From the OS: Gator drags child into Seven Seas Lagoon

[bethymouse]

We just left the Poly on 6/8. My sons and I had a conversation about gators on those "islands" out in the lagoon! I had never seen one, but was almost certain gators were there.
I can't imagine how someone didn't get it on video, or if there were eyewitnesses. It just seems so odd. My goodness! What will Disney do? I hope they find the little guy. I hope if there is a gator that is as aggressive as that, Disney will get wildlife experts to help, and to not make any "rash" decisions! I am in just horrible disbelief!

 

[Kristamouse]

Obviously no one knows for sure right now, but I have a really hard time believing an alligator walked up into a crowd of people watching a movie to grab a baby. There must be more to the story.

I know of course there is more to this story...I just checked on my own kids and can't even imagine.

 

[Jim Possible]

Good Lord. Such a terrible week for Orlando. It's like the Tragedy of the Day.

 

[Rteetz]

Unconfirmed report that the gator was 7 feet long

http://www.laughingplace.com/w/news/2016/06/14/gator-drags-child-seven-seas-lagoon/

 

[WDW1974]

Maybe it's time to start enforcing the Don't Feed the Wildlife rules on property. Caught doing it? Goodbye.

I'm not saying this is what happened tonight, but once certain species get imprinted on humans or associate food, it's hard going back.

Whatever has happened, my heart is with the family.

I think so. I really think people need to read and sign codes of conduct (you can have them in multiple languages). I know we always had to sign something at DAK Lodge ... but last stay in 2013 was on DVC points and I really don't remember.

I truly worry this was a result of, yes, those bungalows and their occupants tossing food to them. I am not jumping to that conclusion, but I am walking briskly in that direction.

I've seen enough of what WDW attracts and bad Guest behavior. To think that the behavior of idiots could have cost this child his/her life is just beyond what I can fathom.

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Not that I am aware of. But I haven't camped there since 1979 and haven't stayed in a cabin there since 2006.

Wow really thought FW was future world and just pictured bears there...

 

[Jason Lives]

First of all, they were on vacation. So it's possible the family was allowing the child to stay awake to enjoy a movie or the fireworks or just playing with family on the beach.

Second of all, as someone who has lost a child, it is incredibly painful when strangers place blame on the parents when it was truly a situation outside their control. Please keep this type of speculation to yourself until the details come out.

Where did I speculate? I was asking simple questions. Why must everyone knee jerk to the emotional when those are completely logical questions that should be asked.

 

[drew81]

Good look enforcing that. I've seen parents literally encourage/allow their children to pick up ducks and squirrels inside the Magic Kingdom. Then people wonder why those white cranes that stalk all outdoor eating areas are so aggressive

I mainly meant gators. That stuff is going to happen no matter what. It shouldn't be happening, but yeah know how that goes.

 

[MOXOMUMD]

Yeah... true. I'm assuming there were probably other witnesses that can confirm it actually happened.

Absolutely. Alligators aren't the quietest animals once they get their prey. Unfortunately there may not be any small child left to find.

 

[JenniferS]

Where did I speculate? I was asking simple questions. Why must everyone knee jerk to the emotional when those are completely logical questions that should be asked.

Now is not the time.
Here is not the place.

 

[bethymouse]

Lost: 7265938, memCaptain Cooks at tge Poly recently. The birds there swoop down and literally take your french.fries off your plate while eating!63946"]Good look enforcing that. I've seen parents literally encourage/allow their children to pick up ducks and squirrels inside the Magic Kingdom. Then people wonder why those white cranes that stalk all outdoor eating areas are so aggressive [/QUOTE]
We ate outside at Capta

 

[WDW1974]

We just left the Poly on 6/8. My sons and I had a conversation about gators on those "islands" out in the lagoon! I had never seen one, but was almost certain gators were there.
I can't imagine how someone didn't get it on video, or if there were eyewitnesses. It just seems so odd. My goodness! What will Disney do? I hope they find the little guy. I hope if there is a gator that is as aggressive as that, Disney will get wildlife experts to help, and to not make any "rash" decisions! I am in just horrible disbelief!

From people there, at least three gator trapping boats are in the water. They are going to grab (and kill) any gators they come in contact with and then ... no easy way to say this ... cut them open to look for the child's remains.

 

[drew81]

I think so. I really think people need to read and sign codes of conduct (you can have them in multiple languages). I know we always had to sign something at DAK Lodge ... but last stay in 2013 was on DVC points and I really don't remember.

I truly worry this was a result of, yes, those bungalows and their occupants tossing food to them. I am not jumping to that conclusion, but I am walking briskly in that direction.

I've seen enough of what WDW attracts and bad Guest behavior. To think that the behavior of idiots could have cost this child his/her life is just beyond what I can fathom.

Yes I believe any guest caught at DAK or the Lodge feeding, disturbing or entering any animal habitat is banned and potentially charged with trespassing.

 

[TangledUpInKnots]

Good look enforcing that. I've seen parents literally encourage/allow their children to pick up ducks and squirrels inside the Magic Kingdom. Then people wonder why those white cranes that stalk all outdoor eating areas are so aggressive

Yeah, where I live squirrels run away when you approach them. At Epcot last month, I was sitting on a bench and a squirrel scratched my arm. I hopped up and ran away because it startled me and it started to chase me. My point being is that wildlife is definitely being fed. Here in the smoky mountains that is a big no no. So I guess it still surprises me that people can be so clueless but again I guess people did put a baby Buffalo in their car out west, so you cant fix stupid.

 

[Hrudey3032]

Where did I speculate? I was asking simple questions. Why must everyone knee jerk to the emotional when those are completely logical questions that should be asked.

Your first comment was about Why was the child alone on the beach? that Is pure speculation

 

[Laura]

I'm so sick over this. What a horrible nightmare for the family. I'm trying so hard not to think about the gruesome details or I'll never be able to sleep again. My daughter is 22 months old and all I can think of is what if this was her. We live in Florida and I take her on walks to the little pond in our neighborhood regularly to look at the iguanas and birds. I'm such an idiot. Not doing that ever again.

Terrorists and baby eating alligators. I'm so looking forward to our Orlando vacation this weekend.

 

[Wdw62114]

I just read on the OS that there were no eye witnesses who actually saw a gator drag the toddler into the water. I think it's still very early in the incident to jump to conclusions. Im praying for the family and hope this has a good outcome

 

[natatomic]

Where did I speculate? I was asking simple questions. Why must everyone knee jerk to the emotional when those are completely logical questions that should be asked.

You speculated that the child was all alone (reports say she was holding her father's hand), and you questioned where the parents were, insinuating blame.

 

[Jason Lives]

Are you serious?

Rumors are saying the parents had the kid by the HAND and that the father tried to wrestle the gator for the child back. It's Disney and perhaps a late night vacation treat. You may want to roll back this attitude quite a bit - especially since those parents just probably lost a child.

They are completely legitimate questions to ask. I already said it was an awful thing, but I am not one to gnash my teeth. Not everyone is as emotional as most here. Rumors are just that...rumors. But I'm sure the parents are concerned with far more important things than to read a Disney message board.

 

[TangledUpInKnots]

From people there, at least three gator trapping boats are in the water. They are going to grab (and kill) any gators they come in contact with and then ... no easy way to say this ... cut them open to look for the child's remains.

Poor sweet baby. Poor family. My heart aches.