While most Disney characters are familiar to guests – such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Chip and Dale – not every theme-park character enjoys such easy recognition. For instance, many guests don't know who Duffy the Disney Bear is or, if so, where to find him.
Who is Duffy the Disney Bear?
Duffy the Disney Bear is a stuffed bear described as Mickey Mouse’s special friend and a world traveler. Minnie Mouse made Duffy as a companion for Mickey. Duffy joins Mickey on his travels to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line trip.
Duffy is present at Disney Parks as both a fur character, available for photos ops and hugs, and a collectible plush who can be dressed up in various outfits. In fact, one of the joys for Duffy fans is in owning their own Duffy plush and taking him on their trips to Disney theme parks or other destinations.
See photos of Disney the Duffy Bear, watch Duffy's debut at Epcot, or read an article about where to find other Disney characters.
Duffy’s back-story actually encourages guests to travel with the bear as part of their Disney trips. For instance, Walt Disney World’s page for Duffy encourages photos taken with both Duffy the fur character and Duffy the plush:
Say "Cheese!" with Duffy
Duffy has fallen in love with traveling the world. He can be found greeting friends in Epcot near the Mexico Pavilion, waiting for Mickey to take him on his next expedition. This special bear loves taking pictures with new friends! Snap a photo with Duffy at Friendship Gazebo and remember to say "Cheese!"
Bring Duffy Along
Now YOU can grin and bear it with Duffy!
Minnie has made dozens more plush bears, just like Duffy, so you will be able to take him on your adventures through Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. Try to get a picture with your Duffy plush in front of all of your favorite attractions.
Duffy even has his own Facebook page where fans can post photos of their own Duffys in special outfits and on trips.
Duffy was first created for Once Upon a Toy Store at Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort, in 2002. He was originally was called simply the Disney Bear. He did have a minimal back-story: Mickey’s teddy bear, a companion brought to life at Magic Kingdom by Tinker Bell’s pixie dust. At that point, he was seen as akin to a Build-A-Bear Workshop, and not an overwhelmingly successful addition to the parks.
But Duffy the Disney Bear then became popular at Tokyo Disney Resort. In 2004, the character was adopted by the Oriental Land Company (who owns the resort) as Tokyo DisneySea's mascot. They re-named the teddy bear in 2005, gave him his current back-story, and promoted Duffy as a meet-and-greet character in his own right.
After this success, he was re-introduced to Walt Disney World and Disneyland, debuting at the domestic parks in 2010.
Where can guests find and meet Duffy the Disney Bear?
Duffy The Disney Bear character appearances take place some of the Disney Parks. Guests who want to see Duffy at the various theme parks should plan on visiting these areas. Duffy plush animals, costumes and other merchandise are sold nearby.
- At Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort, visit Duffy The Disney Bear headquarters in Disney Traders East located at the entrance to World Showplace.
- At Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort, visit Duffy's Landing in Paradise Pier, near the Treasures In Paradise.
- At Tokyo DisneySea Park at Tokyo Disney Resort, visit Duffy The Disney Bear in the American Waterfront Area.
- Duffy the Disney Bear can also be found at Hong Kong Disneyland and aboard some Disney Cruise Line trips.
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