While Walt Disney and his animating partner Ub Iwerks developed the look and style of the character in the 1920s, it was owned by Universal, who the Disney Brothers Studio was working for.

According to the Disney fan site Inside the Magic, the practice dates back to Walt Disney himself, who apparently said, “You never know how much that child may need that hug.” ...

Tally is a character in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Tally struck internet fame in the weeks before Christmas, by engaging in funny banter with parade guests.