TOTALLY GEEKED!

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

RE: 2 year old dragged into water at Disney hotel

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

This is why you stick to the tea cups people. Tea cups. Remember that.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
This is why you stick to the tea cups people. Tea cups. Remember that.

Unless going round and round makes you dizzy.

And you barf all over the place. wink

(No, it wasn't me!) biggrin

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I understand what you are saying.

As I said, when we checked in, we were told exactly that.

That it was a wildlife preserve.

We were told to be careful of alligators, snakes, pea fowl and monkies.

I honestly do not remember not being able to play on the beach.

Of course the beach at the campground is right beside the water taxi dock.

And we were told to look for gators under the porch/stairs of the cabin, our car, and in the pool areas.

I'm not blaming the parents. I'm not blaming Disney.

There will probably be a change in signage.

Vette · Owl drink to that!

Being wary of alligators probably wouldn't cross my mind if I went to Disney world. But I live about as far away as you could get (inside the u.s.)

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
This is why you stick to the tea cups people. Tea cups. Remember that.
Unless going round and round makes you dizzy.
And you barf all over the place.
(No, it wasn't me!)

You should see my dad's reaction to just the mention of the tea cups.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

VetteGirl wrote:
Being wary of alligators probably wouldn't cross my mind if I went to Disney world. But I live about as far away as you could get (inside the u.s.)

It's common for them to be on the golf courses here. They slip into the lakes when no one is looking.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Nobody Just Nobody wrote:
This is why you stick to the tea cups people. Tea cups. Remember that.
Unless going round and round makes you dizzy.
And you barf all over the place.
(No, it wasn't me!)

The ferris wheel is more my style. The tea cups would probably make me puke. I like the water coaster thing but then your crotch is wet half the day.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.

Nobody Just Nobody · Rib-it! Rrrib-it!

Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.

True. You can post a sign that says, YOU WILL GET EATEN BY AN ALLIGATOR IF YOU DIP YOUR TOE INTO THE WATER! and someone will say, That water? I didn't realize it meant THAT water.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.

I do.

No swimming. Deep water. Steep Drop Off.

Doesn't make the same impression as, No Swimming. Alligators live in the lake.

JMHO.

chef · Guru

I hope Disney World changes its signage. I don't recall being warned about alligators when I visited there. For me, seeing a sign with 'no swimming' means to stay out of the water, period. But, it doesn't mean that I would assume that there was wildlife I need to be aware of that lives in that body of water.

Incidents like this just reinforce my disdain for swimming in bodies of water in which I cannot clearly see the bottom.

chef · Guru

Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.

I think it will serve more as a CYA thing for Disney than anything else.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.
I do.
No swimming. Deep water. Steep Drop Off.
Doesn't make the same impression as, No Swimming. Alligators live in the lake.
JMHO.

And there has to be a balance between "Have Fun! And more Fun!" and alerting tourists to the reality that Florida residents already know.

flan

chef · Guru

flan327 wrote:
NAOW wrote:
flan327 wrote:
I'll be the sole dissenter regarding the FB diatribe.

It made me angry, so I stopped reading. Does the author really think that is going to do a damn thing to "help?"

flan
What about it made you angry? Just curious :)
No problem, NAOW.
I'm trying to gather my thoughts.
This statement:
Flash forward to 2016, the year of THE PERFECT PARENT.
I disagree SO much with this. Who thinks that?
This is crap, as well:
You see, we now live in a time where accidents are not allowed happen. You heard me. Accidents, of any form, in any way, and at any time, well, they just don’t happen anymore.

Why? Because BLAME and SHAME.

Because we have become a nation of BLAMERS and SHAMERS.
And one more:
Listen to me very clearly perfect parents, VERY CLEARLY.

I’VE HAD ENOUGH.
Everyone knows that CAPS is the equivalent of SCREAMING. Does ANY adult LISTEN when a stranger screams? I know I don't.
For me, this tragedy is also very different from the one that happened at the Cincinnati Zoo.
I hope that helps!

flan

Flan. The red. Then why do you use caps in your posts here? You even used them in the question you posited that I also put in red.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

chef. Because I can. Because I feel strongly. Because I am using her own methods to illustrate how "successful" they are.

flan

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

354D82C300000578-0-s_Disney_are_facing_m

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

This doesn't exactly look like infested gator country. I wouldn't have hesitated to wade around. Yeah, gators are there, just like there are sharks in the ocean, yet people still go in don't they?

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

chef wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.
I think it will serve more as a CYA thing for Disney than anything else.

This I agree with.

ed11563 · Guru

If the signs show drawings of a person being grabbed by an alligator, they might get people's attention.

"Please don't feed the alligators"

-- Edited by ed11563 on Thursday 16th of June 2016 10:16:03 PM

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Apparently - the new residents at Disney have been treating the alligators like pets and feeding them.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:

And, if the tourists saw a sign, saying...Alligators live in this lake. Beware of Gators!

No one would let their child go near the water.

The No Swimming sign, didn't go far enough, to warn people of the risks.

NAOW · Vette's SS

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.
I do.
No swimming. Deep water. Steep Drop Off.
Doesn't make the same impression as, No Swimming. Alligators live in the lake.
JMHO.

I agree FWM. No swimming means no swimming. In fact at some lakes I have seen 'no wading' signs. Now if that was up at Disney I would stay out of the water. Or if the sign mentioned alligators at all. Because I wouldn't assume that the lake at the Grand Floridian was gator infested without being told.

WYSIWYG · Guru

Suing Disney over this would be pointless. Several reasons come to mind.

First, it's not an enclosed space like a building or something of that nature.

Second, as was mentioned, it is a nature preserve (whether Joe and Jane average parent knows it or not).

Third, signs were posted - most people (as evidenced by this thread) understand "no swimming" to mean "be and remain completely out of the water" (it was the same way for me growing up, "Pool Check" by the lifeguard meant exit the pool, completely).

Fourth, in nature you will sometimes find animals that are native to that area. That's common sense. The lake and the wooded are surrounding it are "nature". Not knowing that alligators are plentiful in Florida, doesn't absolve you of the responsibility for personally being in their habitat.

Fort Worth Mom · Mod/Penguin lover/Princess!

WYSIWYG wrote:
Suing Disney over this would be pointless. Several reasons come to mind.

First, it's not an enclosed space like a building or something of that nature.

Second, as was mentioned, it is a nature preserve (whether Joe and Jane average parent knows it or not).

Third, signs were posted - most people (as evidenced by this thread) understand "no swimming" to mean "be and remain completely out of the water" (it was the same way for me growing up, "Pool Check" by the lifeguard meant exit the pool, completely).

Fourth, in nature you will sometimes find animals that are native to that area. That's common sense. The lake and the wooded are surrounding it are "nature". Not knowing that alligators are plentiful in Florida, doesn't absolve you of the responsibility for personally being in their habitat.

And who mentioned suing Disney?

No one, that I can recall.

I mentioned, putting up better signs.

Had Disney World done that, that little boy might still be alive.

No one suggested a lawsuit.

Until you.

flan327 · Itty bitty's Grammy

Lawyerlady wrote:
Apparently - the new residents at Disney have been treating the alligators like pets and feeding them.

I saw that mentioned as well.

flan

FNW · Guru

I like the "Please Don't Feed the Alligators" idea.

Mary Zombie · Guru

Are they calling them cute little buttons and calling the people c.ocksuckers ?
😜

WYSIWYG · Guru

And who mentioned suing Disney?

No one, that I can recall.
- Fort Worth Mom

______________________________

You did, actually.

"I don't want to see Disney get sued. I love that place!"

I know and understand you weren't saying you wanted anyone to do so, but you did mention it. I was just pointing out why it wouldn't work even if someone did try and sue.

ed11563 · Guru

FNW wrote:
I like the "Please Don't Feed the Alligators" idea.

Thank you.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

I think about the parents' pain every day now. I don't think the signage warning about alligators would have helped. They were from Nebraska and had no clue as to what an alligator can and will do. They were at a premier resort and so probably assumed everything was taken care of, assumed Disney had it all under control, nothing to worry about. KWIM?

And I bet you they blame themselves every moment of every day for their son's death. For not heeding any signs, for fluffing off alligator horror stories, and just whatever they imagine they could or should have done to have that different outcome.

The only thing I know for sure is if my 2YO was snatched and killed, the only reason why I would still be alive is because my 4YO needed me.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

On one board , someone said, they "would have hung on and rode that alligator to the bottom". That is a ridiculous thing to say. This most likely happened in the matter of seconds. Where the alligator grabbed the child, the father saw it and dove in and the alligator snapped at him while he tried to grab the child, then the alligator grabbed the boy and quickly slipped under water. At least, that is what i think is a likely scenario. As if others who weren't there would have been able to hold on in the slippery water , in the matter of seconds in this kind of situation. Alligators are very fast and agile and if it grabbed the boy and pulled him under that would have happened very quickly.

As for the parents, they will be in pain for the rest of their lives. They will go on for the sake of their other child. But, their hearts are broken. No doubt they will have nightmares for years over this moment and what their boy may have suffered and what they should have done instead.

I know what to do_sometimes · Frozen Sucks!

Lady Gaga Snerd wrote:
On one board , someone said, they "would have hung on and rode that alligator to the bottom". That is a ridiculous thing to say. This most likely happened in the matter of seconds. Where the alligator grabbed the child, the father saw it and dove in and the alligator snapped at him while he tried to grab the child, then the alligator grabbed the boy and quickly slipped under water. At least, that is what i think is a likely scenario. As if others who weren't there would have been able to hold on in the slippery water , in the matter of seconds in this kind of situation. Alligators are very fast and agile and if it grabbed the boy and pulled him under that would have happened very quickly.

As for the parents, they will be in pain for the rest of their lives. They will go on for the sake of their other child. But, their hearts are broken. No doubt they will have nightmares for years over this moment and what their boy may have suffered and what they should have done instead.

I think that too. No way would that father allow that gator to take his child without a fight.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

The new signs and fence:

9038f84fbb377497c75044d2dcfcd8e4

FNW · Guru

Now that's perfect. A fence which is not unattractive, still allows for a beautiful view, and makes the potential danger clear.

Lady Gaga Snerd · Guru

Kudos to Disney for at least stepping up and putting up a sign and some fencing.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

FNW wrote:
Now that's perfect. A fence which is not unattractive, still allows for a beautiful view, and makes the potential danger clear.

Of course, the gators can still get right through it. But at least people, even those from Nebraska, should know to be on the lookout.

apple · Guru

Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.
I do.
No swimming. Deep water. Steep Drop Off.
Doesn't make the same impression as, No Swimming. Alligators live in the lake.
JMHO.

I agree. AND... the toddler that died wasn't "swimming".

I'm surprised that Disney had such a dangerous little beach that was so very enticing to youngsters and apparently they knew of the alligators. Perhaps a sign reading DO NOT FEED THE ALLIGATORS would be a good thing.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lawyerlady wrote:
The new signs and fence:

Seriously...that water is disgusting looking. I would not touch it regardless.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

That's probably the cleanest water you can find, it's natural.

Nature isn't well manicured and tidy.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Do they still do the para sailing on that lake?

FNW · Guru

I'm not a fan of swimming in any water where I cannot see the bottom. I'm not a fan of critters, and seaweed around my legs freaks me out.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

I can understand that.

Just stating that the water in the reserve is probably a lot cleaner than it looks.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

lilyofcourse wrote:
I can understand that.

Just stating that the water in the reserve is probably a lot cleaner than it looks.

Well it has animals living in it, so I doubt that very much.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

Name a body of water that doesnt.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

lilyofcourse wrote:
Name a body of water that doesnt.

And I don't swim in them. Except for the ocean. A lake of that size...no effing way.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

apple wrote:
Fort Worth Mom wrote:
Lawyerlady wrote:
I don't know what updating signs will do. If people can't understand "no swimming" are there for a reason, they I doubt putting all the reasons will do anything, either.
I do.
No swimming. Deep water. Steep Drop Off.
Doesn't make the same impression as, No Swimming. Alligators live in the lake.
JMHO.
I agree. AND... the toddler that died wasn't "swimming".
I'm surprised that Disney had such a dangerous little beach that was so very enticing to youngsters and apparently they knew of the alligators. Perhaps a sign reading DO NOT FEED THE ALLIGATORS would be a good thing.

"Enticing" must seriously be in the eye of the beholder. No way I'd be "wading" in that nasty water.

Lawyerlady · On the bright side...... Christmas is coming! (Mod)

Mellow Momma wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Name a body of water that doesnt.
And I don't swim in them. Except for the ocean. A lake of that size...no effing way.

I'm spoiled. I grew up on Lake Michigan with clear blue water, sandy beaches, and you can see the bottom for a long, long way. The first time I went to a "lake" like other states have.....yuck. I couldn't believe people swim in that. And the bottom is mucky.

Mellow Momma · Sniff...sniff, sniff. Yay! A Bum!

Lawyerlady wrote:
Mellow Momma wrote:
lilyofcourse wrote:
Name a body of water that doesnt.
And I don't swim in them. Except for the ocean. A lake of that size...no effing way.
I'm spoiled. I grew up on Lake Michigan with clear blue water, sandy beaches, and you can see the bottom for a long, long way. The first time I went to a "lake" like other states have.....yuck. I couldn't believe people swim in that. And the bottom is mucky.

Agreed. Lake Erie was the same way. It wasn't crystal clear but it didn't look disgusting like that pic.

lilyofcourse · My spirit animal is a pink flamingo.

The disgusting you see is natural.

It's plant life.

That's what an alive body of water looks like.