Disney Bear! Mickey’s Friend Duffy!

Duffy the Disney Bear is the sweetest bear ever!  He was created in 2002 for the ‘Once Upon a Toy Story’ store in Walt Disney World.  At that time he was known as ‘The Disney Bear’.  I fell for him right away when I saw him!  We bought one for me and one for my daughter.  Her Disney Bear has followed her through college and is now with her while she studies in graduate school.  My Disney Bear sits on my bed, next to Tigger.  Yes, I have been known to cuddle him.  The Disney Bear’s story is a different version of the story told today about Duffy the Disney Bear.Here is the original story.

Mickey Mouse was in Magic Kingdom and he had his favorite stuffed bear with him.  He sat in front of the castle and wished for a best friend that he could share the magic of the theme park with. Tinkerbell appeared before him and sprinkled pixie dust on his bear.   Mickey hugged his bear and magically a Mickey shape appeared on the bear’s face.  Mickey and the Disney Bear were bonded forever.

In 2004 Duffy the Disney Bear introduced at Tokyo Disney.  His new story was introduced in 2005.  The book ”Duffy the Disney Bear.  Mickey’s New Friend” was released in 2011.

Minnie made a special gift to keep Mickey company when he was sailing around the world to see friends.  She presented it to Mickey in a duffel bag. Mickey, delighted with his gift, pulled out the gift, a very special bear, and named him Duffy. Mickey and Duffy embarked on many special voyages and Duffy got to meet all of Mickey’s friends. Each time they returned home, Mickey and Duffy would share their stories and photos with Minnie.

Duffy came to the United States Disney parks in October of 2010.  At that time he began meeting guests in several of the Disney theme parks.  Duffy the Disney Bear even has his own show at The Cape Cod Cook Off Restaurant at Tokyo Disney.  The show is called “My Friend Duffy.”   In 2011 Duffy appeared for the first time in Disneyland Paris and he sailed on the Disney Wonder that year, too!  He has been a busy bear.

When the plush Duffy the Disney Bear was introduced in the United States, he had several outfits available to purchase.  Each outfit represented an area of Disneyland or Walt Disney World.  The outfits were designed by Disney Design Group Artist Monty Maldovan.  Duffy the Disney Bear met with guests at Epcot, so had many outfits themed for the Epcot World Showcase countries.

Since that time Duffy’s popularity has grown.  In fact, Duffy the Disney Bear lots of merchandising options for purchase.  He has several different outfits, such as Duffy the Disney Bear Jedi, shown here.  If you want a Duffy Pin, or a Duffy shirt, or a Duffy Vinylmation, or any other number of Duffy the Disney bear options, they are available throughout the theme parks.

Duffy the Disney Bear has lots of new things on the horizon, too.  You will see seasonal Duffy merchandise available to purchase.  In fact, Duffy already has been sporting Mother’s Day and Father’s Day shirts.  He will be dressed appropriately for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot this year, too.

The plush Duffy the Disney Bear has risen to be one of the most purchased souvenirs.  He is so huggable, and I promise you he will not fall apart.  In fact, he has been through the wash at my house and remains fluffy and cuddly after ten years of loving.

Share the Magic~*~*~*