2 Year Old Dragged into Water by Gator at Disney Resort

[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.

I have zero real-life experience with alligators, scorpions, or bears. But I know basic risk situations and precautions. You have to be actively turning your head to not know these things.

The signs warned against going in the water - to read otherwise is honestly just playing dumb.

[Anonymous]

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.

Exactly. If the child had slipped into the water while the parents weren't looking (or the parents allowed the child to swim) and he drowned, that would be a different story. But there is zero warning of alligators and Disney is in a much better position than it's guests from all over the world to know what may lurk in the lake. And I highly doubt the child would have been safe even if he had been 6 inches outside the water. Gators will come up on land, especially at night, and snatch small creatures.

What's to say that the child didn't slip into the water and then the gator grabbed him?

The point was that if it were a drowning (the naturally assumed risk of swimming) this would be different. The parents did not knowingly assume a risk their child would be dragged off by an alligator.

[Anonymous]

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?

Well, just to make a point .. scorpions are only dangerous if you are old, ill, or a baby. I know because I have been stung by one. That said, I know nothing about alligators and would not automatically assume there are alligators on a Disney resort property. I also thought that resorts in the Caribbean with private beaches had shark nets until I was informed otherwise. One doesn't always know what one doesn't know!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

That's because it's happened there, most likely. A Gator attack is rare and deaths rarer, even in Florida lakes.

I imagine Disney guests will be getting those fliers, now, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Have you ever been waterskiing or tubing? It requires swimming. You have to jump off the boat, get into position. You might fall several times trying to get up on skis, you'll probably fall off the tube at some point.

There's no appreciable distinction between "water sports" and "swimming."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The warning sign posted noted that the water was deep and not to swim in it. Not to beware of getting snatched by a gator. See the difference?

If there is a threat of gators, and the pool is close, then folks at the pool are also at risk of getting snatched. Or at least attacked. Should they expect that just b/c they are in Florida?

[Anonymous]

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.

Exactly. If the child had slipped into the water while the parents weren't looking (or the parents allowed the child to swim) and he drowned, that would be a different story. But there is zero warning of alligators and Disney is in a much better position than it's guests from all over the world to know what may lurk in the lake. And I highly doubt the child would have been safe even if he had been 6 inches outside the water. Gators will come up on land, especially at night, and snatch small creatures.

What's to say that the child didn't slip into the water and then the gator grabbed him?

The point was that if it were a drowning (the naturally assumed risk of swimming) this would be different. The parents did not knowingly assume a risk their child would be dragged off by an alligator.

+1 Goddamn what is wrong with you people who are looking to assign blame of this horrific event to the parents??? Do you think they said to themselves, "well I'll be damned if I'm not going to have fun here and who cares if my kid gets eaten, FUCKING EATEN BY AN ALLIGATOR, I'll just let them do whatever they want by that water side."

[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.

I have zero real-life experience with alligators, scorpions, or bears. But I know basic risk situations and precautions. You have to be actively turning your head to not know these things.

The signs warned against going in the water - to read otherwise is honestly just playing dumb.

But in the photo posted a previous post (the one in which the poster feels the water is creepy), all the kids were in suits and wet. Weren't they going in the water?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re: the discussion of possible lawsuits -- I'm curious whether surrounding resorts and attractions post alligator warnings? If it is standard practice, it's going to look bad on Disney.

Also, surrounding bystanders could claim emotional distress. I think it's reasonable to suffer distress from witnessing or being in close proximity to the immediate fall out of this event. I've only read about it and am really upset thinking about it. I imagine those who were there when it happened are suffering some sort of distress as well.

I believe they have to show Disney intended to cause them emotional distress. Heck, if all a bystander has to do is claim they were emotionally distressed by an event, everybody would eventually get paid at some point in life.

[Anonymous]

Who does "water sports" in a fresh puddle, in the middle of subtropics, at night? I mean I know there are degrees of idiocy, but come the fuck on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

This has never happened. But it will be interesting to see whether other close encounters have happened with gators. If it comes out that once a week a guest has a close call with a gator (or even that every year there are close calls during mating season), that Disney was aware of this, and has been paying people off -- this is going to look bad.

We are just assuming there have been no prior alligator incidents, but we don't know what has been reported to Disney.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re: the discussion of possible lawsuits -- I'm curious whether surrounding resorts and attractions post alligator warnings? If it is standard practice, it's going to look bad on Disney.

Also, surrounding bystanders could claim emotional distress. I think it's reasonable to suffer distress from witnessing or being in close proximity to the immediate fall out of this event. I've only read about it and am really upset thinking about it. I imagine those who were there when it happened are suffering some sort of distress as well.

I believe they have to show Disney intended to cause them emotional distress. Heck, if all a bystander has to do is claim they were emotionally distressed by an event, everybody would eventually get paid at some point in life.

Fingers crossed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Have you ever been waterskiing or tubing? It requires swimming. You have to jump off the boat, get into position. You might fall several times trying to get up on skis, you'll probably fall off the tube at some point.

There's no appreciable distinction between "water sports" and "swimming."

How smart is it do water sports in gator infested waters?

[Anonymous]

It's horrible and tragic. But it was a freak accident. There are alligators everywhere in Florida. People are rarely attacked. People who live here know how to avoid them. We jump off of our sailboat into the St Johns River all the time. We don't do it near the shore in shallow warm water. We kayak in water full of gators. They don't leap out of the water and snatch people off of jet skis or boats. They are not fast on land, but they are super fast in water. A gator attacks by lunging at prey from the water or shore. They don't chase people around on land.

We have had several shark attacks at our beach already. I was bumped by a four foot shark two weeks ago in less than two feet of water. My point is that it was an awful, tragic, accident. An extremely rare type of thing. Why does anyone need to be at fault? The gator was just being a gator. The parents were watching their child. Disney cannot keep alligators out of fresh water in Florida. No one talks of lawsuits when snakes bite or when sharks attack. How is this different?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re: the discussion of possible lawsuits -- I'm curious whether surrounding resorts and attractions post alligator warnings? If it is standard practice, it's going to look bad on Disney.

Also, surrounding bystanders could claim emotional distress. I think it's reasonable to suffer distress from witnessing or being in close proximity to the immediate fall out of this event. I've only read about it and am really upset thinking about it. I imagine those who were there when it happened are suffering some sort of distress as well.

I believe they have to show Disney intended to cause them emotional distress. Heck, if all a bystander has to do is claim they were emotionally distressed by an event, everybody would eventually get paid at some point in life.

Sue Disney, dude