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One Disney resort is set to dethrone Mickey Mouse as its icon for a full year from April.
Mickey Mouse, the heart of The Walt Disney Company, has been the brand’s face since 1928. As he nears his 100th birthday, he still reigns as the face of Disney parks worldwide—but he isn’t necessarily its most popular character.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Over the past decade, Duffy the Disney Bear has emerged as the star of Disney parks in Asia, including Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland. Disney revealed in 2023 that Duffy and Friends bring in a staggering $500 million annually in merchandise sales.
In response, these parks have fully embraced Duffy, creating more experiences and shifting the focus away from Mickey.
Credit: Disney
That’s the case at Tokyo Disney Resort, where a year-long Duffy and Friends celebration will kick off on April 8, 2025, and run until March 19, 2026.
“Duffy and Friends 20th: Colorful Happiness” is intended to celebrate 20 years of Duffy and Friends, all of whom have a fairly permanent home at Tokyo DisneySea, where guests can enjoy the dinner show “Duffy and Friends’ Wonderful Friendship.”
Disney initially debuted Duffy as “The Disney Bear” at Walt Disney World in 2002 to celebrate the opening of Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney. However, the character truly found its footing with a relaunch overseas in 2005. That’s why next year marks the 20th anniversary, not 2022.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
During the event’s duration, guests can expect an array of Duffy-themed decorations, meet-and-greets, special menu items, and, of course, merchandise. Merch inspired by Duffy, ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, ‘Olu Mel, and LinaBell goes like hotcakes at Disney’s Asian parks, with a chaotic eight-hour line forming for the launch of new LinaBell drops at Shanghai Disneyland in March.
Tokyo Disney Resort is currently celebrating Christmas, with one more event to go before Duffy and Friends 20th: Colorful Happiness (the tagline of which is “When together, rainbows of hope and friendship shine”) begins. Ironically, this event is also set to be Duffy-themed.
Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort
Duffy & Friends: Wonderful Kitchen – which runs from January 15 through March 31, 2025 – will mark CookieAnn and LinaBell’s first meet-and-greet appearances at Tokyo DisneySea.
Who’s Who in the Duffy and Friends Clan?
If you’ve never visited one of Disney’s Asian parks, odds are you haven’t encountered the vast majority of Duffy and Friends. Each has its own distinct personality – and an extremely passionate fanbase.
- Duffy the Disney Bear: The original star, gifted to Mickey by Minnie for his travels. Recently spotted at EPCOT and holiday events stateside.
- ShellieMay: Duffy’s adventurous friend, introduced in 2010. Known for her Cape Cod roots and crafting gifts.
- Gelatoni: The artistic cat from Mediterranean Harbor, always rocking his blue beret.
- StellaLou: A Broadway-bound rabbit from New York, with Hong Kong Ballet credentials to prove it.
- CookieAnn: A chef dog from Main Street, U.S.A., who inspired her own bakery at Shanghai Disneyland.
- ‘Olu Mel: A ukulele-playing turtle born at Disney’s Aulani Resort, now a fan favorite despite some legal drama.
- LinaBell: A clever pink fox with a massive fanbase and long meet-and-greet lines in Asia.
Who’s your favorite member of Duffy and Friends?
