Disney’s $4 Billion Bear: Why Duffy Rules Overseas but Still Baffles the U.S. (Ep. 80)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 1 January 2026

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

It’s the first episode of the new year, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in 2026 by digging into the annual Disney merch reset. From the surprisingly nostalgic look of next year’s dated park souvenirs to a brand-new Star Wars droid collector program, there’s a lot changing on shelves just as holiday decorations disappear overnight. Plus, Jim takes a deep dive into one of Disney’s most baffling merch success stories and why it still doesn’t quite translate stateside. NEWS • A first look at Disney’s 2026 dated park merchandise, including a color palette that feels straight out of vintage Walt Disney World road signage • Disney confirms Droid Factory Fridays, a new monthly Star Wars collector program kicking off January 2 • How Disney is using timed drops and bonus build incentives to keep Star Wars fans buying all year long • Valentine’s Day arrives overnight, with Sweethearts’ Nite at Disneyland and new couples-focused merch leading the charge FEATURE • Why Stitch dominated 2025 with billions in merch sales following the live-action film • The strange history of Duffy the Disney Bear, from U.S. failure to massive success in Asia • Disney’s new slow-and-steady strategy to finally make Duffy stick with American audiences • How Asian parks are going all-in on Duffy with restaurants, parades, shows, and anniversary celebrations HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If a trip to Disney or Universal is in your future, visit UnlockedMagic.com to score great ticket deals from people who truly know Disney travel. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Listen up.
0:01.0	Huh? That means you.
0:02.0	Yes, you. We know you're pointing at yourself. When it comes to Paddy Power Games, we've got a place made for all sorts. From the experts to the Drama Queens. It's me, the JC. The finance bros. Look at those stocks, lads. We'll stick with slots. It's what we're good at. And not forgetting you. Yes, you, the one listening.
0:21.5	Because at Paddy Power Games, we've got all sorts of games for all sorts of treacles.
0:26.1	Eligibility rules in terms and conditions apply.
0:27.8	Please gamble responsibly.
0:28.8	8 plus gamblerware.org.
0:30.0	Welcome back to I Want That 2.
0:32.0	The podcast where Disney merch meets Disney history.
0:35.4	And I'm entertained writer Jim Hill.
0:37.4	And as always, I'm entertained writer Jim Hillen.
0:37.7	As always, I'm joined by the lovely Lauren Hersey.
0:41.2	And we're recording this, what is it?
0:45.1	Just moments away from New Year's, right?
0:48.2	Yes, so the show will be live on New Year.
0:51.8	So first, happy New Year's.
0:53.5	I was just saying to Jim, stealing Lens line here.
0:57.2	This is like the ultimate Schmer's Day, if Schmer's Day was a week, the week between.
1:03.2	All right. I can get behind. It's just the week of Schmer's day. That's, wow, we should, we should patent that.
1:12.7	This is, if there ever is a time of year.
1:15.0	You really should.
1:15.8	Yeah.
	...

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