Oh why don't these people value life?

My question is this: why are there alligators in these lagoons in the first place if they are open to the public? Apparently,there is a natural lake that feeds the lagoons,which are man-made. If there is no way of keeping them out of the lagoons,they really should not be accessible to the public. I have also read (someone's opinion) that Disney 'underplays' the threat from alligators.

and I agree with Breeze's posts

I have paddled and swum in the sea with DGS off an idyllic beach in NQ - apparently a week or so later there was a large croc patrolling up and down not far from the shore
There were no signs on that beach, although there are on some.

Have any of us nothing to reproach ourselves for in our child rearing skills?
Quite, Jaxie

I think I was a careful parent compared to some, but on more than one occasion one or another of mine went missing when we were momentarily distracted. Thank God no harm came to any of them.

From a report I read, they were on the beach at a Disney resort to watch a firework display.

Quite honestly, would anyone expect there to be alligators in the water just off a beautiful beach in a resort hotel? The report also said that they were 'on the beach' - was the child paddling? has that been confirmed? Alligators (and crocodiles) do leave the water, extremely rapidly.

Disney has been negligent.
Those poor parents.

And surely the fence around the gorilla enclosure must have had gaps in it large enough to allow a child to get through. (whether gorillas should be in zoos is another point which I won't go into on here.)

There but for the Grace of God go all of us, I am thankful nothing like that has ever happened, or nearly happened to anyone on here who has condemned the parents.

The parents are to blame, would anyone let a baby like that on his own by water, you keep hold of them. Same with that beautiful gorilla shot because the parents attention wandered of a little boy. Agree with Nanandgrampy, I would not let a child in that water to paddle I would not let a toddler run off by animal enclosures and don't know anyone that would.

Nonnie 1 you may have been to Florida and seen alligator warning signs everywhere but you have obviously never been on Disney property, I have many many times and I can honestly say I have never seen any alligator warning signs anywhere.
Jenty 61
They were on holiday, why wouldn't their kids be up late?

One day you or yours may sadly be involved in a freak accident and I hope people show you more compassion. Your comments are hateful and this is the first time I've felt compelled to write on one of these forums.

Good post, breeze.

Not tasteless Jings. Opinions on the tragedy and anything that could be done to help are a good thing. NannaandGrampy pic shows why it's difficult. But also these things have legs and walk across land. So wouldn't solve the problem. I had a look on the official Disney Booking site earlier and under health and safety, not one mench of the risk of alligators/snakes. Only a small item about being careful in unfamiliar surroundings. I think because of the nature of the holiday (mostly children) people don't think it can happen. So, MUST be pointed out clearly to people that although rare, it sometimes happens, and once is too often. I hope Disney take on board and try to educate and protect wherever possible. But accidents will always happen sadly.

ooops sorry Jings didn't see your ignore till too late...consider yourself ignored

You cant make a swimming pool that big Jings at least I don't think so. I'm almost positive the environmentalists would have something to say about trillions of gallons of chlorinated water

A lagoon is a lake isn't it? But this is a massive lake...it would be like trying to fence Windermere I imagine. And many of the same issues would arise if we suggested that I imagine.

Ignore my recent posts. It's getting a bit tasteless.

Actually you can have something called a 'lake'. Many large houses in this country do.

Yeah. And what's wrong with swimming pools?

Jings if they build something where water didn't enter from an outside area it would be called a swimming pool.

In answer to those wanting a 6 foot fence built all the way round ... I've uploaded a picture- it should be obvious why that wont work.( its an old picture but best I could find at short notice. You can see one lagoon and a linked one

I'm still in favour of semi submerged shark type nets to keep the animals out. But I'm not an expert so maybe there's a reason why that wont work either.

I can't understand so many people's first thought being blame and judgment rather than compassion and sympathy.

Even if this parents had made the stupidest mistake of all time (which it doesn't look like), it is still a mistake and they actually had to see this happen.

Judging them achieves nothing and just makes the world that little bit harder.

Disney are wholly to blame.... how the heck can you build a children's park amongst alligators' living space, the families are encouraged to go to this beach to watch films and come on folks 'NO SWIMMING' means no swimming it doesn't mean don't sit by the waters edge (presumably the alligators come out of the water) it doesnt say 'no paddling' it certianly doesnt say 'DANGER THESE WATERS ARE HOME TO ALLIGATORS' I'm intelligent enough to know alligators live in Florida I certainly would never connect them with wandering around on a beach that Disney was telling me to go to with my little kids
I hope Disney does get sued, it will NEVER help those poor parents but it might make Disney do something in the way of safety measures The second incident in US in a few weeks where very poor security has caused a problem in this case a life
Maybe they ll build the next one in the middle of a lion reserve

Agree mags. Our boys saw a space shuttle take off. A few days later heard the loud bang as it re entered earth's atmosphere. Experience their first Japanese meal at Epcot and much much more. 40 million people a year can't be wrong. I think the outcry is because this pour soul was taken in such a grotesque way. Had he fallen down steps, just as tragic but not as horrific. We don't live with any dangerous here. So when abroad can be complacent about danger. Disney will put extra procedures in place after this I'm sure but I doubt they can eliminate the risks entirely as it's 46 miles and close to swamps. Tragic tragic case. As would've been had he been paddling in shallow water in Aus and been taken by a shark. Or the dingo incident in Aus many years ago. These things sometimes happen. Have to learn by it and try to be as vigilant with our precious little ones as possible but not deny them wonderful experiences. My son is going with his girlfriend next year. He cried yesterday, when he heard about the tragedy, as he has a 3 year old, which makes it worse to hear as you can relate to how you'd feel. Taking her and sister to Euro Disney first because of the height restrictions but plans to take them when they can enjoy more. I'll be giving the 'Mum lecture' then for sure. But I'd never suggest not taking them. We have to live our lives.

Horrendous tragedy, I can't imagine a worse nightmare for any parent.

I have noticed that some people while on holiday seem to switch their brains into neutral mode. Walking across a busy road without any regard for traffic, over indulging in alcohol (and other things) and allowing their children to do things they would probably never dream of allowing at home.

What a terrible price to pay. It will live with them forever and I can't imagine their lives ever being the same again.

Best family holiday, I mean - I wouldn't go there without children, though thousands do (not sure why).

I've only been the once (we couldn't have afforded it again!). We were very sceptical and thought we were going "for the children", but DH and I probably enjoyed it as much as they did. Because we knew it was a one off, we stayed in Florida for three weeks and did everything we wanted to do. It was without a doubt our best holiday, and I hope we can take the grandchildren there one day, when they're all of an age to enjoy and remember it.

No F.T. no comment. I went reluctantly first time. Thought it would be all thrill rides. Adored it so went back again. My boys have never forgotten it. It's not all about Micky Mouse and princesses. Accidents happen, sadly. Anywhere. Perhaps we should all stay in.

Apologies to anyone who still has Disney stars in their eyes.

Reading the posts from people who have been there is making me think the world is brimming with madness.

Of course you can say parents are 100% responsible for their children's safety at all times. But to want to hang them out to dry after such an event? Really? Callous in my book.

I don't understand why Disney think it's a good idea to build lagoons where water enters from the outside terrain. Especially in the part where children are going to be staying.

I also don't understand why anyone would hand over money to a large corporation to stay somewhere where there are alligators round a corner! I don't think I would find fairy princesses or even Mickey Mouse, quite a large enough draw.