Quaint though it may be, the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT isn’t typically the epicenter of Disney fan fervor. But this summer, all eyes are suddenly on Der Teddybar, the toy shop nestled between caramel treats and beer steins. A small announcement has sent shockwaves through niche Disney corners — and may signal the return of a character who never quite got his due in the U.S.
At Walt Disney World, EPCOT has become the park of reinvention. Originally created to celebrate technology and global innovation, it has spent the last two decades leaning into its identity as a home for Disney-owned intellectual property. The result has been a reshaping of its identity, one that embraces both classic ideals and crowd-pulling characters.
Attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana have defined the new EPCOT. But now, a softer, stranger kind of IP might be making a surprise comeback.
New Meet-and-Greet Sparks Rumors
On Thursday, Disney reporter Scott Gustin shared what appeared to be a routine update. “NEW: A V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days character greeting is coming to Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT,” he posted. “The character will make appearances June 9 through July 31 from 10am to 6pm.”
The detail that set the internet buzzing? Gustin didn’t name the character. And with the meet-and-greet taking place at a location literally named “The Teddy Bear,” fans leapt to one conclusion.
NEW: A V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days character greeting is coming to Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT. The character will make appearances June 9 through July 31 from 10am to 6pm.
NEW: A V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days character greeting is coming to Der Teddybar in the Germany Pavilion at EPCOT. The character will make appearances June 9 through July 31 from 10am to 6pm. pic.twitter.com/cv0NG1kK0r
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) June 5, 2025
Could it be Duffy?
Long before he became a cultural juggernaut in Asia, Duffy the Disney Bear made his quiet debut in 2002 at Walt Disney World’s Once Upon a Toy shop. At the time, he was simply known as “the Disney Bear.” But it wasn’t until his reintroduction at Tokyo DisneySea — with a new sailor outfit and an emotional backstory — that the bear caught fire with audiences.
Since then, Duffy’s rise has been meteoric. He now boasts an extended friend group, including ShellieMay, StellaLou, and LinaBell, and he regularly commands hours-long queues and merchandise frenzies at Disney’s parks in Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Last year, it was also reported that Disney was hiring specifically to take Duffy to new heights.
Could This Be Duffy’s U.S. Comeback?
Duffy was introduced at EPCOT in 2010, but his reception in the U.S. paled in comparison to his runaway success in Asia. He was quietly phased out years later. And yet, his absence has only deepened his appeal among a niche but devoted group of Disney fans in the States.
Over the past few years, he’s popped up briefly — including at Disney’s Jollywood Nights and in a Disneyland character cavalcade. But a consistent presence in the U.S. parks has remained elusive.
Now, with a mystery character soon to appear in the Germany Pavilion, many are hoping this marks Duffy’s official return. “Duffy?” wrote one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Is that you bestie?”
Another user chimed in, “If it’s Duffy, I’m going to be so happy. Been wanting him to come back for years.”
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some have suggested the mystery guest could be one of the Seven Dwarfs — a fitting nod to Snow White, which has German roots and would align with the pavilion’s existing theming.
While we’ll have to wait and see the identity of EPCOT’s mystery guest, one thing is extremely clear in the meantime: Duffy the Disney Bear is in high demand.
Are you a big fan of Duffy?
