose thousands of tourist dollars.

I would imagine that this is/was Disney's philosophy of not posting Alligator! warnings at their resorts and other properties. If the paying public believed that Walt Disney World was serving up a smorgasbord to the local gator community, visitors to the famed Florida resort community would drop sharply. There are likely thousands of prospective WDW guests who have already planned future visits and will likely not be able to cancel their upcoming travel plans. It remains to be seen what impact the horrific alligator attack will have on future reservations. :moo:

 

[AmyPond]

I saw blue ribbons on the light poles at the entrance of my neighborhood today. So heartbreaking.

 

[Ray_of_hope]

I know that some were wondering why young children were on the beach at 9:00PM. Besides the fact that they are on vacation and don't have to get up for school the next day, there are plenty of evening activities at all Disney resorts. For guests of certain hotels (including Grand Floridian), the campgrounds, Magic Kingdom, there is a nightly electric water pageant along the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Graves family and other GF guests were likely awaiting the water spectacle and would have a wonderful view from the beach.

The Most Magical Viewing Places

Discover some of the best places to watch the Pageant across Walt Disney World Resort! Locations include:

•Disney's Polynesian Village Resort – Beginning at 9:00 PM
•Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (including Narcoossee's) – Beginning at 9:15 PM
•Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Beginning at 9:30 PM
•Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Beginning at 9:45 PM
•Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Beginning at 10:10 PM; in instances when Wishes Nighttime Spectacular takes place at 10:00 PM, the Electrical Water Pageant will begin shortly following its conclusion
•Right outside the entrance of Magic Kingdom park – Beginning at 10:35 PM, during Extended Theme Park Hours only

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/electrical-water-pageant/

True. Another reason that children are up late is because it is very hot and humid this time of year. Many parents go to Disney in the morning and allow the children to take longer naps during the heat of the day. They then go back out during the evening when things begin to cool a bit. It's been in the 90's for a few weeks now. Yesterday was 95 in Gainesville (and we're north of Orlando) but felt in the 100's with the humidity factor. Plus for the amount of money paid each day, people want to see as much as possible during their trip.

 

[AmyPond]

They are building a fence. Video in this tweet - [video=twitter;743882571914813440]https://twitter.com/Attractions/status/743882571914813440[/video]

I know this will probably anger a lot of WDW fans but I am happy about it.

 

[AlwaysShocked]

Wow! With the number of confirmed stories of alligator sightings and close encounters at Disney, plus the fact that other resorts have explicit signage and Disney does not, this is looking more and more like outright negligence.

I realize this unfortunate tragedy is the "first time" there has been a death. Or so Disney says. But I'd sure like to see their accident reports for injuries over the years.

One of the things that disturbs me about this whole situation is the attitude which seems to be prevalent - particularly among Floridians - that "there's nothing you can do". Well, yes, there is.

If you are a company charging megabucks for hotel rooms situated around a man-made lagoon why would you not institute a "no alligator" wildlife management program? Why would you not at least have the goal of eliminating ALL alligators in that lagoon, as opposed to only dealing with alligators bigger than some arbitrary measurement?

I can understand there being risks regarding the wildlife in places like Yellowstone, etc. - but in a defined, self-contained place such as this Disney-maintained lagoon - and others like it - the decisions made for management of the risk involved must be seriously questioned. Do I really want to have my small children frolicking on a "beach" where alligators under 4 ft. in length are tolerated? Does anyone but me see how absolutely ludicrous this stated parameter is?

Saying that the tourists are feeding the alligators only further demonstrates that there certainly needs to be an immediate, robust program instituted to rid Disney's and everybody else's lagoons of ALL alligators. Right NOW - while they have their "beaches" closed - they can (and SHOULD) hire as many people as needed for as long as needed to take each and every alligator out of their lagoon as can be found. And to have ongoing, aggressive surveillance so that ANY time an alligator is spotted, it is removed immediately, no matter what the size.

Disney is already taking the "black-eye" for this child's tragic death. And yes, taking perhaps thousands of alligators out of their lagoon will likely generate further bad publicity. But it would also be seen as Disney taking a proactive stance in dealing with a now public, obviously dangerous situation.

I can tell you this, as it is I would never, ever stay at one of these resorts with my grandchildren. When my children were young we went to Orlando every winter, staying with grandparents who lived there. And while it was nice to get out of the cold, I honestly could not handle the bugs. And I am talking about there were big trucks "fogging" the streets with chemicals to kill the mosquitos in February!

 

[SeaEclipse]

Here's another pic with kids in the same lagoon. This pic also shows how "1 foot into the water" is *nowhere near* water 1 foot deep. Instead, the water where the boy was wading would have been ankle height on an adult... maybe up to his knees (at most).

 

[AmyPond]

Looks like the fence is just some short wood posts and rope. I guess it's more of a visual reminder for people not to get in the water at all. Alligators can still get on the beach if they want.

 

[SeaEclipse]

Here's another pic with kids in the same lagoon: http://www.tmz.com/2016/06/17/disney-alligator-attack-parent-shaming/

This pic also shows how "1 foot into the water" is *nowhere near* water 1 foot deep. Instead, the water where the boy was wading would have been ankle height on an adult... maybe up to his knees (at most). I also love the second photo (if you scroll down) showing that an ad for the resort shows people standing in the lagoon.

 

[MommyStephV]

I can't post pictures or a link just yet (assuming the local news will have pictures eventually) but there is a huge push to cover the city of Omaha in blue bows, there are local businesses making them and giving them out for free. ❤️ warms my heart. I will say it again, one of the many, many things I love about Nebraska!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sloane7777]

Wow! With the number of confirmed stories of alligator sightings and close encounters at Disney, plus the fact that other resorts have explicit signage and Disney does not, this is looking more and more like outright negligence.

I realize this unfortunate tragedy is the "first time" there has been a death. Or so Disney says. But I'd sure like to see their accident reports for injuries over the years.

One of the things that disturbs me about this whole situation is the attitude which seems to be prevalent - particularly among Floridians - that "there's nothing you can do". Well, yes, there is.

If you are a company charging megabucks for hotel rooms situated around a man-made lagoon why would you not institute a "no alligator" wildlife management program? Why would you not at least have the goal of eliminating ALL alligators in that lagoon, as opposed to only dealing with alligators bigger than some arbitrary measurement?

I can understand there being risks regarding the wildlife in places like Yellowstone, etc. - but in a defined, self-contained place such as this Disney-maintained lagoon - and others like it - the decisions made for management of the risk involved must be seriously questioned. Do I really want to have my small children frolicking on a "beach" where alligators under 4 ft. in length are tolerated? Does anyone but me see how absolutely ludicrous this stated parameter is?

Saying that the tourists are feeding the alligators only further demonstrates that there certainly needs to be an immediate, robust program instituted to rid Disney's and everybody else's lagoons of ALL alligators. Right NOW - while they have their "beaches" closed - they can (and SHOULD) hire as many people as needed for as long as needed to take each and every alligator out of their lagoon as can be found. And to have ongoing, aggressive surveillance so that ANY time an alligator is spotted, it is removed immediately, no matter what the size.

Disney is already taking the "black-eye" for this child's tragic death. And yes, taking perhaps thousands of alligators out of their lagoon will likely generate further bad publicity. But it would also be seen as Disney taking a proactive stance in dealing with a now public, obviously dangerous situation.

I can tell you this, as it is I would never, ever stay at one of these resorts with my grandchildren. When my children were young we went to Orlando every winter, staying with grandparents who lived there. And while it was nice to get out of the cold, I honestly could not handle the bugs. And I am talking about there were big trucks "fogging" the streets with chemicals to kill the mosquitos in February!

After everything I have read they are negligent!!!!!!! They knew.

 

[neesaki]

It's official.....I am no longer looking into Florida real estate....and......time for alligator handbags to be in vogue again.....moo.


I do believe Disney should have cautioned it's guests about the potential risk of gators.

Eta ...the music in these videos is killing me....that and the screams of the amusement riders.

I think I'm with you on that, those things seriously creep me out. :scared:

 

[AlwaysShocked]

After everything I have read they are negligent!!!!!!! They knew.

Yep, obviously they knew they had an "alligator problem". And yet they continued their practice of inviting families with children to their "beach" at night - the very time when the risk for danger was at its highest. (But based on the videos and photos that have now surfaced, the daytime hours don't look too safe either!) I suspect this does indeed reflect the attitude of the "Mayor" in the movie "Jaws". Not wanting to "make a big deal" of a known danger in order to not negatively affect the tourist industry.

I just wonder, who made the decisions involved in "handling the wildlife" at Disney? Was it a corporate committee?

Sometimes lawsuits are not filed to gain money for the people filing the lawsuit. (Although the entity being sued will put this forth as the "reason" for the suit.) Simply getting the truth of a situation out to the public at large can propel a lawsuit.

I'd sure like to hear Disney's side of this story. Because right now it is looking like they have been making some vey poor decisions for a long time. One of the first people to speak out about being attacked by an alligator at Disney was an 8 year old child when he was attacked thirty years ago!

For people who live in Florida: Are there any requirements for anybody at all in Florida to take any measures to control alligators on a property? I once visited a relative in West Palm Beach who lived in a complex that had "irrigation ditches" on the property. As she explained it this was brackish, stinky water that was used to water the grass and landscaping on the property at night. She told me that recently someone's small dog had been killed by an alligator that was lurking in the "irrigation ditch". Is this common? When we Northerners are reading about "they are everywhere" - what exactly does that mean? That you might go outside and there is one in your yard, or is it only where there is some kind of standing water that they would be encountered?

 

[LLC]

Disney is already taking the "black-eye" for this child's tragic death. And yes, taking perhaps thousands of alligators out of their lagoon will likely generate further bad publicity. But it would also be seen as Disney taking a proactive stance in dealing with a now public, obviously dangerous situation.

I can tell you this, as it is I would never, ever stay at one of these resorts with my grandchildren. When my children were young we went to Orlando every winter, staying with grandparents who lived there. And while it was nice to get out of the cold, I honestly could not handle the bugs. And I am talking about there were big trucks "fogging" the streets with chemicals to kill the mosquitos in February!

Disney's black eye is minimal & short lived. They will suffer almost no financial repercussion.