Think Mickey Mouse is the most famous character at the Tokyo DisneySEA park? You'd be wrong. That little teddy bear that he's holding up just happens to be the most popular character among the Japanese.
Duffy.
Created originally for the Walt Disney Resort as "The Disney Bear," he's now known as Duffy at the Tokyo Resort. Duffy has evolved into sort of a cultural phenomenon there. He's even got his own website on the the Tokyo Disney Resort's site. His meet and greets are where you see long lines of Japanese fans gathered just to snap a picture with him. And is the case, they've developed a back story for him. Remember, everything should have a back story at Disney. This is something the Suits forgot when building parts of DCA(Maliboomer, anyone).
Anyway, back to the back story. It appears that since this is Tokyo Disney"Sea" and everything is related to the ocean, exploration and such, Mickey was headed out to sea. The night before he goes, Minnie gave him a teddy bear as a gift of companionship. Duffy is a bear of magic and great luck and spread happiness and cheer throughout Tokyo DisneySEA.
Next time you get to TDS(you lucky bum), why don't you pick up one of these plush teddies, or a Duffy outfit, or a key chain or a...
Well, at least get in line to have a picture taken with him.
