I would not have thought of being mindful of gators at Disney World, except for this forum and Disboards forum. During my research for our first trip to Disney World I came across many people talking about gators in the water at Disney. In such an almost totally controlled environment such as Disney it is hard to think of something so dangerous literally right at your toes.
Also, much of the "wild" parts of Disney World are considered animal sanctuaries, however that is defined. So they don't just go through them removing animals unless it is considered necessary.
One article I read said the child was in just "inches" of water, with the parents sitting on the beach just feet away. Early reports said the family was "wading" in the water. Somewhere in there is what actually happened.
Horrible situation.