News 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

[DuffyDaisuki]

Looks like Ichigopara was right! MY FRIEND DUFFY will be replacing Donald's Boat Builders (closing 1/11/2010) from 3/20/2010! I think it's a fairly safe assumption that the new Duffy costume on 3/19 will be for this show. Let's just hope they make enough of it to keep stock in stores for at least a week. The recent pajama costume sold out in TWO DAYS! Duffy madness is everywhere now! He's well beyond little kids, office ladies, and otaku. Most park attendees "get" (and ￥get$) Duffy now, and I am so happy! He is a major part of the park and Japan Disney community/mythology. There will be two versions of his show, and it will include both Mice and both Ducks. Duffy has officially made it into bonafide Disneydom! "That sure is one special teddy bear!")

...but, oh, the rabid fans and crowds...I love him, but the craziness...it will be pure, unadulterated CRAZYness...^^

[DreamSweetsLove]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

OMG DuffyDad!!:love: Of course there will be a Duffy special set menu too I'm sure! So my two questions would be will there be a certain amount you have to spend to get in and will they limit your time there? The lines will be massive! Can't wait until more info is available!!

[ni_teach]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Ok Duffy is cute, but I just do not get the craziness about the bear.

[DuffyGuardian]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

So will it be a show? Meet and Greet? Or both? I never made it to see Donald's Boat Builders.

[DreamSweetsLove]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

So will it be a show? Meet and Greet? Or both? I never made it to see Donald's Boat Builders.

Donald's Boat Builders is a show housed at the Cape Cod Cookoff. It's really neat because for the price of something small like fries you get to see a show with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Chip & Dale. The stage was pretty complex too! Of course if you want your child to eat maybe it's not so good because they become mesmerized ha ha!

Here are some videos
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCBnnZUj3n4"]part 1[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pybXP3plJEI&feature=related"]part 2[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YsVDCbpF3U&feature=related"]part 3[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30WgVERIYSE&feature=related"]part 4[/ame]

Ok Duffy is cute, but I just do not get the craziness about the bear.

I wonder if OLC even knows. My theory is that Duffy is like Hello Kitty. He is this blank slate character that can be anything you want him to be and he's super cute. Plus everyone loves teddy bears!:love:

[JoeInJpn]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

This would be the PERFECT show for the lottery. Bwahahahah!

[lighttragic]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Donalds boat builders would rotate a set of shows , I want to say 3 maybe 4 shows on a pretty continual basis , I wonder if this will be the same with Duffy. I also agree with the above comments since duffy is madness in japan , will they turn this restruant into a major time limit, or a larger coast maybe like sailing day buffet?

[DuffyDaisuki]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Ok Duffy is cute, but I just do not get the craziness about the bear.

I'll try to answer your...question? I'm assuming there's a question in there, cos otherwise it seems like a dismissive and sort of unkind comment.

Give yourself time. Lots of folks come around. And if not, your loss. He is amazing. Really, I think it's his Japanese-y-ness. Ichigo said it best the other day: "He's the Disney Hello Kitty." Her point was one I've made before, too, about his appeal. Duffy is a blank slate. His only essential elements are his design, his fundamental construction of and devotion to love, his message in a bottle, and his independent consciousness that loves adventure and exploration. As far as everything else goes, he is whatever whoever is looking at him wants him to be. He needs you, and yet he's free - so his needing you matters. Like Kitty, this is not an accident in character design principles. Like Kitty, he barely has a mouth in most versions (and does NOT talk!...suddenly I remember to be nervous about this for the show). He is even more helpless than Kitty for holding things - he has no thumbs, or even fingers! He needs you. Mickey doesn't need you; he's a superstar. Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy...even Pluto and the 'Munks - Dolls of them are just dolls, but every Duffy is Duffy, and each Duffy belongs solely and wholly to whomever takes him (or her, for some, though this is not cannon) home. No other Disney character has this appeal, and in the Japanese market where character design is far more pervasive than, say, the US, this is gold.

If you don't get it, you don't get it, but try to keep your posts positive or at least inquisitive in topics about something other people like. Going into a topic about a specific character and writing about how you just don't get why anyone likes him, and nothing but that, contributes nothing to the conversation and might be seen as impolite or downright rude by some.

My theory is that Duffy is like Hello Kitty. He is this blank slate character that can be anything you want him to be and he's super cute. Plus everyone loves teddy bears!:love:

)Just saw that you'd posted what we were talking about here...oops.:blush:

[malice]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

There's going to be monstrous lines for this one. Good thing I was able to catch 3 rotations of Donald's Boat Builders before Duffy takes over.

[gurgi]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Interesting. If what Joe said about the show is right, Duffy should remain silent. Also, from what he described, the boat set will probably be re purposed. The only downside to this show will be the craziness, and the merchandise...too much money, LOL!

I do agree that Duffy is kind of like Hello Kitty. I hadn't thought of that before, but I can see it. Hello Kitty is meant to be a little girl, who is somewhat helpless. Well...maybe not totally helpless, because they have put her in a lot of situations where she's in charge, or has had different "careers". Still, most of that is just costume. Her design is purposefully "childlike". There is a specific reason she doesn't have a mouth. It instills a sense of vulnerability in her, and that she needs guidance from her "owner". Duffy is similar, now that I think about it too. He's been shown to do things on his own too, like running a cafe, but even there, he's needed help. He was made with the specific purpose of companionship. He has no voice, and he is seen as being "childlike" as Kitty is. It's like he's a baby, learning everything from scratch. That, along with his cuteness, just makes people latch onto him and create their own "story" for him. He really is a blank slate. Most teddy bears are also blank slates, but Duffy has been given a specific backstory, and mythology, which helps greatly. It doesn't hurt that Japan's obsession with "cute" pushes him over the edge.

[jedimaster7313]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Oh well, there goes this quiet little section of the theme park.

I guess the days of stopping for a quick burger are going to be over soon at the cookout.

I was surprised last month on my last day at TDS there was a line waiting to get in for lunch & then another to sit down-it was the first time I had ever seen this. I guess this is going to be a common occurrance come March next year.

Maybe they can finally come out with Duffy popcorn bucket now to disperse the long lines a little & shift them towards the popcorn cart.

I'm surprised it took the OLC so long to have a show or attraction based on Duffy.

I'm groaning now, but am sure I'll be waiting on line next year.

[DuffyDaisuki]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Well...maybe not totally helpless, because they have put her in a lot of situations where she's in charge, or has had different "careers". Still, most of that is just costume.

This is just like Duffy, too, right? I've said it many times, but what works about Duffy is that although the Disney Bear was born at Disney, everything about Duffy is 100% Japanese. I wonder, now, if Disney would ever try to import Duffy back to America? Could the concept ever really work in the US, though? I think most Americans still wouldn't really get it, and the ones who do are usually more into Japanese animation than Disney... I doubt he could have this same success Stateside no matter what they did. Maybe in Hong Kong, though... Still, I can't imagine Disney Parks execs in the States aren't noticing the phenomenon and wondering how to cash in.

Maybe they can finally come out with Duffy popcorn bucket now to disperse the long lines a little & shift them towards the popcorn cart.

We hope! See you in line!^^

[gurgi]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Oh well, there goes this quiet little section of the theme park.

I guess the days of stopping for a quick burger are going to be over soon at the cookout.

I was surprised last month on my last day at TDS there was a line waiting to get in for lunch & then another to sit down-it was the first time I had ever seen this. I guess this is going to be a common occurrance come March next year.

Maybe they can finally come out with Duffy popcorn bucket now to disperse the long lines a little & shift them towards the popcorn cart.

I'm surprised it took the OLC so long to have a show or attraction based on Duffy.

I'm groaning now, but am sure I'll be waiting on line next year.

Yeah, I think Cape Cod might not be so sleepy after this. Maybe it's good they didn't put Midway Mania here too. It's always nice to have quiet spaces in Disney parks. I hope that can still be the case, even with Duffy having a show of his own.

This is just like Duffy, too, right? I've said it many times, but what works about Duffy is that although the Disney Bear was born at Disney, everything about Duffy is 100% Japanese. I wonder, now, if Disney would ever try to import Duffy back to America? Could the concept ever really work in the US, though? I think most Americans still wouldn't really get it, and the ones who do are usually more into Japanese animation than Disney... I doubt he could have this same success Stateside no matter what they did. Maybe in Hong Kong, though... Still, I can't imagine Disney Parks execs in the States aren't noticing the phenomenon and wondering how to cash in.

I don't know if I would say 100% Japanese though. His backstory is completely tied to Cape Cod, and it's distinct American look. I think his nature and personality is 100% Japanese, but he really is tied heavily to that "New England" vibe. It works great for him because it's so charming. Honestly though, if TDS were built here in America, and Duffy debuted at Cape Cod there, I think his story would be just as strong. Whether or not he actually became popular in the US if he had an identical story to the one at TDS I don't know. I think Americans are not as attached to cute things like the Japanese are. There are other factors too.

I wondered recently if Disney would try to re-introduce Duffy, (with that name) after seeing his popularity in Japan. I mean they have put out the smaller versions lately. After seeing how much even those sell for to Japanese buyers, I can see American Disney execs getting greedy again. Still, I think the character would be doomed to fail (again) if there were not a more specific focus like Duffy has. The "Disney Bear" story is just too generic.

Also, even if he had such a story, I don't think Americans care as much. Sure, there are a few, but still. Most American adults would not really get "into" Duffy. They might buy them as a novelty, or for their kids, grandkids, etc. That's what happened with the Disney Bear. I can't put my finger on it, but I just don't think US Disney fans would have the patience for the "Duffy" version of the Disney Bear. I've never seen fans here go as crazy for one character like they do in Japan.

But...now that I'm thinking about it, there is one Disney character that I can think of that did/does have a US following (not as hardcore as Duffy though). Figment the dragon! He was EPCOT's exclusive character, since they wanted to keep Mickey & the gang out in the early days. People loved him, and proved so when they re-did his signature attraction and removed him entirely. Fans were upset, and complaints at guest relations were piling up. So, they re-did the ride again, and added Figment back in. He also has his own line of merchandise that sells fairly well, and has had a walkaround character.

So, I guess it is possible to get a character created in the parks to be loved by people. But, it takes more than just a plush. Figment, the Country Bears, and even the pirates and ghosts in POTC and HM all had major attractions that introduced them to the world. So, for Duffy to be re-introduced here, I think he might need more than a new backstory.

Anyway, I'm just rambling now, so I'll stop before I start repeating myself, or typing random stupid thoughts.

[TravisMT81]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

I cannot wait till I go in April so I can finally have my very own Duffy!

[Fukai]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

It's too soon to dump Donald's Boat Builders. I am mystified about the carrying-on about a silent bear that has no backstory and no personality.

This just stinks all around because it takes a restaurant out of the loop: the lines will be nutty and I bet you'll see an online reservation system soon ala what they've done to both the Diamond Horseshoe and Tahitian Terrace. And that stinks because if you can't read Japanese you can't make a reservation, which basically excludes anyone but the Japanese (just like Funderful Disney).

[Disneyson 1]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

It's too soon to dump Donald's Boat Builders. I am mystified about the carrying-on about a silent bear that has no backstory and no personality.

From what I understand, Duffy is/was Mickey's bear he had taken for himself on a big sailing mission. I think that was the very first time he had discovered the worlds of DisneySea(?). His personality is what you want it to be; you create him.

But I agree. I don't understand how they can create a show centered around a character without a pre-determined personality. In the show they'll have to GIVE him a personality... removing the story, the magic, and the whole idea of Duffy. I know I'll get clobbered for saying this, but this is a horrible idea that's mooching off of the cash cow that is Duffy.

...

:mob:

[JoeInJpn]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

I agree with Disneyson and Fukai. There will probably be some narration describing Duffy's actions and thoughts. The narration might be included as dialogue spoken by another character. Or, there will be an unseen narrator throughout the show.

[DreamSweetsLove]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Donald's Boat Builders is a fantastic show but I think this new show will be a win win for everyone. Cape Cod really needed some kind of Duffy attraction and this is one of the ways they could do that. Yes they will make mad money but us the guest will get a new attraction with characters we want to see too! I don't think Duffy will talk because that would totally kill it and they must know that. The only thing is how they will run it? It would be nice if they make it lottery actually! Also it will be a long run the first morning ha ha!

[DuffyDaisuki]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Donalds boat builders would rotate a set of shows , I want to say 3 maybe 4 shows on a pretty continual basis , I wonder if this will be the same with Duffy. I also agree with the above comments since duffy is madness in japan , will they turn this restruant into a major time limit, or a larger coast maybe like sailing day buffet?

That is the system at the moment, just like Boat Builders. No tickets, no lottery, no time limit, and no minimum orders. Despite what some of you may think, I am not one of the people who would stay there all day. It seems like a lot of people who don't understand this character's popularity are dismissive - even bordering on riled - about the fact that it exists, and also with the people who love him. (And yes, this sometimes makes me feel on the defensive.^^) That said, there are plenty of hardcore Duffy fans whom I suspect will stay all day, given the chance, and I'm still a bit concerned about how they'll manage crowds. I'm relieved not to be a CM in Cape Cod Cook-Off!

I don't know if I would say 100% Japanese though. His backstory is completely tied to Cape Cod, and it's distinct American look. I think his nature and personality is 100% Japanese, but he really is tied heavily to that "New England" vibe. It works great for him because it's so charming. Honestly though, if TDS were built here in America, and Duffy debuted at Cape Cod there, I think his story would be just as strong. Whether or not he actually became popular in the US if he had an identical story to the one at TDS I don't know. I think Americans are not as attached to cute things like the Japanese are. There are other factors too.

Duffy is absolutely grounded in Cape Cod and nostalgic American charm (as romanticized through Japanese eyes). Don't get me wrong. But the decision to ground him there in writing his new story was developed in-house at OLC, approved by Disney Parks. The genius of making him both handcrafted as a loving gift and factory-produced by a group of helpful friends made him not just "Mickey's bear," but everyone's. This is a key difference in approach. The mass-produced version we buy in McDuck's has the same romantic feeling as the one Minnie makes in the story. It's not an imitation. It's not "something like it." It's the same. The message in a bottle suggests a charming way to present the gift to a loved one in real life (as I have done whenever I gave one as a present). Even carrying Duffy around for photos in the park is integrated in the story. Duffy's magic to be independently conscious, travelling through dreams and across oceans to bring happiness and luck (and love), to have his own mysteries and yet be "just a teddy bear" - even in the story, his magic and appeal are seen as unexplainable! Every step of the way, every beat of the story, you can see that the Duffy planners had a vision that was firmly and carefully grounded in the actual experience of this character and merchandise in the real world. Duffy is in concept almost identical to what he is in reality; that is an amazing achievement for any designer/writer/promoter/creator. And, really, no other character has that. For me, this kind of awareness and attention is as worthy of fanfare as the creation of Mickey himself (i know...i said it...blasphemy^^).

I don't love Duffy - as some of you probably think - because I live in some twisted dream world hugging my teddy bear and hiding from life; I love this character because of the same meticulous and he/artful attention to design execution as I see everywhere else in TDR, especially TDS. He epitomizes what OLC does so well, what I think Disney has always done when it wasn't just selling stuff and branding (and what PIXAR consistently does) - connect with the audience. The fact that he was designed in the US as nothing but a brand icon and that he hawks more junk than nearly any other character in the parks is beautiful irony, I think.

The fact that it is a resurrected character from a corporate branding failure is fascinating and inspiring to me. It says that while corporations are right about fandom consumers - we will stampede like cattle to buy their crap - they have to invest in making it actually mean something first. They have to push the right buttons. The people who created the new backstory, artwork and events for Duffy have clearly done exactly that, where the Disney Bear could not. Even Duffy's costume-changing, which has become a huge business, was part of the fundamental reconceptualization of the character in a country where Build-A-Bear is not what it is in the US and doesn't even sell Disney costumes. In fact, I imagine that a lot of BAB sales in Japan come from Duffy fans. The Duffy team knew what they were doing and have watched as their work came to fruition, like all Disney artists, like all commercial artists, like all artists. All of this, as I understand it - the costumes, events like Sweet Duffy with original stories, artwork, and merchandise - is conceived and created at OLC, then approved for production by execs at Disney Parks. At least, that's what I've been told. Dismissing their work and their success is unfair, to say the least.

That said, I would be pleasantly surprised and happily stand corrected to learn that there are American Imagineers working on Duffy, too, who really understand the Japanese sensibility for character design that has made him a hit. As far as I know, though, this is not the case. The Duffy team is all OLC, which, I think, is also part of why this character is flourishing so well in this niche market.

I wondered recently if Disney would try to re-introduce Duffy, (with that name) after seeing his popularity in Japan. I mean they have put out the smaller versions lately. After seeing how much even those sell for to Japanese buyers, I can see American Disney execs getting greedy again. Still, I think the character would be doomed to fail (again) if there were not a more specific focus like Duffy has. The "Disney Bear" story is just too generic.

Also, even if he had such a story, I don't think Americans care as much. Sure, there are a few, but still. Most American adults would not really get "into" Duffy. They might buy them as a novelty, or for their kids, grandkids, etc. That's what happened with the Disney Bear. I can't put my finger on it, but I just don't think US Disney fans would have the patience for the "Duffy" version of the Disney Bear. I've never seen fans here go as crazy for one character like they do in Japan.

I agree with you completely, Gurgi. There will be some Americans who connect with this, but the concept is tailored to the Japanese market. There are countless issues in Japanese society, as in most/all? societies, but there is almost no fear about loving the cute. Cute is king. In America, it's cool that rules, and often at the cost of cute. Personally I think this is grounded in strange machismo gender issues, another thing the Japanese have less of...in a sense, even while there is rampant sexism to this day. Looking for a while at how cute/cool plays out unearths both cultures' confusions about sexuality and maturity, but that's a looong digression I'll resist making. Humans are so fascinating!

Anyway...Even American adults who collect teddy bears may be turned off by Duffy's mass production and corporate branding; while American Disney fans seem to think rooms full of music boxes or figurines are okay, but draw the line at teddy bears. I don't get that, but they don't get me, so whatever.^^ I think Duffy's appeal clearly grows out of the Japanese character aesthetic, which is why it seems so reasonable to me that everything about him was designed here, unlike other elements of TDR. I have heard this from people who work for both Disney and OLC, but never actually met someone from "Team Duffy" so I can't swear. Still, because of how much I think the Duffy concept wouldn't work in the US and in light of what happened with the Disney Bear in the first place, even with an existing BAB fanbase and partnership with Disney, it is very difficult for me to imagine that Duffy is in any way the product of American Imagineers. Honestly, the more I think about it, I hope it stays that way. There are definitely Americans who could do great things with Duffy, but as Disney wants to reach the widest audience possible, I think "the Disney Bear" is the way to go. The relatively few people Stateside who really get into Duffy's place in Disneyana will find a way to get theirs.

But...now that I'm thinking about it, there is one Disney character that I can think of that did/does have a US following (not as hardcore as Duffy though). Figment the dragon! He was EPCOT's exclusive character, since they wanted to keep Mickey & the gang out in the early days. People loved him, and proved so when they re-did his signature attraction and removed him entirely. Fans were upset, and complaints at guest relations were piling up. So, they re-did the ride again, and added Figment back in. He also has his own line of merchandise that sells fairly well, and has had a walkaround character.

So, I guess it is possible to get a character created in the parks to be loved by people. But, it takes more than just a plush. Figment, the Country Bears, and even the pirates and ghosts in POTC and HM all had major attractions that introduced them to the world. So, for Duffy to be re-introduced here, I think he might need more than a new backstory.

Anyway, I'm just rambling now, so I'll stop before I start repeating myself, or typing random stupid thoughts.

Yeah, I've heard about Figment. I don't really know a lot about him. I found a site and watched a video and wasn't really blown away, but I was very impressed by how much fans seemed to love him. Thanks for reminding me to look back into that. I love your random stupid thoughts.^^

It's too soon to dump Donald's Boat Builders. I am mystified about the carrying-on about a silent bear that has no backstory and no personality.

This just stinks all around because it takes a restaurant out of the loop: the lines will be nutty and I bet you'll see an online reservation system soon ala what they've done to both the Diamond Horseshoe and Tahitian Terrace. And that stinks because if you can't read Japanese you can't make a reservation, which basically excludes anyone but the Japanese (just like Funderful Disney).

Aw...I usually love your posts. I'm bummed this bothers you so much. I think, thematically, the fans have already decided that Cape Cod belongs to Duffy, so following up by changing the show demonstrates to me exactly what I love about OLC - connection with fans. There will be no online reservation system, nor any limitations but the line, or so I heard from Guest Relations this morning. I'm happy that at least since you're concerned about the line, you sound like you kinda wanna go. I mean, there are plenty of other restaurants. If you aren't interested in the show, why choose Cape Cod Cook-Off anyway? It's charming, but it's hardly the best restaurant in the park, at least for me.

From what I understand, Duffy is/was Mickey's bear he had taken for himself on a big sailing mission. I think that was the very first time he had discovered the worlds of DisneySea(?). His personality is what you want it to be; you create him.

But I agree. I don't understand how they can create a show centered around a character without a pre-determined personality. In the show they'll have to GIVE him a personality... removing the story, the magic, and the whole idea of Duffy. I know I'll get clobbered for saying this, but this is a horrible idea that's mooching off of the cash cow that is Duffy.
...

:mob:

Hey, no mobbing here!:ghug: I do have to offer a clarification, though. I hope I've made the point that while the Disney Bear belongs to Mickey, the same is absolutely not true for Duffy. And Mickey's Duffy was a handmade gift, another important point about the vibe-setting of the reconceptualization. The planners really invested in this.

Duffy does have some personality. He is concerned with Happiness, Luck, and Love. And he can move through people's dreams. He loves fashion, and like most cartoon characters, seems capable of learning skills by changing outfits, which he can apparently produce himself from thin air. He likes adventure and has a carefree, independent spirit. And yet, he loves love, and he loves to connect with people and bring people together. I think that's enough for a short show, and not too much.

As for the cash cow, part, absoLUTEly! OLC is OLC and Disney is Disney and both are about making as much money as they possibly can, like most businesses. So, yeah, their goal is shockingly not world peace or solving the energy crisis, but making boatloads of money. Clearly. Decidedly. Why would anyone think otherwise? But OLC does it with such style and Duffy does it with such appeal, that I love it and will pay for it. Lots of folks do and will. Is there some other part of Disney that's running for some other reason that I don't know about? We don't actually think Disney's goal is making magic, do we? And anyway, as far as that goes, the truth is that Duffy is as close to a real world manifestation of a concept as Disney has ever come, just like the parks themselves and more than the costumed characters. I feel sure that the Duffy Team is having fun and enjoys what they're doing every bit as much as the Imagineers working on films and other parts of the parks. The fact that it makes money isn't really doesn't seem like something to complain about, especially with this company.

I agree with Disneyson and Fukai. There will probably be some narration describing Duffy's actions and thoughts. The narration might be included as dialogue spoken by another character. Or, there will be an unseen narrator throughout the show.

Hm...like a storybook, you mean? That could be interesting. As long as he doesn't talk, I'm good.

[gurgi]

Re: 「My Friend Duffy」 SHOW coming March 2010!!!

Too soon to remove Donald's Boat Builders? It's been there since the beginning, so I think it's quite appropriate to change out the show. Most Disney fans complain when a show or parade stays longer than 5 years, so I'm surprised it's "too soon".

As for the Duffy show, I'm sure they will work around any speaking issues, and also I'll be that the boat set will be re purposed. I would imagine that the Mice & Ducks will do quite a bit of speaking, while Duffy mimes actions, and narration describes what's going on. I have no problem with that. Also, I'm sure even if the show is popular and guests are lining up for it, that won't clog up the food service counters. You can probably still go in for a burger or whatever, and just avoid the show area entirely. It's not like it's a sit-down restaurant like Diamond Horseshoe or Tahitian Terrace, so a reservation system would be out of place at the Cook-Off.

I personally don't think it's that much of a big deal that the show is being changed out, and it's themed to Duffy. Also, who cares if the show makes it more tailored to the Japanese? It is their park, and the percentage of foreign guests makes it silly to cater to them. I don't see it as any different than the AP situation in Anaheim. There will always be crowds.