As Disney continues to introduce additional costs for services that were once included in the price of admission, guests are increasingly vocal about feeling like they’re paying more while receiving less. To help restore goodwill, the company should consider small but meaningful changes that enhance the magic without a major financial burden. One such opportunity is the return of Duffy the Disney Bear, and while we are at it, also his lovable friends—ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, Olu Mel, and LinaBell, and bring them all to Walt Disney World. A dedicated Duffy & Friends meet-and-greet would be a low-cost but high-impact way to delight fans, especially families with young children. Personally, I have two small kids, and this small change could have a huge impact on our vacation, especially if introduced to a park like EPCOT that has fewer things for little ones.
Duffy’s last regular meet-and-greet at EPCOT ended on October 3, 2015, at the entrance to World Showcase. While he has made occasional appearances, such as during the 2024 Disney Jollywood Nights event, he has not had a consistent presence at Walt Disney World in nearly a decade. Meanwhile, his popularity has soared internationally, with Duffy & Friends becoming beloved icons at Tokyo DisneySea, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland. In these parks, they are far more than just meet-and-greet characters—they are the heart of immersive lands, featured in stage shows, themed dining experiences, and exclusive merchandise collections. Their global success demonstrates their strong connection with Disney fans, so why has Walt Disney World continued to leave them out?
Rather than relegating Duffy to a simple gazebo meet-and-greet as he once had, EPCOT should invest in a dedicated space for these beloved characters—one that could also serve as an enhancement to the park’s family-friendly offerings. A prime location for this would be the Odyssey pavilion, which, while nostalgic, has largely been reduced to a festival overflow space. Instead of using it as a temporary venue, Disney could demolish the current space and reimagine the area as a charming Cape Cod-inspired mini-land that ties into Duffy’s original backstory, creating a warm and inviting home for the characters. This could include a dedicated meet-and-greet area where guests can interact with Duffy & Friends year-round, a themed treat stand selling adorable, Instagram-worthy snacks, and even a casual dining experience inspired by Tokyo DisneySea’s Cape Cod Cook-Off, which offers a meal paired with a Duffy-themed stage show.
There is nothing like this at Walt Disney World right now, and it would be a huge draw for both families and devoted Duffy fans. It wouldn’t require a massive investment, yet it would provide an authentic, heartwarming Disney experience—something that fans are increasingly longing for in an era of corporate cost-cutting. Disney has the opportunity to bring back some of the whimsy and charm that makes the parks special while tapping into a character franchise that has already proven itself on the global stage. The demand is there—now it’s time for Walt Disney World to embrace the magic of Duffy & Friends once again.
