Duffy The Disney…. Who?
As many Disney fans may know, Duffy the Disney Bear made his American theme park debut today. But if you are anything like me you may find yourself saying Duffy who?
Well for the uninformed, i.e. those of you who don’t care enough to research this character (everyone), here is the story of Duffy.
One day sailor Mickey is about to go to sea, Minnie wanting to give him something special makes him a bear named Duffy. Minnie presented the bear to Mickey at the pier by the old lighthouse on a blustery day. Mickey smiled brightly, and placed the teddy lovingly into his duffel bag. "I'll call you Duffy!" And the two were off to begin a wonder-full journey.
The story goes on, but really that’s the important part.
Duffy the bear is a minor character form an obscure story from Tokyo Disney. The only reason he is coming to Epcot is that Disney believes he will be a big seller.
Don’t believe me? Liz Boyce, Senior VP merchandise development even stated during her opening line during the press conference “I guess you are wondering who in the world is Duffey.”
Now, don’t get me wrong I have no problem with Disney making as much money as they can (I am a stock holder) and I do spend obscene amounts of money that I really don’t have at Disney every year. Like many of you other Disney fans, I spend the money on things that I love. I love the resorts, from the Poly to the Pop each has its own unique appeal, high standard of service, a bit of magic, and it beats the “no tell-motel” down the road. I love the food, the themeing, the cast members and the characters.
Characters that my parents grew up with, that I grew up with, that my son is growing up with. And yes there have been some additions over the years, but normally when they add characters they build a story, an experience, a world around them. Only then, when we embrace them does Disney finally bring them to the parks, sells plush toys, and hold a press conference. To me, Duffy was the exception.
It seems that Disney is trying to make an obscure character a big deal simply to increase the sales of Duffy dolls in the U.S. Fine, great, more power to them, but I don’t know if it is going to work. I dislike the fact that Disney is trying to force this bear down my throat, why not give me something I want. Lets say Phineas and Ferb.
Phineas and Ferb are a favorite in my house. My three year old would wait in line for hours to meet them and Perry. He would also beg me to buy and buy and buy Phineas and Ferb toys. Why couldn’t they bring them to Epcot… Would anyone argue that they would not be a great addition to Innoventions. Or what is Disney doing with the old Wonders of Life pavilion… Maybe a few Phineas and Ferb inspired rides.
I will end here before my blood pressure gets too high, but I will leave you with one fear that I have. My son sees Duffy and wants one, not because he loves him the way he loves Mickey, but because it’s a bear and he is three.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
iPad on Verizon...Is the iPhone next?
Verizon Wireless says it will start selling Apple's iPad and in its retail stores beginning Oct. 28.
The company says it will also offer data plans for the tablet computer for $20 per month, breaking AT&T Inc.'s exclusive hold on Apple's mobile devices. Price for the 16gb iPad and MiFi mobile hotspot will be $629.
One of the best parts of this new announcement, NO CONTRACT. Verizon has announced that the $20per month data plan will be pay as you go.
The deal could give both Apple Inc. and Verizon, the country's largest wireless carrier, a boost going into the holiday shopping season.
Separately, AT&T Inc. says it is also offering the iPad at retail locations for the first time. The carrier has been the exclusive wireless provider for the iPad since its launch earlier this year, offering data plans that start at $15 per month.
Will the iphone be far behind...
The company says it will also offer data plans for the tablet computer for $20 per month, breaking AT&T Inc.'s exclusive hold on Apple's mobile devices. Price for the 16gb iPad and MiFi mobile hotspot will be $629.
One of the best parts of this new announcement, NO CONTRACT. Verizon has announced that the $20per month data plan will be pay as you go.
The deal could give both Apple Inc. and Verizon, the country's largest wireless carrier, a boost going into the holiday shopping season.
Separately, AT&T Inc. says it is also offering the iPad at retail locations for the first time. The carrier has been the exclusive wireless provider for the iPad since its launch earlier this year, offering data plans that start at $15 per month.
Will the iphone be far behind...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Disney computers go down
Just a reminder that Walt Disney World will be updating their computer systems today at three o’clock. Staring at this time many Disney services will be unavailable.
Here is a list of the known areas which will be unavailable during the system maintenance:
All Disney hotel bookings including Walt Disney World resorts, Disneyland resorts, Aulani in Hawai, Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island
All Disney Vacation Club villa bookings
Magic Your Way ticket redemptions and upgrades at Lobby Concierge desks (theme park Guest Relations booths will be able to assist with all ticket transactions but extended wait times are expected)
Advance Dining Reservations
Behind the Scenes tour bookings
Watercraft rentals, golf tee times and all other recreation reservations
Cirque du Soleil ticket pick-up from Lobby Concierge (box office will still be able to issue tickets)
Ticket pick-up for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Ticket pick-up for dinner shows including Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
On-line check-in service will be down
Key to the World charging privileges MAY be impacted--park guests are advised to carry alternate payment media
Use of Disney Dining Plan credits is NOT expected to be interrupted.
Member Services will be closing at 3pm eastern while other systems are scheduled to go down at 4pm on Tuesday, October 12, 2010. Access is expected to be restored early the morning of Thursday, October 14, 2010.
If you need to use any of these services or make reservations do so now.
Here is a list of the known areas which will be unavailable during the system maintenance:
All Disney hotel bookings including Walt Disney World resorts, Disneyland resorts, Aulani in Hawai, Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island
All Disney Vacation Club villa bookings
Magic Your Way ticket redemptions and upgrades at Lobby Concierge desks (theme park Guest Relations booths will be able to assist with all ticket transactions but extended wait times are expected)
Advance Dining Reservations
Behind the Scenes tour bookings
Watercraft rentals, golf tee times and all other recreation reservations
Cirque du Soleil ticket pick-up from Lobby Concierge (box office will still be able to issue tickets)
Ticket pick-up for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
Ticket pick-up for dinner shows including Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
On-line check-in service will be down
Key to the World charging privileges MAY be impacted--park guests are advised to carry alternate payment media
Use of Disney Dining Plan credits is NOT expected to be interrupted.
Member Services will be closing at 3pm eastern while other systems are scheduled to go down at 4pm on Tuesday, October 12, 2010. Access is expected to be restored early the morning of Thursday, October 14, 2010.
If you need to use any of these services or make reservations do so now.
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