Duffy Meet and Greet???

[NaCler]

Interesting news for EPCOT...

http://www.wdwnewstoday.com/2010/09/18/ ... ffy-world/

Interested in what you guys think about this. Where did this bear come from and WHY is he about to be shoved down our throats (FACEBOOK page, really???)? Especially at EPCOT. Anyone know the thinking behind this one? (Besides more money in merchandise sales)

EDIT: Sorry... it should be right now.

[MmeLeota]

I think the wrong article got posted. Although the Art of Animation hotel sounds pretty awesome!

I saw this on MiceChat yesterday...

Top Disney character in Japan comes to U.S. parks
In most Disney parks, Mickey Mouse draws the most attention. But in Tokyo, Mickey’s stuffed animal, Duffy the Disney Bear, rivals the classic character in popularity.

Some reports show that Disney’s Japan resort even sells more Duffy merchandise and has longer lines to meet the Duffy character.

Now, Disney is trying out Duffy in its U.S. parks.

On Sunday, Duffy will make his debut at Disney California Adventure during private presentations for annual passholders only. Reservations filled up within a few days of opening up, said John McClintock, a Disneyland Resort spokesman.

Disney officials are releasing few details about their plans for Duffy in the U.S. parks. Disney’s merchandise department put out a newsletter, announcing the annual passholder events for California and Florida parks this weekend. Duffy is set to become part of Disney California Adventure lineup this fall, according to the newsletter.

“We look forward to sharing more information about Duffy the Bear at upcoming events for passholders. In the meantime, we don’t have any additional information to share,” Disney officials said in a prepared statement.

http://ocresort.ocregister.com/2010/09/ ... rks/55706/

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. Sure he's a cute bear, but I think it's a cultural thing, and I'm not sure he will be as popular here.

I can't help but wonder if Disney is hoping to make a Duffy movie and wants to see how well he is accepted here in the U.S.

[Amy]

Duffy is huge over in Japan!

[boilerbabe]

I'm not sure how I feel about this?!

[Amy]

I'm not sure how I feel about this?!

I feel good about it if lots of people decide to queue up for Duffy and leave the attraction lines a little shorter!

[Len90]

Duffy is huge over in Japan!

So can we contain Duffy to Japan?

[jeremyleo]

Almost looks like Disney is jumping on the 'Build a Bear' bandwagon (which, I think, has kind of fizzled out already) with different seasonal and cultural outfits. I appreciate that this phenomenon is big in Japan - who better to make it a big phenomenon is North America than Disney. Sounds like they are throwing lots of marketing at this venture, and real-estate as well with the Epcot Kidspots gearing up for Duffy makeovers (according to the original article above).

Not sure how I feel about this. I am certain my kids will not find this overly exciting, unless it becomes all the rage...

[Amy]

Duffy is huge over in Japan!

So can we contain Duffy to Japan?

Sounds like it is too late

[Mousekedude]

Everybody has pretty-much nailed this on the head. It's a fad in Japan, and now Disney wants to see if they can cash in on it here. A cynical move, based on pure love of profits, for sure. It's definitely a take-off of the "Build-a-Bear" phenomenon of recent years (which is actually fading, truth be told...). I can see it working in Japan, where their culture has its own different hot-buttons of commercial success. But here... not so sure. Americans have a different perspective of Disney than Japanese, who see Disney as just another entertainment venue in a long line-up of flash-in-the-pan successes. Here, we see Disney as an icon of American values and culture... something to be cherished and passed on from one generation to the next. And you don't mess with that formula lightly. So if I had to guess, I'd say that the Duffy Bear thing won't be such a big hit here. Oh yeah, there will be those who get swept up in the hoopla... the same types who get caught up in every fad from Pet Rocks (remember those?) to dancing the Macarena... but overall I think the vast majority of dyed-in-the-wool Disney afficianados will reject this cynical money-grubbing experiment.
That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

[Amy]

Sounds about right M-dude. I will be able to resist this latest fad with no problem...

[Dr. Ravenscroft]

I thought Disney didn't hire Pedo bears?????

[Len90]

Duffy is huge over in Japan!

So can we contain Duffy to Japan?

Sounds like it is too late

I should have elaborated a bit... Can we contain Duffy to the Japan pavilion.

M-dude that is hitting the nail on the head!

[Amy]

Duffy is huge over in Japan!

So can we contain Duffy to Japan?

Sounds like it is too late

I should have elaborated a bit... Can we contain Duffy to the Japan pavilion.
M-dude that is hitting the nail on the head!

Oh! Hee-hee, guess I was thinking a bit more globally

[MmeLeota]

Can we contain Duffy to the Japan pavilion.

I think it would be ok if they wanted to do that...since it is so popular in Japan. But just don't shove this character down our throats and start putting Duffy everywhere....

[NaCler]

But, the meet and greet isn't located near Japan and the article said that they were going to have different clothing/accessories available for each country. So, it looks like containing this atrocity to Japan only is totally out the window. Unless there is some kind of Supreme Minister/Dictator we could get to stop this thing...

Devil's Advocate... Who knows... maybe this thing takes off like Silly Bands did...