Today marks a somber milestone for the Walt Disney World Resort. On June 14, 2016, 2-year-old Lane Graves was tragically killed by an alligator while playing near the shoreline of the Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando. The loss of the young Nebraska boy sent shockwaves across the country and left a lasting impact on the theme park giant.
Tragic Event at Disney
In the years since, Disney has made sweeping changes across its resorts in response to the tragedy. Disney implemented sweeping changes across its resort properties, including installing fences and barriers along waterfronts, increasing signage warning of wildlife dangers, and limiting guest access to certain lagoon and lake areas. These changes were put in place quickly and have remained standard across Disney’s waterfront areas.
Lane had been near the water’s edge with his family when the unthinkable occurred. The attack prompted urgent conversations about resort safety, wildlife management, and the presence or lack of warning signs. In the aftermath, questions about safety, signage, and wildlife awareness on Disney property sparked intense public conversation and internal reassessment.
But the Graves family’s response to the tragedy extended far beyond the parks. In the wake of their unimaginable loss, Matt and Melissa Graves created the Lane Thomas Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring their son’s memory by supporting families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants. The foundation has since helped families nationwide, providing financial assistance, awareness, and advocacy in Lane’s name.
The Nine-Year Anniversary
Each year, the anniversary serves not only as a time of remembrance but also as a reminder of the importance of safety, preparedness, and compassion within theme parks and beyond. Though Disney has not organized official memorials, the area near the Grand Floridian’s lagoon remains a quiet site of reflection for many visitors who know the story.
As the nine-year mark arrives, many across the Disney community continue to honor Lane’s memory and the positive impact his story has inspired.
To learn more about the Lane Thomas Foundation or support its mission, visit lanethomas.org.
