Gator drags child into water near Disney’s Grand Floridian

I posted this on Facebook earlier, but here’s what’s happening, in case anyone missed it. The bad news for Orlando keeps coming sadly, and this is heartbreaking.

Deputies are searching for a young child who was dragged into the water by an alligator near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

The 2-year-old child was dragged into the Seven Seas Lagoon about 9:30 p.m., Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Rose Silva said.

Deputies are searching the waters and put crime-scene tape around the water. Multiple emergency vehicles filled the front drive of the Victorian-style hotel and a helicopter hovered overhead.

Silva said the child has not been found. ~ The Orlando Sentinel

I’ve seen smaller gators on property before, but nothing like what’s being talked about this evening. The beaches are so dark at night, but there are always families there by the water. We live close to property and heard helicopters overhead, so we started to check the news to see what was happening. I’m so very sorry to have to report more bad news coming from this area. As soon as we hear anything we will let you know. Please pray for this child and their family. ~M

*Update. Cast Members are saying this happened while the family was watching the movie on the beach at the resort. The father was right there with her, so heartbreaking.

Michele Atwood Founder & Editor-in-Chief, The Main Street Mouse

Michele Atwood is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Main Street Mouse, one of Florida's leading Disney and theme park news sources since 2010. A credentialed Disney Partner and media professional, Michele serves as a theme park contributor and insider for Fox 35 Orlando and WDBO radio covering Disney and Central Florida attractions. Michele has also contributed to the Orlando Sentinel, WESH 2, and Spectrum News 13. Michele is the published author of four books — "Moving to Main Street U.S.A.," "How Many Sleeps Till Disney?," "How Many Sleeps Till Disneyland?" and "Daydream Believing: Confessions of a Grown Up Princess" and is co-owner of the House of Mouse Expo and Lost Princess Apparel. With over a decade of hands-on coverage of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Central Florida theme parks, Michele brings firsthand expertise and media access to every story she covers. Get my new book here! https://amzn.to/4oNqlBg

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