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964: Dan Stapleton - On Cruise Control

Dan Stapleton is one of those magicians who has seen it all and now in his 60’s could easily set his remaining days on “cruise control” for the rest of his life; however, that is not who he is. He was a cruise magician for 23 years and served as a cruise director, too. Early in his career, he performed in Circus World where he got his chops at performing illusions. But his passion and goal was always to work on Main Street in Disney World as a demonstrator in the magic shop. That opportunity came to him and he loved his days doing it. He also appeared on America’s Got Talent [sic] where he was summarily dismissed, but he has a good story about that. In his semi-retirement he has managed a resort hotel in Orlando and now coordinates the Florida State Magic Collectors conferences.

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Dan has so many stories that they would fill a book. He has recounted many of them in VANISH Magazine over the years in his column. But this week he shares some of those stories, and more, as he opens up about his experience being voted off of AGT yet how even today, it still helps him book shows. He chats about the status of magic on cruise ships, magic conventions, and more.

On Cruise Control
Scott Wells with Dan Stapleton
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This week’s sponsor is the S.A.M. Parent Assembly #1 Salute to Magic. Please click on the graphic above for more information.

Tagged with Dan Stapleton, Cruise ships, Disney World, Bev Bergeron, magic demonstrator, Steve Martin.

April 23, 2026 by Scott Wells.
  • April 23, 2026
  • Scott Wells
  • Dan Stapleton
  • Cruise ships
  • Disney World
  • Bev Bergeron
  • magic demonstrator
  • Steve Martin
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737: Terry Ward - 10,000 Hours

You’ve probably heard of the 10,000 hour rule, which was popularized by Malcolm Gladwell’s blockbuster book “Outliers.” As Gladwell tells it, the rule goes like this: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to achieve mastery of complex skills and materials. Our guest this week is Terry Ward who has exceeded that minimum by a factor of many. He has performed over 40,000 shows over a period of more than 30 years. He was the resident magician in Disney World for many years where he developed more than one character who delighted the millions of annual visitors.

Terry started out in theme parks and for the most part, never left that type of venue. Certainly he does more than his share of corporate dates, but his “bread and butter” has been theme parks.

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Terry talks this week about working in theme parks, finding the job, developing his performing character, and the importance of “being a good guy” and getting along with management to assure longevity at a venue.

10,000 Hours
Scott Wells with Terry Ward
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Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest but there could only be two winners in this contest. Please watch for another giveaway in a future episode of The Magic Word Podcast.

If you would like to know more about the "10,00 Hours Rule" and help The Magic Word Podcast with your purchase. Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.

Click on the graphic above to visit the convention website and learn more about who, what and where.

Tagged with Terry Ward, Disney, Disney World, theme park, Kings Island, Carowinds, MGM Studios, street magic, Actors Equity, Bev Bergeron.

February 2, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • February 2, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • Terry Ward
  • Disney
  • Disney World
  • theme park
  • Kings Island
  • Carowinds
  • MGM Studios
  • street magic
  • Actors Equity
  • Bev Bergeron
  • Post a comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

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In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

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Doug Gorman - Let Me Tell You A Story - Doug Gorman takes a back seat to no one. Quite literally, he is the driver for Richard Turner as they traverse the country. Doug is a professional magician and creator of close-up props and stories for the biza
Bob Bengel - The Dream Job - For many years, Bob Bengel held an enviable job as a full time employee of Hitachi playing golf and performing magic at all their trade shows. #bobbengel #magic #tradeshow #tradeshowmagic #hitachi #golf
Magic Collector Expo 2026 - Daily Report Daily reports from the Expo in New Jersey featuring conversations with organizers, talent, speakers, dealers, and more. #newyork #newyorkpubliclibrary #magiccollector #magiccollectorexpo #magicconvention #magi
I am so excited to be in the Class of 2026 being awarded with the honor of the Milbourne Christopher award. The ceremony is still months away, but I just couldn't wait to share this announcement.
Bill Malone - Bill Malone - Comedy close-up magician, Bill Malone, talks about his career, learning magic, working in bars, trade shows, his health, and his upcoming book. #comedymagic #billmalone #tradeshowmagic #chicagomagic #malonesmagicbar
You never know who you'll meet in an elevator. Thanks to Boris for snapping this great selfie at the recent F.F.F.F. close-up convention.
Doug Scheer - Scheer Sharing This week Doug Scheer shares advice about school show assemblies from his many decades of experience. #schoolshows #schoolsshowassemblies #magic #magicshows #childrensentertainment #schoolassemblies
Academy of Magical Arts annual awards banquet in Hollywood  #magiccastle #amaawards2026
Doug Gorman - Let Me Tell You A Story - Doug Gorman takes a back seat to no one. Quite literally, he is the driver for Richard Turner as they traverse the country. Doug is a professional magician and creator of close-up props and stories for the biza Bob Bengel - The Dream Job - For many years, Bob Bengel held an enviable job as a full time employee of Hitachi playing golf and performing magic at all their trade shows. #bobbengel #magic #tradeshow #tradeshowmagic #hitachi #golf Magic Collector Expo 2026 - Daily Report Daily reports from the Expo in New Jersey featuring conversations with organizers, talent, speakers, dealers, and more. #newyork #newyorkpubliclibrary #magiccollector #magiccollectorexpo #magicconvention #magi I am so excited to be in the Class of 2026 being awarded with the honor of the Milbourne Christopher award. The ceremony is still months away, but I just couldn't wait to share this announcement. Bill Malone - Bill Malone - Comedy close-up magician, Bill Malone, talks about his career, learning magic, working in bars, trade shows, his health, and his upcoming book. #comedymagic #billmalone #tradeshowmagic #chicagomagic #malonesmagicbar You never know who you'll meet in an elevator. Thanks to Boris for snapping this great selfie at the recent F.F.F.F. close-up convention. Doug Scheer - Scheer Sharing This week Doug Scheer shares advice about school show assemblies from his many decades of experience. #schoolshows #schoolsshowassemblies #magic #magicshows #childrensentertainment #schoolassemblies

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