Disney World Warns of Spring Alligator Surge as Mating Season Begins

Overview

• In April 2026, reports cite a sharp rise in alligator movement across Walt Disney World’s 25,000 acres as males roam for mates.
• The resort’s canals, ponds, and lagoons link habitats into easy travel routes, pushing gators through guest areas like Port Orleans’ Sassagoula River, Coronado Springs’ Lago Dorado, and Fort Wilderness creeks.
• Safety guidance urges at least 60 feet of space from any shoreline, skipping dawn and dusk walks near water, and close watch of children and pets.
• Feeding wildlife draws gators to people and often leads to the animal’s removal and euthanasia, so guests should never feed birds, turtles, or alligators.
• Since a 2016 fatal encounter at the Grand Floridian, Disney added rock barriers, fences, and warning signs, and it now removes any gator on property that is large or shows no fear of humans.