Duffy update from the Passholder event - plus construction photos from the new area

[Disneyfanatic!!]

Since you didn't make up that story, and hence I can't hurt your feelings, just let me say: that's the lamest story I've ever heard in my life.

I do NOT go to WDW to buy teddy bears. I don't care if the teddy in question is a WDW teddy. A teddy is a teddy is a teddy. Even the Care Bears were just teddys, wearing colors that looked like they were inspired by a box of Tums. If I go to WDW and I want to buy a stuffed animal, it'll an animal that actually appeared in at Disney film. My last purchase was a big plush Malificent The Dragon, who even now sits haughtily on my couch and makes snide remarks about my viewing choices.

So in short, the next time I visit WDW, I will not be buying Duffy the bear. If I did, he wouldn't survive very long at home. Malificent would eat him alive. :ROFLOL:

This has great potential. If the story is true, it makes alot of sense of traveling around the world. I dont know where the photo op will be, but germany would be a good location as they currently have a teddy bear shop there. Roll him out from there and let it grow. Being able to buy different outfits from different countries in WS. Look at how popular build a bear is, why not give it a try. This will also give kids something to do, i know, spend parents money, but many families go to EPCOT, and this may make it easier for the kids to get through the day.

That story is from a storybook sold at Tokyo Disney Sea.

And don't you guys see? This is a way to get children to enjoy World Showcase and learn about the cultures there in a not-so-boring way.

Also, I believe at the Passholder event they mentioned he'd be making his way to DCA, too.

 

[fosse76]

country specific merch around wc, his own vinylmation line,

wc?

 

[kands2008]

I have seen Duffy at TDLR and as far as the story book goes and it's cute. I didn't see the charater in person so I can't say about that. I'm just a bit confused though in the book he is a little brown teddy but the photo you show for the post show a white almost cat looking critter (you can't see the back of the costume so I can't see the tail) what gives?:shrug::veryconfu I think it's fine to bring him here however especialy to World Showcase. It makes perfect sense to me. I how ever feel it would have made a bit more sense to make his meet & greet a part of the Japan pavillion like the did with Donald at Mexico. To all those that have never seen Duffy or read his book just give it a fair chance instead of just blowing it off right away. I know all the Asian tourist that have been to TDLR will love seeing one of thier infulences here in America for once.

 

[Eeyore]

I have seen Duffy at TDLR and as far as the story book goes and it's cute. I didn't see the charater in person so I can't say about that. I'm just a bit confused though in the book he is a little brown teddy but the photo you show for the post show a white almost cat looking critter (you can't see the back of the costume so I can't see the tail) what gives?:shrug::veryconfu I think it's fine to bring him here however especialy to World Showcase. It makes perfect sense to me. I how ever feel it would have made a bit more sense to make his meet & greet a part of the Japan pavillion like the did with Donald at Mexico. To all those that have never seen Duffy or read his book just give it a fair chance instead of just blowing it off right away. I know all the Asian tourist that have been to TDLR will love seeing one of thier infulences here in America for once.

The picture you're referring to is Marie the cat from The Aristocats. She appears in France at Epcot. Her picture is used as an icon for all news items regarding characters at Epcot. Just as Mickey and Minnie at Judge's tent are used for MK character news, Lilo and Stitch at Animal Kingdom, etc. If you click on the headline it will take you to the item on Duffy.

 

[GLaDOS]

A couple of other things about Duffy from the passholder event:

At Tokyo Disney there are special photo spots specifically set up so guests can take Duffy's pictures and these will soon be appearing at Epcot around World Showcase.

There will be Duffy bears of several sizes and outfits that go with each country as well as outfits for holiday like Valentine's day, Fourth of July, Christmas, and Easter.

The KidCot mask will be replaced with a Duffy the bear that can be stamped in each country with special Duffy stamps.

There is going to be a Disney cartoon of Duffy that can be seen on the TVs of Disney Resorts.

There is going to be some type of Duffy food on the kid's menus at Epcot restaurants in addition to special Duffy placemats for kids.

Good lord, if they only would put half the thought into new attractions as they did for this...:brick:

 

[WishIwasThere]

Kevin Yee did a nice write up over at Miceage about this event and the plans for Duffy. I think the idea is a good one. Remeber they used to sell the pal Mickey and differnt accessories for that and such. I loved the pal Mickey...too bad they aren't supporting that anymore.

 

[Eeyore]

I loved the pal Mickey...too bad they aren't supporting that anymore.

I think that's exactly the problem people have with Duffy. Disney already have an arsenal of well-loved characters, some of the most beloved in the world. Why the need for a seemingly random bear when they have such a great pool of characters to choose from?

 

[DVCOwner]

I think that's exactly the problem people have with Duffy. Disney already have an arsenal of well-loved characters, some of the most beloved in the world. Why the need for a seemingly random bear when they have such a great pool of characters to choose from?

Why - Money selling bears. All kids need a teddy bear.

 

[kands2008]

Originally Posted by Eeyore:
The picture you're referring to is Marie the cat from The Aristocats.

Ah, that's a Disney film I've never seen so the character was not one I knew. Ok well then that makes sense then. I hope he will look like he does in the book then cause he's cute.

 

[drew81]

I think that's exactly the problem people have with Duffy. Disney already have an arsenal of well-loved characters, some of the most beloved in the world. Why the need for a seemingly random bear when they have such a great pool of characters to choose from?

Many of those characters(which they could use) are sitting in a warehouse collecting dust.

 

[BrerFrog]

Many of those characters(which they could use) are sitting in a warehouse collecting dust.

Sad but true.

 

[Mammymouse]

Boy I must have been living in a cave lately because I never heard of Duffy - and I have a 6 year old granddaughter that is all about Disney stuff! It will be hard for me to get used to him because after reading about him here it seems odd that Mickey would have a Teddy bear. I thought that because he has a girlfriend - Minnie - I always thought Mickey was a teen or young adult. So the bear will take some getting used to. And then there is Stitch...........

 

[NewfieFan]

I guess that's why the Japanese market gets all the best Disney fabrics, too. The crap they put out for crafters over here is a joke in comparison.

I don't get what's so difficult to understand about Duffy and why there's so much negativity over it. It's another merchandising thing....like pins and Vinylmations....only you don't hear people going on and on about how lame and stupid Disney is for producing those. It makes perfect sense. Duffy is meant to travel around the world with park guests getting them interested in seeking out things specific to each destination for Duffy to do or acquire. It's got edu-tainment value which, as all the Epcot Center purists should know, is what Epcot was initally all about. Again, I'll be the target for the stone-throwing. I don't care. I'm a mom, this is my first year of homeschooling, and my brain is constantly seeking ways to integrate educational aspects into everywhere we go nowadays. I, for one, see great value in Duffy and can't wait to get one for my family to share!

You shouldn't have to wait much longer... :animwink: :kiss:

I was at the event and it was very interesting and entertaining. Yes, it's a money making racket... but what isn't at Disney!?! The bear is cute and the kids went crazy for it.

I know there are other characters out there (that a lot of us love) but they just don't have the appeal to the average guest. Everybody (well, almost everybody) loves a teddy bear... and this is a dream come true for teddy bear lovers and doll collectors alike (who also happen to be Disney fans). I'm glad they're mixing up the kidcot stops (the masks we're getting a little old) and if it interests kids... well, isn't that a win-win for World Showcase!?! The outfits are going to be cute for Duffy and I think collectors will go gaga over them.

Maybe you all will change your mind when they come out with some retro Epcot outfit for Duffy in the future! :lol:

 

[DisneyNut2007]

Disney already have an arsenal of well-loved characters, some of the most beloved in the world.

They might be "beloved" to some of you, but a lot of guests don't always share such a sentiment, unfortunately.