Fencing and Signs go up along Shorelines at Disney World

Temporary fence and signs at the Grand Floridian

With temporary fencing and signs going up along shorelines at Walt Disney World in the wake of the unfortunate tragedy of a 2-year old child getting killed by an alligator, one wonders what the permanent solution might be.

The fencing looks like this:

Temporary Fence and Signs along the shoreline
Temporary Fence and Signs along the shoreline (click for larger image)

The new signs:

Temporary fence and signs along shoreline
Temporary fence and signs along shoreline (click for larger image)

Disney Statement on the fencing and signs

Disney released the following statement:

“We are installing signage and temporary barriers at our resort beach locations and are working on permanent, long-term solutions at our beaches. We continue to evaluate processes and procedures for our entire property, and, as part of this, we are reinforcing training with our Cast for reporting sightings and interactions with wildlife and are expanding our communication to Guests on this topic.”

Temporary fence and signs along shoreline
Temporary fence and signs along shoreline (click for larger image)

There have been reports of guests feeding alligators from the decks of the new Polynesian bungalows which are over the Seven Seas Lagoon. If true, this could have contributed to the tragic loss of life. I wonder if Disney is going to install cameras to watch the bungalow decks like they do at the Animal Kingdom Villas?

Temporary fence and signs along shoreline
Temporary fence and signs along shoreline (click for larger image)

What do you think of this? What options should Disney consider for the permanent solution? What about doing something like this?

Rocks along the water edge
Rocks along the water edge

Click here to discuss this on our forum, or add your comments below.

Thanks to WilsonFlyer (Bob) for the photos.

11 thoughts on “Fencing and Signs go up along Shorelines at Disney World”

  1. Yes I love the idea about rocks along the waters edge. It’s still pretty and deters people from going in. Also of course leaving signs up as well. I hope they don’t ruin the loveliness of that area with something big and obtrusive. We all know this was a freak accident and people need to just be more aware.

    1. A real fence is an eyesore. Also, it is unnecessary. The place has been open for 40+ years, and nothing like this has ever happened. This was a tragic accident that could have been prevented with a little common sense. That area is known for alligators and snakes. And, that water is not meant for wading. It has visible algae in some places!

  2. Kids will still climb on those rocks. Everywhere I go on Disney property, I see kids climbing on everything – rocks, walls
    , fences, railings. All with their parents watching and allowing, or in many cases, parents there, but too oblivious, or uncaring about what their kids are doing.

    1. Exactly. At some point, you need to take responsibility for your children. If they don’t behave at home, own that and change it. They will be no different on vacation. And Disney staff are not there to manage the byproduct of poor parenting.

  3. How about drafting a FIRM policy regarding parental responsibility? I go every year, and I have pulled two kids out of the pool, taken two to CM as lost children, and watched several more “near misses” unfold. Everyone wants to have a good time, but vacation responsibility. It is NOT Disney’s fault. Everyone knows the area has snakes and alligators. I would think that would be common knowledge for Florida because these animals are NATIVE to the area which means they could be anywhere. This was a poor decision. And, an accident.

  4. Very sorry for all in this tragedy!! Keeping all in our prayers. Do not like the rocks, seem like it would harbor reptiles & be hard to keep clean

  5. I don’t like the rocks. Still not safe and kids will climb on them. While I agree people should use common sense, living up North we always swim in ponds and lakes. I wouldn’t have thought alligators were in that water.

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