Who's your favorite original park character at TDR?

[Roger55]

I have on multiple occansions seen a person (gender not important) that seriously scares me. This person has their huge Stitch plush and takes him with them to camp out for hours and wait for the parades. This person sets up a viewing place for Stitch to sit, holds an umbrella over Stitch to keep the rain or sun off of him, and it almost goes without saying... holds conversations with Stitch. <shudder>

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by SuperDry

I did see one thing that I thought crossed over the line and was disturbing: a male guest, probably about 30-35, had a boy and a girl Duffy. He was holding both of them in his left arm, with of course both of them very deliberately facing forward so that they could see where they were going. I'm told that there's really only one Duffy, and he's male. But this guest had dressed up one of them as if it was the female version of Duffy, complete with a Minnie Mouse style polka dotted bow on top of its head. I passed him just as he entered the park, and he had a backpack on, was walking very quickly, and was talking to himself as well. Very disturbing. But for the grace of God, go I, I thought :-)

I've now seen LOTS of "girl" Duffy's online. I'm not sure what to make of that other than I guess the "naked" Duffy you get off the shelf could really be any gender. However, his appearance in all other forms is distinctly male. A very childlike male, but one nonetheless. Still, I guess if people want to have girl versions, that's their own choice, and who knows, maybe the even make up different names for "her" or whatever. Personally, I'll always see him as a cute little boy bear the way he's portrayed at the park.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

I do wonder, though, why he's only available in DisneySea? I mean, it's generally considered the "adult" park, the "date" park; while Tokyo Disneyland is the kids and family park, although both get lots of both. It's not like he wouldn't sell in TDL and Bon Voyage (i know they would NEVER sell him at Bon Voyage without the price of admission!^^). Sometimes I think they keep Duffy in TDS because DisneySea is an exclusively Japanese experience and a testament to OLC's vision. 'Course, sometimes I cynically suspect that they don't make Duffy available in TDL so that more families buy 2-Park passes.^^ Really, though, I think they just really wanted a character mascot to fully belong to DisneySea.

Interesting point, and maybe there's something to that. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Duffy is indeed a way to lure people into TDS. Especially as he gets even bigger and more popular, there will be a reason to visit the park to see the latest thing Duffy is up to. Personally, I'm glad he's only there though, because I don't really see where he would fit at TDL, and it would cause him to have two different origin stories. Also, I don't really want to see too much of him, I would prefer they keep him restricted to just Cape Cod (and the Christmas shows). I think if he starts to show up everywhere, he loses a lot of his charms. I think that was one of the problems with the "Disney Bear" version. He was everywhere, but nowhere at the same time. He had no real connection to a park (although it could be argued that he was "born" at the Magic Kingdom), land, or attraction. He was/is just a little too generic. And if Duffy becomes more widespread, he could become just as generic as his US cousin...

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by Roger55

I have on multiple occansions seen a person (gender not important) that seriously scares me. This person has their huge Stitch plush and takes him with them to camp out for hours and wait for the parades. This person sets up a viewing place for Stitch to sit, holds an umbrella over Stitch to keep the rain or sun off of him, and it almost goes without saying... holds conversations with Stitch. <shudder>

Now I would be really scared if Stitch talked back! :-)

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by Roger55

I have on multiple occansions seen a person (gender not important) that seriously scares me. This person has their huge Stitch plush and takes him with them to camp out for hours and wait for the parades. This person sets up a viewing place for Stitch to sit, holds an umbrella over Stitch to keep the rain or sun off of him, and it almost goes without saying... holds conversations with Stitch. <shudder>

I think I would find that odd or funny, too, at the very least...maybe disturbing. I'd say that's very different from just carrying a bear in lieu of wearing mouse ears or a T-shirt in a theme park where lots of people carry bears. The camping out and conversation seem a bit obsessive, but maybe that person has genuine develop/mental issues and Disney is an outlet? Just for the record, I don't camp out for anything (although I did run for a seat per my friend's request the other morning^^), and I don't talk to Duffy or place him in chairs (unless I'm photographing^^). I like photographing Duffy in the parks because I like the OLC-designed concept that Duffy is traveling with Guests, that his story is our story and vice-versa. He is what Guests make him. I like that he's inherently a creativity-oriented product in the vast sea of just-buy-this swag. This is his function. I think OLC understands the majority of its Guests. And I think the many Japanese Guests who like Duffy understand this concept (since it's written into the story in Japanese and part of their culture anyway). I think even the ones that do put him in a chair at lunch, if it's with a sense of humor and creative fun, are using him exactly as intended by OLC and it's normal. It's the how that makes the difference between "freaky" or fun. And it's the "any male" who's into Duffy for (implied) any reason that got to me. Duffy is part of the park experience for lots of people. Why should this be limited by gender or age? If we can limit this, couldn't we say that men who like Mermaid Lagoon or adults in their 30s who like taking photo ops with costumed mascots or collecting merchandise based on cartoon characters are "disturbing," too? Maybe we should just call them "losers?" (I'm joking here, in case it's not clear.^^)

Beyond creativity and photography, carrying a teddy bear for some people just stimulates child-mind. This is not the same as "childishness;" it's letting go of "grown-uppiness" and ego. I think this child-mind feeling is far more nurtured in Japanese culture, and can go to dangerous extremes at times, it's true. But I think the rush to throw away innocence and grow up is equally dangerous. That definitely has some very dangerous extremes back in my own USofA, as evidenced very clearly by any recent film or television show about oversexualized/dramatized teenagers or preteens. (Not that Japan doesn't have HUGE problems with this, I know.^^) Duffy captures a common Japanese sentiment to hold onto the vibrance of youth as long as possible. Character design in this spirit is ubiquitous in this country, and one of its main exports. Duffy is not unique, but rather a uniquely Japanese expression of Disney in Japan. To me, and maybe to Japanese fans (I wonder?), he is the most Japanese character at TDR. This posing/photographing/caring for inanimate objects is part of this culture. The appreciation of ownership as stewardship is a central and admirable core value among Japanese people of both genders and every age. This seems very different from my American "throwaway" upbringing. I've heard that many places in Europe share this, too. Since ancient Japan, all things have been thought to possess a spirit. Though most Japanese people seem to say they are not religious these days, the line between Japanese cultural tradition and Japanese religiosity/spirituality is notoriously difficult to draw. In any case, attacking the way people are (I mean, it's a LOT of people) with Duffy in the parks is tantamount to directly attacking Japanese culture. You're allowed to not understand it, but you can't call yourself a proper "Guest" if you judge it. If you're disturbed by the dishes offered in a dwelling, you'd do well not to darken that doorstep for dinner. In case it's not obvious already, it's really Duffy's "Japanesey-ness" that appeals to me. I love the "craze" and the fans and the million different character ears at TDR. I love that people are free. What I love is what some people seem to hate, but what I love is the people who provide the experience that is TDR, including the Guests who "get it." As I have said many times, TDR for me is more about Japan and less about Disney, but it's really about this freedom of expression and daydreaming in real-life. Duffy embodies this. But I don't talk to him. And I don't camp out...though I've been told I'll have to if I wanna enjoy Bonfire Dance!

Before I moved to Japan, I didn't think about Disney. I knew it existed; that's all. In Japan, that's just about impossible. Before I started visiting TDR last November, I still didn't understand "those freaky Disney people" who collected crap they don't need and went all the time to the parks. It just seemed silly and wasteful to me. Not "disturbing," but not valuable. Honestly, it still seems VERY wasteful, but I do it anyway, cos right now I'm enjoying it.^^ Disney - and no, not even Duffy - is not my life by a longshot. For one thing, it comes with a lot of material addiction for me and one day I know I will have to let it go. That Stitch situation does, indeed, sound like someone who has made Disney the center. I don't think that's healthy unless it's your career, and likely not even then. But I still wouldn't judge that person. I might hope they had more happening in their life, and I might be hesitant to talk with them, but I wouldn't judge...probly, hopefully.

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by gurgi

Now I would be really scared if Stitch talked back! :-)

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by gurgi

Personally, I'm glad he's only there though, because I don't really see where he would fit at TDL, and it would cause him to have two different origin stories. Also, I don't really want to see too much of him, I would prefer the keep him restricted to just Cape Cod (and the Christmas shows). I think if he starts to show up everywhere, he loses a lot of his charms. I think that was one of the problems with the "Disney Bear" version. He was everywhere, but nowhere at the same time. He had no real connection to a park (although it could be argued that he was "born" at the Magic Kingdom), land, or attraction. He was/is just a little too generic. And if Duffy becomes more widespread, he could become just as generic as his US cousin...

Absolutely. I might have wasted a lot of words and time saying it longer, but I couldn't've said it better.^^

[SuperDry]

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

Just out of curiosity, which point or points caused the disturbance that crossed the line? I only ask because in all these details, the one that seems disturbing to me also doesn't seem to have anything to do with Duffy, so I'm not sure I followed your train of thought properly.^^

01. He was male?
02. He was aged 30~35?
03. He made one female?
04. He had two?
05. They were dressed up?
06. They were in his arms?
07. They were facing forward?
08. He had a backpack?
09. He walked quickly?
10. He was talking to himself?

It wasn't any one thing - it was the totality of the situation. It's hard to describe without having seen it yourself, but I tried my best to draw a mental picture.

[SuperDry]

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

Can you find the Hidden Mickey in my new summer avatar?^^

Actually, I found two!

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by SuperDry

It wasn't any one thing - it was the totality of the situation. It's hard to describe without having seen it yourself, but I tried my best to draw a mental picture.

I can get that.^^ Forgive me; I think I was being a bit on the defensive there, too.

What do you mean two? I only planned one! Where's the other one?! Wait...are you counting Duffy?

[gurgi]

I have to say (the "Stitch talker" that Roger mentioned aside) that I find the Japanese mentality of keeping some of that inner child well into adulthood is kind of refreshing. It's not out of the norm for somebody to embrace that as an adult. Maybe it's because adult life can be so stressful, and they work SO hard, that for a time, if they can let go of that and be a kid again, it's cathartic?

I know that I'm like that as an adult. I do lot of things that many others could take as "childish", but really, they're ways for me to relax or enjoy myself. I still play video games, I collect Disney stuff, I watch cartoons. This doesn't make me any less of an adult, but I refuse to let go of the kid inside, it actually helps keep me sane. I think if I had to behave like most other "adults" around, I would be one miserable person. Unfortunatley, I think a lot of Americans feel that once you hit adulthood, the light switch is flipped and you completely and totally abandon any childlike feelings or things. I've even seen this in parents who cannot relate to their children, despite being kids at one point themselves. How can they not remember what it was like? I find it refreshing when I see parents play with their children as kids themselves and get down on the floor and imagine with them.

This is the interesting thing about Disney and it's US fans. I think that even within the Disney fan community it's frowned upon to act too childlike, lest somebody not take you seriously. However, most people who do not have any interest in Disney tend to assume the fans are all big overgrown kids who need to get a life. A lot of "cultures" are like this. The oppressed become the oppressors. Not that I'm really comparing to oppression, but the general idea is that even within the fan community, there are different levels, and people's tolerance for "weirdness" or overly childlike behavior.

However, I think Disney tries to capitalize on the notion of the "inner child", which is why you see ads for the theme parks with adults letting themselves be immersed in the "magic". You might see them wear a pair of mouse ears and ride the carousel...it's something they encourage, but sometimes even Disney's fans disapprove of this behavior. It's a contradiction to me...

[SuperDry]

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

What do you mean two? I only planned one! Where's the other one?! Wait...are you counting Duffy?

Of course I'm counting Duffy!

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by SuperDry

Of course I'm counting Duffy!

That gave me a much-needed big, genuine smile. Ok, then there're two.^^

[jedimaster7313]

From my experience at the TDR parks, I've noticed a few people treating their Duffy and Stitch with royalty. Years ago, before Stitch became popular & was just being introduced- one of the only plush you could find was at the Disney Store in Ikspiari and it was Stitch riding the big wheel. I recall seeing 3 teen Japanese girls running around the parks photographing and filming the Stitch just about everywhere- and yes- later on that day, he had a prime spot in the parade right there in the front on his own little blanket, with one of the girls photographing him from behind as he watched the parade, with one of the take home pudding cups right beside him (just in case he wanted a snack during it, i guess).

I've even seen some of this going on back home in Disneyland and Disneyworld, where I've a few Japanese girls-one fully dressed in Chip attire & of course, the other was Dale camping out on the parade routes with their large Chip & Dale plush and others with Stitch in her full Stitch attire- They seem to like the plush to go on tour with them and have seen them taking photos as well in different areas of the park.

This is something I wouldn't do myself, but do have fun observing just how into doing this, some people are- however strange it may be at times. But like Gurgi had mentioned that Disney brings out the inner child in many of us & each person enjoys the parks in their own personal ways. Some may take things a bit too far, but as long as they are having fun- who are we to judge or criticsize them.

I've seen the debate about the boy/girl Duffy- I see Duffy as a boy as well- but I believe that what Teddy bears, when first realized by Teddy Roosevelt- back then, there were no real toys that appealed to boys, like girls had dolls & the Teddy bear was a better fit for young boys- but toy bears, like Duffy appeal to both.

I like Duffy as well, I have a few of the smaller ones that I display at home at Christmas- I may get a normal sized one on my next trip however. I'm probably not going to photo him around the parks, give him prime viewing at shows and put him to bed at night- but he would look great under my Christmas tree this year with his Santa hat and would add that extra special touch to my Tokyo Disney Sea collection.

[TDLFAN]

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

So strange for a grown gay man (especially one who takes apparent pride in his expertise regarding theme parks celebrating cartoon animals, fairytale castles and princesses; and one who so often corrects others in light of his own apparent "worldliness" and wisdom)...

This statement, and its implicit bend-over-and-take-it defense of passe and damaging hetero/macho stereotypes/bigotry truly disturbs me, and sets us all back years if we follow the twisted logic that leads to this conclusion/attitude/judgment. When will we finally have done enough work with civil/social/human rights that there will genuinely be nothing anyone can't do without being judged/spurned/punished, so long as they hurt no one?

You're really saying there's a "correct" way to be male and any deviation from that is "disturbing?" Seriously? Wow...

Shame on you, TDLFAN/UncleTom. I know we've had our differences; but until now I always still respected you, your intelligence, and your strength. That last statement, though...that's pretty disappointing.

So not only are you a disturbing person, you are saying you are also a gay basher? Just keep it up, since you do not need any help from me. Besides, I can tell you, I am not the only one wondering about this Duffy love affair of yours, and just so that you know... this issue has become the laughing stock of my PM mail, since dozens on people also agree with me on this issue. Now, mind you, I am generalizing here, but if you feel the issue applies to you... then, who am I to make you change your mind??

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

So not only are you a disturbing person, you are saying you are also a gay basher?

Um...hello? I'm gay. You can't call the pot white unless you're a kettle. And my point was that adhering to heterosexist stereotypes about what male is or is not "allowed" to be is half a toe away from gay bashing in my book. If it hadn't surprised and offended me so deeply, I wouldn't've bothered posting at all. How did you not get that?

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Just keep it up, since you do not need any help from me. Besides, I can tell you, I am not the only one wondering about this Duffy love affair of yours, and just so that you know... this issue has become the laughing stock of my PM mail, since dozens on people also agree with me on this issue. Now, mind you, I am generalizing here (nice attempt at skirting the ToS...wonder if anybody'll buy it?), but if you feel the issue applies to you... then, who am I to make you change your mind??

Are these grade-school bully tactics supposed to scare me or something, TDLFAN? I mean, I know you're not used to getting called out on your crap, but - come on - "It's not only me; dozens of people are talking about you behind your baaack!" Oh, gosh! Whatever will I do? Are you really being "that guy?" Seriously? I hope you and your "dozens on people" [sic] find better ways to spend your time.