I Create Happiness by Making Magic One Bubble at a Time
- If you’ve ever been greeted at Pixar Place Hotel in Disneyland Resort by bubbles in the air and a giant Sulley glove waving joyfully, you’ve probably felt the magic of meeting Daniel Lopez, a door attendant cast member.
A Dream to Bring Happiness
Daniel’s Disney journey began with one dream: to bring happiness to others. For Daniel, becoming a cast member was about more than putting on a nametag — it was about making a difference. “I was inspired to become a cast member to bring joy and happiness to guests,” he smiled.
Daniel’s journey began at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, where one of his leaders first noticed his passion for making magic.
Taking note from Daniel’s playful personality, they gifted him a Mickey hat, which would become the first piece of his signature look. That Mickey hat soon led to a Mickey glove and bubble wand, and with each wave and bubble, Daniel would bring smiles to guests of all ages.
The Power of a Simple Gesture
One of Daniel’s most cherished memories happened one day as he was greeting guests and was approached by a mother and her daughter, who was blind.
The mother kindly asked Daniel if her daughter could touch his Mickey glove. With a warm smile, Daniel extended his hand. The moment the young girls’ fingers brushed the oversized glove; her eyes filled with joyful tears. “She knew. She knew she was at Disneyland,” Daniel shared, with tears filling his eyes.
New Look, Same Magic
As Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel transformed into Pixar Place Hotel, Daniel’s magic-making accessories evolved too. Embracing the spirit of Pixar, his Mickey themed gear now paid tribute to characters like Sulley and Buzz Lightyear. While his props may have changed, his purpose remained the same: to bring joy and happiness to every guest.
A Cast Member Who Leads with Heart
Daniel credits his ability to create unforgettable moments to his leaders who saw a spark in him and fostered an environment that allowed his spark to flourish through meaningful guest interactions. “They allow me to express myself, and I love them for that,” Daniel says.
“When I first met Daniel, he was so full of life and energy. He’s a wonderful example of what a cast member should be,” shared Ron Silagyi, general manager of Pixar Place Hotel.
Daniel has been in his role for 10 years, and each day he comes to work, he feels at home. Disney is a place where he is celebrated for being himself, and his passion for making magic is nurtured. The wave of his bubble wand and warm welcome represent the true start of a guest’s stay at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Do you have a stay coming up at Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort? Be sure to spot Daniel and say hello!
