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

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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?

  5. 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:

  6. Jun 14

    Capturing the Magic Solo – Photography Tips for a Solo Day at Disneyland

    Welcome back to Disney and Positive Stuff! This week, Mr. Daps is back from vacation and feeling completely refreshed and inspired to talk about one of his absolute favorite ways to experience the parks: heading in on a solo adventure with just a camera or a phone. Going to Disneyland by yourself isn’t about being lonely—it’s a true gift of time, mindfulness, and complete freedom. When you aren’t rushing to the next attraction or parade, you have the ultimate flexibility to slow down, look up, and notice the incredible details that most people bypass. For Mr. Daps, a solo photo day isn't about chasing "content"; it’s about exercising that creative muscle to capture the authentic joy, history, and positive energy of the park. In this episode, Mr. Daps breaks down a "Photographing by Yourself 101" guide, packed with practical tips to make your next solo park day absolutely magical: Planning & Gear Choices: Why packing light, keeping flexible, and checking the weather ahead of time will save your day. Plus, a look at Mr. Daps’ personal gear lineup—from his go-to Canon R6 and 24-105mm travel lens setup to smaller, pocket-friendly alternatives like his Olympus OM series, a Canon G7X point-and-shoot, or simply a smartphone. The Park Photography Toolkit: Practical ways to master harsh midday California light by shooting in the shade (like under the Millennium Falcon or in Adventureland), using the sun for artistic silhouette shots, and always exposing for the brightest part of the photo to avoid blowing out the sky. Composition Secrets: How to turn a flat 2D image into a layered 3D world by playing with the rule of thirds, architectural symmetry on Main Street, U.S.A., and depth perception. Beating the Crowds: Tips for getting those seemingly "empty park" shots by leaning into patience, zooming in to compress a scene, or utilizing a steady surface for a long exposure. Shifting Your Perspective: Why you should try crouching down for low-angle "hero shots" of landmarks, and why Mr. Daps' favorite trick is simply turning around to photograph the beautiful things behind you that everyone else is missing. The Solo Selfie Upgrade: How to move past the traditional arm's-length selfie by using your environment as a tripod, interacting naturally with the magic, and leveraging PhotoPass photographers to help bring your own story to life. As a wise mentor once told Mr. Daps, "If you're not having fun, you're done." So, grab your camera or your phone, head out at your own pace, and discover a whole new side of Disneyland! 📣 Join the Community & Share Your Shots! What is your absolute favorite hidden spot or creative angle to photograph when you’re exploring the parks alone? Mr. Daps wants to see your photos! Connect with us, talk Disney history, and geek out with our wonderful community: Our Community Hub: Head over to DapsHQ.com to share your pictures and join the conversation! The Main Site: Catch up on all the latest positive Disney news at DapsMagic.com. Travel Inspiration: See the specific Alaska fishing boat photo mentioned in today's episode by following @MrDapsTravels on Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe wherever you watch or listen, and leave us a five-star rating so more people can find us and spread the positivity. Make it a great week, keep kind, and we’ll see you in the parks!

  7. Jun 7

    A Great Big Beautiful Reimagining for the Carousel of Progress

    Change is coming to Tomorrowland! In this episode of the Daps Magic - Disney and Positive Stuff Podcast, we are diving deep into the massive announcement from Walt Disney Imagineering regarding the total reimagining of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom. Starting July 6, 2026, this beloved passion project of Walt Disney will temporarily close to prepare for a brand-new tomorrow, reopening in 2027 with incredible new scenes, updated technology, and a very special host. If you are a classic Disney purist feeling a little anxious about these major updates, take a deep breath—we’ve got you covered with a big dose of perspective and positivity! In this episode, we discuss: Walt’s True Vision for Progress: Why Chris Beatty's announcement that the ride was "designed to celebrate change, not to stand still" is exactly how Walt Disney approached his projects. The Return of the Master: A look at the upcoming opening scene featuring a brand-new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic figure, complete with replicated, historic props from the 1964 special Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair. The New Acts & Decades: We break down the family’s upcoming journey through time, including the 1969 moon landing, Sarah taking center stage in a 1985 Halloween night, a 1999 New Year's Eve celebration navigating the dawn of the internet, and a beautiful new future inspired by original sketches by Disney Legend John Hench. A History of Evolution: From its origins as Edison Square and Harnessing the Lightning to its moves from the New York World's Fair to Disneyland and Florida, we remind listeners that this show has always spun forward. The Sherman Brothers' iconic anthem reminds us that a beautiful tomorrow is just a dream away—but to get there, you have to keep moving. Join us for a celebratory look at where the Carousel has been and where it’s going next! Join the Conversation at DapsMagic.com and DapsHQ.com!With Sarah taking the lead in the 1980s act and Grandma sneaking a peek at pro-wrestling in 1999, which new character moment or historic prop are you most excited to see when the attraction reopens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram: @DapsMagic Twitter/X: @Daps_Magic Facebook: /DapsMagic Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help us keep spreading a Culture of Kindness!

  8. May 31

    Kids Rule Summer Kickoff! New Star Wars Missions, Bluey, & Huge Disneyland Discounts!

    Welcome to Daps Magic: Disney and Positive Stuff! In this week's episode, Mr. Daps takes you along to the official media kickoff for Kids Rule Summer at the Disneyland Resort! Summer has officially started, and whether you are young or just young at heart, the parks are bursting with new experiences, returning fan-favorites, and incredible savings for families. From deep space adventures to playful parks activities, we’re breaking down the full experience through exclusive conversations with the Disney Imagineers and Ambassadors who are bringing it all to life. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Updates (02:14) – Mr. Daps chats with his friend AJ about the galactic goodies tied to the upcoming film, The Mandalorian and Grogu. Get a look at new Docking Bay 7 dishes like the Surabat Valley Green Salad and adult-friendly spicy Tip-Yap cheesy noodles, plus absolute must-have novelties like the fully-posable BDX Droid popcorn bucket! Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Upgrades (08:30) – Imagineers Asa and Michael share details on the brand-new bounty hunting mission alongside Mando and Grogu! Learn how all three flight roles have been enhanced and how the timeline expansion is bringing classic characters like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader into Batuu. Bluey’s Best Day Ever (15:11) – Disneyland Ambassador Michelle gives a tour of the free-flowing fun taking over the Fantasyland Theater and Troubadour Tavern. Plus, Mr. Daps reviews the legendary new Pizza Girls Potato! Hidden Perks & $50 Tickets (19:04) – Former Ambassador Allie breaks down the logistics of the game-changing $50 Kids Summer Ticket Offer, new complimentary Mickey's Park Rangers scavenger hunts, and dedicated kid-to-cast pin trading zones. Soarin’ Across America (22:43) – Legendary Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald gives an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the new flight coming to California on July 2nd (and already open at Walt Disney World). Discover how they used virtual scouting, flew 28,000 miles, and brought back Patrick Warburton to navigate us from sea to shining sea. 70th Anniversary Finale Merchandise (30:10) – Corey previews the sparkling, twilight-themed "good night kiss" finale collection, featuring stunning collector's items embossed with real Swarovski crystals. Disneyland is firing on all cylinders to remind us that a childlike mindset rules. It’s all about letting go of the outside world, forgetting your troubles for a day, and embracing pure enthusiasm. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave us a rating or comment wherever you watch or listen! We love hearing what you think and what you'd like to see more of. Read Our Full Coverage: Head to DapsMagic.com for daily Disney news, photo galleries, and positive reporting. Go Behind the Scenes: Join our exclusive community at Daps Magic HQ (DapsHQ.com) for bonus conversations, after-shows, and updates. Make it a great week, keep kind, and we’ll see you in the parks! 🌟 What’s Inside This Episode:💬 Join the Daps Magic Community!

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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!