Tag Archives: Disney Character Meeting

The Domestic Dispute Named Duffy

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EPCOT_WRLDSHOW_7072234034This article is dedicated to our darling children, Megan and Joseph.  We adore them…in spite of their views on the subject of today’s post.

If there could possibly be a more polarizing topic in our household, I can’t name it.  Disney’s sweet bear, Duffy,  is to blame for a house divided!  Our house, to be exact.  Exactly how such an innocuous, cuddly, mild-mannered being could create an unprecedented level of strife, I cannot explain.  It’s true nonetheless.

Here’s the deal…years ago, when “Duffy the Disney Bear” first began to appear at Walt Disney World, our kids were suspicious – WHO is this guy and WHY is he a “thing”?  The more he showed up, the greater the suspicion grew – before long, that seed of doubt (about Duffy’s legitimacy as a “real” Disney character) sprouted into annoyance and swiftly grew into active dislike.  One or both of our offspring would frequently complain, “HE. IS. NOT. A. REAL. CHARACTER.!!!!!!!” – every time they saw poor Duffy in any size, shape, or form.  He’s not a movie star, not part of any ride or attraction, and NOT part of any of their happy childhood memories.  Duffy haters they became – both of them vying for who could dislike Duffy the most.  Trust me when I tell you that the snarky comments that accompanied Joseph’s “modeling” of the Duffy ears were epic.  That smile is NOT genuine – it’s straight up vicious.Disney Duffy Ear HatThanks to Duffy’s popularity at Tokyo Disney, he became legit – and part of Walt Disney World in the form of stuffed animals (and dress-up costumes for them), pins, and his very own Character Meet-n-Greet.  Raymond and I did not board the Duffy-hater bandwagon with our children.  We were rather ambivalent for a long time, certainly not offended by the poor guy, that’s for sure.

Fast forward to October, 2014 – Raymond and I are at Disney World to celebrate our 25th anniversary by enjoying the Food & Wine Festival sans kids.  Raymond suddenly recalls (as we’re approaching the World Showcase at opening time) that there’s a Duffy meet-n-greet on the Mexico side, near World Showcase’s entrance.  He suggested, based on all of the above, that we have our picture made with Duffy for our children.

We laughed the entire time we waited in line for Duffy’s arrival.  We laughed harder when Duffy showed up in his pumpkin costume!  This was going to be GREAT!  We’d get the Cast Member to take pictures with our phone and upload our Duffy pictures directly to Facebook.  When our turn came, we were laughing like loons.  What we didn’t expect, was to fall in love with Duffy.Duffy-FB-Post

Of all the characters we’ve “met” at Walt Disney World, Duffy was one of the very best.  For a character that doesn’t speak, he conveyed a world of information.  We got the distinct impression that Duffy knows his reputation as a fringe, slightly sketch character and does his level best to make up for it.  Duffy was cute!  Duffy was funny as all get out!  Duffy won us over!!!  AND caused us no small amount of grief when we confessed our newfound adoration for Duffy and his charming ways.EPCOT_WRLDSHOW_7072234039

So, there you have it.  Duffy loathers on one side, Duffy fans on the other.  No small shortage of snarky comments from one corner and fond Duffy memories from the other.  I don’t imagine this will change anytime soon…sigh.

Do you have any Disney controversy in your home?  What’s it all about?  Tell me!

Walt Disney World Group Activity Must-dos

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Celebrate a Dream Come Trup ParadeCall me crazy (no, really -it’s okay, lots of people do) but I think there are some really fun activities that everyone should do – as a group – while vacationing at Walt Disney World.  I’m not talking about the usual stuff like ride this ride or eat in this restaurant – I’m talking about specific group events that, if you’ll take my advice, are certain to enhance the enjoyment of your entire travel party!  What’s perfect is that these are suitable for all groups – children, adults, friends, family – everyone plays, everyone has fun.

Ready?  My 5 Walt Disney World Group Activity Must-dos:Yoda and Chewie Hats

1. Try on Hats – No, really – it’s almost symbolic of embracing your ability to let go and enjoy being in the moment.  Be silly!  There are thousands of hats at Walt Disney World in nearly every shop, in every park and resort.  Try on hats in each country in Epcot’s World Showcase.  Chapeau, lid, cap, sombrero…just have fun!  And have your camera ready.

Tower of Terror Ride Photo2. Stage a Ride Photo – Nothing says “I had the best time EVER” like a ridiculous ride photo.  Once you figure out where the cameras are, get busy!  You will have to fork over a few bucks to buy the picture(s), but what could make a better souvenir than you and your – insert group description here – having the time of your life on iconic Disney attractions.  Need suggestions?  Check out these hilarious pics!

3. Meet a Character – If you have a few extra bucks, especially if you’re travelling with children, Meeting Minnie at Chef Mickey'sspring for a character meal.  At the very least, make the time for at least one character meet-and-greet.  Nothing brings out your group’s collective inner-child like the chance to pose for a picture with a favorite Disney character.

4. Hunt for Hidden Mickey’s – You can find the classic shape of Mickey Mouse’s head hidden everywhere.  Big, small, obvious, subtle – make it a group activity and throughout your entire visit to Walt Disney World you’ll be amazed and astounded by the number of Hidden Mickey’s there are and how much fun it is to look for them.  Bring a little gift bag along and keep score – the person who spots the most Mickeys wins!  Find everything you need to know here.

Dale in Festival of Fantasy Parade5. See a Parade or Nighttime Show – I know a lot of people who don’t take the time for this – I think they’re missing out on some incredible Disney magic!  The Festival of Fantasy Parade in Magic Kingdom (most days, 3:00 pm) is simply breathtaking!   The Main Street Electrical Parade, also in Magic Kingdom (most evenings, sometimes twice) is completely different, but unique and super entertaining.  See Fantasmic (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) or Illuminations in Epcot – choose one or see them all!  I cannot think of a better way for your entire travel party – be it friends, family, or both – to stop and relax for a few minutes and be amazed…together!  Of all the shows, our family’s favorite is Wishes (Magic Kingdom) which takes place most nights and involves audio, video (projected on Cinderella Castle), and fireworks – all combined in a way guaranteed to bring goose bumps at the very least.  It usually makes me a little teary-eyed.

Have you and your friends or family done any of these?  What are your favorite group activities?

 

Character Dining at Disney’s Chef Mickey’s

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I don’t know about you, but when I go to Disney World, I still want to see Disney characters.  I do know how old I am (parts of me are reminding me of it all the time)…I can still be a kid at heart, right?  I love Donald!!!  In this post, I suggested some ways to meet characters on a Disney vacation.  One of them, probably the one I like the best, is character dining – our favorite of which is at Chef Mickey’s.  Why we love it?  It gives children (and adults like me) the chance to meet Disney’s Fab Five:  Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy – while enjoying a meal just a short monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom.  Let me add:  This is a Princess-Free diningIMG_2651 experience which appeals to many families – especially ones with boys! 

Located inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s is a buffet serving Breakfast, Lunch (certain times of the year only) and Dinner.  The food, while certainly not of the fancy gourmet variety, is goIMG_2654od and offers a large selection of basic, American fare to appeal to just about everyone – including picky eaters.

A bit about the food:  At breakfast you can expect eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, fruit, danish, pancakes, French toast, cereal and the ever popular Mickey waffles.  Dinner items include things like soups, salads, a carving station, pasta, roasted chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, veggies, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, and several desserts including all the fixin’s for ice cream sundaes and yummy bread pudding. IMG_5370

During your meal, the characters come around to your table for a little one-on-one time.  Not a long time, mind you (the whole no talking thing kinda rules out idle chit-chat), but long enough for some great pictures and memory making.  It’s good to see The Fab Five without waiting in line outside in the hot Florida sun!  It also seems to me that the characters tend to be a bit more playful here than they are in the parks.  There’s a little routine to get everyone excited where guests are encouraged to wave their napkins over their heads to music.  Just go with it, you won’t be alone.  

IMG_5372As you arrive at the restaurant (reservations strongly recommended), you’re given the opportunity for a family photograph before being seated (photo package prices vary).  Have we done that?  Yes, but if I had it to do over, I would have saved the money.  I don’t like those pictures nearly as much as the ones taken table-side by my own camera.  You can decide what’s right for you, but do have your camera ready at all times and I promise you’ll get some excellent photo ops!  Good food, good company – who could ask for more than that?

What’s your favorite Character meal at Disney World?