Disney Alligator Attack: Did Disney Know About Alligator Problem In Seven Seas Lagoon?


In the wake of the recent Disney alligator attack, many people continue to wonder if Disney World management knew about the alligator problem in Seven Seas Lagoon. According to TheWrap, park management was warned by staff that guests at the ritzy ($2,000-a-night) Bora Bora Bungalows were seen feeding alligators.

Interviewed by TheWrap, a Disney World “park insider” explained how numerous Disney World employees expressed concern and anxiety over the fact that guests were interacting with alligators in this manner. Many even went so far as to suggest putting up fences, or at least signs, warning guests about the possibility of alligators in the area.

The inside source had this to say about the Disney alligator attack and the tragic death of little Lane Graves.

“Disney has known about the problem of guests feeding the alligators well-prior to the opening of the bungalows. With the opening of the bungalows, it brought the guests that much closer to wildlife. Or, the wildlife that much closer to the guests.”

The individual went on to say.

“Disney knew these alligators had become desensitized to humans, as they had begun to associate guests with food, and did not act in a proactive manner.”

The Bora Bora Bungalows, which opened in April 2015, are located next to the Grand Floridian Hotel and are just a short walk from Seven Seas Lagoon.

Unfortunately, there is some speculation that the Grand Floridian Resort may have somehow made the executive decision to overlook the fact that guests were feeding the alligators, because of the high price they were paying for their nightly accommodations.

When questioned, attorney Joseph Balice informed TheWrap that Disney may not be off the hook, regarding this terrible tragedy. The park could easily face a multi-million dollar lawsuit, should the Graves family decide to sue for wrongful death and maybe even negligent infliction of emotional distress.

The following Inside Edition video indicates the body of Lane Graves was found at the bottom of the lagoon, 15 yards from the point where the alligator dragged him into the water. Lane was not in the water, he was simply playing near the edge.

Ron Magill, Communications Director at Zoo Miami, stated that there’s probably no way Lane’s father could have saved the toddler. Why? Once an alligator has something in its mouth, it’s virtually impossible to remove it.

Disney World maintains a full-time staff, which is dedicated to controlling the alligator population. The video goes on to say that in Disney World’s 45-year history there’s never been another alligator attack of this kind.

Apparently, alligators are on all of the Disney golf courses. The entire Walt Disney property is interconnected by way of a series of canals. This makes it extremely difficult to keep alligators out of the lakes. A former Disney executive put it like this.

“The team attempts to relocate the gators to the uninhabited natural areas as best they can, but the gators don’t understand the boundaries.”

Within the last three weeks, at least two Disney World guests took pictures of alligators on the beach. So, at this point, it certainly doesn’t seem like an isolated incident.

As you might guess, Disney employees are extremely upset about the recent alligator attack. However, because many feel as though management knew about the alligator problem, most cast members are afraid to speak with reporters.

Do you think Walt Disney World should be held responsible for the alligator attack that took the life of little Lane Graves? Do you think posting signs on all the beaches (like the new ones pictured above) is enough to prevent something like this from happening again? Feel free to leave your comments regarding the Disney alligator attack below.

[Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images]

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