Disney gator attack: 5 things you should know about Seven Seas Lagoon

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Orange County Sheriffs Office said at a news conference Wednesday their search for a 2-year-old boy who was grabbed by an alligator last night at the Seven Seas Lagoon near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando has become a search and recovery mission. They do not believe the child is still alive.

The case is unusual for Disney, which authorities said has not seen a similar case in its 45 years in Orlando.

>>The latest on the Disney gator attack

Here are five facts you should know about the Seven Seas Lagoon where the attack happened:

1. The lagoon reaches a depth of 14 feet and connects to the adjacent Bay Lake. When it was first opened to the public, swimming was allowed but has been since prohibited. There are ‘no swimming’ signs posted at the lagoon. How many signs are posted? “I don’t know how many, they are usually posted by where a guest may be near the water… so the beach area and sometimes if there is a grass area where guests can walk to,” according to a Disney employee, who did not want her name used.

2. The 200-acre man-made lagoon was actually low wetlands. It was too swampy to be developed. So Disney opted to dig it out and turn it into a recreational area.

3. The lagoon was originally configured for artificial waves, tall enough to allow surfing. The machine began operation with the opening of the resort in 1971. However, it was soon disabled after causing severe beach erosion to the Polynesian Village Resort, for which the machine was installed.

4. Three resorts border the Seven Seas Lagoon, with each having beaches. And no swimming is allowed on any of the Disney Resort beaches.

5. There are marinas at the Grand Floridian, The Polynesian and the Contemporary Resort where guests can rent boats, kayaks, ski boats and take guided fishing tours on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The original wave machine turned into a nice reef for fishing.

Cox Media Group