If the latest rumors are to be believed, an exciting addition is heading to EPCOT this summer.
Like all Disney parks, EPCOT has changed significantly over the years. No longer known as EPCOT Center, the theme park has gradually drifted from its original identity that primarily celebrated human achievement to become significantly heavier in Disney IP.
For example, recent years have seen the park – which is the second-oldest at Walt Disney World Resort – welcome the likes of Journey of Water – Inspired By Moana, Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
This summer, it seems like the park will also welcome another piece of Disney IP – although this one is a little bit more niche.
New Disney Announcement Sparks Excitement
Yesterday, Scott Gustin confirmed that a V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days character greeting is coming to Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT from June 9 to July 31, 2025.
NEW: A V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days character greeting is coming to Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT. The character will make appearances June 9 through July 31 from 10am to 6pm.
NEW: A V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days character greeting is coming to Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT. The character will make appearances June 9 through July 31 from 10am to 6pm. pic.twitter.com/cv0NG1kK0r
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 5, 2025
Considering the location, fans have been quick to assume that this means none other than Duffy the Disney Bear is heading back to EPCOT.
As diehard Duffy fans will know, while the bear is today primarily affiliated with Disney’s theme parks in Asia, he actually made his debut as “the Disney Bear” at Walt Disney World Resort’s Once Upon a Toy shop in what was then Downtown Disney in 2002.
Duffy later debuted at Tokyo Disney Resort, where he received a new backstory and a name and blew up into the mega-success that he remains to this day. Over the years, Duffy – who now rivals Mickey Mouse in popularity – has received several new friends, such as ShellieMay, StellaLou, and LinaBell, with meet-and-greet wait times often stretching on for hours and merchandise drops sparking outright chaos at the parks.
While Disney also added Duffy to EPCOT in 2010, he failed to make the same impact as he did overseas. The character was eventually phased out, but has grown a significantly more passionate fanbase in the years since, leading to many rooting for his permanent return to the U.S.
The character has made small cameos over the years – for example, at Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and in the character cavalcade at Disneyland Resort for its ongoing 70th anniversary celebration. Now it seems like Disney may be trialing a bigger return to EPCOT.
Response to Duffy’s Potential Return
For now, this is just a rumor. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from sharing their excitement over the prospect of meeting Duffy on American soil (or, well, German soil).
“Duffy?” said one X, formerly known as Twitter, user. “Is that you bestie?”
Another wrote, “If it’s Duffy, I’m going to be so happy. Been wanting him to come back for years.”
Others have floated the theory that this isn’t actually Duffy after all and that another character is heading for the pavilion. Some suggestions include one of the Seven Dwarfs, which would be much better aligned with the Germany Pavilion, considering the tale of Snow White‘s German origins.
Even if it isn’t Duffy, one thing’s clear — the world is ready for more of the beloved bear. Ball’s in your court, Disney.
Would you like to see Duffy return to Disney World?
