Duck, Duck…Gone? Disney Cruise Line Reportedly Cracks Down on Hidden Rubber Ducks — For years, a charming tradition has floated alongside Disney Cruise Line voyages: passengers hiding rubber ducks for others to find. It’s a whimsical, unofficial game that added a sprinkle of extra magic to the already enchanting cruise experience. But recent reports suggest that Disney is putting the kibosh on this quacky pastime.

Duck, Duck…Gone? Disney Cruise Line Reportedly Cracks Down on Hidden Rubber Ducks

The Quack Heard ‘Round the Ship

The practice, often referred to as “ducking” or “cruising ducks,” involves passengers bringing along rubber ducks, sometimes adorned with themed outfits or tags, and discreetly hiding them around the ship. Finders are encouraged to take a photo, share it on social media, and either keep the duck or re-hide it for someone else. It’s a simple, lighthearted way to connect with fellow cruisers and spread a little joy.

Cruising Ducks

However, whispers and online discussions have emerged, indicating that Disney Cruise Line is now discouraging, and in some cases, outright banning the hiding of rubber ducks. What’s behind this shift?

One reports say the mention you cannot hide objects including rubber ducks and staff are told to remove the rubber ducks found.

Why the Potential Ban?

While Disney Cruise Line hasn’t issued an official statement addressing the ban, at the time of this post, several potential reasons have been floated:

• Clutter and Cleanliness: With thousands of passengers onboard, even small rubber ducks can accumulate, potentially creating clutter and posing a challenge for housekeeping.
• Safety Concerns: In some instances, ducks might be hidden in areas that could pose safety hazards or interfere with ship operations.
• Damage and Disruption: Some ducks might be hidden with adhesives that could damage surfaces, or be hidden in places that would interfere with necessary ship operations.
• Maintaining a Consistent Guest Experience: Disney strives to maintain a consistent and high-quality experience for all guests. Unofficial activities, even well-intentioned ones, can sometimes disrupt that consistency.
• Environmental Concerns: Although rubber ducks are small, they are still a form of plastic, and some guests may have concerns about them potentially ending up in the ocean.

The Reaction from Cruisers

The reported ban has sparked mixed reactions from the Disney Cruise Line community. Many are disappointed, expressing that ducking added a unique and fun element to their vacations. Others understand Disney’s potential concerns and respect their decision.

Online forums and social media groups are buzzing with discussions, with some cruisers questioning the validity of the reports and others sharing their experiences with being told to remove hidden ducks.

What This Means for Future Cruises

Until Disney Cruise Line releases an official statement, the status of rubber duck hiding remains somewhat unclear. However, it’s prudent for future cruisers to be aware of the potential ban and to respect any instructions given by crew members.

If you’re planning a Disney cruise, it’s always best to check the latest guidelines and policies on the official Disney Cruise Line website or by contacting their customer service.

While the future of rubber duck hiding on Disney Cruise Line may be uncertain, the spirit of fun and camaraderie that it fostered will undoubtedly continue to be a part of the Disney cruise experience.

So far Carnival Cruise lines encourages hiding rubber ducks so if you want to hide rubber ducks consider Carnival Cruise Lines instead. Maybe instead of hiding the rubber ducks, personally handing them to guests instead.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you participated in rubber duck hiding on a Disney cruise? Have you been told not to? Maybe you are staff, what do you have to do with the rubber ducks found? Share your experiences in the duckie comments below!