Rare Disneyland/Walt Disney World Goofy Plush – Closed Smile Variant with Original Tag
After a lot of researching on the internet, I believe this goofy plush is a rare and possibly first-run Goofy plush toy from the early 1990s, potentially sold exclusively at Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks. The woven tag reads “Disneyland / Walt Disney World” and is marked © The Walt Disney Company, which (based on what I’ve found via the World Wide Web) dates it to before 1996 when Disney began using “Disney Enterprises, Inc.” I could be wrong of course. I’m very interested to learn more about this plush. One way in particular this plush stands out is the closed-mouth smile with soft felt teeth, a facial design not seen on any other mass-produced Goofy plush from that time. I’ve searched extensively and I can’t find any others like it. Most Goofy plush toys that I found from the Goof Troop or A Goofy Movie era have an open-mouth grin, making this design possibly a prototype, limited park-exclusive, or transitional model. I’ve searched online (eBay, Etsy, WorthPoint, and collector forums) and have not found another matching this exact facial design, vest color, and tag combination. Goofy wears a bright magenta vest, orange shirt, teal pants, and brown plush shoes—all still attached with the original factory stitching (never removed). The plush is in excellent condition with no damage or odors, and has been stored in a smoke-free, climate-controlled home. The only sign of age is some minor pilling on the shirt and pants fabric, which is typical for vintage polyester items. (I assume it’s polyester.) Based on everything I’ve learned, this plush may be one of the earliest depictions of Goofy’s character redesign during the Goof Troop era, potentially produced for Disney Parks ahead of the show or film’s broader release. This would make it especially valuable and a rare character design transition.
Height/Length: 21.5 inches Width (with arms tucked): 8.5 inches Depth: 7 inches Weight: 14.5 oz
Inherited
Yes
Hi Ashton,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Goofy plush toys were created in vast quantities - it's likely millions have been made in response to demand from people since his creation by Disney in 1932, first appearing in the cartoon Mickey’s Revue under the name Dippy Dawg. By 1934, he evolved into the more familiar character we know today—renamed Goofy—with his own distinct voice, mannerisms, and look.
The closed-smile version was one that was less popular with people and was not produced in quite as large a volume as his open-mouthed versions; that comparative rarity does play a positive role in his value. While open-mouthed Goofy plus figures from the late 1980s or early 1990s in this pristine condition usually sell for between $50 and $75 at auction, this can reliably be valued at ten times that, or $500-750.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A rare vintage Goofy plush figure
Made in China for Walt Disney and retailed at either Disneyland or Disney World, circa late 1980s to early 1990s
Goofy with green and black hat, orange shirt, red vest, blue pants, his hands like gloves and his feet as large brown shoes. Labeled
21-1/2 inches tall
CONDITION: This Goofy plush figure appears to be in very good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 500-750*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
