1:28am ET
BREAKING: Due to a recent tragedy at Walt Disney World, the company has decided to roll out their new castle show, Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire, without Louis the Alligator. Tuesday night, a two year old died after an alligator dragged him from the Grand Floridian beach area and dragged him into the Seven Seas Lagoon-- causing severe trauma and eventually drowning the child. Louis was expected to be in the new castle show (debuting today, June 17), in a segment featuring Tiana and Naveen, from their movie Princess and the Frog. After the heartbreaking loss to 2 year-old Lane Graves, Disney is doing everything they can as the family mourns the loss of their child. Since the incident:
The Jungle Cruise has stopped with their crocodile dialogue.
Tic Toc Croc has been suspended from the Festival of Fantasy Parade
WDW Water Taxis have not been operating
Increased 'Warning Alligator' signage near bodies of water
Louis' debut being temporarily delayed in Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire.
Both Disney and the boy's family have released statements since Tuesday. Matt and Melissa Graves (Parents): “Words cannot describe the shock and grief our family is experiencing over the loss of our son. We are devastated and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time. To all of the local authorities and staff who worked tirelessly these past 24 hours, we express our deepest gratitude.”
George A. Kalogridis, President of The Walt Disney World Resort:
“There are no words to convey the profound sorrow we feel for the family and their unimaginable loss. We are devastated and heartbroken by this tragic accident and are doing what we can to help them during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone at Disney, we offer them our deepest sympathy.”
Although Disney cannot reverse what happened, they are taking all the right steps to make sure it never happens again and help the family as they mourn the loss of their baby boy.