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

[RunnerEd]

Disney is in the business to sell things (be it park tickets, films, stuffed bears...the list goes on), if you don't like what they're selling...don't buy it.

AMEN...They always seem to have their hands in our wallets for more money, more money, more money; don't give them any more. Don't buy the sub-par DVD's, don't go to AK if you're so upset about Everest, and don't buy Duffy merch if you don't like it.

 

[Grlwonder]

Awww Duffy is cute!

I'm glad to see that he is an original character and I would love to take pictures with him. And the idea of putting him in EPCOT is perfect since he is a traveling bear.

Welcome to America Dufy! lol

 

[GrumpyFan]

This... just... feels... odd! I don't know how else to describe it. I get that it's a marketing push, but the story just doesn't seem to fit, at least not yet. Maybe they'll explain more and create a tie-in that works and explains things better at the announcement. But for now I'm scratching my head on this one.

Why is he so popular in Tokyo? Is the story the same? Was there a cartoon or animated series promoting him?

 

[GoofyFan1]

Maybe they'll replace SSE with a giant Duffy as the park icon:lookaroun :lol:

 

[David S.]

Why is he so popular in Tokyo? Is the story the same? Was there a cartoon or animated series promoting him?

I think part of it is that the Japanese seem to really appreciate "cuteness" - even adults!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture

I've seen adult Japanese tourists at WDW carrying around Mickey and Minnie plushies in the parks with them like little pets, having them wave at passing parade floats, etc., which I find quite charming!

Here is a youtube clip of the long lines to meet Duffy at Tokyo DisneySea. Notice that a large percentage of the people in line are NOT children, and many are carrying plush Duffys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XotxKZxUFUA

It will be interesting to see if he becomes as popular at the US parks! Personally, I've loved the character since his original incarnation as "Disney Bear", and look forward to seeing him at Epcot!

 

[wm49rs]

Maybe they'll replace SSE with a giant Duffy as the park icon:lookaroun :lol:

Or the hat at DHS......

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Ooooookay. So this fits into World Showcase because the backstory involves Mickey sailing around the world and, since Duffy was with him, Duffy is symbolic of that traveling spirit.

Huh... :shrug:

Fits into World Showcase because Duffy was meant to accompany Mickey on his travels around the world and now he can accompany park guests on their travels around the world. In each country you'll be able to find little trinkets specific to that country for Duffy to collect. Makes perfect sense to me. :wave:

 

[ttalovebug]

I think part of it is that the Japanese seem to really appreciate "cuteness" - even adults!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture

I've seen adult Japanese tourists at WDW carrying around Mickey and Minnie plushies in the parks with them like little pets, having them wave at passing parade floats, etc., which I find quite charming!

Here is a youtube clip of the long lines to meet Duffy at Tokyo DisneySea. Notice that a large percentage of the people in line are NOT children, and many are carrying plush Duffys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XotxKZxUFUA

It will be interesting to see if he becomes as popular at the US parks! Personally, I've loved the character since his original incarnation as "Disney Bear", and look forward to seeing him at Epcot!

Yeah, but that's JAPAN. Japan eats up all cuteness. Not America. I just don't see this having the same affect here.

 

[aladdin2007]

Yeah, but that's JAPAN. Japan eats up all cuteness. Not America. I just don't see this having the same affect here.

Agreed, I think people will enjoy it and it will be known as nice, but not on the massive popularity like Japan, if thats what Disney is hoping they may be in for a letdown. Of course it all depends on how well marketing handles it.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Yeah, but that's JAPAN. Japan eats up all cuteness. Not America. I just don't see this having the same affect here.

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!

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

Fits into World Showcase because Duffy was meant to accompany Mickey on his travels around the world and now he can accompany park guests on their travels around the world. In each country you'll be able to find little trinkets specific to that country for Duffy to collect. Makes perfect sense to me. :wave:

Yeah, I know, there is some sort of connection at least. If Aladdin can be in Morocco, then Duffy can be in World Showcase.

I'm just not a big fan of turning all the Kidcot spots into Duffy spots, though if they throw in some kind of leaning experience about the countries and cultures, then I'll eat my words and commend them on it. But my biggest gripe is with the new character meeting spot they're building along the promenade just for Duffy. Isn't the promenade cluttered enough these days? At least the Donald and Snow White meet and greet areas blend into their respective pavilions and are off to the side away from the main walkway. This Duffy spot is literally on the promenade and will stand alone away from any pavilion. I'm sure it will look nice, but honestly, when will they stop building these structures that keep cluttering World Showcase? :brick:

 

[Magenta Panther]

His backstory is the same as in Tokyo.

Mickey was about to sail around the world so Minnie made him a little teddy bear companion. There was a secret message from Minnie enclosed in a bottle around his neck. Mickey stuffed him into his duffel bag and said bye to Minnie. Mickey named him Duffy because he was in the duffel bag. Then Mickey had a dream that Duffy opened the message and read it to him and he was dressed in a sailor outfit. When Mickey woke up Duffy was dressed as a sailor and the message wasn't in the bottle anymore.

When Mickey returned home and told all of his friends they all wanted Duffy bears. So now all of the Disney characters love him and you should, too!

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:

 

[mickey2008.1]

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.

 

[aladdin2007]

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:

Tell us how you really feel :lol:

 

[Testtrack321]

What I think is interesting is that they're trying to unite all of WS through different characters now instead of letting each pavilion be separate and independent. Kim Possible, Duffy, etc.

Hey it could be worse, it could be that damn Barbie show... :fork:

 

[drew81]

I think part of it is that the Japanese seem to really appreciate "cuteness" - even adults!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness_in_Japanese_culture

I've seen adult Japanese tourists at WDW carrying around Mickey and Minnie plushies in the parks with them like little pets, having them wave at passing parade floats, etc., which I find quite charming!

Here is a youtube clip of the long lines to meet Duffy at Tokyo DisneySea. Notice that a large percentage of the people in line are NOT children, and many are carrying plush Duffys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XotxKZxUFUA

It will be interesting to see if he becomes as popular at the US parks! Personally, I've loved the character since his original incarnation as "Disney Bear", and look forward to seeing him at Epcot!

I think Duffy will be popular but in no way as popular as much as he is in Tokyo. I guess time will tell.

 

[David S.]

Yeah, but that's JAPAN. Japan eats up all cuteness. Not America. I just don't see this having the same affect here.

Yes, I know that the Japanese have incredibly good taste, and that "cuteness" isn't as popular in the States, unfortunately. That's why I can identify more with the Japanese mentality on this subject, and I'm American! (all of my favorite WDW attractions are the ones with the highest "cuteness quotient")

But I wasn't saying he would be a big success in the States (although it would be nice!)

I was just explaining to another poster why he was so popular in Japan - I was explaining the Japanese love of "cuteness".

 

[bluefaery]

Here is a youtube clip of the long lines to meet Duffy at Tokyo DisneySea. Notice that a large percentage of the people in line are NOT children, and many are carrying plush Duffys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XotxKZxUFUA

Don't get me wrong, he's cute & all but I will not be waiting in line to meet with him. When I go to Disney I want to see the original Disney characters & not a bear that looks like he belongs in build-a-bear. I know everyone has their own opinion & this is mine.

 

[BrerFrog]

His backstory is the same as in Tokyo.

Mickey was about to sail around the world so Minnie made him a little teddy bear companion. There was a secret message from Minnie enclosed in a bottle around his neck. Mickey stuffed him into his duffel bag and said bye to Minnie. Mickey named him Duffy because he was in the duffel bag. Then Mickey had a dream that Duffy opened the message and read it to him and he was dressed in a sailor outfit. When Mickey woke up Duffy was dressed as a sailor and the message wasn't in the bottle anymore.

When Mickey returned home and told all of his friends they all wanted Duffy bears. So now all of the Disney characters love him and you should, too!

Not to derail this thread, but that story reminds me of Dinorama. :lookaroun

 

[ms7479a]

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.