
Duffy, Mickey’s most cuddly companion, is back! It’s been 8 years since we last saw Duffy in the United States, and, for many, Mickey’s lovable teddy bear had faded into memory. That all changes soon, though, because he’s returning in an all-new way and will be bigger than ever thanks to his new gig.
Duffy the Disney Bear
Duffy the Disney Bear was initially created as a stuffed animal for Walt Disney World’s Once Upon a Toy Shop in 2022 and quickly grew in popularity. He has been featured in various parades at Disney Parks around the world and even had his very own meet and greet at EPCOT until 2015.
The company retired him when sales were lackluster. However, Duffy has grown in popularity in the years since. Some of Duffy’s fans in international parks and destinations, like Tokyo Disney Resort and Aulani in Hawaii, have even developed a cult-like following for this adorable teddy! My own son cannot sleep without his Duffy, despite being born after the bear’s retirement.
Because of this resurgence in popularity, we are so excited to say that Disney is bringing Duffy BACK! The announcement was a blink-and-you-‘ll-miss-it kind of thing, but to say this mom is excited is an understatement. I’m going to have one very happy little Duffy lover!
Oh, Toodles!
Now Duffy is traveling again, this time to the small screen! The insanely popular Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is getting a revival on both Disney Junior and Disney+ and with it Duffy joins the crew.
The preschool show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse debuted in 2005 and ran until 2016. According to IMDB, “Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy and Donald all hang around the Clubhouse. Mickey leads viewers through stories with play-along and singalong segments. Learning early math skills and identifying shapes, patterns and numbers are all part of Mickey’s lessons. Mickey and his pals also play with handy gizmos and gear, including the Mousekedoer, Mouseketools and a transportable device called Toodles.”
The educational show encourages problem-solving and critical thinking, making it an educational staple for young children that parents can feel good about. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has been praised for its engaging format and its ability to teach basic skills and concepts to its target audience with bright colors and catchy songs. The show’s return means parents everywhere can once again sing the Mouseketool song and do the Hot Dog Dance with their toddlers.
Mickey and the gang will once again solve problems with the help of Toodles but it will be far from run of the mill. Duffy joining the crew will add an exciting new element to the classic show. Fans are thrilled about the new addition.
The new episodes are currently in production and scheduled to air in 2025. An exact premier date has not been given.
Duffy Meet and Greet
This isn’t the lovable bear’s first TV appearance, but it will be his biggest! At D23 last year, a series of Duffy stop-motion shorts were announced exclusively for Disney+. The resurgence of Duffy suggests that Disney is planning to put the Disney Bear front and center again. Could another meet and greet be coming to Disney’s US Parks? Your guess is as good as ours, but rumors have been flying since last year that Duffy may soon resume his post as EPCOT’s most huggable character