Daps Magic - Disney and positive stuff

Daps Magic

Mr. Daps discusses a wide range of topics from the realm of Disney and positive stuff... on Daps Magic - Disney and positive stuff! This podcast is hosted by Mr. Daps, who has run Daps Magic for over 20 years. In this capacity, he has covered many of the biggest Disney stories of the last two decades, interviewed people inside and outside of The Walt Disney Company, and covered stories that range from Disney to Star Wars to Pixar, to Marvel to Star Trek to other geeky and fun things! We hope you will join us as we share our fandoms and celebrate Disney and positive stuff!

  1. 1d ago

    The Art of Worldbuilding: Disney Lessons on Hope, Heart, and Humanity

    What makes a Disney story truly timeless, and how do those stories transform from the screen into real-world experiences in the theme parks? On this episode of Daps Magic - Disney and Positive Stuff, Mr. Daps shares a spoiler-free breakdown of filmmaker Leslie Iwerks' documentary, Disney Worldbuilders, premiering at D23 and then on Disney+. Rather than focusing purely on technical construction or mechanics, Disney Worldbuilders digs into something far deeper: the core principles of great storytelling, personal connection, and the power of human emotion. Mr. Daps walks through his key takeaways and lessons learned from storytellers like Bob Iger, Pete Docter, Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Jared Bush, Jennifer Lee, and Kevin Feige. Key Takeaways Covered in This Episode: Stories Come From Within: Why great storytellers own their narratives, making them deeply personal extensions of who they are to evoke real human feelings. Balancing Nostalgia & The Future: How Disney balances yesterday, today, and tomorrow—respecting nostalgia while maintaining a forward-looking mindset. Expanding Our View of Ourselves: How relatable characters (like Luke Skywalker) broaden our view not just of the galaxy, but of our own potential. Overcoming Adversity Through Fairytales: How personal struggles shape great storytellers and empower new stories. Optimism, Hard Work, and Construction Walls: Kevin Feige's unique perspective on construction walls—not as an inconvenience, but as proof that more magic is coming and the adventure continues. 💬 COMMUNITY QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which principle or idea from Disney Worldbuilders connects with you the most? What Disney land or attraction makes you feel most connected to the story? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Daps Magic HQ at dapshq.com! 🌐 CONNECT WITH DAPS MAGIC: Website: https://dapsmagic.com Daps Magic HQ: https://dapshq.com Facebook & Socials: Connect with us across all platforms @dapsmagic! ✨ Make it a great week, keep kind, and we’ll see you in the parks!

  2. Aug 9

    Ultimate D23 Predictions: Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, & Disney Experiences!

    It’s D23 week! With the ultimate Disney fan event right around the corner, Mr. Daps is joined by his good friend and Photoniks co-host, Clocky, to dive into fun predictions, wild hopes, and speculation for all the major announcements coming out of D23! From Friday night’s Disney Entertainment Showcase to Saturday night’s Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase (hosted by Neil Patrick Harris!), Mr. Daps and Clocky go back and forth trading predictions across Marvel, Star Wars, Walt Disney Animation, Pixar, Live-Action, Theatrical, and Disney Parks. Will we get a full reveal of VisionQuest? A Muppets Christmas special? An Oswald trailer? Or big timeline reveals for Avatar coming to Disneyland? How about a new theme park, details about Piston Peak, or Disney Cruise Line news? Sit back, relax, and join the pre-D23 hype! Key Topics Covered: Marvel Cinematic Universe: Speculations on VisionQuest, Avengers: Doomsday cast reveals, X-Men '97 Season 3, and teases for Daredevil: Born Again. Star Wars & Lucasfilm: Predictions for Starfighter, a potential Skeleton Crew Season 2 announcement, Ahsoka Season 2 updates, and what the Dave Filoni era means for future theatrical films. Walt Disney Animation & Pixar: Looking ahead to Frozen 3 & 4, Incredibles 3 rumors, and potential release dates for upcoming slate projects. Live-Action & Muppets: Pitching ideas for a Muppets Christmas special, updates on Princess Diaries 3 and Lilo & Stitch, plus updates on John Favreau’s Oswald project. Disney Parks Predictions: Opening the discussion on Disneyland's upcoming Avatar experience, boat ride rumors, and what fans hope to see from Disney Experiences around the world! 💬 COMMUNITY QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What are your top D23 predictions this year? Which announcement are you most hoping to see from the Entertainment Showcase or the Horizons Parks Showcase? Let us know in the comments below or jump into the conversation on Daps Magic HQ at dapshq.com! 🌐 CONNECT WITH US: Daps Magic Website: https://dapsmagic.com Daps Magic HQ: https://dapshq.com Listen to Photoniks: https://photonikspod.com Follow Clocky: Check out Sent from Disneyland at ⁠sentfromdisneyland.com⁠ ✨ Make it a great week, keep kind, and we’ll see you in the parks!

  3. Aug 2

    The runDisney Companion: Your Race Day Guide from Fantasy to Finish Line and Beyond

    Get ready for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation on this week's episode of Daps Magic - Disney and Positive Stuff! Mr. Daps sits down with author, runner, and founder of The Castle Run, Lisa DiNoto Glassner, to discuss her brand-new book, The runDisney Companion: Your Race Day Guide from Fantasy to Finish Line and Beyond. Lisa opens up about her incredible personal journey—from graduating from Harvard Law and practicing Big Law to making the life-changing leap to move 1.2 miles from Cinderella Castle. She shares how distance running became a source of healing and mental clarity, leading her to write a guide that goes far beyond a simple race-day checklist. Together, they dive into what makes the runDisney community so uniquely supportive, essential advice for first-timers and seasoned runners alike, and how taking that first step toward a new goal requires the courage to start before you know how the story ends. To wrap it all up, Lisa takes on Mr. Daps' signature Fast Five quick-fire round! What We Cover in This Episode: How We Met: Reminiscing about waiting on the floor together for hours before a D23 Disney Parks & Experiences panel. Lisa’s Disney & Life Origin Story: Transitioning from practicing law to crafting a life centered around passion, family, and being neighbors with the Magic Kingdom. The Heart Behind The runDisney Companion: Why this book is part race-day handbook, part love letter to the runDisney community, and part guide for life lessons learned on the course. Practical Race Advice in the Book: Key tips for surviving registration morning, race logistics, avoiding classic beginner mistakes, and managing the emotional "post-race blues." The Magic of the runDisney Community: Why race crowds cheer just as loudly for the final finisher as the first, and what makes course moments so unforgettable. The Fast Five Round: Lisa's quick-fire picks for her favorite character, top park, first thing to do, ultimate elevator loop music, and dream Disney sidekick! Community Question of the Week: Have you ever participated in a runDisney event, or is running a Disney race on your bucket list? What is your favorite memory on a race course or your favorite Disney park loop music? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation over at Daps Magic HQ (dapshq.com)! Connect With Our Guest & Get the Book: Get The runDisney Companion: Available starting August 7th at TheCastleRun.com! Follow Lisa: Visit TheCastleRun.com and connect with @thecastlerunner on social media. Make it a great week, keep kind, and we'll see you in the parks.

  4. Jul 26

    Earl of Sandwich Grand Opening & Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby Review with Kellie (We Don't Wear Ears)!

    Get ready to be hungry! On this episode of Daps Magic - Disney and Positive Stuff, Mr. Daps is joined by Kellie from We Don't Wear Ears for a delicious deep-dive into the newest culinary additions in the Downtown Disney District. Together, they celebrate the official opening of Earl of Sandwich’s permanent home and review Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby! Before diving into the food, Kellie shares her Disney origin story—from visiting Disneyland as a six-week-old baby and getting her first $122 pass in college, to launching her social media platform during the 2021 park closures and reaching over 100,000 followers. She also explains the fun story behind the name We Don't Wear Ears, reflects on the heartwarming human connections that make Disneyland so special, and shares what's next as We Don't Wear Ears expands onto YouTube! Then, the duo jumps into all things food! They explore the new Carvery setup at Earl of Sandwich, evaluate the pastrami and holiday turkey sandwiches, rate the surprisingly good mac and cheese, and debate whether Earl's oversized cookies (including the Cinnamon Toast Crunch and M&M cookies) might actually be the single best cookie on Disneyland Resort property. Finally, Kellie and Mr. Daps head upstairs to review Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby! From jaw-dropping immersive decor and Carthay Circle-level vibes to standby favorites like the $68 shareable Prime Rib, Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid, high-heat Chicken Wings, and Sticky Toffee Pudding, they discuss how this elevated-yet-accessible spot fits into the evolving landscape of Downtown Disney. To wrap up the show, Kellie takes on Fast Five. What We Cover in This Episode: Kellie’s Disney Origin Story: Lifelong passholder memories, launching a Disney platform while the parks were closed, and hitting major milestones with her family.The "We Don't Wear Ears" Vibe & YouTube Expansion: Moving beyond short-form content to showcase authentic personalities and deeper Disney trip-planning hacks.Disneyland Magic Moments: A heartwarming story of an impromptu Paint the Night duet on Main Street, U.S.A.Earl of Sandwich Grand Opening: The long-awaited permanent location, the warmth of the Earl team, and why Earl remains one of the absolute best value dining spots at the Resort.Menu Highlights & Carvery Review: Deep-dive reviews into the thick-roasted Pastrami, classic Holiday Turkey, Italian subs, and pro-tips for grabbing sandwiches on your way into (or out of!) the parks.The Ultimate Cookie Debate: Why the massive, splittable cookies at Earl of Sandwich—from Chocolate Chip to Cinnamon Toast Crunch—are taking top spot for Downtown Disney treats (plus an ice cream sandwich hack!).In-Depth Review of Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby: First impressions of the upper-level atmosphere, the high-end tavern feel, and why it transports you out of the theme park hustle.Standout Bites & Dishes: The incredible value of the shareable Prime Rib (and its unexpected star, the carrots!), the high-heat Chicken Wings, Beef Wellington debate, and the showdown between the Chocolate Tart, Oreo Cheesecake, and classic Sticky Toffee Pudding.Pricing & Accessibility: How to dine at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant on a budget, park dress code norms, and how Downtown Disney’s new lawn/stage courtyard space creates a "vacation for an hour" feel for locals and visitors alike.The Fast Five Round Community Question of the Week: Have you had a chance to visit the new permanent Earl of Sandwich location or Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby? What is your go-to order on the Earl menu, or what dish on The Carnaby menu was your favorite bite? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation over at Daps Magic HQ (dapshq.com)! Connect With Our Guest: Follow Kellie & We Don't Wear Ears: Search for @WeDontWearEars on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube! Make it a great week, keep kind, we'll see you in the parks.

  5. Jul 19

    A History of Happiness: Celebrating Disneyland's Milestone Birthdays Through the Years

    Happy Birthday, Disneyland! This week on Disney and Positive Stuff, Mr. Daps takes a nostalgic trip down Main Street, U.S.A., to celebrate the rich history of Disneyland’s most iconic milestone birthdays. From the early visionary foundations laid by Walt Disney to the modern, tech-forward spectacles of today, we look at how the park's celebrations have evolved from event-based marathons into global homecomings for fans. Discover how chaotic beginnings can turn into legendary stories, why we should always celebrate growth and change, and how these milestones ultimately honor the incredible legacy of the Cast Members who keep the magic alive every single day. Plus, we reminisce about some beloved pop-culture crossovers—including the legendary 1980 TV special featuring Michael Jackson—and look back at the groundbreaking nostalgia and innovation of the recent 70th anniversary. What We Cover in This Episode: The Tencennial (10th Anniversary - 1965): How Walt Disney introduced the first Disneyland Ambassador and established a legacy of always looking forward to the future of the park rather than resting on past laurels. The Silver Anniversary (25th Anniversary - 1980): The origins of the 24-hour park day, the Family Reunion Parade, and the iconic Kraft Salutes Disneyland's 25th Anniversary CBS television special featuring Michael Jackson’s beautiful performance of "When You Wish Upon a Star". The Party-Gras (35th Anniversary - 1990): Vibrant childhood memories of massive balloon floats down the parade route and the pure excitement of winning prizes from the turnstile "Dream Machine". The Happiest Homecoming on Earth (50th Anniversary - 2005): A global celebration that raised the bar for Disney hospitality, changed our mindset from "going" to "coming home" to Disneyland, and debuted the breathtaking Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks. The Diamond Celebration (60th Anniversary - 2015): Bringing the park into a technologically advanced, highly interactive social media era with the energetic Paint the Night parade and immersive projection mapping. The 70th Anniversary & Looking Ahead: A perfect balancing act between innovation and nostalgia, featuring the breathtaking Walt Disney - A Magical Life show at the Main Street Opera House, World of Color - Happiness, and a look forward to the upcoming D23 announcements. The Power of Positivity: A heartfelt discussion on why we shouldn't "yuck on someone else's yum," how to find joy in the middle of chaos, and a giant thank you to the leaders, Imagineers, and front-line Cast Members who make the magic happen. Community Question of the Week: What is your absolute favorite Disneyland birthday memory? If you could hop in a time machine and experience any of these milestone celebrations for the first time (or all over again!), which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below! Connect With Us: Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you watch or listen to this podcast, leave us a rating, and share the love so other Disney fans can join our community! Make it a great week, keep kind, we'll see you in the parks.

  6. Jul 12

    Down the Rabbit Hole: Remembering the Mad T Party

    Join Mr. Daps this week as we journey down the rabbit hole to revisit a beloved piece of Disney California Adventure history: the Mad T Party. What began as an experimental nighttime dance party evolved into a cornerstone of DCA’s entertainment, building a unique community and leaving behind lasting friendships that persist a decade later. In this episode, we explore the evolution of this immersive experience—from its roots in Glowfest and ElecTRONica to its grand debut on June 15, 2012. In this episode, we dive into: The Magic of the Band: A look at the incredible Mad T Party Band, featuring Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare (bass), the Dormouse (lead guitar), the Caterpillar (keyboards), and the Cheshire Cat (drums). Immersive Entertainment: How the show utilized the White Rabbit as a DJ , the aerialists at the "House of Cards" , and high-tech projections to transform Hollywood Backlot. Seasonal Evolution: Remembering the show’s dynamic changes, including the spooky-fun 2013 Halloween Time overlay , the snowy Freeze the Night! era , and the triumphant return during the Diamond Anniversary. The Community Legacy: Why the Mad T Party remains a benchmark for how Disney can bring fans together to celebrate shared joy. Join the Conversation!Do you have a favorite memory, song, or moment from the Mad T Party? Did you experience one of the seasonal overlays? Let us know in the comments below! For more Disney news, community stories, and positive stuff, head over to DapsHQ.com to continue the conversation with our community. If you enjoyed this trip down the rabbit hole, please hit that like button, subscribe, and ring the notification bell so you never miss an update. Make it a great week! Keep Kind. We'll see you in the parks.

  7. Jun 27

    Behind the Attraction - Disney Cruise Line

    Welcome back to Daps Magic – Disney and Positive Stuff! This week, Mr. Daps is diving deep into the high seas after binge-watching the two brand-new episodes of Behind the Attraction on Disney+. Focusing entirely on the history, legacy, and innovation of the Disney Cruise Line, these episodes sparked a massive wave of inspiration that we just had to geek out about. From the origin of the very first ships like the Disney Magic to an inside look at one of the fleet's newest upcoming vessels, the Disney Destiny, the overarching theme of this week's discussion comes down to one powerful question: How can we break the rules to make things better? In this episode, Mr. Daps breaks down: A Different Kind of History: Why looking back at the foundation of Disney Cruise Line triggers an unexpected, deeply personal connection for Disney fans. The Power of Creative Risk: How Disney challenged the entire cruise industry by opting out of casinos, introducing rotational dining, and designing ships that evoke the timeless elegance of classic 1930s ocean liners. The Disney Destiny: A look at the inspiration behind the hero-and-villain-themed ship and what next-generation Imagineering means for the future of family vacations. The biggest takeaway from the history of Disney Cruise Line is that success came from looking at the status quo and asking how to do it better for the people who matter most. This week, we challenge you to look at a routine in your own personal life, your work, or your creative projects and ask: What is that one thing you can reinvent to make it a little bit better? Share your thoughts, your cruise memories, and your own personal "reinventions" in the comments or connect with our community directly at DapsHQ.com! Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a five-star review to help spread the word, and head over to DapsMagic.com for your daily dose of accurate, optimistic Disney news. Keep kind, and we’ll see you in the parks! This Week's Challenge: What Can You Reinvent?

  8. Jun 21

    Big Waves & Little Victories

    This week on Daps Magic – Disney and Positive Stuff, we are mixing things up for a very special, deeply personal episode. With the 2026 CHOC Walk in the Park just about a month and a half away on August 2nd, Mr. Daps steps away from the usual Disney news to reflect on a question that has stuck with him for years: Why do we walk? The answer goes far deeper than just medical treatment. It’s about the profound truth that good people do good things when it matters the most. From childhood memories to leaning on the Disney community during a family health crisis, Mr. Daps shares how small acts of care can turn moments of despair into hope. But you don’t just have to take our word for it. The centerpiece of this episode is the incredibly moving, full audio presentation from the family of Carter, the official 2026 CHOC Walk Ambassador. Listen as his parents, Jamie and Tim, and his sister, Taylor, share the legacy of "Team Carter Strong Forever." In this episode, you’ll hear firsthand about: A Spirit Larger than Life: How 4-year-old Carter faced acute lymphoblastic leukemia with unshakeable positivity—even joking that losing his hair would just make him "faster". Superhero Hide-and-Seek: The magical ways the CHOC staff brought the Disney spirit right to Carter's bedside, from nurses dressing up as villains to playing hide-and-seek with Captain America. The Power of Perspective: Remembering the pure joy of a 5-year-old child getting to participate in his school jogathon, declaring he had "waited his whole life for this day". The "Little Victories" Ritual: The beautiful daily practice of finding five small wins at the end of every single day, no matter how heavy the burden. Jamie reminds us that, much like Rachel Platten's Fight Song, no gesture or donation is too small—every single action is like a small boat in the ocean, sending big waves of change into motion. The CHOC Walk takes place bright and early inside Disneyland Resort on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 (which also happens to be Carter's dad, Tim's, birthday!). Whether you want to lace up your sneakers and walk with us through the parks, support from afar as a "sleeping bear," or simply share this episode to spread awareness, you can make a massive impact. Join or Donate to Team Daps Magic: Head over to chocwalk.org/dapsmagic to become part of the family. Support the Ambassador Team: Learn more about Team Carter Strong Forever and their upcoming Rock for Chalk concert fundraiser this July. Before you sleep tonight, we challenge you to try Jamie's ritual: write down your own five little victories from today. Let’s start a ripple effect together. Enjoy this special episode, don't forget to rate and subscribe, and connect with our community at dapshq.com! Keep kind, and we’ll see you in the parks! How You Can Join the Wave:

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Mr. Daps discusses a wide range of topics from the realm of Disney and positive stuff... on Daps Magic - Disney and positive stuff! This podcast is hosted by Mr. Daps, who has run Daps Magic for over 20 years. In this capacity, he has covered many of the biggest Disney stories of the last two decades, interviewed people inside and outside of The Walt Disney Company, and covered stories that range from Disney to Star Wars to Pixar, to Marvel to Star Trek to other geeky and fun things! We hope you will join us as we share our fandoms and celebrate Disney and positive stuff!