What/where are these Duffy photo spots in the park?

[jedimaster7313]

The nude Disney Bears and the T-shirts may have just came out recently- I don't remember them at all when I was there last month. I have seen the other three you've pictured though.

They don't compare to TDS or even the original Disney bears from years ago either-I remember them being much nicer when they first came out in WDW & DL.

[gurgi]

Thanks for those photos, TDLFAN. I have to say a few things about those bears. First, they are smaller than Duffy, and the original Disney Bear. So, that means the T-shirts will be a bit...snug if you put it on Duffy! Second, the plush quality has taken a hit. They are more cheaply made, and the fur is not as soft and fluffy as the originals, or Duffy. They feel like any standard cheap teddy bear you might find. Third, the design is slightly different as well, you can see the faces are very different from the earlier versions, and especially Duffy. These really are his redneck cousins!

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

Here are the few photos I took. Please understand they are cellphone quality.. therefore not too clear.

These have the same Mickey design on the back, just like Duffy... so they can be Duffy relatives?? LOL!!

Nudist Disney Bears are always fun to have..

Thanks so much for these, TDLFAN. They're really enlightening. The whole face shape is completely different. The body, too. Especially those feet! I Duffy's feet! And the seams on the "Disney Bear" are so obvious! Not to be a teddy bear snob, but I can see why those things wouldn't be as popular as Duffy, even just as a product. I tried to search the web for a picture where Duffies are kinda haphazardly tossed about on the shelf, just to be fair:



It's not easy to find photos where Duffy is not well taken care of/displayed.^^ Still, the quality difference both in terms of design and also materials/construction is clear. It's weird that the World of Disney INY one I see sometimes seems to be made more like Duffy. I asked a CM if the design was tweaked at all for Tokyo and she told me it was. But now it kinda seems like the older Disney Bears in the US were also of similar construction...???



Still, something about the face seems...off...to me. Maybe it's the very different hypercontrasted eyes, but it seems off-center, too. And it must just be me, because the same site the NY Bear photo links to is selling old purple, blue and mint bears for over US$1000 each, but I prefer caramelatte Duffy to all of the rainbow and dark versions. I kinda like the white one with grey accent, just the colors/design; but it's not "Duffy" for me. That "I " shirt is cool, though. We should have one for Tokyo!^^

*sigh* I guess they have to be considered at least distant cousins, since Duffy couldn't've existed without the "Disney Bear" concept, but I think they're many times removed. Have a look at the mascots, too - it's shocking!


(if anyone hears that bradk hates me for stealing this photo, let me know, ok?^^)

TDLFAN, if you do get a chance to check prices on this stuff, I am curious. I hope the price difference reflects the quality difference. Still, if you're serious about your very generous offer, I would like to have that white Birthday shirt and maybe the blue Pirates one, if they're not expensive.

On this point about pricing, though, is merchandise generally less expensive in the US parks? I remember someone last year commenting about the difference in the WDW Mickey Snowmen...



...and the TDR ones...?



Do they just skimp on plush because the American market is more "give it to kids" who'll throw it away, rather than collectors? Because that reasoning might be fair. Is it only plush, or is it all kinds of stuff? And if there's a general quality difference, are the prices generally lower, too?

By the way, TDLFAN, is Pal Mickey still around anywhere, or are those just totally gone forever by now? I've asked them at Guest Relations to pass along the idea for "Pal Duffy" to celebrate DisneySea's 10th Anniversary. I'm not sure she took me seriously, but I think it would be a ridiculously successful campaign, and also alleviate some stress on CMs by giving foreign visitors an interactive multilanguage option. Since Japanese is such a relatively uncommon second language and Duffy's popularity is astronomic, I think it actually makes a lot of sense at TDR. Giving Duffy a voice could be disastrous, though...didn't think of that 'til just now. I really didn't like that Tink talked like a high school girl in the new movie. It would've required a lot more creativity to have kept to her bells, and I'd've been far more impressed.

Sorry about all the questions.^^

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

Thanks so much for these, TDLFAN. They're really enlightening. The whole face shape is completely different. The body, too. Especially those feet! I Duffy's feet! And the seams on the "Disney Bear" are so obvious! Not to be a teddy bear snob, but I can see why those things wouldn't be as popular as Duffy, even just as a product. I tried to search the web for a picture where Duffies are kinda haphazardly tossed about on the shelf, just to be fair:



It's not easy to find photos where Duffy is not well taken care of/displayed.^^ Still, the quality difference both in terms of design and also materials/construction is clear. It's weird that the World of Disney INY one I see sometimes seems to be made more like Duffy. I asked a CM if the design was tweaked at all for Tokyo and she told me it was. But now it kinda seems like the older Disney Bears in the US were also of similar construction...???



Still, something about the face seems...off...to me. Maybe it's the very different hypercontrasted eyes, but it seems off-center, too. And it must just be me, because the same site the NY Bear photo links to is selling old purple, blue and mint bears for over US$1000 each, but I prefer caramelatte Duffy to all of the rainbow and dark versions. I kinda like the white one with grey accent, just the colors/design; but it's not "Duffy" for me. That "I " shirt is cool, though. We should have one for Tokyo!^^

*sigh* I guess they have to be considered at least distant cousins, since Duffy couldn't've existed without the "Disney Bear" concept, but I think they're many times removed. Have a look at the mascots, too - it's shocking!


(if anyone hears that bradk hates me for stealing this photo, let me know, ok?^^)

TDLFAN, if you do get a chance to check prices on this stuff, I am curious. I hope the price difference reflects the quality difference. Still, if you're serious about your very generous offer, I would like to have that white Birthday shirt and maybe the blue Pirates one, if they're not expensive.

On this point about pricing, though, is merchandise generally less expensive in the US parks? I remember someone last year commenting about the difference in the WDW Mickey Snowmen...



...and the TDR ones...?



Do they just skimp on plush because the American market is more "give it to kids" who'll throw it away, rather than collectors? Because that reasoning might be fair. Is it only plush, or is it all kinds of stuff? And if there's a general quality difference, are the prices generally lower, too?

By the way, TDLFAN, is Pal Mickey still around anywhere, or are those just totally gone forever by now? I've asked them at Guest Relations to pass along the idea for "Pal Duffy" to celebrate DisneySea's 10th Anniversary. I'm not sure she took me seriously, but I think it would be a ridiculously successful campaign, and also alleviate some stress on CMs by giving foreign visitors an interactive multilanguage option. Since Japanese is such a relatively uncommon second language and Duffy's popularity is astronomic, I think it actually makes a lot of sense at TDR. Giving Duffy a voice could be disastrous, though...didn't think of that 'til just now. I really didn't like that Tink talked like a high school girl in the new movie. It would've required a lot more creativity to have kept to her bells, and I'd've been far more impressed.

Sorry about all the questions.^^

Ok, Duffydad, I'll have fun posting a response to you, because some of the things you mention, I was thinking of earlier.

The photos that TDLFAN took are the current version of the Disney Bear. In my opinion, this is the weakest version. The original actually looked quite a bit like Duffy. Here's a side-by-side comparison of Duffy and the Disney Bear. Duffy's on the left.


That is also the early version of Duffy. I can see that his fur is different now, more plush.

Here's a shot of a bunch of Duffy's sitting on shelves. They have the original fur, it looks like.


It is definitely not just you though. The NYC bear is actually closer to the original Disney Bear design...just a bit smaller. He looks the most like he's related to Duffy, because the face is almost the same proportion, and his fur is fluffy. Those bears in TDLFAN's photo are nothing like the older ones though. They must have gone with a different manufacturer, and the look is totally different. As you can see, the eye patches are much smaller, and the nose is larger and fatter.

So, basically, the original Disney Bears and Duffy were very similar in construction, and quality. If you felt both of them, there would only be a slight difference. The newer bears though are much cheaper and feel different when you touch them. They are more stiff, and not as soft.

I noticed something about Duffy that was different though, and may be a reason for some of his appeal. The Mickey mark on his face is larger, and the patches around his eyes are even larger than the early Disney Bear versions. His foot pads are also darker than his creme colored cousin's. Maybe it makes him look "cuter" and childlike? I don't know if something that subtle would make such a big difference, but it's just something I noticed while looking at the two faces.

Here's a site I found with pictures of all the different Disney Bear versions, and so far, this one is the closest I've seen to looking like Duffy.
[???] ???? ??????? - ????????????????

And here's the NYC bear and one of the new ones sitting side-by-side for a comparison, and just how different they look now.
??????????????????????? - ????????????????

I have to say, that I do wish I had bought the lavender colored Disney Bear, because I LOVE purple, and that one actually looks cute to me. Now it's selling on Ebay for lots of money...crazy! I mean, those colored bears were sent to the Disney outlets because nobody was buying them at the time, but now they're worth a ton! If only I had a time machine...

As for DL/WDW merchandise, it really depends. I think sometimes it might be a "just for kids" thing with the plush. At least the generic ones like this. On the other hand, they do release collectible plush now and then, obviously aimed at adults. I mean what kid is going to care that they have #421 out of 1200 plush? Those limited editions are usually of good quality, and sometimes rival those found at TDR. For the most part though, the plush seem to be an afterthought, or a shelf filler for little kids.

As for the prices, I have to say, that despite the difference in quality, there isn't too much difference in price. The larger plush usually sell for $28 to $38, and the little bean-filled ones can be from $10 to $15. For example, those WDW versions of the small Mickey snowmen were $12 each. I know because I bought them!

Pal Mickey may still be around at the parks, but he's been pushed to the side for some reason. He must not have sold as well as they'd hoped. There were even outfits available for him too, but now you can't find them. I wonder if they update the info that he speaks in the parks anymore? Disneyland never even got one, so the technology only stayed within WDW's borders. Which kind of made Pal Mickey boring at home.

Pal Duffy sounds good, but like you, I was thinking about his voice. When it came into my head, I wasn't thinking of him in that way, but rather in shows and such. I started to think that it's another part of Duffy's appeal...he has no voice, so you can make it whatever you want. I would be afraid if they gave him one, much the same as Tinker Bell. I felt the same way you did about her newfound voice, and wished they'd tried harder to get her to pantomime her actions with the tinkling bells. So, with Duffy, I think he might lose some appeal if he starts to speak...especially if it's an annoying voice, LOL!

Oh, and those mascot pictures...huge difference there too! Duffy just looks cuter, and fluffier. The other one looks like they just threw something together for a photo op...

[jedimaster7313]

I was trying to figure out why plush in general cost so much more in Tokyo than it does here too. It could be a quality issue, or possibly just the costs of producing them there. I'm surprised that much of the mini plush & pin on mini plush characters in Japan cost more than the bigger sized plush in the US.

Although some of the pictures you posted didn't seem to come out, but with the Snowman Mickey/Minnie plush- the Japan version has plastic eyes and buttons, but the US version has stiched on sort of pleather eyes and buttons. I have no idea if this was done to distinguish them, or if it is a safety issue in the US. But that doesn't seem true of the Disney bear plush that does have the plastic eyes.

When I worked for the Disney Stores years ago, I know that we were always supposed to tell our guests about the way they were made in case questions arose in the terms of safety. I don't really remember it fully & this probably isn't going to sound right, but in the US any sewn on parts have to have so many pounds of pressure in case someone tried to pull them off & we were also supposed to mention the stuffing, which I also forgot exactly what they were made from now.

The snowman plush in Japan look much nicer with the plastic eyes and buttons, but somehow look a little trashy in the US with the stitched on ones & even the whole feel to them is different as well.

I guess in Japan, there are higher standards than what we have here in terms of manufacture and cost of an item. It may be due to where the US parks vs the Japan parks have their manufacturing done as well.

Getting back to Duffy- they do make him very well in the larger & regular versions, yet I have a hard time choosing the smaller ones, that I collect, since many of the faces on the smaller versions don't seem as nice or as well made as the larger ones- which I am surprised in Japan since they do cost more from like 1200-1600 yen depending on which you buy.

I know it's most likely due to the smaller size that it's probably harder to get a good likeness with a smaller amout of fabric and stuffing to get a nicer face that the larger ones have.

Unless cost is the issue, or just a simple re-design of the character, I have no idea why the Disney Bear looked so much nicer years ago, than he does currently at WDW, DL and WOD.

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by jedimaster7313

I was trying to figure out why plush in general cost so much more in Tokyo than it does here too. It could be a quality issue, or possibly just the costs of producing them there. I'm surprised that much of the mini plush & pin on mini plush characters in Japan cost more than the bigger sized plush in the US.

Although some of the pictures you posted didn't seem to come out, but with the Snowman Mickey/Minnie plush- the Japan version has plastic eyes and buttons, but the US version has stiched on sort of pleather eyes and buttons. I have no idea if this was done to distinguish them, or if it is a safety issue in the US. But that doesn't seem true of the Disney bear plush that does have the plastic eyes.

When I worked for the Disney Stores years ago, I know that we were always supposed to tell our guests about the way they were made in case questions arose in the terms of safety. I don't really remember it fully & this probably isn't going to sound right, but in the US any sewn on parts have to have so many pounds of pressure in case someone tried to pull them off & we were also supposed to mention the stuffing, which I also forgot exactly what they were made from now.

The snowman plush in Japan look much nicer with the plastic eyes and buttons, but somehow look a little trashy in the US with the stitched on ones & even the whole feel to them is different as well.

I guess in Japan, there are higher standards than what we have here in terms of manufacture and cost of an item. It may be due to where the US parks vs the Japan parks have their manufacturing done as well.

Getting back to Duffy- they do make him very well in the larger & regular versions, yet I have a hard time choosing the smaller ones, that I collect, since many of the faces on the smaller versions don't seem as nice or as well made as the larger ones- which I am surprised in Japan since they do cost more from like 1200-1600 yen depending on which you buy.

I know it's most likely due to the smaller size that it's probably harder to get a good likeness with a smaller amout of fabric and stuffing to get a nicer face that the larger ones have.

Unless cost is the issue, or just a simple re-design of the character, I have no idea why the Disney Bear looked so much nicer years ago, than he does currently at WDW, DL and WOD.

You may have something here. There are certain safety measures that the US has to comply with when it comes to toys. Things have to be labeled if there are small parts that present a choking hazard. I think this is the reason that most plush that Disney sells in the US do not have plastic parts on them anymore. Even the eyes are embroidered lately. I just pulled out my WDW snow Mickey & Minnie, and you're right about the pleather eyes and buttons. They are also embroidered onto the bodies so there are no loose parts.

As for prices on the smaller plush between TDR and the US parks, yeah, you're right that usually the ones for the same price are actually smaller at TDR. So, there is a slight price difference. I also wonder if TDR has a markup on seasonal items. I mean what is the cost of, say, a "Spring Carnival" Mickey plush and his regular, everyday "red shorts" version? I know at WDW, they are generally the same cost, but I can't say for certain about TDR.

I also agree with you about the small pin badge Duffy. The face doesn't seem to be as nice on those, and there is a lot more inconsistency. I wonder if it's because they have to make him so small, or maybe another reason? I've seen lots of the pin badge plush of other characters that actually look very close to the larger counterparts....so I don't know what the deal is with Duffy.

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by gurgi

Here's a side-by-side comparison of Duffy and the Disney Bear. Duffy's on the left.


That is also the early version of Duffy. I can see that his fur is different now, more plush.

Thanks for these. Yeah, that's the old Duffy fur. It seems like it's gone out of fashion now. The new fur actually looks more like the one on the right. I'm not sure if it was like that originally, though. I kinda suspect that it was an experiment, and that they were trying to distinguish Duffy clearly from the Disney Bear. It's hard to see in pictures, but it has a kind of "diamond" pattern to it. The bears are still plush, but there's a "hatched" texture. Some people really liked its uniqueness, though I admit I'm not one of them. They were standard last year, but I'm not sure before that. I personally never really liked that hatched texture and was happy that my Christmas version wasn't like that. I think it's good that the standard texture has now become the more traditional fluffed look, but I hope they never give the Christmas version smile to the standard bears. Changing the fur is ok, but the smile should be special, once a year. If they changed that, it would make me kinda sad.

Originally Posted by gurgi

...As you can see, the eye patches are much smaller, and the nose is larger and fatter...

I noticed something about Duffy that was different though, and may be a reason for some of his appeal. The Mickey mark on his face is larger, and the patches around his eyes are even larger than the early Disney Bear versions. His foot pads are also darker than his creme colored cousin's. Maybe it makes him look "cuter" and childlike? I don't know if something that subtle would make such a big difference, but it's just something I noticed while looking at the two faces.

I noticed both of these points, too, and I have a theory about it. I think Duffy is a full-fledged character in his own right, so the eye patches are shaped first and foremost to be in good proportion on the face (cuter^^) and secondarily to suggest Mickey. The paw pads are colored first and foremost to look like natural parts of this bear, and also integrate Hidden Mickey emblems. As I write this, I realize that this is really why the caramelatte color scheme works so well for me - because it works. It subdues the elements, having them work more as a whole than highlighting any single part. The newest Disney Bears, by contrast, seem to have gone in the opposite direction. As they were already just a marketing strategy and never really developed a character, now the new bears seem to have even being well-designed teddy bears as a lesser priority than pushing the brand icon. The fatter nose and smaller eye patches, the lighter paws which create higher contrast and the shorter/sleeker fur which creates sharper lines - it all seems to intentionally enhance the Mickey marking which is the point of the Disney Bear, while it's just a "charm point" for Duffy, who is a character in his own right. Or maybe I'm just thinking WAY too much!

Originally Posted by gurgi

Here's a site I found with pictures of all the different Disney Bear versions, and so far, this one is the closest I've seen to looking like Duffy...

...I have to say, that I do wish I had bought the lavender colored Disney Bear, because I LOVE purple, and that one actually looks cute to me. Now it's selling on Ebay for lots of money...crazy! I mean, those colored bears were sent to the Disney outlets because nobody was buying them at the time, but now they're worth a ton! If only I had a time machine...

Yeah, that's the site I was talking about. I like Duffy and all, but US$1000 for a teddy bear?!? HECK NO!!! If you ever pay that much for the purple one, even I might have to tsk you.^^ Some nice person perusing these boards who realizes they bought one in a bargain bin should just sell it to you for forty bucks instead of putting it on eBay. It's crazy when fans gouge each other - like ticket scalpers. There's my two yen.^^

Originally Posted by gurgi

As for DL/WDW merchandise, it really depends. I think sometimes it might be a "just for kids" thing with the plush. At least the generic ones like this... For the most part though, the plush seem to be an afterthought, or a shelf filler for little kids.

As for the prices, I have to say, that despite the difference in quality, there isn't too much difference in price. The larger plush usually sell for $28 to $38, and the little bean-filled ones can be from $10 to $15. For example, those WDW versions of the small Mickey snowmen were $12 each. I know because I bought them!

The smaller ones here vary a lot in price. And small means small, like pin-on/keyholder size. Those plush are usually around $12~16, but are often sold as pair sets for $18~24.

Originally Posted by jedimaster7313

I was trying to figure out why plush in general cost so much more in Tokyo than it does here too. It could be a quality issue, or possibly just the costs of producing them there. I'm surprised that much of the mini plush & pin on mini plush characters in Japan cost more than the bigger sized plush in the US...

...I guess in Japan, there are higher standards than what we have here in terms of manufacture and cost of an item. It may be due to where the US parks vs the Japan parks have their manufacturing done as well.

I think a key difference in the Japanese and US markets is that Americans like big portions at bargain prices while Japanese prefer tiny gorgeous objects that can be carried around to display how much money they're (we're) willing to spend on whatever they're into. Both markets, of course, like high status brands, but I'm not really talking about status like Fendi/D&G/LV here. Japanese fans are really into being identified as fans and having pieces of "fan fetish" on them at all times. I personally think this goes back to the Japanese concepts of kami (spirit) in objects and these small things - unconsciously - actually function as genuine fetish objects keeping people connected to their "fan worship," but again...maybe I'm just thinking too much. It's also about space. Japanese spaces are tiny and Japanese culture is traditionally less big thing/pack-rat oriented than we in the US, although I see signs of this changing.

Originally Posted by jedimaster7313

Getting back to Duffy- they do make him very well in the larger & regular versions, yet I have a hard time choosing the smaller ones, that I collect, since many of the faces on the smaller versions don't seem as nice or as well made as the larger ones- which I am surprised in Japan since they do cost more from like 1200-1600 yen depending on which you buy.

I know it's most likely due to the smaller size that it's probably harder to get a good likeness with a smaller amout of fabric and stuffing to get a nicer face that the larger ones have.

I suspect that the size is a technical issue, but as with most production, I also suspect that the retail price is part of it. I imagine that the standards and speed of production for the smaller ones are lower and faster than for the full-sized bears. I don't know, of course, and all full-sized Duffies have their own face, too. But it is different with the small ones. The funny thing is that it's the smaller size itself that's a plus-added value in the Japanese market. I don't buy the smaller plush myself, but I've had fun hunting for good ones for you!^^

Originally Posted by gurgi

Pal Duffy sounds good, but like you, I was thinking about his voice. When it came into my head, I wasn't thinking of him in that way, but rather in shows and such. I started to think that it's another part of Duffy's appeal...he has no voice, so you can make it whatever you want. I would be afraid if they gave him one, much the same as Tinker Bell. I felt the same way you did about her newfound voice, and wished they'd tried harder to get her to pantomime her actions with the tinkling bells. So, with Duffy, I think he might lose some appeal if he starts to speak...especially if it's an annoying voice, LOL!

More and more, I hope she didn't listen to me. I don't think the Pal system is possible without a voice and I don't think Duffy's voice - even if I designed it myself - could ever satisfy me. Plus, although I definitely see Duffy as male, I'm all for those fans who love their female Duffy. Although the park character is clearly male, any fan's individual bear should be whatever they want. I'll call Guest Relations again today and take back my suggestion!

Originally Posted by gurgi

As for prices on the smaller plush between TDR and the US parks, yeah, you're right that usually the ones for the same price are actually smaller at TDR. So, there is a slight price difference. I also wonder if TDR has a markup on seasonal items. I mean what is the cost of, say, a "Spring Carnival" Mickey plush and his regular, everyday "red shorts" version? I know at WDW, they are generally the same cost, but I can't say for certain about TDR.

I also agree with you about the small pin badge Duffy. The face doesn't seem to be as nice on those, and there is a lot more inconsistency. I wonder if it's because they have to make him so small, or maybe another reason? I've seen lots of the pin badge plush of other characters that actually look very close to the larger counterparts....so I don't know what the deal is with Duffy.

I think the standard ones are a bit cheaper, more like US$8~12. I was thinking that, too. The only thing I can come up with is that he is relatively long-haired. The other small plush are not furry, so maybe at such a small scale that thicker material is harder to be as precise with? His face is smaller and simpler than other characters, too, so perhaps smaller variations make a bigger difference? Really I don't know, but it is particularly problematic with the smaller Duffy plush moreso than for other characters.

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

Thanks for these. Yeah, that's the old Duffy fur. It seems like it's gone out of fashion now. The new fur actually looks more like the one on the right. I'm not sure if it was like that originally, though. I kinda suspect that it was an experiment, and that they were trying to distinguish Duffy clearly from the Disney Bear. It's hard to see in pictures, but it has a kind of "diamond" pattern to it. The bears are still plush, but there's a "hatched" texture. Some people really liked its uniqueness, though I admit I'm not one of them. They were standard last year, but I'm not sure before that. I personally never really liked that hatched texture and was happy that my Christmas version wasn't like that. I think it's good that the standard texture has now become the more traditional fluffed look, but I hope they never give the Christmas version smile to the standard bears. Changing the fur is ok, but the smile should be special, once a year. If they changed that, it would make me kinda sad.

I don't care for that waffle pattern either. It was popular over here on all kinds of plush for a few years. I'll admit that on some things, it looked cute, and had a neat texture, but it was nowhere near realistic. Not that a teddy bear is realistic, but you get my drift. That pattern just makes the illusion that it's a cute, fluffy animal less dramatic, and more about the fun pattern. In fact, I think that even the Disney Bear got in on the waffle look for a bit. I'm glad that Duffy finally got rid of it, because I really love his more "wooly" look now, and I'm thankful you were able to get me one with the new fur. I also agree with you about the smile, that should stay a holiday exclusive to make it more special.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

I noticed both of these points, too, and I have a theory about it. I think Duffy is a full-fledged character in his own right, so the eye patches are shaped first and foremost to be in good proportion on the face (cuter^^) and secondarily to suggest Mickey. The paw pads are colored first and foremost to look like natural parts of this bear, and also integrate Hidden Mickey emblems. As I write this, I realize that this is really why the caramelatte color scheme works so well for me - because it works. It subdues the elements, having them work more as a whole than highlighting any single part. The newest Disney Bears, by contrast, seem to have gone in the opposite direction. As they were already just a marketing strategy and never really developed a character, now the new bears seem to have even being well-designed teddy bears as a lesser priority than pushing the brand icon. The fatter nose and smaller eye patches, the lighter paws which create higher contrast and the shorter/sleeker fur which creates sharper lines - it all seems to intentionally enhance the Mickey marking which is the point of the Disney Bear, while it's just a "charm point" for Duffy, who is a character in his own right. Or maybe I'm just thinking WAY too much!

Nah, I don't think you're thinking too much, it's all interesting discussion because it's about character development. I think because none of us knows exactly what went into designing Duffy and making him stand out on his own, we're just speculating and kind of "reverse engineering" him. I find it fascinating to break his design down and try to figure out his appeal. The face is one way, and I think you're right that his face was made a bit larger to emphasize the cute factor. Also, the Mickey mark is a secondary feature. If you notice in his storybook, not once is it mentioned he was made with Mickey's face on him. Whereas that is one of the defining characteristics of the Disney Bear, it's emphasized in his story. In fact, he's a regular teddy bear in the beginning of the story, and only gets his Mickey marks because of Tinker Bell, and Mickey hugging him so tight. Duffy starts out looking the way he does now, he never went through such a change. So, yeah, I think they designed him as a character first, and a Mickey totem second.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

Yeah, that's the site I was talking about. I like Duffy and all, but US$1000 for a teddy bear?!? HECK NO!!! If you ever pay that much for the purple one, even I might have to tsk you.^^ Some nice person perusing these boards who realizes they bought one in a bargain bin should just sell it to you for forty bucks instead of putting it on eBay. It's crazy when fans gouge each other - like ticket scalpers. There's my two yen.^^

Oh please, you "tsk" me?? I would shoot myself if I spent that much on a bear, LOL! I would NEVER pay that much, that's insane. Especially because I just want that lavender one for decoration. I'd love if somebody sold me one for cheaper, but there is no way on this earth I'd pay the $1,000 for it now!!

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

The smaller ones here vary a lot in price. And small means small, like pin-on/keyholder size. Those plush are usually around $12~16, but are often sold as pair sets for $18~24.

You know, I was just at the World of Disney store in NYC (I picked up a book for you, by the way), and looked at their plush to get a better idea of pricing. The small ones they sell here for $12 to $16 are the larger bean bag sized ones, so yeah, TDR does have a higher markup on plush. Also, even some of the very large plush here was sold for cheaper. I looked at a big Dumbo soft plush, and it was selling for $18, which I was kind of surprised at. On the other hand, a large sorcerer Mickey plush with lights in him sold for $28. Oh, and the smaller NYC Disney Bear is selling for $21.95, so there is all kinds of discrepancy in size and price, even in the US. It could be some of the larger plush is made very cheaply and meant as more of a "throwaway" item for kids to abuse. That seemed the case with the big Dumbo plush...it was almost like a pillow. About the small Disney Bear, and the ones TDLFAN took pictures of. The size difference is dramatic next to Duffy. In fact, they are a full head shorter than he is. Also, I picked up one of the black NYC ones, and although it is the most similar to Duffy, even it's quality is less. The material used on the foot pads and hands is almost like cheap felt...it's not as nice & soft as Duffy's. The fur is soft, but of a cheaper, thinner quality than Duffy's as well.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

I think a key difference in the Japanese and US markets is that Americans like big portions at bargain prices while Japanese prefer tiny gorgeous objects that can be carried around to display how much money they're (we're) willing to spend on whatever they're into. Both markets, of course, like high status brands, but I'm not really talking about status like Fendi/D&G/LV here. Japanese fans are really into being identified as fans and having pieces of "fan fetish" on them at all times. I personally think this goes back to the Japanese concepts of kami (spirit) in objects and these small things - unconsciously - actually function as genuine fetish objects keeping people connected to their "fan worship," but again...maybe I'm just thinking too much. It's also about space. Japanese spaces are tiny and Japanese culture is traditionally less big thing/pack-rat oriented than we in the US, although I see signs of this changing.

I totally agree with this, and feel like that's a key difference between the markets. There are some places in the US where the Japanese way works though, like NYC. However, most of the time, I think you're right, we like things bigger for the money...including food, ugh! The fetish aspect of the small token items also explains a lot, and I think US fans have a bit of that, without the actual "spirit" part. It's more about a symbol to declare what you're into for everyone to see. I like the kami aspect though, and think that's a great way to look at things, and also explains why things are so well taken care of and given a bit of "life" in the way they're treated. Duffy's story feeds right into that. Although, so does the Disney Bear's...

The space issue is a big one, and one that I deal with constantly. I find myself collecting the way a Japanese person in a small space would...well, because I'm also in a small space in a big city. I only have so much room, so the things I get have to be small and beautiful. I have no room for massive collectibles. That's why I love getting stuff from TDR because it's smaller and tends to fit better in my space. I do, unfortunatley, have things in storage and boxes, but I'm slowly trying to get rid of excess and things I don't need. I get into the mentality that if I want something new, I need to get rid of something old; and this also goes for clothes.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

More and more, I hope she didn't listen to me. I don't think the Pal system is possible without a voice and I don't think Duffy's voice - even if I designed it myself - could ever satisfy me. Plus, although I definitely see Duffy as male, I'm all for those fans who love their female Duffy. Although the park character is clearly male, any fan's individual bear should be whatever they want. I'll call Guest Relations again today and take back my suggestion!

LOL, take it back, take it back!! A voice is a touchy thing. I remember when they gave Sonic the Hedgehog a voice, people reacted badly. I think they're used to it now, but at first it was very jarring because fans had their own ideas of what he should sound like. Nintendo has been careful with this, with the exception of Mario, which fans seemed to embrace. Other characters like Link only grunt or make small noises...never speaking. So, with Duffy, I think if he did find a voice, a lot of fans would be unhappy because it's not how they imagined him to sound...or "her" in some cases, LOL. I still have a hard time thinking of Duffy as a girl...I just tend to think of those bears as something different.

Originally Posted by DuffyDad

I think the standard ones are a bit cheaper, more like US$8~12. I was thinking that, too. The only thing I can come up with is that he is relatively long-haired. The other small plush are not furry, so maybe at such a small scale that thicker material is harder to be as precise with? His face is smaller and simpler than other characters, too, so perhaps smaller variations make a bigger difference? Really I don't know, but it is particularly problematic with the smaller Duffy plush moreso than for other characters.

You could be right about the fur being the reason for the inconsistency. It looks like they might use the same fur as the larger plush, which could cause for harder sewing and less detail. The little costumes they put on him often look just like the larger versions, but the bear itself loses something when shrunk down and given the same thickness of fur. Maybe they could use a lighter, thinner version to make him look better? I don't know, but I don't even want to start getting the little ones; I'm quite content with my one large Duffy and his costumes!

[TDLFAN]

To make a story short (since I didn't think this would become a novel size discussion.. the WDW bears are cheap. Do not buy, because they only reason guests are being offered these is to collect the Hannah Montana/HSM tees. You will not find quality like the Duffy costumes at TDS. BTW.. seen the new turn of the century style swimsuit for Duffy? I call it "Prison chic for summerwear." I may have to buy the small version of that, just because.

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

To make a story short (since I didn't think this would become a novel size discussion.. the WDW bears are cheap. Do not buy, because they only reason guests are being offered these is to collect the Hannah Montana/HSM tees. You will not find quality like the Duffy costumes at TDS. BTW.. seen the new turn of the century style swimsuit for Duffy? I call it "Prison chic for summerwear." I may have to buy the small version of that, just because.

IKR! Even I thought we were getting a little out of hand! I would like that Birthday tee, though, if you have a chance. I'll take your (and Gurgi's) advice, though, and skip the Pirates one.

[SnorkletsMom]

OK, I haven't actually read any of the Duffy threads before, not having been to TDL. Then I looked at this and first, was wowed by the cuteness. Second, my son has had his "dizzybear" for about 5 years I guess, and his looks a lot like Duffy, but not like the Disneybears currently for sale at DL. So now I want a Duffy!! And costumes...

Are they sold online in the US?

[gurgi]

Originally Posted by TDLFAN

To make a story short (since I didn't think this would become a novel size discussion.. the WDW bears are cheap. Do not buy, because they only reason guests are being offered these is to collect the Hannah Montana/HSM tees. You will not find quality like the Duffy costumes at TDS. BTW.. seen the new turn of the century style swimsuit for Duffy? I call it "Prison chic for summerwear." I may have to buy the small version of that, just because.

LOL, yeah, sorry about that! I think we took everybody along for the ride...

Prison chic...that's funny. He could totally be the belle of the prison yard! He'd be popular in that outfit, I'm sure!

[DuffyDad]

Originally Posted by SnorkletsMom

OK, I haven't actually read any of the Duffy threads before, not having been to TDL. Then I looked at this and first, was wowed by the cuteness. Second, my son has had his "dizzybear" for about 5 years I guess, and his looks a lot like Duffy, but not like the Disneybears currently for sale at DL. So now I want a Duffy!! And costumes...

Are they sold online in the US?

I think the only way to get a Duffy is to know someone in Japan who'd pick it up for you (which I would do, of course^^) or (better if feasible plan) come to TDR and pick one out yourself.

[TDLFAN]

Again.. there is no TDR merchandise available for sale anywhere. Not even in Japan.
Whats online for sale is made available by people selling stuff.. like ebay and the like. TDR does not run a mail order site.

[gurgi]

Ok, time for some more photos. I swear, I'm not going to go explaining anything. I just happened to stumble on pictures of the photo spots without a Duffy on them. I found them interesting, and kind of funny due to some poor translation. Anyway, here are the three photo spots sans Duffy...

Here's the one in Cape Cod. I had to laugh at the English translation of "Please your Duffy on the mark". Uh...no, I won't be doing that, thank you!

Also, love how they ask that you close the seat once you're done. Let's be respectful of the other guests, please, and the view!

Here's the one in American Waterfront.


And, finally, the one in Mediterannean Harbor.


I guess Deep Disney is good for finding all sorts of things...you just have to do a lot of digging if you don't read Japanese...