While Walt Disney’s iconic creation has long been the face of the company, his reign as the most popular character at Disney parks is being challenged in Asia.
For years, Duffy and Friends have dominated Disney’s Asian parks. The group began with Duffy the Disney Bear, introduced at Walt Disney World in 2002 as “The Disney Bear.” Though initially met with a lukewarm response in the U.S., Duffy found immense success at Tokyo DisneySea, where his backstory as Mickey Mouse’s cuddly companion captured hearts.
This led to the creation of his friends: ShellieMay, Gelatoni, StellaLou, CookieAnn, ‘Olu Mel, and LinaBell, a curious pink fox who debuted at Shanghai Disneyland in 2021.
These characters have become cultural phenomena in Asian Disney parks, with merchandise, meet-and-greet experiences, and heartfelt stories emphasizing friendship and individuality. Together, they generate an estimated $500 million annually.
LinaBell: The Rising Star
Among Duffy’s friends, LinaBell has emerged as a fan favorite, especially in China. According to Taipei Times, merchandise has seen significant sales among teenagers and young adults, a demographic shifting their spending away from luxury goods like handbags to collectibles and toys in a trend known as “emotional consumption.”
The demand for LinaBell merchandise is unprecedented. At Shanghai Disneyland in March 2024, a new release sparked eight-hour queues and chaos so intense that security had to intervene. Fans like Ida Jia have fully embraced LinaBell’s charm, with Jia decorating her home and bedroom in LinaBell’s likeness. “She has a positive influence on me, feeling her cuteness and energy is very soothing,” Jia said.
Yasmeen Chen, creative director of merchandise at Shanghai Disney Resort, attributes LinaBell’s success to the emotional connection she provides. “These days everyone is looking at their phones and using computers; the interaction between people is less and sometimes there may be less companionship with parents, friends or family,” Chen explained. “I think in this regard, LinaBell and Duffy and Friends provide a lot of emotional value.”
Fans and the LinaBell Craze
For superfans like Xia Sansan, LinaBell’s charm is worth the investment. Xia and her husband claim to own the largest Duffy and Friends collection, with thousands of items from Disney parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Their collection, valued at over $136,000, fills their entire 100-square-meter apartment in Shanghai.
Yaling Jiang, founder of ApertureChina, believes the appeal lies in how characters like LinaBell “fill an emotional void.” She explained that these products remind fans to appreciate small joys and moments of happiness in daily life.
Where to Find LinaBell
Outside of Disney’s Asian parks, encountering LinaBell is rare. However, fans visiting Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, or Tokyo Disney Resort can still experience the LinaBell magic.
At Shanghai Disneyland, guests can meet LinaBell at Friendship Point—though long waits are to be expected. At Hong Kong Disneyland, she can be found at Duffy and Friends Play House. Meanwhile, Tokyo DisneySea offers limited-time opportunities to see LinaBell at Waterfront Park and during the Duffy and Friends’ Wonderful Friendship dinner show at Cape Cod Cook-Off.
Who’s your favorite Duffy and Friends character? Let us know!
