The Japanese audience doesn't surprise me since a large percentage of the population there is into Anime. The teddy bear itself isn't what sickens me, I think he's fine as long as they aren't making cartoons focused on him. What bothers me is how Disney marketing shoves new products/pop stars/what-have-you down our throats while claiming it's been there all along and we love it. It reminds me of a mother making her child eat his vegetables, falsely claiming "you've always loved this" just to make him eat.
That said, DIS stock is looking pretty good, I have to give them that.
LOL, That might be problem. It isn't really "marketing". I've worked marketing and done correctly it tailors itself to each audience. That's one thing that usually Disney does very well. They dropped the ball on this one. NO way did the do any marketing research and come up with Duffy being a good idea in the states. If you go to DLP while it's still "Disney" it has a very unique European flavor, that while is recognizable to international visitors bends itself to what is popular with a European audience.
When Disney launches marketing campaigns to bring in specific vacation dollars, it's done very well.
Duffy does not, personally I think it was Disney trying to grab some of the "build a bear" loot.
I've read and seen the merchandising they have at the parks around Duffy (mainly in epcot) and it's pretty sad and week. Just my opinion. I am not a teddy bear expert by any means.
He just gives me a "money grab" feeling. No thought into the product, no imagination, no development (and I mean no character development. the few books associated with Duffy are pretty sad).
Like some poor imagineer had to come up with a character 5 minutes before he left on a long holiday.
I don't generally give him much thought. Every time I see him at Epcot he looks a bit lonely. maybe one or two persons visiting but other than that, simply an after thought.
I always question....With 50 gabillon other characters in your arsenal, Duffy is what you came up with? Really?
So we are just a bit over 2 months out for our visit at VWL. I was curious if anyone knew what time the Territory Lounge opened? We are looking to grab a small bite to eat there on our arrival day for dinner. Also, is making a request for a balcony room odd? I just worry about my 2&4 year old running out into the bushes.....
A high floor makes sense 
We are not alone!
