Duffy the Disney Bear

Year of the Rabbit Merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland

January 29, 2011 By Erin De Santiago 6 Comments

Along with the Chinese New Year decorations and Lucky Fortune Trail, Hong Kong Disneyland debuted new Year of the Rabbit merchandise. Since the 5th Anniversary merchandise was obviously being more prominently featured, the Chinese New Year merchandise was spread throughout the various stores. It seemed like I’d find something else new every time I would walk into another store.

For the Year of the Rabbit, there were five individual pins released, three of which are limited to 300 each. There is also a four pin set that feature a flocked effect on the bunnies.

cny37 — Set of four Year of the Rabbit pins

Hong Kong Disneyland also has Chinese New Year plush and keychain beanies. Mickey and Minnie are dressed in red and pink bunny suits, while “Thumper’s girlfriend” is also a plush and beanie. The large ones are 140 HKD while the keychains are 70 HKD. The large rabbit plush seemed to be the most popular as we picked up the last one in the Emporium, but I did see them in Fantasyland as well.

cny41 — Year of the Rabbit plush and keychain beanies

Chinese New Year merchandise would not be complete without hongbao, or red envelopes. In Chinese culture, these are used during Chinese New Year and for other holidays where gifts are given. Instead of traditional gifts, money is put into the hongbao and given to the wedding couple or other recipient. Since we moved to Taiwan, I’ve been able to find a number of Disney themed envelopes around Taipei, so I had to get these of course!

The window decorations adorning the Corner Cafe windows were also available in a smaller scale. There were magnets, lenticular playing cards, several keychain and cell phone charms, and my personal favorite — a tea set! There was a Year of the Rabbit teapot and cups and matching rice bowl with spoons available. Mickey and Minnie were in Chinese outfits and the detail on each featured the rabbit design. These were unexpected finds in Fantasyland so we picked up the last ones on the shelf!

cny52 — Bowl and spoon set that match the teapot

If you are headed to Hong Kong Disneyland, all remaining merchandise should be available through February 13, and if there are any pins left, they will still be on sale after the Chinese New Year event ends.

Gallery with more photos:

Year of the Rabbit decorations that match Corner Cafe window ones

Some Duffy the Disney Bears were available in Chinese New Year Outfits

Duffy the Disney Bear and Shellie May Christmas Treats at Tokyo DisneySEA

December 25, 2010 By Erin De Santiago 5 Comments

Of course, no holiday celebration at the Tokyo Disney Resort would be complete without Duffy and Shellie May! For Christmas 2010, Tokyo DisneySEA offered four Duffy the Disney Bear related snacks and desserts. There were souvenir plates and cups for Duffy and Shellie May, a new popcorn basket, and even a Duffy shaped cookie!

Tokyo DisneySEA Duffy Cookie

There is a fun treat available now — soft cookies in the shape of Duffy’s head for 350 yen. This is a new food stall (at least it was not there when I was at DisneySEA in September), so I am wondering if it is going to be a regular fixture in Cape Cod.

Goodies28 — Duffy the Disney Bear cookie at Tokyo DisneySEA

Goodies27 — Close up of Duffy the Disney Bear cookie

Goodies26 — Duffy the Disney Bear food stall

Goodies25 — Close up of sign and decorations on new food stall

Tokyo DisneySEA Duffy and Shellie May Christmas 2010 Souvenir Plates and Cups

For the seasonal Duffy and Shellie May plates and cups, some people are under the impression you have to go to the “My Friend Duffy” show in order to purchase them, but you do not. They have two lines — one for those who want to purchase just food and the other long line is the one to purchase food and see the show. To purchase the souvenir desserts, go to the line on the left and tell them you are just there for food.

Goodies36 — Cute seasonal sign for Duffy and Shellie May souvenir desserts

Thankfully, I had my husband with me this trip so I did not look like a total pig ordering all four desserts! When I was out in September, I was all alone (except for the Duffy Bears in tow of course) and felt completely self-conscious ordering four desserts and one drink! I ended up eating only two and took the other two back to my hotel for breakfast the next two days!

For the 2010 Christmas event, Tokyo DisneySEA sold Salted Caramel Mousse for the souvenir cups (600 yen each) and Strawberry Custard Tarts with the souvenir plates (700 yen each). Proof of Tokyo Disney’s attention to detail is further demonstrated in the desserts as each contains either a Shellie May or Duffy cookie on top — they do not skimp and feature just the Duffy Bear dessert they put on each plate or cup. It’s the small touches like this that make me fall more in love with the Tokyo Disney Resort.

Goodies16 — Shellie May Christmas 2010 plate detail

Goodies17 — Front side of the 2010 Christmas Shellie May cup

Goodies18 — Back side of the 2010 Christmas Shellie May cup

Goodies19 — 2010 Christmas Duffy the Disney Bear souvenir plate

Goodies20 — Front side of Duffy the Disney Bear 2010 Christmas souvenir cup

Goodies21 — Back side of Duffy the Disney Bear souvenir cup

Goodies22 — Detail on the bottom of the Duffy and Shellie May souvenir cups and plates

As with all the desserts I’ve had at Tokyo Disney – these were excellent! The salted caramel mousse was awesome – so light and just a perfect blend of sweet and savory. The strawberry custard tarts were moist and flavorful, without being overly sweet.

Goodies40 — Shellie May salted caramel mousse cup

Goodies37 — Shellie May strawberry custard tart

Goodies39 — Duffy the Disney Bear salted caramel mousse

Goodies38 — Duffy the Disney Bear strawberry custard tart

Duffy Seasonal Popcorn Bucket

The popcorn stand near Aunt Peg’s in Cape Cod still had the Duffy seasonal popcorn basket when we were there. I had already seen photos online and was a little disappointed to find Shellie May was absent from the bucket. Really kicking myself for not getting the Halloween one when I was there since they were both on it! The Duffy popcorn buckets are not cheap, yet the lines rival those to get into Aunt Peg’s during a Duffy release. The buckets are 2,600 yen, which includes milk tea popcorn, and if you want the matching shoulder strap, the price is 3,200 total.

Goodies33 — Duffy sign on the popcorn cart

Goodies34 — Duffy the Disney Bear popcorn cart seasonal signs and decorations

While the price for the popcorn bucket is high, the quality is high and they are quite detailed. The handles are removable and they even include “plugs” to give them a finished look if you are using the strap. I was never really into collecting popcorn buckets, but they are quite popular in Japan and I now have two Duffy ones and several seasonal ones as well.

Goodies31 — Detail on 2010 Duffy the Disney Bear popcorn bucket

Goodies30 — Detail on strap you can purchase with your Duffy the Disney Bear popcorn bucket

Goodies29 — Close up detail on cap to put on bucket if you take handles off

Goodies32 — Detail wording on the Duffy popcorn bucket

Which is your favorite Duffy and Shellie May seasonal treat?

Erin De Santiago

New Duffy the Disney Bear Watch Released at Tokyo DisneySEA

December 23, 2010 By Erin De Santiago 1 Comment

Last week Twitter users in Japan were buzzing about a new Duffy the Disney Bear item being released at Tokyo DisneySEA on Friday, December 17. The Tokyo Disney Resort introduced a Duffy the Disney Bear watch that carries a fairly hefty price tag (32,000 yen – about $385 US based on current exchange rates). I could not originally tell by the photos what was included as it showed a brown watch band, a navy watch band, and then Duffy on a chain. Turns out the watch actually comes with two watch bands and the chain so you can wear him as a necklace.

Ironically, we had made plans to visit Tokyo DisneySEA on Friday in conjunction with our mini-vacation to Southern Japan for Brett’s birthday. I had no plans of purchasing the watch based on the price (it is actually around the same price as I pay for a round-trip ticket from Taipei to Tokyo!) I saw the watch in all the stores that sell Duffy merchandise and did not purchase it, even though the hubby actually gave me permission. He was in line for the Christmas Wishes lottery the entire time I hit the stores in search of the Duffy merchandise we were still missing.

After we were denied tickets in the lottery for the Christmas Wishes show, Brett went to look at the merchandise and ended up buying me the watch for Christmas. I think he felt sorry for me, because I was pretty disappointed we did not get tickets. I am not sure how many watches they sold that day (if any) and I did not see anyone wearing it, but that doesn’t mean people did not buy them.

We bought the watch from McDuck’s and they had to go searching for one, which makes me wonder if they were nearly sold out there. After pulling the watch out of the case, the Cast Member put on white gloves to handle it.

Although it’s quite expensive, I have to admit it is pretty cute. It comes in an adorable brown suede-like box that has the Duffy logo in shiny gold on the box top.

Watch1 — Duffy the Disney Bear watch box

Inside the box, there is a nice warranty card — all in Japanese of course, although Brett was quick to point out that the only words in English were “warranty valid only in Japan.”

Watch3 — Duffy watch comes with warranty

Watch9 — Inside of warranty where Cast Members write serial number

The Duffy the Disney Bear watch comes with both brown and blue watch bands and a silver chain. The watch is quite heavy and the head is a bit large, but still quite cute. The watch face opens to reveal Duffy’s face on the dial as well.

Watch4 — Two watch bands come with the Duffy the Disney Bear watch

Watch5 — Necklace chain is included in the box so you can wear Duffy as a necklace

Watch6 — Close up of Duffy's face on the watch

Watch7 — Inside detail of the Duffy watch

Watch10 — Hefty price on the Duffy watch

What do you think of the new Duffy the Disney Bear watch? Would you purchase it, even with the hefty price tag?

Erin De Santiago

Duffy the Disney Bear Pins to be Released at DLR on Dec 30

December 11, 2010 By Erin De Santiago Leave a Comment

Since the arrival of Duffy the Disney Bear at the US Parks, we were told they would be releasing additional merchandise which includes a molded popcorn bucket, a special Vinylmation Duffy and of course, Duffy the Disney Bear pins! Disney announced the Duffy the Disney Bear pins would be released sometime this month. Details are out — two new pins will be released at the Disneyland Resort on December 30. These are open edition pins and will feature the US version of a sitting Duffy and one of Mickey holding Duffy in his arms.

Duffy the Disney Bear Pin: $6.95
SKU: 1924211

400001924211 — Duffy the Disney Bear Pin $6.95 Photo: Copyright Disney Parks and Resorts

Mickey Holding Duffy the Disney Bear Pin: $7.95
SKU: 1924235

400001924235 — Mickey Holding Duffy the Disney Bear Pin, $7.95 Photo: Copyright Disney Parks and Resorts

If you are not able to get to the Disneyland Resort to pick up your Duffy pins in person, you can also order them via Walt Disney World® Merchandise Guest Services. To order your Duffy the Disney Bear pins:

Contact Walt Disney World® Merchandise Guest Services at 407-363-6200 or send an e-mail: wdw.mail.order@disneyworld.com to place an order.
Please reference the SKU number(s), description of the pin(s) and quantity desired.
Open Edition pins available for order after release date.
Applicable sales tax plus shipping and handling fees will apply.
All pins will be available while supplies last.
All Limited Edition pins may not be available for ordering via Walt Disney World® Mail Order 30 days after release date based on availability.
All sales are final – no refunds, no returns via Walt Disney World® Mail Order.

Erin De Santiago

Duffy the Disney Bear’s Debut at Hong Kong Disneyland

November 23, 2010 By Erin De Santiago 5 Comments

In conjunction with the commencement of Hong Kong Disneyland’s Christmas festivities, Duffy the Disney Bear made his official debut on Friday, November 19th. Being a fan of Duffy, my husband and I flew in for the opening day to cover the festivities and meet Duffy. Hong Kong Disneyland released the Duffy merchandise earlier in the week so I had seen some photos online, which depicted nothing different than what is available at Tokyo Disney or the US Disney Parks now.

Upon arrival, we tried to find one of the Christmas fliers that had Duffy on it, but no one had any available. We quickly found out that they were giving out Duffy Christmas stickers for the event. One note on this — what a contrast to how DCA handled the Duffy debut. The stickers at DCA were for having your photo taken with Duffy and the CM’s would not allow you to get your sticker on the backing. You had to put it on, which was quite disappointing since many people I spoke with had hoped to scrapbook with them. On the flip side, Hong Kong Disneyland always passes out stickers during events and have no issues giving you extras sometimes. Since we had our entire Duffy posse in tow, we ended up with quite a few of the Duffy stickers by the end of the day!

Duffy51 — Duffy stickers handed out by Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members

Once inside the Park, our first stop was in the Emporium to scope out the Duffy merchandise. A small area was dedicated to the arrival of Duffy and he was fairly offset from the Christmas merchandise, which was somewhat of a disappointment overall (will save for a separate post!) Something interesting Hong Kong Disneyland did was to feature a number of bears already dressed and ready for sale. They had price tags on the outfits and the bears so no savings there.

Duffy6 — Duffy tie in to the Christmas display in the Emporium

Duffy22 — Dressed Duffy the Disney Bears available for purchase

Now, speaking of price — this has been an area of interest to many. I was rather surprised to find the pricing in line with Tokyo. The outfits are exactly the same as those from Tokyo DisneySea, however, tagged slightly different. This is quite disappointing as the bears are now identical, just tagged differently — with quite a price gap between the US and Asia Parks. The bear is $25 in the US whereas Duffy is 3,800 Yen (around $46 US) in Tokyo. In Hong Kong, he retails for HK $320.00 (about $41 USD). The outfits are also on par with Tokyo Disney pricing. The “original” Duffy the Disney Bear outfit is HKD $240.00 and the Christmas outfit is HKD $280.00.

I had noticed on the earlier posted photos, the packaging for outfits is identical to Tokyo DisneySea — so much so they are actually using the same EXACT packaging, but applying stickers to cover up the Tokyo references. This is confusing to guests who do not know much about Duffy and his origin. The Christmas outfit has the illustration of Duffy and Shellie May (who is still only in Tokyo) and says “Straight from Cape Cod”. I took photos of the differences in the packaging to illustrate how it is just being covered up. While I am happy Hong Kong is getting the quality outfits from Tokyo, I do mind that it is literally the same merchandise with the new generic “Disney Parks” logo. Does this mean that the Tokyo quality goods will make their way to the US Parks? Does it mean that Disney is going to really push this “One Disney” concept and rebrand everything with the “Disney Parks?” How will this affect the unique items typically found only at TDR? I guess only time will tell.

Duffy52 — Disney Parks Sticker over "Tokyo DisneySea"

Duffy57 — Underneath the "Disney Parks" sticker it says "Tokyo DisneySea"

Duffy55 — The mobile barcode popular in Japan are covered over on Duffy outfit hangers

Observing the reception of Duffy at Hong Kong Disney versus opening day at DCA, he definitely received a warmer welcome from the HK crowd. He has a little reserved spot on Main Street, which is a prime photo location for seasonal events typically. There was nothing special noted in the Times Guide and we quickly found out Duffy would be available for photos from 11am – 2pm. My husband hurried over to get in line, while I photographed holiday decorations. We were second in line for the photos (about 1/2 hour out) behind a Japanese family who actually live in Vietnam now. Behind us was a mother and child from Tokyo Disney who had the latest seasonal Duffy stuff from Tokyo.

Duffy9 — Duffy's special sign on Main Street

Shortly thereafter, I spotted the big Duffy fans joining the line. I exited the line to go back and ask if I could photo her “backpack o’Duffy Bears” and quickly learned she was a die hard collector. Turns out, Beatrice is from Hong Kong and has quite a collection of the mini-plush, many of the older designs you rarely see. It was great to connect with a fellow Duffy fan who is not local to Tokyo and see that he is loved and well-received outside the Japanese community.

Duffy11 — Duffy fans - Kelvin and Beatrice

Duffy12 — One of my favorite Duffy Bears Beatrice had

Duffy17 — Our Duffy family (minus one that we bought later!)

Duffy27 — Duffy the Disney Bear's new home on Main Street in Hong Kong

Duffy24 — The queue line for Duffy after he arrived

After we finished watching the Duffy fans arrive, we headed off to enjoy the rest of the Park and managed to find a few other interesting Duffy items…unfortunately, neither of them were for sale. Some CM’s were given really cool “pins” that have Duffy’s face on them — I want one of these! Then, we were walking down Main Street later in the day, we found a CM with a Duffy shaped balloon! He was quite talented and managed to make a balloon animal look like Duffy — he even went so far as to draw the Mickey head on his foot!

Duffy29 — Cast Member with his Duffy designed balloon on Main Street

It was nearly time for the Procession of Toys by this time. On our way to queue, we found another Duffy lover, Noel, who is friends with Beatrice and Kelvin (the Duffy fans we met earlier in the day). Noel is a CM at Hong Kong Disney and definitely in the know about all things Duffy at HK Disney.

We had arrived about an hour early to get a front row spot for the Procession of Toys event so I could get prime Duffy photos. We were so early they had not even set up the ropes yet and a CM kept giving conflicting information on where we should be. Quite a difference from parades and shows at Tokyo Disney! A tip for those who plan to see the show this season – queue in the middle of Main Street to get a center view of Duffy when he comes out!

Duffy36 — All the Duffy Bears ready for the Procession of Toys

This turned out to be a perfect spot and provided ample opportunity to photograph Duffy. The Procession of Toys was quite short and not quite what I was expecting. Based on the media images, I had assumed Minnie would present Mickey a stuffed Duffy Bear and then they would introduce Duffy the Disney Bear live. Basically, Duffy appeared from the Christmas present box and then the spotlight came on and well, there you go. I just think this was a missed opportunity to start out with the stuffed bear (like the story) and then move to the actual character. Either way, at least he was presented to the HK Disney community in such a way that Duffy may do quite well.

Duffy39 — Duffy makes his appearance in the Procession of Toys

Duffy44 — Mickey, Minnie, and Duffy during the Procession of Toys

In speaking with the local Duffy experts, there was discussion that HK Disney initially planned to bring Duffy in a limited capacity (perhaps 1,000 bears or something) and feedback from CMs changed their minds. The CMs know how popular Duffy already is with locals and tourists alike, which they were obviously able to relay to the powers that be. I spent considerable time in the stores, trying to gauge the reaction and Duffy stuff was definitely moving off the shelves. I saw numerous people buying bears, clothes, and a few carrying the already dressed Duffy bears. I was surprised that I did not see more Tokyo Duffy people though. I’ve seen more on a regular day at HK Disney, but given that I was there on a Friday, the weekend could have been quite different. One thing was consistent though – there was always a line to have a photo with Duffy. Although the info booth told us Duffy was only there to 2pm, he did make another appearance in the afternoon after the Christmas parade as we saw him around 4pm.

So far, Duffy is available in a few stores on Main Street and Fantasyland; however, I did not find him in Tomorrowland or Adventureland. Surprisingly, he is available in the Disneyland Hotel, along with the Christmas costume.