So what's the deal with Duffy?

[LisainCalifornia]

Sherry,
I just found the Belle Ella and Jasmine trip reports you were talking about. You are right, very cute pictures! I had read and enjoyed previous trip reports of Belle Ella's, but hadn't seen the recent ones. My daughter loves to look at her pictures because she has so many great ones with characters.

I guess time will tell if Duffy will last. Knowing how great Disney is with their marketing, I'll bet if he continues to be popular they will make some DVD's with him for younger kids. I could see it working well with real life settings (not cartoon)--sort of like "The Lonely Doll" books that were popular in the 1960-70's. Anyone remember those?

It seems like the CM's have been trained well to greet anyone carrying a Duffy in a big way--making a fuss over them. That is good marketing as well!

 

[Disney Dreams]

To say that Duffy is H U G E in Tokyo would be the understatement of the decade. People at TDL line up for a picture with Mickey for maybe an hour. They will wait for a picture with Duffy for HOURS. When new Duffy items are released, people take off from work. He is truly a celebrity there.

As for here, I actually really love Duffy. DH got me one for Channukah last year (and told me I was not to buy myself one prior to December no matter how much I wanted one). Duffy has clothing that is from around the world.

Here is a picture of my Duffy with his Mexico outfit on.

This outfit is significant because DH and I went on a Mexican Riviera cruise for our honeymoon 12 years ago. Therefore, he bought me the Mexico outfit. I have been fortunate enough to travel quite a bit so I was treated to a few other outfits that are significant to me based on location. HOWEVER, Disney has yet to release all the countries' outfits that they announced they would and I am DYING for them to come out.

The Duffy story is a bit confusing because... well, it's TWO stories. Here's a paraphrase of what I read when he was first released here in the United States.

There is the original, "Disney Bear" that many people seem not to know about. A friend of mine has an original bear from 2004. (Lucky!) The story of the ORIGINAL Disney Bear is that he was Mickey's friend, created in his likeness, by Tinkerbell. Some people bought them, many had no clue he even existed. - the end -

Well... not quite. Jump forward a few years. A Disney Cast Member in Tokyo came upon the Disney Bear and asked about it. He was told the Disney Bear was an old concept that didn't really do much and that was it. He asked his he could work on some ideas in his own time, and did so. - Fanfare - Introduce the NEW story.

Mickey was going on some travels. Minnie gave him a bear to keep him safe and remind him of her. He put the bear in his duffle bag, thereby naming him Duffy. Tying to the roots of the original story, the bear was given the full name, Duffy the Disney Bear. Due to the fact taht Duffy the Disney Bear is traveling the world, a giant array of merchandise lends itself to the (new) story.

The CM who worked on this presented it and it was thought to be fantastic. Duffy the Disney Bear appeared in Tokyo with his new story and was a GIANT (as in HUMONGOUS) hit.

The logic would be to (re-)introduce him in the US since the "newly storied" bear was such a smash hit overseas. So, Disney did.

The one thing I don't think Disney counted on? People remember things. And people have a Disney Bear stashed in the back of a closet somewhere. And people scratched their head thinking, "Wait. Don't I already have this bear?"

Ah, but he has a new story (that sort-of-kind-of-almost meshes with the old), a slightly new name, and a plethora of new "goodies' to go with him.

I love my Duffy, the Disney Bear. Oh, and did I mention I also got a HUGE Duffy that is really big and fluffy and soft and sits near my computer as I type? He's a great bear if you like soft, snuggly bears. You know... poke them in the belly and they fold.

Here he is sitting on our couch (for size comparison)

Anywho, that's my Duffy the Disney Bear addition,
Dreams

He has outfits from around the world because he is travelling with Mickey.

 

[Janell]

Duffy is huge in TDS, guest wait 8+ hours in line for the new costumes that come out. I waited in a pin line that was that long. Its funny what people are willing to do and where they will spend their money.

Disney has done a very poor job at introducing Duffy to the state side parks. He to them is just about making money and they haven't figured out that the american guest isn't like the Japanese guest. American guest want a story line, where is this character from? The meet and greet areas for Duffy are just carved out from something they already had, where TDS(Tokyo Disney Seas) has a whole land(they call it a port) that Duffy fits into. Disney could have done a much better job if they had really thought about the placement of Duffy and making him work. All Disney sees is the sales in Tokyo and they want the sales in the State parks.

Its interesting to hear someone say that $25 for Duffy is to high. I wonder what the other plushes are selling for? Must be less for a 17" plush. In Tokyo Duffy would sell for 3500 yen, which is about $35-40. And they are selling the same bears at the moment.

I guess this is why the costumes are of less quality and detail in the states then in Toyko. Tokyo costumes run about $35 and they are so worth it. The detail is amazing and the quality of fabrics is also good. Im pretty sure the states side park guest wont pay that much for a costume and that is why they are cheaper and less quality. Which is fine. But I do wonder if they had the better quality, limited edition costumes if that would help Duffy take off? I mean who thought the pins would be so exciting to guest and cost so much? Wow I looked at a pin the other day and was like, this is to much for a pin. But guest love them, so who am I to say. lol

Side note, anyone who goes to Tokyo Disneyland Resort, take a big suite case. The shopping there is amazing. Its as good as it was at DLR in the 90's.

 

[Sherry E]

Side note, anyone who goes to Tokyo Disneyland Resort, take a big suite case. The shopping there is amazing. Its as good as it was at DLR in the 90's.

Janell - I won't be making a trip to Tokyo any time in the near future, but your last sentence spoke to me! The DLR souvenirs and the overall clever concepts of those souvenirs were great in the '90s, so I know exactly what you mean - I can't even begin to think of how much money I spent on cool watches and other kinds of collectibles at DLR back then. I would come home from DLR trips with bags full of stuff. I noticed a big change in the souvenirs after, say, 2000 or so. Nowadays, there are not many things that grab my attention anymore. I guess that's a good thing because I am not tempted to spend money! I'd be in trouble if DLR was still churning out the same kinds of stuff that they had back then.

 

[Janell]

Janell - I won't be making a trip to Tokyo any time in the near future, but your last sentence spoke to me! The DLR souvenirs and the overall clever concepts of those souvenirs were great in the '90s, so I know exactly what you mean - I can't even begin to think of how much money I spent on cool watches and other kinds of collectibles at DLR back then. I would come home from DLR trips with bags full of stuff. I noticed a big change in the souvenirs after, say, 2000 or so. Nowadays, there are not many things that grab my attention anymore. I guess that's a good thing because I am not tempted to spend money! I'd be in trouble if DLR was still churning out the same kinds of stuff that they had back then.

Oh I hear you, I love love love Disney Watches. I have more then I care to count. I too would spend a lot when at DL back then. I would do a lot of christmas shopping and you could buy things that weren't Disney, but you got your AP discount.

As for Tokyo, the air fare is what really makes that trip pricey. You can find good hotels for a lower price then any of the Disneyland hotels. Ticket prices are cheaper in Tokyo. Food is about the same cost. So if you ever can go, go. I grew up at DL and its my home park. I got married at WDW so it holds a special place in my heart. But Tokyo Disney is by far my favorite parks. Anyhow I am way off topic.

I would suggest to anyone to check out the micechat boards on Duffy. A lot of fan and the back story. Duffy has a friend named Shellie May who isn't in the states as of now. I think if you check out the boards, you will see how Tokyo really does up Duffy and why he is so popular there and what the state side parks are missing to make Duffy bigger.

Duffy is a very well made bear, soft and cuddly. I love the hidden Mickeys, as it brings Disney into what would be just an ordinary bear.

If you are looking for more or different clothes for Duffy, Build a Bear clothes fit him just fine. And are some times cheaper then Disney and sad to say better made in they have more details.

 

[eeyorepixie]

o.k. this is kind of funny, I started reading this thread because I have never heard of duffy, so than I scanned the thread hoping for a picture...

I get to the picture and think to myself oh he kinda cute, but then I saw the mickey head on the paws and I realize we own one, LOL
I bought one for my daughter, because it was a purchase with purchase deal in DTD at DW for $10.00 at the toy store.

Now we know he is Duffy, and I can't wait to tell my DD the story of Duffy.

 

[vew-tori]

We have Duffy and can't wait to bring him to DLR. My sister's family brought him back from their WDW trip last November. My sister wrote a cute letter for DD explaining that he was now a member of the famliy and would be passed around to family members when they traveled or needed a special friend. My dad broke his hip last month and is currently in a rehab. Our DD's decided that Pops needed Duffy with him to keep him company. It was very sweet of them. Luckily he should get out the end of next week so that we can get Duffy back for our trip.

I hope he catches on. I agree they need to market him a little better though.

 

[cloudconnected1039]

And here I was thinking it was just me. I don't get it either. I almost searched for that thread that was around a while back called "What don't you get that everyone else seems to get?" or something like that. My top 2 "I don't get it" things would be "Duffy" and "the fancy food at Napa Rose that doesn't really look like food to me."

ETA...might as well make it a Top 3 while I'm thinking about it. Vinylmation.

I completely agree with you!! I remember walking into World of Disney and seeing an entire section of what looked like tiny, creepy, fake Mickey body/head things. See I can't even explain what they are!! They must be an acquired taste

 

[deejdigsdis]

o.k. this is kind of funny, I started reading this thread because I have never heard of duffy, so than I scanned the thread hoping for a picture...

I get to the picture and think to myself oh he kinda cute, but then I saw the mickey head on the paws and I realize we own one, LOL

I completely agree with you!! I remember walking into World of Disney and seeing an entire section of what looked like tiny, creepy, fake Mickey body/head things See I can't even explain what they are!! They must be an acquired taste

That is a great description! I put them in the same category as clowns. Just creepy!

 

[Davids-Coco]

We also have the old Mickey Bear ones for our older DS and have two others. I did buy a "duffy" because now our younger has one two. They seem identical... except duffy doesn't come in a ton of colors. I really like them. But don't understand the odd recycle. WHy not just keep the original?

 

[cloudconnected1039]

That is a great description! I put them in the same category as clowns. Just creepy!

I'm glad we're on the same brain wave!!

 

[skiingfast]

I'm remember this great idea of Disney Merchandising. It was to sell little pieces of metal and plastic for a few bucks. And to get people to put the little pieces of junk a necklace to put them on.

Anyone here own a disney lanyard? How many also have pins on them?

Same goes with the little lumps of plastic that probably cost 35 cents to make and 50 cents to sell. Some people sure have a lot of vinylmations.

In a year we can see if Duffy is a million dollar idea at DLR too.

 

[Disney Dreams]

We also have the old Mickey Bear ones for our older DS and have two others. I did buy a "duffy" because now our younger has one two. They seem identical... except duffy doesn't come in a ton of colors. I really like them. But don't understand the odd recycle. WHy not just keep the original?

Read my post above. I explained exactly what you have asked.

- Dreams

 

[Davids-Coco]

Read my post above. I explained exactly what you have asked.

- Dreams

Sorry, I shouldn't have posted a rhetorical question... It's really more of an opinion. Liked the original, so why not keep it, lol.

 

[jacs1234]

We walked past a lonely duffy once and the cm's were begging people to have their pictures taken with him

 

[Amommy21]

Once you get over the fact that everything at DL is just made up and sometimes forced on you what's wrong with introducing new characters? Pixar introduces them and people eat them up... The pixies totally push peter pan to the side and people eat it up. I love the Duffy story and think it's adorable. Plus Duffy is a simple classic teddy bear. We totally fell for it during our December trip:

The Story of Duffy The Disney Bear
One day, Mickey Mouse was getting ready
to set sail on a long sea voyage.
Minnie Mouse made him a special teddy bear
to take with him so he would never be lonely.
Minnie presented her hand sewn bear
to Mickey in a duffel bag.
Mickey loved the bear and named him Duffy.


As Mickey and Duffy sailed on their journey,
they visited all sorts of exciting places
and make new friends along the way.
At the end of their travels,
they sailed back home
for a wonderful reunion with Minnie.


Mickey and Duffy shared their magical
memories and photos with Minnie,
who was thrilled that Duffy was such
a great friend and companion for Mickey.

Where will you take your Duffy?
​

Duffy is all the rage in Tokyo. And isn't he so cute? He's soft, cuddly and a classic. We just fell in love with him and had to bring one home! DS carried this giant teddy bear all over Disneyland. He went on all the rides including California Screamin' (which goes upside down), The Matterhorn and Space Mountain.


Because Duffy is new at Disney's California Adventure the cast members give you lots of attention and say things like, "I like your Duffy Bear" or "That's sure a big Duffy Bear." Which of course DS just loved. And if you are lucky enough to get to hold Duffy DS will give you these instructions each and every time he hands him over to you, "Hold him under the arms (I guess so his head doesn't pop off?), rub his tummy and scratch him behind the ears!"


DS sure enjoyed carrying around his new best buddy. And apparently he makes a great pillow if you happen to fall asleep before dessert at Napa Rose with Auntie and Uncle!​

And at the end of the day,
that's what makes the perfect teddy bear.

Have you hugged Duffy yet?
​

 

[tzeitel]

Amommy21 - awesome pictures and your DS is adorable! The photos remind me of when I was little and carried my Pluto plush all over the parks - and pretty much everywhere else

 

[curiouslittleoyster]

I'm still undecided on Duffy. I agree that it seems like he was just "thrown out there" or forced on us. As for the story, I didn't hear about it until recently. All the things I read and heard about originally when Duffy hit DCA was that it's big in Tokyo. I think it would have been nice if there was more of a introduction for Duffy...maybe in a cartoon as a side character first? More parade appearances alongside Mickey and Minnie, more advertising/marketing, perhaps? I think it would have helped to introduce him better before trying to establish him as a main character.
On the other hand, I was one of the few people who stood in line to take a picture with him during a recent visit and I have to tell you, he is really soft! I love hugging him because of how soft his fur is. LOL

 

[Corbisblue]

Just adding to what has already been said a few times here

I was in Japan this past summer and before then I had no idea who Duffy was. A good friend of mine (who lives in Japan) wanted to take me to Tokyo DisneySea, I wasn't going to argue! She had Shellie Mae and her boyfriend had Duffy and would both carry them around in their backpacks, it was extremely cute.

There were TONS of people carrying Duffys around and there are tons of photo spots to take photos of your Duffy Bear.

We had to get a "pass" to even get into the store where they sold all the Duffy merchandise. When we went in, 2 hours later, they CMs could hardly keep up with the number of people grabbing all the new outfits that came out. It was pretty insane. I wasn't going to buy one since I was basically backpacking around Japan and adding unnecessary items to my bag wasn't ideal. My friends ended up buying me a Duffy Keychain.

The keychain reminds me of my friends and the time we spent together in Tokyo DisneySea. So for myself there's an emotional connection with Duffy because I can relate it to a specific event and people. This is why I love that Duffy is over here in America now.

Disney is the master of connecting people's emotions to their brand, characters, movies, merchandise, etc.

I think the reason why a lot of people don't really like Duffy that much, or get it, is because he was (as mentioned many times) just dropped into the parks in the US. There's nothing really to connect emotionally with the character like we can so easily with other popular characters.

If they want Duffy to be popular (I highly doubt it'll become a craze like in Japan) they have to come up with a way to get people to connect emotionally with the character.

I do hope Duffy sticks around in the US because I really do enjoy the character and the small back story is extremely cute.

 

[Sherry E]

Just adding to what has already been said a few times here

I was in Japan this past summer and before then I had no idea who Duffy was. A good friend of mine (who lives in Japan) wanted to take me to Tokyo DisneySea, I wasn't going to argue! She had a Shellie Mae and her boyfriend had Duffy and would both carry them around in their backpacks, it was extremely cute.

There were TONS of people carrying Duffys around and there are tons of photo spots to take photos of your Duffy Bear.

We had to get a "pass" to even get into the store where they sold all the Duffy merchandise. When we went in, 2 hours later, they CMs could hardly keep up with the number of people grabbing all the new outfits that came out. It was pretty insane. I wasn't going to buy one since I was basically backpacking around Japan and adding unnecessary items to my bag wasn't ideal. My friends ended up buying me a Duffy Keychain.

The keychain reminds me of my friends and the time we spent together in Tokyo DisneySea. So for myself there's an emotional connection with Duffy because I can relate it to a specific event and people. This is why I love that Duffy is over here in America now.

Disney is the master of connection people's emotions to their brand, characters, movies, merchandise, etc.

I think the reason why a lot of people don't really like Duffy that much, or get it, is because he was (as mentioned many times) just dropped into the parks in the US. There's nothing really to connect emotionally with the character like we can so easily with other popular characters.

If they want Duffy to be popular (I highly doubt it'll become a craze like in Japan) they have to come up with a way to get people to connect emotionally with the character.

I do hope Duffy sticks around in the US because I really do enjoy the character and the small back story is extremely cute.

Corbisblue - Very well said. I think you articulated it perfectly. I bet you're 100% right - even if those of us who don't 'get it' yet don't realize it (it may be subconscious), it is probably largely due to the lack of emotional connection.

See, for me, I see the Pixar characters taking off like wildfire and becoming extremely popular because there are movies featuring the characters - and almost every one of those movies tugs at the heart strings. Who here hasn't had to discreetly wipe a tear or two from their eyes during any of the "Toy Story" movies...or "Finding Nemo"...or "Monsters, Inc."....or "Wall-E"...all of them, really?

The Pixar characters are so well-defined, witty, fleshed out and expertly animated - it's like they are human, almost. Those storylines evoke emotion. Hence, they are very well-loved and beloved.

With Duffy, all of a sudden, there he was in DCA. My friends grew up going to DLR but they don't follow message boards so they have no clue who Duffy is. I would bet it's the same for many people. They have no idea who this Duffy is or where he came from, but there he is at a photo op in DCA.

So I think a cartoon or movie would have been highly beneficial in getting some buzz going for Duffy in Anaheim and building a fan base. I'm sure he will grow on people - heck, I said in my first post that I got in photos with Duffy on my December trip. We all welcome new characters. Some of them catch on and some don't, but it helps if they have a movie or a running TV show to familiarize people with those characters.