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Credit: DisneyIf you’ve spent any time around Florida, you know that the wildlife has a way of showing up in the most unexpected places.
And when it comes to Walt Disney World Resort, nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s swamplands, occasional run-ins with native creatures—like snakes and alligators—aren’t unheard of. While Disney goes to great lengths to protect guests and keep nature at bay, the natural residents of the Sunshine State sometimes wander a little too close to the magic.
Over the years, Disney has implemented extensive safety measures to keep guests safe from wildlife, especially after a tragic incident in 2016 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Since then, signage has been added around all water bodies, fencing has been reinforced in certain areas, and guest awareness campaigns have been stepped up. Still, Florida is Florida—and that means alligators can occasionally make a surprise appearance.
That’s exactly what happened recently at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where guests witnessed a dramatic, and oddly entertaining, attempt to remove a massive alligator from the property.
A Gator Visit at Wilderness Lodge
In a new video that’s now circulating on social media, a large alligator was spotted by guests lounging near the scenic body of water that wraps around Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The rustic, nature-inspired resort is one of Disney World’s most peaceful getaways—but on this day, the calm setting was interrupted by some serious Florida wildlife drama.
The video shows the gator sunning itself just outside the hotel area, much to the amazement (and alarm) of nearby visitors. That’s when a wildlife specialist stepped in to do what they do best: relocate the animal safely and calmly.
Marshmallows and a Trap
The surprising part? Their bait of choice wasn’t anything high-tech or industrial. It was… marshmallows. Yes, marshmallows. In the clip, the gator wrangler can be seen tossing a few fluffy white puffs into the water to lure the alligator closer. Apparently, the sugary treat is irresistible to gators in some scenarios—though the professional still had to proceed with a whole lot of caution.
The video goes on to show that the initial attempt wasn’t successful, but that didn’t mean the end of the operation. The following day, Disney’s wildlife team returned to set up a proper trap.
With some patience and a bit of Florida know-how, they eventually captured the gator and were able to relocate it away from the resort grounds while the guests were watching the Happily Ever After fireworks coming from Magic Kingdom. What a magical way to enjoy the night, right?
@curiousgeorganna I am so glad they got him! It was good entertainment from our balcony, but also scary to see a gator on Disney property. This just reminded me to be even more aware of the lakes/ponds on Disney property/FL in general. I was really happy to know they have professionals come and remove the gators and take them away! Thank you gators catchers for keeping us safe! 🙏🏼🙌🤍 #disneyfyp #fyp #gatorindisney #wildernesslodge #disneyworldexperience
Safe for Guests—and the Gator
Disney’s wildlife removal procedures are designed not only with guest safety in mind but also to ensure the wellbeing of the animals. Rather than eliminating the threat in a harmful way, Disney works with trained specialists to humanely relocate alligators to more suitable habitats away from guest areas. In this case, the gator was safely removed without incident.
Guests at Wilderness Lodge were understandably captivated by the event. Some even applauded the professional’s calm demeanor and the unusual bait choice. It’s not every day you see a Disney cast member—or a contractor—fishing for gators with marshmallows, after all.
Just Another Day in Florida
If this story is a reminder of anything, it’s that Florida’s natural beauty is never far from view—even at Disney World. While you’re enjoying a Dole Whip or watching fireworks at Magic Kingdom, nature is still doing its thing just a few yards away. It’s part of what makes Disney’s resorts so unique—but also why Disney remains vigilant about keeping wildlife and guests at a respectful distance.
For now, Wilderness Lodge is gator-free again, but keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready. You never know what you’ll see in the wilds of Walt Disney World.