https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:47:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2573029 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 08:08:28 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2573029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: finally getting back to this! I definitely don't think that extra signage is a bad thing. I don't suppose I think that Disney should be sued for the sign they did use. I am from the mountains in NC so I totally understand the whole bear issue. My family has had them on their carport in their trash. Sadly the bear issue is partly because people keep on encroaching into bear territory. But then people treat them like nuisances! And are surprised when bears are roaming around their mountainside cabin. I think the rhetoric around these issues is typically very people centric, which is what disturbs me. This is just a general observation, Disney is a part of the problem too. The relationship should be more give and take than that. Example: A better gorilla enclosure would help protect people and animals, a fence around the lagoon would protect children and also return the habitat to alligators. Not leaving the path in Yellowstone is safer for humans but also protects the landscape around the geyser etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2570854 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:03:09 +0000 sorrycharlie 2570854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a photo of my girls sitting a foot from the water in the exact spot the Britains and Canadians saw a gator lurch onto the sand. </p> <p>Yay anxiety. 😑 My oldest loved the sand. Next visit I don't know that I'll be anywhere near it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2570760 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:33:26 +0000 FaithFertility 2570760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pmrlady: Ohhhh that is sad :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2570756 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:30:45 +0000 pmrlady 2570756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>And the plot thickens.....</p> <p>"Disney employees say they have warned their bosses for more than a year about guests feeding alligators at the Seven Seas Lagoon - especially guests in the $2,000-a-night Bora Bora Bungalows.<br /> The bungalows have private porches and guests apparently feed the alligators as they float past. </p> <p>'Disney has known about the problem of guests feeding the alligators well-prior to the opening of the bungalows,' said an insider. 'With the opening of the bungalows, it brought the guests that much closer to wildlife. Or, the wildlife that much closer to the guests.'</p> <p>A few employees said they had complained about the bungalow guests feeding the alligators, but alleged that park officials may have been hesitant to reprimand guests staying in $2,000-a-night suites. </p> <p><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3645504/Disney-ignored-employees-complaints-guests-2-000-night-bungalows-feeding-alligators.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3645504/Disney-ignored-employees-complaints-guests-2-000-night-bungalows-feeding-alligators.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2570364 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 03:20:06 +0000 turquoisemama 2570364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pmrlady: I agree 100%. I haven't read all the comments, but even if you didn't go swimming, don't alligators ever come out of the water? It just seems like a very dangerous situation all together. Really negligent on the hotels part. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2570332 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 21:32:26 +0000 pmrlady 2570332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: Actually all of your reasons listed for that sign are none that I would associate with "No swimming"<br /> To me, no swimming means just that, likely because there is no lifeguard on duty so if you happen to start drowning, there will be no one to save you. That's what I think when I see "no swimming".<br /> Now if the sign said "Do not enter water" then I would truly not let my child put their feet in the water even if I don't know the exact reason why the water is not safe. </p> <p>However, let's say hypothetically that Disney truly meant for people to not enter the water because of wildlife. WHY then would they make a man-made BEACH out of that area? Why would they put sand and beach chairs around water that should not be entered? When their main occupants are small children? Children who like to splash in water and build sand castles, for which they want to get wet sand to make better castles with? Why create that temptation to enter the water and then try to fight that temptation with signs?<br /> That's what I don't understand. And to me, that is being negligent on Disney's part. Not even the wording of the signs, but the part where they create an illusion of safety by making such a lovely inviting beach there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2570321 Sun, 19 Jun 2016 20:54:18 +0000 pmrlady 2570321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought this was very touching and wanted to share...</p> <p>"To The Mom of the Gator Attack at the Grand Floridian</p> <p>I am you. We have never met, I have never faced your tragedy but that’s all I can think this morning- “I AM YOU”. I have done what you have done. I have saved and spent countless hours planning to take my family on a Magical trip to see the Mouse. Every trip has its own expectations, hopes and dreams. Weeks of preparing and talking with my children about all the exciting things we will do and see. Finally arriving and checking into one of the many beautiful Walt Disney World Resorts. Wandering the property pointing out the different animals we don’t see at home, a gecko, an armadillo even a small gator or two. We stand in line to catch our resort bus or monorail to the park of our choice. I lather my children with sunscreen to protect them from the Florida sun. We stop for the family photo at every landmark possible. Even after all these trips there’s nothing quite like stepping onto Main Street to see that Castle. Each time it’s breath-taking. I have spent many hours at the parks with children melting down trying to make the most of each moment. Maybe this was your first trip, that once in a life time trip or maybe like my family you go as often as possible. Whatever the case may be, we are the same. Like you, my family has spent our evenings on the beaches of a Walt Disney Resort. We grab our jackets and head to the resort beach to unwind from a busy day at the parks. We scout out a place to sit for the perfect view of the movie, fireworks, Electrical Water Parade. My children run ahead of me excited to have a little freedom from my clutching hands. Sometimes I chase after them pretending to slip in the sand so the game can continue and memories are made. Other times I firmly plant myself on the beach because let’s face it, walking all day at the parks is exhausting and now it’s time to relax! As I sit far enough from the water’s edge to miss the mist carried in by the gentle breeze, my children run along the shoreline. I carry on in conversation with those around me, keeping an eye on my children who play in the near distance. They scoop up the wet sand because it makes for the best sandcastles, they toss sticks in the water to watch them float. As they step into the shallow water I yell out to remind them not to get their clothes wet as it’s a bit of a hike back to our room for dry clothes or at least take their shoes off before wading in. I check my watch to see how much longer before the movie starts, until the fireworks begin, or the Electrical Water Parade is due to come by thankful for moments like these. Truth be told, I’m not the only one. Other families are doing this exact same thing. Some parents are multitasking as their children head in different directions to discover their own areas to play in. Everyone is in a relaxed state because this is what vacation looks like! Tragically for you, a force of nature, an alligator, stole your child, your heart, while no doubt your family was enjoying one of these simple moments like I have so many times before. The unimaginable has happened and I’m sure you have replayed that moment over and over in your head. I can not begin to fathom what you are going through but I can tell you, I am you! This could have been my family, my child. It could have happened to thousands of others who have sat on these very beaches. People are harsh and they will be cruel accusing and blaming. Probably not nearly as mean as you are being to yourself with each passing hour. I simply want you to know, “This is not your fault”. You went on vacation and the unthinkable happened. It could have been my child or any other family who has walked those beaches. My heart is breaking for you. My prayers are going out to you. I am hugging my kids tighter because of you. Though you may feel otherwise you are not alone. I am all too aware, I AM YOU."</p> <p><a href="http://www.oneroomcabin.com/2016/06/15/to-the-mom-of-the-gator-attack-at-the-grand-floridian-wdw/" rel="nofollow">http://www.oneroomcabin.com/2016/06/15/to-the-mom-of-the-gator-attack-at-the-grand-floridian-wdw/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2569812 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:26:21 +0000 BSB 2569812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Chocolate: oh! I googled it and found this.</p> <p><a href="http://fox6now.com/2016/06/17/disney-installing-fence-on-beach-where-alligator-attacked-boy/" rel="nofollow">http://fox6now.com/2016/06/17/disney-installing-fence-on-beach-where-alligator-attacked-boy/</a> </p> [attach=147/16/o8xnhb.461x600.image.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2569808 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 15:15:29 +0000 Mrs. Chocolate 2569808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They are putting up a fence as we speak around the lagoon. One of my forums has members at WDW right now and have pictures showing it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/6#post-2569236 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 19:45:52 +0000 Maysprout 2569236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: it got put in the car because it was begging at cars because it had learned where food was located, so it already was a hazard, one that other people had tried to alert park rangers about.<br /> I'm not arguing that it should have been put in the car but that these are things that happen when loads of people go through wild areas - people and animals end up coming in contact, they're not unpredictable situations. And not every park has the same protocol on dealing with abandoned animals. Im big on environmental issues as well but that requires some education when people are on vacation in a different location. Not everyone's going to be an expert researcher.<br /> I used to go collect samples in the woods at night for work with at least one other person. Bear attacks pretty much never happen where I was but we still always checked with others who'd been out earlier in the day to see if their bear boxes had been bashed and if so we went to a different area to collect. When I've traveled I've never stayed in a luxury resort and camped plenty, I probably talk more than average but have relied somewhat on being provided local info on currents and any strange going ons with animals. That's why I just can't imagine why Disney would neglect to point out to stay away from the water at night when they're holding night events there and have had plenty reports of people feeding a predator. If that was sharks or bears that would be crazy, even if bears are sighted more there are often signs at trailheads about increased bear activity. These signs don't mean people are stupid, they're informative and help people/wildlife not have bad encounters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569202 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:52:51 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2569202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: yeah the bison was doomed, but it probably would have died of exposure or been eaten instead of becoming a target for cars and a hassle/PR nightmare for the parks system. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569133 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:39:03 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2569133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I think.you hit the nail on the head when you said false sense of security. And it is a debatable issue because poor decision making impacts whether or not the rest of us get to enjoy these spaces. Even mount Everest is littered with dead bodies of people who made the poor decision to get in over their heads because they underestimated how difficult the climb was. And now those bodies are just a part of the landscape of Everest. I feel for the people who died... but their decisions impact everyone. I will admit I am a pretty aggressive environmentalist so this is a personal soapbox. You position this as a "bad parent" issue. The Facebook post reflects that. That's not my position. I see it as a human impact issue with regards to the environment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569089 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:14:20 +0000 BSB 2569089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Oh, okay. Thanks. Though, I'm pretty sure I would not even think about doing any water sports if I knew there were alligators in the lake. Sharks are different because they are in the ocean and most resorts don't own the beach. Places like Australia where shark attacks do happen frequently is the exemption. Everyone knows (no signs needed) that sharks frequent that area. </p> <p>The thought of Alligators is a big fat nope to me. Yes, I will go jet skiing into the ocean and am aware of the aquatic animals (like Sharks which is rare when I visit the NJ shore). But I'm going to a public beach (not attached to a resort). That is common sense. </p> <p>Alligators in a lake a Disney? Where they promote jet skiing? It wouldn't have crossed my mine when I went to Disney World a few years ago. Yes, I know alligators do exist in Florida (up until this point, thought they were mainly in southern Florida where the everglades are) and now I'm aware that alligators can be anywhere. (I do think going to Disney does give me a false sense of security that everything is safe.) It does make me wonder if Disney's safari boat ride within the park has protocols in place to remove alligators. I know there are fake alligator and other animals. </p> <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569074 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 15:02:45 +0000 BSB 2569074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: Your comment about this 4th incident where you think the parents have no personal awareness.</p> <p>You might want to read this FB post.<br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/4BoysMother/posts/966840756748074" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/4BoysMother/posts/966840756748074</a></p> <p>There have been times in the past (child falling into a well) and there was not parent shaming. I do think social media has really contributed to people coming out and thinking they are better than the parents and they would never do this or never do that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569071 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:59:44 +0000 Maysprout 2569071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: the bison story is a good point in how much people don't know about nature, apparently even science writers. That bison was most likely abandoned prior to being put in the car. It's normal behavior for there to be abandoned bisons every year, moms die and sometimes reject their young either because the mom or baby is sick. What's not normal is for it to be rejected after it bonds with mom (not that it's a good idea to put a bison in your car but it was doomed long before that)<br /> <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2016/06/07/i-saw-the-baby-bison-that-tourists-tried-to-rescue-heres-what-you-dont-know-about-the-story/" rel="nofollow">https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2016/06/07/i-saw-the-baby-bison-that-tourists-tried-to-rescue-heres-what-you-dont-know-about-the-story/</a><br /> Sorry that's been bothering me about this story for awhile.<br /> But we also don't stick lightening rods on a beach, stick beach chairs nearby and then hold a movie night on the beach to celebrate thunder and then say they should have known about the lightening rod. I mean sharks don't usually attack but if you throw a lot of chum into the water then start holding night activities on the beach, you're upping the probability significantly of someone getting bit. Yosemite had the same problems with bears being fed and they cracked down on it and have bear boxes for everyones stuff now, it's helped a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569070 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:59:10 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2569070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: I think the last one saying Disney should not be promoting water sports. If that was the case, every beach should be shut down (they could have sharks), ever river shut down (they have gators). I mean it would just never end. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569069 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:58:16 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2569069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: Exactly, you would be shutting down every aspect of FL if we should shut down every chance of wildlife getting us. And you're right, my brother frequently catches sharks in the intercostal. </p> <p>I do think it goes to the bigger issue of people not understanding nature and freak accidents. Nature does still exist and there are things that happen where you can't place blame. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569066 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:55:10 +0000 BSB 2569066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: Sorry, I don't know what comment I posted you are directing your 'why not?' to. I've commented more than a few times on this thread. It will help me respond to your question. Thanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569058 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:41:33 +0000 keepcalmcarrie 2569058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To go along with those who have expressed sadness and anger that we (collectively as a country and some here on this site) can't seem to talk about a horrible tragedy without assigning blame, here's a great read: <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/perfect-parents-put-down-pitchforks/?utm_source=FB" rel="nofollow">http://www.scarymommy.com/perfect-parents-put-down-pitchforks/?utm_source=FB</a></p> <p>Seriously, just thank your lucky stars or whatever you believe in that your children are alive and you aren't experiencing this horror as a parent. Lift them up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569057 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:41:06 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2569057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaG: I agree with being compassionate but in the past month there have been like 4 national stories about people who have no personal awareness of how they interact with the natural world. And to me that is an environmental issue worth discussing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569051 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:36:49 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2569051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: why not? There are thousands of miles of coastline in Florida that people use, and all of them could have wildlife on them. Just yesterday we were swimming in the intercoastal and joking about sharks. A nearby state park rents kayaks and there are alligators in the area where people kayak. In 2015 a man died from an alligator maul in a Florida state park and people were swimming there the next week..no policy change. This would be the equivalent of disallowing hiking in a national park because there's grizzlies in the park. I guess people don't think of Disney as being a "natural" place per se, but it is a huge resort. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569044 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:30:08 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2569044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I was a kid we vacationed on HHI and I bicycled alone for hours at some pretty fancy resorts. There would always be alligators sunning on the golf courses. And that was South Carolina. Florida... It is a wild place. That's why people go there (the tropical climate) and why disney is situated there. That lagoon looks like a giant golf course pond. To me my first thought is mosquitoes and fish poop. I can't imagine letting a kid swim in that, especially at night. But I do question Disney's decison to position that area as a legitimate beach. Still, between this, the bison, the gorilla, and the person who slipped in the hot springs I'm starting to wonder if people have lost their connection to nature and assume every space is adapted for their needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569014 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:51:08 +0000 Maysprout 2569014@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: we switched campgrounds earlier this year bc the only campsites available were right by a freshwater lake that prob had gators. And there was no way I was taking a 4 and 2 year old out to pee at night or even hang around at night, I told my husband it'd be like carrying bait with us. And I get that freak accidents occur and everyone takes risks but some of these things can and should have been anticipated by the resort. It's illegal to feed alligators in Florida and disney recently built bungalows right on the water, which have had numerous complaints of people feeding alligators from them. <a href="http://www.thewrap.com/gator-attack-disney-knew-of-problems-staffer-asked-for-fence-at-lagoon-exclusive/" rel="nofollow">http://www.thewrap.com/gator-attack-disney-knew-of-problems-staffer-asked-for-fence-at-lagoon-exclusive/</a> It seems to make sense that more gators would come to shore to find food then and is probably why it's illegal to feed alligators in Florida. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2569009 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:43:17 +0000 BSB 2569009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bjl1215: Wow! Though, the link you posted is to another Disney Resort (The Contemporary). So critics might say it's another lake where maybe Disney blocks off access. I have no idea. (I wonder if that resort has the same signs posted.)</p> <p>The second photo is very misleading because it's a bunch of jet skiiers out in front of the resort (The Grand Floridian) where the alligator attack happened. </p> <p>Yeah, Disney should not be promoting those activities if there are alligators in there.</p> <p>[attach=147/16/o8vo06.600x386.disney.JPG]</p> <p>[attach=147/16/o8vo07.534x145.disney-2.JPG] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2568971 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:17:50 +0000 agold 2568971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: Ha! Funny. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2568970 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:16:29 +0000 josina 2568970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaG: :heart: Yes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2568947 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:53:08 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2568947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bjl1215: I think to some degree that is my point. The water was as safe as it could be from natural freak accidents. This was just a freak accident. You aren't safe on the beach either. Gators love to sun bathe and I'm sure he would love to climb up there too. Its just a part of nature and something really really bad that happened. That water is also probably full of water moccasins (poisonous snakes) and can bite in water or on land. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2568941 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:47:56 +0000 LulaBee 2568941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaG: this, exactly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2568916 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:15:56 +0000 MamaG 2568916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've tried to avoid commenting, after all what can I add that hasn't already been said? I'm not interested in commenting on the right/wrong of the parties involved. But let me throw some food for thought out there...</p> <p>What if that mom is one of US? She could be a member on here and someday will have the ability to read our comments. That family is going through their own personal hell at the moment as they have lost their son. The son they had dreams for is now dead. What I would want to hear from the internet is how compassionate people are mourning my loss with me. How people are praying for my family. How people are concerned for our loss and our ability to move forward. </p> <p>Us debating the technicality of the what a sign says and how it's interpreted or what the family should have done or what Disney should have done doesn't achieve anything. All I would want is privacy and to turn the clock back and make different decisions. They can't turn the clock back. They will forever live with the loss of a son.</p> <p>For their family, I cry. I can't imagine going home from "the happiest place..." with my child in a body bag. I pray for peace for this family. They aren't getting the privacy they deserve or requested, their lives have been splashed on the internet and every major news source.</p> <p>None of us are perfect, let's stop the judgment and the finger pointing. It creates a divide that isn't necessary. Let's agree that everyone of us (and that MOM too) just wants to make the best decisions possible and love our kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/the-disney-alligator-story/page/5#post-2568890 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 11:43:32 +0000 bjl1215 2568890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U @ Truth Bombs @ MRSRCCAR</p> <p>The resort advertises water activities (water skiing, water tubing, wake boarding, parasailing, etc.) in the same body of water! <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/contemporary-resort/sammy-duvall-watersports-centre/" rel="nofollow">https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/contemporary-resort/sammy-duvall-watersports-centre/</a></p> <p>Not here to argue but wouldn't that lead you to believe the water is safe?</p> <p>I just feel compelled to comment as I was actually a guest at the same resort a few weeks ago and my son played at the edge of the water (to build better sand castles). We were not swimming but yet this could have easily happened to us. We thought the no swimming signs were posted because of water quality - we never would have imagined it was because of dangerous wildlife and had we known, we definitely wouldn't have played so close. </p>