Move over Mickey Mouse because a new character is taking the crown as Disney’s most wanted.
While Walt Disney’s famous creation has long served as the face of The Walt Disney Company, he isn’t the most popular character at all of Disney’s theme parks.
That title has been split between Duffy and Friends at Disney’s Asian theme parks for a while now. The group began with Duffy the Disney Bear, a plush toy originally introduced at Walt Disney World in 2002 as “The Disney Bear.” Despite a lukewarm reception in the U.S., Duffy gained immense popularity in Tokyo DisneySea, where his story was reimagined, portraying him as Mickey Mouse’s cuddly companion.
This success spurred the creation of his friends, each with unique personalities and dreams: ShellieMay, Duffy’s caring best friend; Gelatoni, an artistic cat; StellaLou, an aspiring dancer; CookieAnn, a cooking enthusiast; ‘Olu Mel, a music-loving turtle; and LinaBell, a curious pink fox who debuted at Shanghai Disneyland in 2021.
These characters have captivated fans, particularly in Asian Disney parks, where themed merchandise, meet-and-greet experiences, and heartwarming stories emphasize friendship and individuality, generating an impressive $500 million in sales.
LinaBell Takes Over
LinaBell, often described as a rising star in the Duffy and Friends lineup, has been gaining prominence, especially in China, where her popularity has driven a surge in merchandise sales among teenagers and young adults.
According to the Taipei Times, this demographic has shifted spending away from luxury goods like beauty products and handbags toward toys, games, and collectibles, a trend known as “emotional consumption.”
LinaBell’s merchandise is in high demand, with Shanghai Disneyland seeing eight-hour queues for a new release in March 2024, a frenzy so intense that security was eventually called in.
Fans like 29-year-old Ida Jia have embraced the character deeply, with Jia even theming her home and bedroom around LinaBell. “She has a positive influence on me, feeling her cuteness and energy is very soothing,” Jia shared.
Yasmeen Chen, creative director of merchandise at Shanghai Disney Resort, highlighted LinaBell’s exceptional success, suggesting she could thrive beyond Asia. “These days everyone is looking at their phones and using computers; the interaction between people is less and sometimes there may be less companionship with parents, friends or family,” Chen explained. “I think in this regard, LinaBell and Duffy and Friends provide a lot of emotional value.”
For superfans like Xia Sansan, LinaBell’s appeal transcends trends. Xia and her husband believe they own the world’s largest collection of Duffy and Friends merchandise, with thousands of items purchased from Disney in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Their collection, which has cost them over $136,000, fills their entire 100-square-meter Shanghai apartment.
As Yaling Jiang, founder of ApertureChina, puts it, characters like LinaBell “fill an emotional void,” offering a comforting reminder to find joy in life’s little moments.
Where Can I Find LinaBell?
For those living out of reach of Disney’s Asian parks, LinaBell is near-impossible to encounter. However, if you do find yourself at Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, or Tokyo Disney Resort, you have a few options.
At Shanghai Disneyland, guests can meet LinaBell at Friendship Point (although be prepared for a long wait to do so).
Meanwhile, at Hong Kong Disneyland, you can find LinaBell at Duffy and Friends Play House (again, with a major wait).
At Tokyo DisneySea, LinaBell is available from January 15 through February 24, 2025, at Waterfront Park in American Waterfront in Tokyo DisneySea. The character also appears in Duffy and Friends’ Wonderful Friendship, a 20-minute dinner show at Cape Cod Cook-Off in the park.
Who’s your favorite Duffy and Friends character?
