I was reading a post in a Disney World group on Facebook and someone asked if it was okay to randomly give someone a little gift while at the park that they had made. The responses were so mean. A lot of people either said outright "You'd better not try to give me/my children anything," "I'd take it, but throw it away when you're not looking." The person also asked if it would be more acceptable to leave the gifts around the park where they'd be spotted and taken instead of trying to give them directly and the responses were equally as bad. Someone said "I teach my children not to take things that don't belong to them." "I'm not letting my child pick up some random thing they find."
I understand everyone has an opinion, but telling the person that their gifts they worked so hard on wouldn't be accepted or appreciated made me feel bad for them. So far the gifts I've seen others post are clearly marked as something meant for the person that finds it. Usually it's in a bag and says "a gift from____ Enjoy."
Ponyfan
When I worked at Disney World we had guests that would sometimes bring treats to us as Cast Members. Depending on what it is, the Cast Members might not be allowed to accept it--Disney has rules that they're very strict about. Even tips, for example. Since I worked in a non-tipping position (I drove the Kilimanjaro Safari) I had to tell people "no"--in a nice way--three times before being allowed to accept it, and then I would have to let my manager know I had gotten it. I found out by working there that some cultures show their appreciation by tipping so it happened even though we weren't expecting it. (Most managers would just say, "Good job. Next time, you don't need to let me know." I think they were supposed to report it as income but the amount of tips we got wouldn't have made any difference.)
But as far as giving gifts to other guests, I would suggest that the person strike up a conversation with people while they're standing in line for rides and then offer the gift after making "Park Buddies." Then it might not be so weird to some people. When my friend and I go we always talk to people around us. It helps the lines to go faster sometimes.
I would think if they were just leaving things randomly, they might end up in lost and found. So it might not hurt for them to check with the Cast Members to see if there is a way to leave a "surprise gift" that would actually be found and taken home rather than sent to Guest Services waiting to be claimed.
As for my trivial complaint, I bought an adorable set of dragon molds for making resin pieces. I made a set last night, using my resin curing machine, so I could see what it looked like in person and now I don't want to be at work. I want to be at home making dragons.