In 2016, there was a tragic incident that took place at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. A two-year-old boy, Lane Graves, was killed by an alligator while he was wading in the Seven Seas Lagoon. The incident sent shockwaves across the world and raised questions about the safety measures in place at Disney resorts.
The Incident:
On June 14, 2016, Lane Graves and his family were enjoying their vacation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. They were sitting near the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, watching a movie on a big screen that had been set up for guests. Lane was playing in the shallow water when an alligator snatched him and dragged him into the lagoon.
The Aftermath:
The search for Lane Graves lasted for several days before his body was found on June 15th. The incident sparked outrage and disbelief among people across the world. Disney immediately closed all its beaches and recreational areas near water bodies as a precautionary measure.
The resort also issued an official statement expressing their condolences to the family and promising to review their policies and procedures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
- Disney’s Response:
Disney has always been known for its high safety standards, but this incident raised questions about whether enough precautions had been taken to prevent such an incident from occurring. In response to this tragedy, Disney implemented several new safety measures including:
1. Warning Signs:
Disney put up warning signs around all its water bodies cautioning guests of potential dangers including alligators.
2. Fencing:
Disney installed fences around all its beaches to prevent guests from getting too close to the water’s edge.
3. Education Programs:
Disney launched educational programs to educate both guests and employees about the dangers of alligators and how to avoid them.
4. Wildlife Management:
Disney increased its wildlife management efforts, including regular monitoring of alligator activities and removal of any aggressive alligators.
Conclusion:
The tragic incident at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa serves as a reminder that safety should always be a top priority. While Disney has always been known for its high safety standards, this incident prompted the resort to take even more precautions to ensure the safety of its guests. Today, Disney continues to implement new measures to protect its guests from potential dangers, including alligators and other wildlife.