Here's an official communication from Disney on towel animals.
This was taken from a thread on the Debate Board about a year and a half ago:
Regarding the taking of towel animals, me personally, it would never occur to me to take them if they were left in the room. Now for official word from Disney:
This is an email that was sent to Disney (not by me):
I would please like the "official" word on the following subject please.
When a guest of a WDW resort receives, in their room, a 'creation' fashioned out of towels/washcloths, for example a bunny or duck shape, with added stickers as faces, etc...is it in fact an intended 'gift' from Disney/Disney's Housekeeping
for the guest to take such an item home with them upon checkout....or is it considered 'theft' if the guest removes said item from the room and takes it home. Would a guest have to 'ask permission' from the housekeeper or other
Disney CM in order for it to be 'considered a gift'...or, is it 'presumed' by Disney that the guest will/should take the item home.
Put another way...are these washcloth animals considered a room amenity/decor/property as in bedding, regular towels, ashtrays, coffee pots, furniture, shower curtains...or a consumable, such as shampoos, soaps, matches,
pens, note paper?
Here you can see it being passed among Disney castmembers:
From: Walt Disney World Guest Mail
[mailto:xxxxx@wdw.disneyonline.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 2:31 PM
To: xxxxxx
Subject: Re: Message for the Walt Disney World Resort
Dear xxxxx,
We are forwarding this to the Legal department for handling. We have not replied
to the guest.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
xxxxx
Online Guest Service
WALT DISNEY WORLD
P.O. Box 10100
Lake Buena Vista FL 32830-0100
Original Message Follows:
The reply:
xxxx,
After reviewing the email below, it seems as though this guest is asking for clarification. Since it's not a suggestion or idea, I'm returning for your handling.
Thanks.
xxxxxx
And then Disney's official reply:
Dear xxxxx,
Thank you for contacting WALT DISNEY WORLD!
We appreciate your patience as we researched your inquiry.
While there is no "official" written policy, we spoke with one of the housekeeping managers, who advised that the washcloth "creations" are indeed considered "gifts" which guests are permitted to take home with them.
We hope that you will find this information helpful, and we look forward to future opportunities to entertain you.
If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.
Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if applicable on all correspondence.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
xxxxx
On line Guest Service
WALT DISNEY WORLD Reservations
P O Box 10,100
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0100Regarding