2 Year Old Dragged into Water by Gator at Disney Resort

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is Disney negligent if there are signs that say not to go into the water? I'm serious.

Holding an outdoor movie near the lake:

Assuming the responsibility for removing gators from Bay Lake and missing this one;

Failure to post signs that explain how dangerous gators are (the family is from Nebraska)

Failure to train the lifeguard on how to wrangle alligators

Train the lifeguard on how to wrangle alligators?

In Florida, you do not swim in freshwater. Because of alligators. This isn't something that lifeguards can deal with.

Really?

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/contemporary-resort/tubing/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are too many gators and sharks, we need to reduce their numbers

Christ. Really?

http://www.sharksavers.org/en/education/sharks-are-in-trouble/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:STOP. Close your eyes and imagine your child's sweet face. What if that was your baby? Now, can you hear the gut wrenching cries of that poor mother? We could lose our children any number of ways by any kind of freak accident. This was an ACCIDENT. Stop the bickering. It does nothing to honor this poor baby.

Hopefully, it teaches people to respect wildlife and if a sign says "No Swimming" stay out of the water totally. It's sad that this child had to die in this horrific way but many in this thread have admitted to wading in Florida waters and that's a scary thought.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

Yes, I in fact have no real-life experience with alligators or crocodiles. Is that crazy to you? There are NO ALLIGATORS WHERE I'M FROM. What you describe is not "common sense" or "basic things", it is specialized knowledge that lots of people do not have.

If there was a sign warning of alligators, that would be one thing. But assuming that people from all over the world know that (1) ALL fresh water in Florida is infested with alligators; (2) alligators will seek out and grab a child even if it is not in the water; and (3) "no swimming" means "don't even go near the water because alligators will eat your kids" is seriously ridiculous.

Do you go out in the woods and not think about bears or mountain lions? I just don't understand this.

This was a freak accident. I know its hard to accept but no one is 100% safe 100% of the time. Sometimes when you're outside a wild animal shows up. Sometimes when you're inside a dresser falls on top of you. It's just life. It's sad and horrible but it's just life.

[Anonymous]

From what I understand, shit happening at Disney/families being paid off isn't a rare occurance. In the mid-90s, someone told me about an incident a family member of theirs had re: falling off of the train that takes them from the parks to the parking lot. They were compensated for their troubles. I refuse to believe that this is the first alligator incident. Perhaps the first of this magnitude, but Disney World is a big place, there are lots of visitors every year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From what I understand, shit happening at Disney/families being paid off isn't a rare occurance. In the mid-90s, someone told me about an incident a family member of theirs had re: falling off of the train that takes them from the parks to the parking lot. They were compensated for their troubles. I refuse to believe that this is the first alligator incident. Perhaps the first of this magnitude, but Disney World is a big place, there are lots of visitors every year.

This. There is no way that Disney isn't already working on a settlement with this family (and maybe some witnesses as well).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

I am convinced that everyone on this thread knows about the dangers but are feigning ignorance to win their point. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

Ok. So let's say you're right and EVERYONE and their mom knows that going into (or near) any fresh water in Florida is extremely risky bc of alligators. Then why did no one at this movie screening event warn the parents or tell the kid to get out of the water? Of all the dozens of people there, why did no one tell the parents "hey, you should stay out of the water because there could be alligators?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

I am convinced that everyone on this thread knows about the dangers but are feigning ignorance to win their point. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

Ok. So let's say you're right and EVERYONE and their mom knows that going into (or near) any fresh water in Florida is extremely risky bc of alligators. Then why did no one at this movie screening event warn the parents or tell the kid to get out of the water? Of all the dozens of people there, why did no one tell the parents "hey, you should stay out of the water because there could be alligators?"

We live in a MYOB society.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

I am convinced that everyone on this thread knows about the dangers but are feigning ignorance to win their point. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

Ok. So let's say you're right and EVERYONE and their mom knows that going into (or near) any fresh water in Florida is extremely risky bc of alligators. Then why did no one at this movie screening event warn the parents or tell the kid to get out of the water? Of all the dozens of people there, why did no one tell the parents "hey, you should stay out of the water because there could be alligators?"

There was nothing to warn about. It was a freak accident that has never happened at the park, ever. Despite millions of kids coming in and out every day all year long. It was an accident. There doesn't always need to be a boogeyman when a terrible thing happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

Yes, I in fact have no real-life experience with alligators or crocodiles. Is that crazy to you? There are NO ALLIGATORS WHERE I'M FROM. What you describe is not "common sense" or "basic things", it is specialized knowledge that lots of people do not have.

If there was a sign warning of alligators, that would be one thing. But assuming that people from all over the world know that (1) ALL fresh water in Florida is infested with alligators; (2) alligators will seek out and grab a child even if it is not in the water; and (3) "no swimming" means "don't even go near the water because alligators will eat your kids" is seriously ridiculous.

Do you go out in the woods and not think about bears or mountain lions? I just don't understand this.

This was a freak accident. I know its hard to accept but no one is 100% safe 100% of the time. Sometimes when you're outside a wild animal shows up. Sometimes when you're inside a dresser falls on top of you. It's just life. It's sad and horrible but it's just life.

This would work if the family was in the wild. They were staying at a private resort, with no noted expectation or warnings of gators being present anywhere on the facility. So whats your point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

Yes, I in fact have no real-life experience with alligators or crocodiles. Is that crazy to you? There are NO ALLIGATORS WHERE I'M FROM. What you describe is not "common sense" or "basic things", it is specialized knowledge that lots of people do not have.

If there was a sign warning of alligators, that would be one thing. But assuming that people from all over the world know that (1) ALL fresh water in Florida is infested with alligators; (2) alligators will seek out and grab a child even if it is not in the water; and (3) "no swimming" means "don't even go near the water because alligators will eat your kids" is seriously ridiculous.

Do you go out in the woods and not think about bears or mountain lions? I just don't understand this.

This was a freak accident. I know its hard to accept but no one is 100% safe 100% of the time. Sometimes when you're outside a wild animal shows up. Sometimes when you're inside a dresser falls on top of you. It's just life. It's sad and horrible but it's just life.

This would work if the family was in the wild. They were staying at a private resort, with no noted expectation or warnings of gators being present anywhere on the facility. So whats your point?

I bolded my point since apparently you didn't want to read my whole comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:STOP. Close your eyes and imagine your child's sweet face. What if that was your baby? Now, can you hear the gut wrenching cries of that poor mother? We could lose our children any number of ways by any kind of freak accident. This was an ACCIDENT. Stop the bickering. It does nothing to honor this poor baby.

Agreed. A freak accident that in a million years I would never think to happen and I have been to Disney 20 times and stayed at the Grand Floridian 10 of them. Never would I have thought this could happen.

agreed and agreed. this has NEVER happened before on disney property. i can't believe that sanctimonious people on here who think they're perfect parents. god help you if something tragic ever happens to one of your babies.

[Anonymous]

Oh, come on. All of you people talking about how EVERYONE knows that Florida freshwater is infested with alligators must be intentionally obtuse. I've been to Florida probably 10 times, all but 1 for business trips. I didn't know. Why? I don't know why I didn't know--lack of interest in alligators? Lack of interest in Florida? I'm from Northern Europe, the flora and fauna there is pretty different. As a PP mentioned, I can drive in snow, I know when you can and can't walk on iced waters.

This was certainly a tragic event, but you really can't act as if everyone should understand this about Florida waters, particularly in an environment as manicured and controlled as a high end Disney resort.

I feel awful for the parents and family of the little boy, and everyone affected by it. Perhaps we should all leave it at that and stop trying to lay blame on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. A "no swimming" sign is not sufficient to cover the risks associated with alligator attacks. That child could have been killed simply walking near the edge of the water.

2. It's not reasonable to expect resort guests coming from Europe, Canada, or yes even Nebraska to know how prevelant alligators are, especially on Disney property where a beach has been set up.

3. Disney was grossly negligent and WILL pay up the a$$ including to this who just witnessed the attack. That's guaranteed.

I disagree. And, I would also say that anyone who doesn't know that Florida has alligators is an imbecile. It's practically the first thing you think of!

Here's the thing - even if you know "Florida has alligators" you may not be familiar with alligator behavior. If a sign says "no swimming", and you make the logic leap that you should not swim due to alligators, you might think your kid is safe WALKING IN LESS THAN A FOOT OF WATER, because that is not swimming. Maybe you think alligators are like sharks - and someone might not swim on account of a shark in the water, but they'd probably walk along the beach and not fear a shark attack. Signage was inadequate and inappropriate to the threat.

I'm really trying to understand this mindset. Alligators are a pretty popular animal. Even if you don't know everything about their behavior, I would argue that the basic stuff is known to ADULTS. I'm really trying to understand this idea that alligators are some weird and mysterious animal.

How familiar do you expect Nebraskans to be with alligator behavior? I had no idea alligators were this aggressive. I thought they mostly left people alone.

Ugh, as much as a Virginian knows to be worried about scorpions? I know that if I'm in the SE, to check my shoes and clothing, even though I've never seen a scorpion. But it is basic common sense.

Is your only experience with crocs is a cuddly stuffed animal? How does someone make it to adulthood not knowing these basic things?

Yes, I in fact have no real-life experience with alligators or crocodiles. Is that crazy to you? There are NO ALLIGATORS WHERE I'M FROM. What you describe is not "common sense" or "basic things", it is specialized knowledge that lots of people do not have.

If there was a sign warning of alligators, that would be one thing. But assuming that people from all over the world know that (1) ALL fresh water in Florida is infested with alligators; (2) alligators will seek out and grab a child even if it is not in the water; and (3) "no swimming" means "don't even go near the water because alligators will eat your kids" is seriously ridiculous.

Do you go out in the woods and not think about bears or mountain lions? I just don't understand this.

This was a freak accident. I know its hard to accept but no one is 100% safe 100% of the time. Sometimes when you're outside a wild animal shows up. Sometimes when you're inside a dresser falls on top of you. It's just life. It's sad and horrible but it's just life.

This would work if the family was in the wild. They were staying at a private resort, with no noted expectation or warnings of gators being present anywhere on the facility. So whats your point?

I was just there. If you look out at the area, it's pretty wildlife-looking. Growing up in Florida, when a sign says "No Swimming, dropoff" it means you stay out of the water.

Especially at night I would have stayed out of the water. And there's a beautiful pool just steps away. All the beach chairs there face the pool, not the beach.

That lake is used for water sports, but not swimming, and has been for decades with no issue. Just like other lakes in Florida, where people swim, boat, etc.

[Anonymous]

They hand something like this flyer to everyone that drives into Yellowstone. Because people don't know how dangerous the wildlife can be, especially in a park or resort. People think that it's a safe environment and it's not.