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Duffy meet and greet in Walt Disney World's Epcot will end October 3rd this fall
- Thread starter brb1006
- Start date
French Quarter
Well-Known Member
I will miss Duffy. I think he is adorable. I also think he's one of the only nonface characters that doesn't frighten young children. I'm always a fan of rarer characters that you can only find in one park.
asianway
Well-Known Member
He's still at TDS
asianway
Well-Known Member
Copying an exchange I had over on Micechat a year ago when Duffy got the boot at DCA. Same exact principle holds true here:
Originally posted by DuffyDaisuki View Post
many friends through Duffy in the real world, too. Some are Japanese, some have traveled to Japan. Some I haven't met face-to-face, but we still talk often. Though these relationships transcend Duffy, they would not have happened without him. The fact that another's experience is different to mine does not make the other right, nor does it devalue my experience.
That is how they see it; you're right. And to my mind, The Walt Disney Company bears some significant responsibility for that. But if I saw all fat people as lazy, all foreigners as dirty, all women as stupid; I'd hope for the good sense to at least have a shadow of doubt, rather than throwing my vitriol all over the joy and dreams of people I don't know anything about who see something I don't (and won't bother to) understand, that guides them to enthusiastically love the thing I also love. I really cannot understand why anyone who enjoys berating others or their interests would find Disney appealing in the first place. The Japanese Disney culture is not like this.
First of all, the Disney Bear was made to make money, and failed miserably. Duffy was made because of one man's vision about a DisneySEA original character and his dream to add something timeless and unique to Disney history. What actually happened has surprised everyone involved, as Duffy in Japan continues to succeed beyond the wildest expectations, because real people really love Duffy. There's nothing laughable about it. What Japanese artists, designers, storytellers, and fans have created and continue to create together is precisely what Disney ought to be. Duffy in Japan looks like something Walt Disney might have done. You're right that the American company has not approached Duffy with love and respect, but that failure is not Duffy's failure. It simply means that what has been done in the US is actually not Duffy.
The rationale I hear most often repeated for this is that American Disney fans do not care enough about quality, craftsmanship, imagination or simple positivity to value what authentic Duffy is like enough to make such commitment worthwhile. I have argued for years that Americans are absolutely capable of understanding and loving Duffy, and that authentic Duffy directly addresses issues held by some of Disney's most passionate and knowledgeable fans. Threads like this, however, have slowly changed my mind, and I will feel no regret if Duffy disappears from the US. Duffy is worth doing right, with artistic integrity for discerning fans who genuinely care.
Also, saying "sorry" does not diminish the offensiveness of your personal jab. Nor does ignorance or rudeness make you right. I do not accept your apology, and authentic Duffy is successfully beloved by people all over the world. Authentic Duffy doesn't measure success in sales. Although, if we did, Duffy's success would surpass that of every other Disney character except, debatably, Mickey Mouse in Japan. Is your point that Japanese Disney culture, Japanese culture in general, Japanese people and generations of Japanese children are irrelevant and that their experience is "laughable?" Cos some might argue that Japan has, without question, the most vibrant Disney merchandising and park experiences on earth. If they had time and inclination they could use charts and photos to make their points very clearly.
Again, having an opinion and presenting it with exceptional hostility does not make you right; it makes me wonder what would draw you to Disney. In my experience, Disney fans like to smile at things that make other people happy and are excited about things that draw fans to Disney. Why one fan of the same base thing would want to diminish another fan's experience continues to escape me. What's fun about that?
This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read, and thank you for it. I notice, too, that you took neither side in the Duffy debate, which I also respect and admire.
I agree with you about Pooh. Disney and IP policy is a sore spot for me, so I'm just gonna sidestep this, but I agree strongly, though I love the Hunny Hunt attraction and Classic Pooh merch.:blush:
The thing I find a bit sad, the ONLY negative experiences I have ever had on MiceChat, are these moments when a group of inexplicably aggressive and hostile people begin to attack Duffy with a strange enthusiasm. This problem, unfortunately, seems cyclic and repetitive, and usually includes things like calling Duffy fans' feelings and opinions "laughable" and belittling what we hold as beloved. I find this both juvenile and perplexing, as well as aggravating. Your post was refreshing and I cannot thank you enough for sharing it.:love:
I almost forgot to make an important clarification, though. While Disney can certainly take credit for the Disney Bear, the creation of Duffy must largely be attributed to The Oriental Land Company and Japanese fans. Duffy is collaborative communication between the Japanese company that owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort, and until just a few years ago also owned and operated all of the Disney Stores in Japan. Yes, there has been a noticeable decline in both quality and variety, but there are still plenty of original Japanese offerings. Duffy is absolutely NOT Disney's to be proud of. Duffy's success belongs wholly to The Oriental Land Company, as evidenced by his relative "failure everywhere else."
Disney apologists will enjoy saying that Duffy's success in Japan has something to do with a cultural divide, but most Japanese adults who collect Duffy were probably not collecting teddy bears before. Duffy is compelling on multiple levels, as I can personally attest. I had ZERO interest in either teddy bears or Disney before I came under Duffy's powerful thrall of uncompromising quality, timeless craftsmanship and endless charm. The Walt Disney Company has played an essential role in Duffy's existence, without a doubt, and Duffy represents the very best of Walt Disney's legacy, vision, and potential. But it is equally doubtless that the company of creators, artists, designers, storytellers, dreamers, and fans who are responsible for sheparding this character into the world and bringing him to life is NONE other than Oriental Land, its legions of passionately dedicated fans, and the healthy reciprocal relationship they enjoy. Disney doesn't seem to even understand the basics of Duffy, nor do many Disney fans seem to remember the legacy that Duffy grows from. Duffy belongs to OLC, and he is theirs to be proud of, not Disney's. regardless of who legally holds the IP.
My response -->When Duffy premiered stateside in 2010, they promised that he would constantly receive new costumes to match the costumes sold in stores. He, to date, in the US has received the pumpkin and Santa outfits. The reason Duffy merch moves in Tokyo is because each "season" Duffy AND Shellie(Its just a matter of time before Gelatoni becomes a walk around) change their outfits and the entire merchandise line changes to reflect that. Every year, there is a NEW Halloween costume for them. The costumes, the small badge plushes, postcards...every Japanese twenty-something girl comes back every couple months and needs to drop the equivalent of a couple hundred USD to stay current. Each seasons' Duffy line is small, but targeted to encourage them to buy one of everything. And its limited time, nothing goes to clearance, there are no outlets to devalue the proposition so you need to buy it or miss it.
US merchandising completely missed the boat on this. If they had tried to mimic what makes Duffy work in Japan, merch sales would have been through the roof. Shellie would be at DL and WDW. Instead, they cheaped out, merchandise and creative costuming were unable to synergize this, they tried to adapt him to their way of thinking and it failed miserably. We had DCA Soarin' bomber jackets being sold at EPCOT. Theyre clueless.
Originally posted by DuffyDaisuki View Post
many friends through Duffy in the real world, too. Some are Japanese, some have traveled to Japan. Some I haven't met face-to-face, but we still talk often. Though these relationships transcend Duffy, they would not have happened without him. The fact that another's experience is different to mine does not make the other right, nor does it devalue my experience.
That is how they see it; you're right. And to my mind, The Walt Disney Company bears some significant responsibility for that. But if I saw all fat people as lazy, all foreigners as dirty, all women as stupid; I'd hope for the good sense to at least have a shadow of doubt, rather than throwing my vitriol all over the joy and dreams of people I don't know anything about who see something I don't (and won't bother to) understand, that guides them to enthusiastically love the thing I also love. I really cannot understand why anyone who enjoys berating others or their interests would find Disney appealing in the first place. The Japanese Disney culture is not like this.
First of all, the Disney Bear was made to make money, and failed miserably. Duffy was made because of one man's vision about a DisneySEA original character and his dream to add something timeless and unique to Disney history. What actually happened has surprised everyone involved, as Duffy in Japan continues to succeed beyond the wildest expectations, because real people really love Duffy. There's nothing laughable about it. What Japanese artists, designers, storytellers, and fans have created and continue to create together is precisely what Disney ought to be. Duffy in Japan looks like something Walt Disney might have done. You're right that the American company has not approached Duffy with love and respect, but that failure is not Duffy's failure. It simply means that what has been done in the US is actually not Duffy.
The rationale I hear most often repeated for this is that American Disney fans do not care enough about quality, craftsmanship, imagination or simple positivity to value what authentic Duffy is like enough to make such commitment worthwhile. I have argued for years that Americans are absolutely capable of understanding and loving Duffy, and that authentic Duffy directly addresses issues held by some of Disney's most passionate and knowledgeable fans. Threads like this, however, have slowly changed my mind, and I will feel no regret if Duffy disappears from the US. Duffy is worth doing right, with artistic integrity for discerning fans who genuinely care.
Also, saying "sorry" does not diminish the offensiveness of your personal jab. Nor does ignorance or rudeness make you right. I do not accept your apology, and authentic Duffy is successfully beloved by people all over the world. Authentic Duffy doesn't measure success in sales. Although, if we did, Duffy's success would surpass that of every other Disney character except, debatably, Mickey Mouse in Japan. Is your point that Japanese Disney culture, Japanese culture in general, Japanese people and generations of Japanese children are irrelevant and that their experience is "laughable?" Cos some might argue that Japan has, without question, the most vibrant Disney merchandising and park experiences on earth. If they had time and inclination they could use charts and photos to make their points very clearly.
Again, having an opinion and presenting it with exceptional hostility does not make you right; it makes me wonder what would draw you to Disney. In my experience, Disney fans like to smile at things that make other people happy and are excited about things that draw fans to Disney. Why one fan of the same base thing would want to diminish another fan's experience continues to escape me. What's fun about that?
This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read, and thank you for it. I notice, too, that you took neither side in the Duffy debate, which I also respect and admire.
I agree with you about Pooh. Disney and IP policy is a sore spot for me, so I'm just gonna sidestep this, but I agree strongly, though I love the Hunny Hunt attraction and Classic Pooh merch.:blush:
The thing I find a bit sad, the ONLY negative experiences I have ever had on MiceChat, are these moments when a group of inexplicably aggressive and hostile people begin to attack Duffy with a strange enthusiasm. This problem, unfortunately, seems cyclic and repetitive, and usually includes things like calling Duffy fans' feelings and opinions "laughable" and belittling what we hold as beloved. I find this both juvenile and perplexing, as well as aggravating. Your post was refreshing and I cannot thank you enough for sharing it.:love:
I almost forgot to make an important clarification, though. While Disney can certainly take credit for the Disney Bear, the creation of Duffy must largely be attributed to The Oriental Land Company and Japanese fans. Duffy is collaborative communication between the Japanese company that owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort, and until just a few years ago also owned and operated all of the Disney Stores in Japan. Yes, there has been a noticeable decline in both quality and variety, but there are still plenty of original Japanese offerings. Duffy is absolutely NOT Disney's to be proud of. Duffy's success belongs wholly to The Oriental Land Company, as evidenced by his relative "failure everywhere else."
Disney apologists will enjoy saying that Duffy's success in Japan has something to do with a cultural divide, but most Japanese adults who collect Duffy were probably not collecting teddy bears before. Duffy is compelling on multiple levels, as I can personally attest. I had ZERO interest in either teddy bears or Disney before I came under Duffy's powerful thrall of uncompromising quality, timeless craftsmanship and endless charm. The Walt Disney Company has played an essential role in Duffy's existence, without a doubt, and Duffy represents the very best of Walt Disney's legacy, vision, and potential. But it is equally doubtless that the company of creators, artists, designers, storytellers, dreamers, and fans who are responsible for sheparding this character into the world and bringing him to life is NONE other than Oriental Land, its legions of passionately dedicated fans, and the healthy reciprocal relationship they enjoy. Disney doesn't seem to even understand the basics of Duffy, nor do many Disney fans seem to remember the legacy that Duffy grows from. Duffy belongs to OLC, and he is theirs to be proud of, not Disney's. regardless of who legally holds the IP.
My response -->When Duffy premiered stateside in 2010, they promised that he would constantly receive new costumes to match the costumes sold in stores. He, to date, in the US has received the pumpkin and Santa outfits. The reason Duffy merch moves in Tokyo is because each "season" Duffy AND Shellie(Its just a matter of time before Gelatoni becomes a walk around) change their outfits and the entire merchandise line changes to reflect that. Every year, there is a NEW Halloween costume for them. The costumes, the small badge plushes, postcards...every Japanese twenty-something girl comes back every couple months and needs to drop the equivalent of a couple hundred USD to stay current. Each seasons' Duffy line is small, but targeted to encourage them to buy one of everything. And its limited time, nothing goes to clearance, there are no outlets to devalue the proposition so you need to buy it or miss it.
US merchandising completely missed the boat on this. If they had tried to mimic what makes Duffy work in Japan, merch sales would have been through the roof. Shellie would be at DL and WDW. Instead, they cheaped out, merchandise and creative costuming were unable to synergize this, they tried to adapt him to their way of thinking and it failed miserably. We had DCA Soarin' bomber jackets being sold at EPCOT. Theyre clueless.
Same goes for Marie from The Aristocats, who is also another character that won't frighten young children. In fact both Duffy and Marie we're both brought over to WDW and Disneyland (Duffy is now gone at the Disneyland Resort) due to lots of Japanese tourists loving the characters. Unlike Duffy who's gotten alot of hate. Marie on the over hand has been getting alot of love.
Another reason why Dufffy is huge in Japan is due to the Japanese's fondness with anything cute. Which might raise a few eyes brows for foreigners that visit Japan. Which could be another reason why Duffy is disliked in other Disney parks except Japan. So I understand the backlash since I been learning about Japanese culture since Middle School. I'm still sad that Shellie and Gelatoni will never show up in the other parks due to the Duffy hate. Especially Gelatoni who is a cute kitten.Copying an exchange I had over on Micechat a year ago when Duffy got the boot at DCA. Same exact principle holds true here:
Originally posted by DuffyDaisuki View Post
many friends through Duffy in the real world, too. Some are Japanese, some have traveled to Japan. Some I haven't met face-to-face, but we still talk often. Though these relationships transcend Duffy, they would not have happened without him. The fact that another's experience is different to mine does not make the other right, nor does it devalue my experience.
That is how they see it; you're right. And to my mind, The Walt Disney Company bears some significant responsibility for that. But if I saw all fat people as lazy, all foreigners as dirty, all women as stupid; I'd hope for the good sense to at least have a shadow of doubt, rather than throwing my vitriol all over the joy and dreams of people I don't know anything about who see something I don't (and won't bother to) understand, that guides them to enthusiastically love the thing I also love. I really cannot understand why anyone who enjoys berating others or their interests would find Disney appealing in the first place. The Japanese Disney culture is not like this.
First of all, the Disney Bear was made to make money, and failed miserably. Duffy was made because of one man's vision about a DisneySEA original character and his dream to add something timeless and unique to Disney history. What actually happened has surprised everyone involved, as Duffy in Japan continues to succeed beyond the wildest expectations, because real people really love Duffy. There's nothing laughable about it. What Japanese artists, designers, storytellers, and fans have created and continue to create together is precisely what Disney ought to be. Duffy in Japan looks like something Walt Disney might have done. You're right that the American company has not approached Duffy with love and respect, but that failure is not Duffy's failure. It simply means that what has been done in the US is actually not Duffy.
The rationale I hear most often repeated for this is that American Disney fans do not care enough about quality, craftsmanship, imagination or simple positivity to value what authentic Duffy is like enough to make such commitment worthwhile. I have argued for years that Americans are absolutely capable of understanding and loving Duffy, and that authentic Duffy directly addresses issues held by some of Disney's most passionate and knowledgeable fans. Threads like this, however, have slowly changed my mind, and I will feel no regret if Duffy disappears from the US. Duffy is worth doing right, with artistic integrity for discerning fans who genuinely care.
Also, saying "sorry" does not diminish the offensiveness of your personal jab. Nor does ignorance or rudeness make you right. I do not accept your apology, and authentic Duffy is successfully beloved by people all over the world. Authentic Duffy doesn't measure success in sales. Although, if we did, Duffy's success would surpass that of every other Disney character except, debatably, Mickey Mouse in Japan. Is your point that Japanese Disney culture, Japanese culture in general, Japanese people and generations of Japanese children are irrelevant and that their experience is "laughable?" Cos some might argue that Japan has, without question, the most vibrant Disney merchandising and park experiences on earth. If they had time and inclination they could use charts and photos to make their points very clearly.
Again, having an opinion and presenting it with exceptional hostility does not make you right; it makes me wonder what would draw you to Disney. In my experience, Disney fans like to smile at things that make other people happy and are excited about things that draw fans to Disney. Why one fan of the same base thing would want to diminish another fan's experience continues to escape me. What's fun about that?
This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read, and thank you for it. I notice, too, that you took neither side in the Duffy debate, which I also respect and admire.
I agree with you about Pooh. Disney and IP policy is a sore spot for me, so I'm just gonna sidestep this, but I agree strongly, though I love the Hunny Hunt attraction and Classic Pooh merch.:blush:
The thing I find a bit sad, the ONLY negative experiences I have ever had on MiceChat, are these moments when a group of inexplicably aggressive and hostile people begin to attack Duffy with a strange enthusiasm. This problem, unfortunately, seems cyclic and repetitive, and usually includes things like calling Duffy fans' feelings and opinions "laughable" and belittling what we hold as beloved. I find this both juvenile and perplexing, as well as aggravating. Your post was refreshing and I cannot thank you enough for sharing it.:love:
I almost forgot to make an important clarification, though. While Disney can certainly take credit for the Disney Bear, the creation of Duffy must largely be attributed to The Oriental Land Company and Japanese fans. Duffy is collaborative communication between the Japanese company that owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort, and until just a few years ago also owned and operated all of the Disney Stores in Japan. Yes, there has been a noticeable decline in both quality and variety, but there are still plenty of original Japanese offerings. Duffy is absolutely NOT Disney's to be proud of. Duffy's success belongs wholly to The Oriental Land Company, as evidenced by his relative "failure everywhere else."
Disney apologists will enjoy saying that Duffy's success in Japan has something to do with a cultural divide, but most Japanese adults who collect Duffy were probably not collecting teddy bears before. Duffy is compelling on multiple levels, as I can personally attest. I had ZERO interest in either teddy bears or Disney before I came under Duffy's powerful thrall of uncompromising quality, timeless craftsmanship and endless charm. The Walt Disney Company has played an essential role in Duffy's existence, without a doubt, and Duffy represents the very best of Walt Disney's legacy, vision, and potential. But it is equally doubtless that the company of creators, artists, designers, storytellers, dreamers, and fans who are responsible for sheparding this character into the world and bringing him to life is NONE other than Oriental Land, its legions of passionately dedicated fans, and the healthy reciprocal relationship they enjoy. Disney doesn't seem to even understand the basics of Duffy, nor do many Disney fans seem to remember the legacy that Duffy grows from. Duffy belongs to OLC, and he is theirs to be proud of, not Disney's. regardless of who legally holds the IP.
My response -->When Duffy premiered stateside in 2010, they promised that he would constantly receive new costumes to match the costumes sold in stores. He, to date, in the US has received the pumpkin and Santa outfits. The reason Duffy merch moves in Tokyo is because each "season" Duffy AND Shellie(Its just a matter of time before Gelatoni becomes a walk around) change their outfits and the entire merchandise line changes to reflect that. Every year, there is a NEW Halloween costume for them. The costumes, the small badge plushes, postcards...every Japanese twenty-something girl comes back every couple months and needs to drop the equivalent of a couple hundred USD to stay current. Each seasons' Duffy line is small, but targeted to encourage them to buy one of everything. And its limited time, nothing goes to clearance, there are no outlets to devalue the proposition so you need to buy it or miss it.
US merchandising completely missed the boat on this. If they had tried to mimic what makes Duffy work in Japan, merch sales would have been through the roof. Shellie would be at DL and WDW. Instead, they cheaped out, merchandise and creative costuming were unable to synergize this, they tried to adapt him to their way of thinking and it failed miserably. We had DCA Soarin' bomber jackets being sold at EPCOT. Theyre clueless.
Here's a Tv Tropes page about the history of cuteness in Japanese culture
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/Kawaisa
Last edited:
Blanket statements could be considered cute without being thought of as immature or girly....
HatboxGhost
Well-Known Member
My wife and I looked forward to meeting Duffy at Epcot despite the fact that I originally didn't care about the character. He did grow on me though. We will miss him. 
JiminyandTink
Well-Known Member
For the first few years I didn't get the whole Duffy thing, but I actually started to like him after seeing how much my kids liked the toys and the Duffy storybook, so I'm actually a little sad to see him go.
But if they could have just replaced him with a Figment meet-and-greet instead of Daisy, I would be thrilled!!!
But if they could have just replaced him with a Figment meet-and-greet instead of Daisy, I would be thrilled!!!
*cough* Figzilla *cough*
TomHendricks
Well-Known Member
My oldest son will be super sad about this, he is a huge Duffy fan. He has multiple Duffys and a whole bunch of the costumes, plush we often requests to read the Duffy book to him. The last Duffy meet and greet for him, was an example of how great some CM can be. We were running from riding Sorin' to the Duffy M&G and when we got there, Duffy was leaving. My son was all kinds of upset, not being able to get Duffy's autograph or a picture with him. The CM saw us running up, stopped Duffy and ushered him back to gazebo, just for us. My son was super excited about this. I thanked the CM profusely, telling them how much this meant to my son. Then my son hug the CM too, thanking them for being Duffy's friend. It actually cause me to tear a little.
This is why I love the CMs are WDW.
DABIGCHEEZ
Well-Known Member
This took waaaaaaaaaaaay too long!
asianway
Well-Known Member
These people better never go to Tokyo DisneySEA. He's everywhere
JustInTime
Well-Known Member
I loved Duffy
SandraAnn
Active Member
I will miss Duffy. I have a lot of good memories with my kids and him, whether the storybook, making special trips to Epcot just to see him, seeing him dressed in his Santa suit. I don't understand why they need to totally get rid of him. Even if they want that spot for someone else, there has to be somewhere else in Epcot he could meet.
Prince-1
Well-Known Member
Copying an exchange I had over on Micechat a year ago when Duffy got the boot at DCA. Same exact principle holds true here:
Originally posted by DuffyDaisuki View Post
many friends through Duffy in the real world, too. Some are Japanese, some have traveled to Japan. Some I haven't met face-to-face, but we still talk often. Though these relationships transcend Duffy, they would not have happened without him. The fact that another's experience is different to mine does not make the other right, nor does it devalue my experience.
That is how they see it; you're right. And to my mind, The Walt Disney Company bears some significant responsibility for that. But if I saw all fat people as lazy, all foreigners as dirty, all women as stupid; I'd hope for the good sense to at least have a shadow of doubt, rather than throwing my vitriol all over the joy and dreams of people I don't know anything about who see something I don't (and won't bother to) understand, that guides them to enthusiastically love the thing I also love. I really cannot understand why anyone who enjoys berating others or their interests would find Disney appealing in the first place. The Japanese Disney culture is not like this.
First of all, the Disney Bear was made to make money, and failed miserably. Duffy was made because of one man's vision about a DisneySEA original character and his dream to add something timeless and unique to Disney history. What actually happened has surprised everyone involved, as Duffy in Japan continues to succeed beyond the wildest expectations, because real people really love Duffy. There's nothing laughable about it. What Japanese artists, designers, storytellers, and fans have created and continue to create together is precisely what Disney ought to be. Duffy in Japan looks like something Walt Disney might have done. You're right that the American company has not approached Duffy with love and respect, but that failure is not Duffy's failure. It simply means that what has been done in the US is actually not Duffy.
The rationale I hear most often repeated for this is that American Disney fans do not care enough about quality, craftsmanship, imagination or simple positivity to value what authentic Duffy is like enough to make such commitment worthwhile. I have argued for years that Americans are absolutely capable of understanding and loving Duffy, and that authentic Duffy directly addresses issues held by some of Disney's most passionate and knowledgeable fans. Threads like this, however, have slowly changed my mind, and I will feel no regret if Duffy disappears from the US. Duffy is worth doing right, with artistic integrity for discerning fans who genuinely care.
Also, saying "sorry" does not diminish the offensiveness of your personal jab. Nor does ignorance or rudeness make you right. I do not accept your apology, and authentic Duffy is successfully beloved by people all over the world. Authentic Duffy doesn't measure success in sales. Although, if we did, Duffy's success would surpass that of every other Disney character except, debatably, Mickey Mouse in Japan. Is your point that Japanese Disney culture, Japanese culture in general, Japanese people and generations of Japanese children are irrelevant and that their experience is "laughable?" Cos some might argue that Japan has, without question, the most vibrant Disney merchandising and park experiences on earth. If they had time and inclination they could use charts and photos to make their points very clearly.
Again, having an opinion and presenting it with exceptional hostility does not make you right; it makes me wonder what would draw you to Disney. In my experience, Disney fans like to smile at things that make other people happy and are excited about things that draw fans to Disney. Why one fan of the same base thing would want to diminish another fan's experience continues to escape me. What's fun about that?
This is one of the most beautiful posts I have ever read, and thank you for it. I notice, too, that you took neither side in the Duffy debate, which I also respect and admire.
I agree with you about Pooh. Disney and IP policy is a sore spot for me, so I'm just gonna sidestep this, but I agree strongly, though I love the Hunny Hunt attraction and Classic Pooh merch.:blush:
The thing I find a bit sad, the ONLY negative experiences I have ever had on MiceChat, are these moments when a group of inexplicably aggressive and hostile people begin to attack Duffy with a strange enthusiasm. This problem, unfortunately, seems cyclic and repetitive, and usually includes things like calling Duffy fans' feelings and opinions "laughable" and belittling what we hold as beloved. I find this both juvenile and perplexing, as well as aggravating. Your post was refreshing and I cannot thank you enough for sharing it.:love:
I almost forgot to make an important clarification, though. While Disney can certainly take credit for the Disney Bear, the creation of Duffy must largely be attributed to The Oriental Land Company and Japanese fans. Duffy is collaborative communication between the Japanese company that owns and operates the Tokyo Disney Resort, and until just a few years ago also owned and operated all of the Disney Stores in Japan. Yes, there has been a noticeable decline in both quality and variety, but there are still plenty of original Japanese offerings. Duffy is absolutely NOT Disney's to be proud of. Duffy's success belongs wholly to The Oriental Land Company, as evidenced by his relative "failure everywhere else."
Disney apologists will enjoy saying that Duffy's success in Japan has something to do with a cultural divide, but most Japanese adults who collect Duffy were probably not collecting teddy bears before. Duffy is compelling on multiple levels, as I can personally attest. I had ZERO interest in either teddy bears or Disney before I came under Duffy's powerful thrall of uncompromising quality, timeless craftsmanship and endless charm. The Walt Disney Company has played an essential role in Duffy's existence, without a doubt, and Duffy represents the very best of Walt Disney's legacy, vision, and potential. But it is equally doubtless that the company of creators, artists, designers, storytellers, dreamers, and fans who are responsible for sheparding this character into the world and bringing him to life is NONE other than Oriental Land, its legions of passionately dedicated fans, and the healthy reciprocal relationship they enjoy. Disney doesn't seem to even understand the basics of Duffy, nor do many Disney fans seem to remember the legacy that Duffy grows from. Duffy belongs to OLC, and he is theirs to be proud of, not Disney's. regardless of who legally holds the IP.
My response -->When Duffy premiered stateside in 2010, they promised that he would constantly receive new costumes to match the costumes sold in stores. He, to date, in the US has received the pumpkin and Santa outfits. The reason Duffy merch moves in Tokyo is because each "season" Duffy AND Shellie(Its just a matter of time before Gelatoni becomes a walk around) change their outfits and the entire merchandise line changes to reflect that. Every year, there is a NEW Halloween costume for them. The costumes, the small badge plushes, postcards...every Japanese twenty-something girl comes back every couple months and needs to drop the equivalent of a couple hundred USD to stay current. Each seasons' Duffy line is small, but targeted to encourage them to buy one of everything. And its limited time, nothing goes to clearance, there are no outlets to devalue the proposition so you need to buy it or miss it.
US merchandising completely missed the boat on this. If they had tried to mimic what makes Duffy work in Japan, merch sales would have been through the roof. Shellie would be at DL and WDW. Instead, they cheaped out, merchandise and creative costuming were unable to synergize this, they tried to adapt him to their way of thinking and it failed miserably. We had DCA Soarin' bomber jackets being sold at EPCOT. Theyre clueless.
Hate to be one of those hostile people but you gotta chill. Anything that has something that goes by the name of "Gelatoni...Really?!?" was destined to fail. And btw, this is the best line in your entire tirade..."I had ZERO interest in either teddy bears or Disney before I came under Duffy's powerful thrall of uncompromising quality, timeless craftsmanship and endless charm." You are awesome.