3:53am ET
Duffy the Disney Bear is inspiring all kinds of new things at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Today, the park opens a new Duffy-themed merchandise store "Main Street Cinema: My journeys with Duffy" and a brand new meet and greet featuring Duffy, Shellie May and Gelatoni.
It appears that only two characters meet at a time, and at least for the first day, it seems to be only Duffy and Gelatoni.
The store next to the meet and greet sells merchandise off all three characters, while taking guests on the journey through Duffy's story. This is the first time ever Gelatoni has be incorporated in a standard meet and greet (no private events), and it's interesting that Hong Kong created this opportunity before Tokyo. Gelatoni originally debuted at Tokyo DisneySea in the stage show at the Mediterranean Harbor. Hong Kong Disneyland has elevated their character presence as of late. Over the last 6 months, the parks have implemented: Joy and Sadness (Inside Out), Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps (Zootopia), Chaptain Phasma, Chewbacca, First Order + Storm Troopers & R2-D2 (Star Wars), Baymax (Big Hero 6) and now Gelatoni--- making this park a top character destination.
Who is Gelatoni?
Gelatoni is a gray, artist cat from Italy who was discovered while Mickey, Minnie, Duffy and Shellie May were shopping. Duffy dropped his Gelato, and Gelatoni came over, dipped his tail in it and began painting. Duffy and Gelatoni then became acquainted with one another and began painting together and have been friends ever since.
Picture Courtesy: Disneyland Hong Kong