Hi Scott, I’m beyond excited to meet another Duffy the Disney Bear fan over here at planDisney! I’ve been obsessed with Duffy ever since I first met him at Tokyo Disney Resort many years ago. The excitement that guests have for him there is truly infectious!
I remember when you could meet Duffy at
EPCOT, but he’s been taking a break to give Mickey’s other pals a chance to say hi to guests. While Duffy isn’t currently meeting regularly at Disney World, he did make some special appearances recently. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be at the same events this year, but hopefully this gives you an idea of where you might spot him!
During last year’s holiday season, Santa Duffy met at
Hollywood Studios during regular park hours between Christmas and New Year’s, and at the specially ticketed
Jollywood Nights party. I was so excited to meet him there last November and it was my #1 must-do for the party!
I’ve also found Duffy on course during some
runDisney races and most recently took a picture with him around mile five of last year’s Wine & Dine half marathon. He also made an appearance at the post-race party that night!
Finally, Duffy has been spotted at past
Disney Vacation Club member events, like Moonlight Magic and the Halloween Meet & Treat where he was wearing the cutest pumpkin outfit!
Unfortunately, most of his appearances aren’t announced ahead of time, so it may take a bit of luck to meet him. Your best bet is Jollywood Nights where his meet and greet was mentioned on the
Disney Parks Blog when they revealed the party dates last June. Keep an eye out for this year's details in the coming months because the party dates often fall around when you're visiting!
While Duffy is no longer meeting at EPCOT, there are a few nods to our favorite bear around the Japan Pavilion. In the
Bijutsu-kan Gallery, you’ll find Duffy and Friends plush toys in the Kawaii exhibit. And during the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, there’s
character chalk art hidden all around World Showcase, including Duffy and his artist pal, Gelatoni!
And if you’re looking for Duffy and Friends merchandise, sometimes you can find a few goodies at the
BouTiki gift shop at the Polynesian Resort, most of it centered around his ukulele playing friend ‘Olu Mel.
If you’re in for a bigger trip, Duffy can usually be found regularly at
Aulani Resort in Hawaii,
Hong Kong Disneyland,
Shanghai Disneyland, and
Tokyo DisneySea, along with an incredible selection of merchandise!
I’m wishing on a star that you get to meet Duffy in November! And if you have any more questions before then, don't hesitate to visit us again at planDisney. I'm always here for my fellow Duffy fans!
JoAnna