Why Duffy Is So Popular at Tokyo Disney Resort | Origin Story and Popularity Explained

Of all the Disney parks in the world, Duffy (and ShellieMay, Gelatoni, Stella Lou) have found unexpected popularity at Tokyo Disney Resort. How did Duffy come about? Why are he and his friends so popular in Japan and Tokyo Disney Resort? Join me as we learn about one of the most fascinating phenomenons to hit Disney fandom in Japan.
Images © Tokyo Disney Resort and Oriental Land Company
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[@StevenSantos1701]

I bought my first Duffy in 2016 at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Took him all over Disney World and took pics of him everywhere. I go yearly, and it was less and less merch. This year there was none. It's sad it didn't take in America.

[@kagayakey1157]

It’s sad to hear there is less of him in the US, but I kinda get it. Duffy is big in Japan because the kawaii culture here keeps them relevant. If you ever get the chance to go to Japan, I’m sure your Duffy will get all the love he deserves!

[@debbiesaurusrex]

It gone from the Disney store too. I bought it online n now it disappeared totally

[@baileemasters8093]

I have the 🚺 version

[@disneylover7117]

I saw Duffy at disney springs-

[@user-rj4tm1nf7m]

There are many Duffy merch everywhere in Hong Kong disneyland. I even bought my first Duffy plush toy

[@Gabychan13]

He also started as Disneys answer to the Build A Bear brand that was popular here in the US.

[@kagayakey1157]

Interesting tidbit! Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@karcheng6996]

I love Duffy and friends so much . My collection go from 3 to 100 keychains in 3 months 😂

[@babydoll4523]

I got my Duffy and Shellie May from Tokoyo Disney Sea!! 🥰

[@erikagholston6610]

Thank you for the information. I thought Duffy was from Epcot because that is where I first saw him in the early 2000's.

[@_NerdyDragon_]

I got my duffy in epcot in 2012 (I think) and he's been by my side ever since then and seeing this makes me want to go to Tokyo Disney even more, all these plushies are so cute and I want all of them!

[@kagayakey1157]

Yes! I hope you get to go to TDSea too! It is the ultimate place for a Duffy & Friends fan 🤩 prepare your heart - the cuteness will be overwhelming 😆

[@jennyalpaca7544]

My aunt gifted me a Disneybear back in 2003! He’s a blue bear with bunny ears because it was Easter then and that year on Christmas she gave me and my brother a purple Disneybear and a brown one who’s identical to Duffy! I want to take them to DisneySea one day so they can meet their cousin-bears!!

[@kagayakey1157]

I hope you get to! It'll make for such a great photo-op 🤩

[@dickwintered]

Duffy is the best! Love your channel, keep it up :)

[@maanstraaltjeduberge5565]

My son bought me a Duffy disney bear. I am so happy with him. It is the lovely connection between us. Mother and son. Seperated because of his study abraod.

[@alirocks11]

Nice! I never really knew why Duffy was so popular or the point of the bear. Cool beans!

[@hello-gc1br]

They are really cute! I got stellalou when i went to visit tokyo :D

[@kagayakey1157]

That's fab! StellaLou is my fav 😍 We are bunny buddies!

[@MadiBendy]

I’ve got a really close connection to olu mel just because is in featured only in aulani. I love him so much 🥺

[@michelleobi9046]

I took my daughter to Shanghai Disney a few days ago. People were going crazy over the rabbit called Shellie May. Then my daughter received a Shellie May today for christmas. I had to search for this because I could not believe how mad adults were going crazy for this.

[@kagayakey1157]

It's seriously insane - the Asian Disney parks take Duffy and Friends to a whole other level!! I am always amazed by the devotion and zeal the fans show to these little guys. It's so fascinating to see how kawaii culture takes off in Disney, but at the same time those price tags terrify me! ShellieMay is the girl bear; did you mean StellaLou by any chance? Personally, StellaLou is my fav so your little girl has great taste lol. Do you find yourself being pulled to join in the craze as well?

[@michelleobi9046]

@@kagayakey1157 Its Shellie Lou. The Duffy and friends float was the last float of the Disney parade, my husband, daughter and I were nearly floored in a surge of adults dashing to walk along with the float😂

[@safirasutarto2346]

Stella Lou is the rabbit, Shellie May is basically minnie mouse, but a bear version

[@michelleobi9046]

@@kagayakey1157 Sorry yeah, she has the rabbit Stella Lou

[@FrostyOfficialRBLX]

Thanks for this video! I really want to get Cookie over to Tokyo! And at least bring Duffy back to Epcot! And I actually didn’t know that there was another Duffy character (other than Cookie)! And watching “A Table is waiting!” More, I’m starting to get why you like it 😂! Anyway thanks for the video!

[@kagayakey1157]

Cookie is quite adorable, isn't she? I was surprised to hear that she was a Hong Kong exclusive considering Duffy & Friends originated in Japan. But it's always good to have more Duffy & Friends go around, I say! Yaaaaaas come join the Table fandom LOL Be sure to watch the Christmas version of "A Table Is Waiting" - it's just as spectacular!

[@FrostyOfficialRBLX]

Yassssss is right! And I will make sure I will! Yeah I was personally also confused why Cookie was a Hong Kong exclusive, but just guessing maybe it’s to try to bring in more crowds to come to Hong Kong rather than just being able to get it anywhere. I mean as of now they really need it because of the protesters!

[@chloedicken8253]

Why Duffy Is So Popular at Tokyo Disney Resort | Origin Story and Popularity Explained

[@adawkins5678]

I got Shellie May back in 2016 in WDW! I think Duffy and friends are so Cute! It’s sad they didn’t take here in America 😔 I really want Stella Lu!

[@kagayakey1157]

It's definitely unfortunate it didn't take off! I saw Duffy's little photo spot in Disneyland when I visited a few years back, and it broke my heart that it was so empty...That would be have easily been one of the most popular and visited spots at Tokyo DisneySea! Getting a StellaLou is a fantastic incentive to head to Japan, IMO lol!

[@fabiendulido]

👍🏽✨🧚🏽‍♂️

[@maanstraaltjeduberge5565]

And my bear is bought in Japan at Disney Sea.

[@kittyfan91]

I got my Stella Lou and Shellie May Plushies from Tokyo Disney Sea!!!!! But Didn't get Duffy, Gelatoni, Olu, and Cookie Ann!!!!!!!!

[@kagayakey1157]

You got the OGs from their home land! Olu can only be bought from the Aulani Resort in Hawaii, but that is a good shopping list for the next time you hit up the parks 😁

[@bdemir7452]

What about linabel?

[@raewestvirginia2128]

In us, The country bear jamboree should’ve took over for Duffy as Bears filling in for a bear.