In this episode of Daps Magic - Disney and positive stuff, Mr. Daps chats with Michael Vargo, who shares his extensive journey with Disney, starting as a performer at Disneyland over 30 years ago. He discusses his evolution within the company, leading to his current role overseeing D23, the ultimate Disney fan club. The discussion highlights the various events and experiences D23 offers to its members, including exclusive access to Disney legends, studio tours, and celebrations of Disney anniversaries. Vargo emphasizes the importance of community among Disney fans and the continuous evolution of D23 to enhance member experiences.

Takeaways

• Michael Vargo began his Disney career over 30 years ago.
• He transitioned from performing to eventually overseeing events at D23.
• D23 is the ultimate Disney fan club, offering unique experiences.
• Members enjoy exclusive access to Disney events and legends.
• The community aspect of D23 fosters friendships among fans.
• D23 events often celebrate Disney anniversaries and milestones.
• Studio tours provide a unique glimpse into Disney history.
• Feedback from fans helps shape the evolution of D23 events.
• D23 members can connect with Disney history through various resources.
• The excitement of D23 events creates lasting memories for fans.
• 2026 is an incredible year for D23 with the upcoming events including D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event!

In this engaging conversation, Mr. Daps and Adam Bankhurst discuss their experiences at the world premiere of the documentary 'Disneyland Handcrafted.' They share their excitement about visiting Walt Disney Studios for the first time, the focus on the people behind Disneyland's creation, and the innovative sound design that enhances the documentary. They delve into the storytelling techniques used, the challenges faced during Disneyland's creation, and the timelessness of the park. The conversation also highlights the power of passion and teamwork in bringing Walt Disney's vision to life, culminating in a memorable experience at Walt Disney's office. We hope you enjoy this episode of Disney and positive stuff. Please join the conversation in the comments, at Daps Magic HQ, on Facebook, or Instagram!

Adam Bankhurst is a writer at IGN and also a father, husband, and all-around good guy. He is also a major Disney fan and covers Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and more for IGN.com. He can be found at @AdamBankhurst on Instagram, TikTok, and more!

Chapters

00:00 Reunion and Excitement for Disneyland Handcrafted

01:30 First Impressions of Walt Disney Studios

06:02 The Focus on People in Disneyland Handcrafted

09:13 Sound Design and Immersion in the Documentary

11:52 Storytelling Techniques and Structure of the Documentary

20:03 Overcoming Doubts and Challenges in Disneyland's Creation

24:07 Timelessness and Nostalgia in Disneyland

29:57 The Power of Passion and Teamwork

35:01 Experiencing Walt Disney's Office

39:58 Celebrating the Documentary and Its Impact

In this episode, Mr. Daps discusses the upcoming year 2026, which he believes will be a pivotal time for the Walt Disney Company. He highlights the transition in leadership, the focus on quality in movies and streaming, and the exciting developments in Disney experiences, particularly in the parks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the new leadership's vision and strategy as they navigate the complexities of the company. Mr. Daps encourages listeners to share their thoughts and predictions for the future of Disney.

Takeaways

• 2026 is expected to be a significant year for Disney.
• A transition in leadership is anticipated with Bob Iger's retirement.
• The focus will shift from quantity to quality in movie releases.
• Disney experiences, including parks and cruises, are set for major enhancements.
• The new leadership will play a crucial role in shaping Disney's future.
• Nostalgia and innovation will continue to influence Disney's decisions.
• Sustainability will be a key factor in Disney's future projects.
• The impact of new movies like Toy Story 5 and The Mandalorian will be significant.
• The future of Disney's leadership will affect all segments of the company.
• 2026 may lay the groundwork for Disney's direction in the coming decades.

Chapters

00:00 2026: A Pivotal Year for Disney

02:22 Leadership Changes and Their Impact

05:11 Movies and Streaming: Quality Over Quantity

10:25 Disney Experiences: Turbocharged Growth

16:09 The Future of Disney's Leadership

20:20 Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026