I’m firmly in the camp that (in this case ducks) should not be randomly placed in public areas of the ship. I see comments on how much fun it is for the young to find these things and I’m not arguing that it isn’t.
I am one of those families that visits WDW often. I’m DVC, Platinum DCL, etc. I’ve raised two kids and we continue to enjoy our trips and cruises. One of the things that was implied, then expressly said to them that at Disney (and life in general), you can’t have everything.
We’d go on a cruise and I tried to impress on them that we are very lucky and blessed to be able to go on such adventures. I suppose I could have had a gift package in the stateroom when we arrived, they could have whatever they wanted at Vanellope’s, and we could have signed up for excursions at every port, but you know, there has to be a limit, even if you can afford it. A ship has to have a rudder. They knew that the trip itself was the privilege and the treat. Not that plus five other things. Further, it made them appreciate any extra that did come along.
I think a youngster can have an awesome experience on a
Disney cruise without the ducks. In the name of common sense, safety and respect for others, please don't assume it's okay to leave things in public spaces and common areas, not just on a ship, but anywhere.