Mickey Mouse may be Disney’s global icon, but in Asia, he shares the spotlight with a charming cast of bears and their furry friends. Meet Duffy and Friends—a cuddly crew that’s become a merchandising sensation at Disney parks in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai, where fans eagerly line up, sometimes for hours, to snag the latest plush or accessory.

For those unfamiliar with the frenzy, Duffy and Friends’ popularity might seem surprising. After all, these eight characters collectively rake in over $500 million in annual merchandise sales. So, who are these irresistibly cute creatures, and how did they come to dominate the Disney parks across Asia?

The Duffy Craze Begins

Duffy’s journey started in 2002, not in Asia but at Walt Disney World, where he was introduced at Once Upon A Toy in Disney Springs. While Duffy briefly appeared at Disney parks in the U.S., he didn’t catch on with American audiences. However, things changed when he made his way to Tokyo DisneySea.

Credit: Disney

Under the guidance of The Oriental Land Company, Duffy was introduced as a walk-around character and quickly gained a massive following, eventually becoming the main attraction at the Cape Cod Cook-Off Theatre. Duffy’s success led to merchandise limits at Tokyo DisneySea and sparked a demand for more characters in his world.

Meet the Duffy-verse

The Duffy universe has since grown to include eight characters, each with a Walt Disney Imagineering-engineered backstory and their own unique charm, though some are more popular than others. Here’s a full rundown of the gang.

Duffy the Disney Bear

Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

Duffy is the original—a hand-sewn bear Minnie Mouse gifted to Mickey before his sea voyage. His home is in Cape Cod, which is why he resides in the American Waterfront area of Tokyo DisneySea. Although he started in the U.S., he found true fame in Asia, with his rise unstoppable ever since he crossed continents.

ShellieMay

Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

ShellieMay the Disney Bear debuted in 2010 and is as adventurous as she is kind. Unlike Mickey and Minnie, ShellieMay and Duffy are just close pals. Her home is also in Cape Cod at Tokyo DisneySea’s American Waterfront, a perfect fit for this lively bear with a heart for creating gifts for her many, many friends.

Gelatoni

Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

In 2014, Gelatoni the artistic cat joined the Duffy-verse, complete with a blue beret and an eye for creativity. Residing in Tokyo DisneySea’s Mediterranean Harbor, Gelatoni is always ready to paint his next masterpiece and has a charm all his own among Duffy’s fanbase.

StellaLou

Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

This lilac-colored rabbit, introduced in 2017, dreams big. Hailing from New York, StellaLou has her sights set on Broadway, and at Hong Kong Disneyland, she’s even taken the stage alongside the Hong Kong Ballet. She brings a dancer’s grace to Duffy and Friends, inspiring fans to follow their own dreams.

CookieAnn

Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

A year later, in 2018, CookieAnn—a yellow dog who loves to cook—debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland. Her culinary skills have even inspired her own café at Shanghai Disneyland. Like her pals, CookieAnn is grounded in a heartfelt story, with her home base being Main Street, U.S.A., in Hong Kong Disneyland.

‘Olu Mel

Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

‘Olu Mel, a ukulele-playing turtle, was introduced at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawai’i and has become a favorite there. Originally known simply as Olu, he’s even been part of a recent Disney legal dispute over character rights. Now that’s when you know you’ve created an iconic character.

LinaBell

Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

The latest addition, LinaBell, debuted in Shanghai Disneyland in 2021 and has quickly become a fan favorite. This pink fox, known for her intelligence, draws massive crowds for meet-and-greets, especially among her passionate fanbase in China.

With their heartwarming stories and plush charm, Duffy and Friends have cemented their place in the hearts of Disney fans, particularly in Asia, where they continue to inspire events, merchandise, and long lines. So, which one’s your favorite?