Close-up Magicians, Strolling Magicians

Close-up Magician / Strolling Magician:

Are you thinking about hiring a Close-up Magician / Strolling Magician for your trade shows, corporate dinner events or wedding?

Close-up magic is a type of magic that doesn’t require a lot of equipment. A close-up magician or strolling magician usually brings all of his or her magic tricks in their pockets: like a deck of cards, coins, sponge balls, pens, etc. 

I’ve put together several pointers to help you when making a decision about hiring a Close-Up – Strolling Magician for your event.

What types of events are good for hiring a Close-up magic show / Close-up magician - Strolling Magician?

Some events work perfectly for a close-up magic show and hiring a strolling magician to walk around doing magic tricks: cocktails parties, corporate dinner events, trade shows, weddings, quinceneras, Sweet 16 parties, restaurants, dinner events or fundraisers, etc.

The close-up magician walks around showing magic tricks to the guests, spending about two to five minutes with each cluster or group of people. Other events – such as corporate trade shows, expos, trade fairs, are great, too. They require that the close-up magician performs at one specific spot, like a booth – using magic tricks to interact with attendees, pulling them over to the booth or table as they walk by.

Why is hiring a Close-up magic show: Strolling / close-up Magician a good idea for my event?

Hire close-up or strolling magicians are great for events where you want to keep your guests entertained and also help break the ice, leaving your guests comfortable and having fun during lapses of time between activities.

This waiting time is critical for guests and the event. Imagine you are preparing the most important day of your life or hosting an event, and you invite friends, family and /or customers, and you don’t have the time at the event to be with them, all at the same time. All of the guests don’t know each other and you want to provide some entertainment to loosen things up. 

A close-up /strolling magician creates a buzz and environment of fun and laughter, moving from table to table, for instance at a wedding during lapses of time between the ceremony and dinner – perhaps when guests are waiting for the bridal party during the taking of pictures, or waiting for dinner to be served.
Close-up magic show is also great when guests are spread out over a large area or their attention is divided. Strolling or close-up magicians move seamlessly between clusters of people at cocktail parties – livening up conversations and drawing people together.

At corporate trade-shows or trade fairs, a close-up magician works wonderfully to pull people to your booth and make your product or service stand out from all the others. Also, close-up magic show is another way to market your product: a close-up magician can perform tricks that promote your product – including putting your logo on a deck of cards or handkerchiefs, or doing tricks with your product.

What types of events do not work well for close-up magic? 

It is not recommendable to hire a close-up magician if you’re having an event with a large, seated audience (anywhere from 20 to 500 people), where all the guests’ attention is focused at the same time, it is better to hire stage magic show, illusions – or a full Comedy Magic Show. This is the case whether this is on an actual stage or in front of seated family and guests at your home, country club, office party or dinner party. Kids’ parties also work best with a Magic Show, not a close-up magic show.

What qualities should I look for in to hire a close-up magician or strolling magician? 

A strolling close-up or magician needs to do more than perform amazing card tricks. Spectacular magic is a must, of course. But the close-up magician or strolling magician also has to have the ability to interact well with guests and know how to time each encounter – usually around two to five minutes – so that all the guests are provided entertainment. Because the interactions are so up-close, the magician has to have a great sense of humor, knowing how to spontaneously respond to any situation, including when guests decline a magic demonstration. 

The close-up magician needs to have experience in order to quickly read the audience and make fast decisions to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and has fun. The magician should be a charismatic person, funny, outgoing and – importantly – professional.

What are the professional characteristics of a reputable close-up magician / strolling magician for my event? 

Now that you have decided that you would like a close-up magician / strolling magician for your event, here are some more professional characteristics to consider:

Magic Tricks:
a. Amazing tricks and style. The presentations of the tricks are like jokes: they can be the same jokes, but comedians deliver them differently. Same with magicians and tricks. Check his or her style to be sure it’s what you like. 
b. Right equipment: Check what types of elements the close-up magician uses: it could be cards, coins, handkerchiefs, sponge balls or more, but it should all look amazing!

1. Attire:
   The way a magician dresses is very important. Some strolling magicians on TV do close-up magic in jeans, shorts and sandals to differentiate themselves from the classic magician. Street magicians performing close-up magic can be dressed to look very sporty, however for a formal event; a magician needs to appear classy and very presentable – preferably in a tie if the event is very elegant. Other times, you can request that the magician dress in character. For instance, once a customer asked me to dress like a modern hipster – and it was fun!:-) 
2. Professional & Legal Company:
   Ideally, a professional magician is going to have his or her own company, and it will be registered with the state. The more time that the magician has had an established company, the better – it reflects stability and a serious commitment to the career. Here are some other elements a professional magician will offer through his or her company:
   a. Contract: A professional magician should be able to respond quickly in writing with a form of contract or invoice that outlines the services to be provided and other details, such as payments, deposit requirements, policy on cancellations, etc. Avoid headaches and people who take too long to send invoices, contracts or information. It could be a sign of unreliability.
   b. Paperwork – Insurance: An experienced entertainer and professional magician knows what is required by many clients and should be able to quickly send upon request copies of insurance, background checks, fingerprints, and worker’s compensation waivers. 
   
3. Punctuality: This is crucial! A professional magician always always always has to be on time! Preferably, the magician arrives even earlier than what the customer is expecting. But the magician should have a policy stated on the invoice or contract about arriving ahead of the show start time in order to set up and be prepared. For close-up magic, that could be at least 15 – 20 minutes before the estimated performance start time. 
4. Flexibility: You want a magician who understands that the event is not about the magician, it is about the audience. PICK A MAGICIAN FOR YOUR EVENT WHO IS CAPABLE TO HANDLE UNEXPECTED SITUATIONS.
   a. Delays at the event: In some cases, the events can be delayed and other unexpected situations may arise that may delay his or her start time for hours. You need a magician who is professional and flexible, someone who responds calmly in a stressful situation – who is part of the solution, not the problem.
   b. Long hours of work: In some cases the magician needs to work for 2-3 hours non stop. The magician needs to understand to be prepared for those long hours.
   c. Set-up: In some cases the set-up is not as the customer described. For example, the magician was told there would be dinner tables for 5 people each and indoors. But at the event there actually are long tables of 15 people each, and the event is outdoors. The magician needs to be prepared to change gears quickly without complaint and drama, and still perform a great show. 
5. THE MOST IMPORTANT: Experience: It is very important when choosing a strolling magician for your event to ask about experience. Just because a magician does stage shows does not mean that he or she has experience doing close-up magic. Also, check on the type of close-up magic the magician has done. It is not the same to do close-up magic at a casual dinner fundraiser event than a wedding or trade show or a carnival or cruise. The different is enormous and the magician needs to have the right experience and offer the specific show for the specific event.
   

Finally: Now how do I find a close-up magician / strolling magician? 

1. Visit the magician’s website to know more about him or her. Carefully read the background information as well as references and feedback from past customers. Watch videos if available to check out the magician’s style. Look for lots of pictures of the magician performing close-up magic in the type of event that you’re planning. 
2. Be in direct contact with the magician by email or phone. 
3. Ask questions about how to make your event even better. This is a good way to see if the magician has experience and his or her level of professionalism. Based on experience, the magician should have his or her own suggestions. 
4. Try to hire the magician directly. Know exactly who and what you’re hiring and paying for. 
5. If still you are not sure what magician is good for your event, seek advice and feedback from family, friends or colleagues by sharing with them the websites of the potential magicians you have in mind.

Knowing that there is a lot of information out there about entertainers, I hope this blog can be helpful when you are deciding about hiring a magician for your event. 

The tips and information I present through this blog are based on more than 20 years of experience as a professional magician, understanding that each event is special and unique – and that every client and their guests deserve the best. 

I believe that with a little preparation and forethought, you will find that hiring the right Professional Close-Up Magician / Strolling Magician for your event can help transform it into an unforgettable occasion.

Hire Close-up Magicians / Strolling Magicians

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Masters of Illusion 

Experience Magic like never before!

Get ready to experience impossible escapes, vanishes, and levitation, while witnessing the greatest sleight of hand live in front of your eyes. Masters of Illusion is the largest magic tour show of the world. Forget about watching appearances on TV; nothing beats magic shows in person. No camera tricks, no CGI graphics – experience the best illusions of your life.
If you love magic and want to see real magicians, illusionists perform in a way that can change how you think about magic tricks. Even if you don’t believe in magic come to the live show and see how these jaw-dropping, mind-bending magicians will take you away from reality into someplace different.

The Masters of Illusion show will make you question what you believed to be ordinary objects. The props in the shows are simple, but all the magicians make them look like something special.

Masters of Illusion, first performed in September 2011, is now in its seventh season, amazing people with its awesomeness. The tour has done 225 shows in 147 venues. The duration of each magic show is around 2 hours and 15 minutes, including intermission. Each show consists of various magicians, and every time the live show delivers beyond expectations.

The cast – which currently includes Greg Gleason, Farrell Dillon, and Tommy Wind – changes some of its members from year to year. Regardless of the cast, the show leaves people spell-bound, returning the following year to see the show again.

Greg Gleason - Masters of Illusion

Greg Gleason has been performing in the show since 2014. Born and raised in Helena, Montana, Greg is famous for his sleight-of-the-hand tricks. His act, ‘The Wizard’s Secret’ has been performed at more than 9,000 shows. Greg has been awarded “Magician of the year” in World Magic Awards. Greg’s signature illusion is “The Helicopter Illusion” – producing a full-size helicopter on stage. It’s the perfect blend of fun, jaw-dropping illusions and sleight-of-the-hand tricks, which will leave you baffled with amazement.

Farrell Dillon - Masters of Illusion

Farrell Dillon is a Los Angeles-based magician. Farrell blends comedy with mind-bending magic. He is celebrated for his stand-up comedy in between his magic performances. He claims to ‘keep the kids off drugs’ from his flavor of comedy in his shows. Farrell has been nominated for Stage Magician of the year by Magic Castle. His signature trick is a floating-chair trick, where he uses magic to float a chair in the air right in front of you. Farrell’s style makes him a hit for people of every age. The blend of comedy makes his magic worth watching. 

Tommy Wind - Masters of Illusion

Tommy Wind is a magician from Staten Island, New York. Tommy combines illusions with music, with each show consisting of daring tricks. He is well-known for his dangerous acts. Every trick combines music with magic, sending shivers down viewers’ spines. Tommy plays the musical instruments himself – the drum and piano – incorporating them into his mind-boggling magic tricks. In the Magic World Awards, Tommy has won “Best Teen Magician of the year” award. The best thing about Tommy is his versatility – his skills range from close-up magic to mentalism. From the grand escape to seamless illusions, Tommy will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Last year -2018, along with these magicians, there were two other performers: Joseph Gabriel and Naathan Phan.

Joseph Gabriel - Masters of Illusion 2018

Born and raised in New Jersey, Joseph Gabriel is famous for his bird illusions. A multi-faceted magician, his ‘Magic on Broadway” broke many records. His sleight-of-the-hand illusions leave the audience amazed. His magic shows are a favorite in Las Vegas, and people come from miles around to watch his live performances.

Naathan Phan - Masters of Illusion 2018

Naathan Phan, born in California to Vietnamese immigrant parents and raised in Scotland before returning to his birth state for high school, is the self-described “Magic Asian Man.” Naathan – a multi-talented entertainer who has appeared in films like Superbad – uses magic, comedy, singing, writing, and improvised storytelling to make his shows stand out from other magicians. He has amazed audiences around the world with everything from stand-up comic routines, opera singing, close-up magic and grand illusions.

Florida Shows: Masters of Illusion visit Florida each year around January.

Lakeland, FL. - Youkey Theatre
Coral Springs, FL.  - Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Jacksonville, FL. - Florida Theatre Jacksonville
Daytona Beach, FL. - The Peabody
The Villages, FL. Sharon L. - Morse Performing Arts Center 
Clearwater, FL. - Ruth Eckerd Hall

For upcoming shows in your area visit Masters of Illusions website. 

Masters of Illusion

Website: http://mastersofillusionlive.com

Masters of Illusion - Live Shows and TV Series

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Magic Shows in Orlando

🎩 Magic Shows in Orlando: Where the Tricks Are Real and Your Uncle Still Can’t Figure Them Out

Orlando, FL is famous for roller coasters, giant cartoon mice, and tourists wearing matching T-shirts. But hidden between the theme parks and buffet lines is something even more mysterious:

Actual live magic.

Yes — real humans doing impossible things without CGI, filters, or “wait, let me Google that.”

Let’s talk about where you can witness the chaos… I mean, wonder.

😂 The “Wait… WHAT?!” Experience

Magic shows in Orlando aren’t just about pulling rabbits out of hats. (Although if someone does bring a rabbit, we fully support it.)

They’re about:

• Making objects disappear
• Reading minds (including the one person thinking about chicken tenders)
• Getting audience volunteers who immediately regret raising their hand

And honestly? Watching your dad confidently whisper, “I know how he did that,” only to be wrong 17 times in a row is worth the ticket price alone.

🍕 The Dinner + Magic Combo (Because You’re Already Hungry)

At the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, you don’t just get magic — you get unlimited pizza, salad, beer, wine, and soda.

Unlimited.

Which means:

• The magician makes a coin disappear.
• You make four slices of pizza disappear.
• Everyone wins.

This show is fast, loud, interactive, and very funny. Sit close if you want to be part of the magic. Sit farther back if you’re not emotionally prepared to be “the volunteer.”

🎭 Big Illusions, Bigger Reactions

If you want dramatic lighting, theatrical flair, and illusions that make you question physics itself, check out The Great Magic Hall.

• This is where:
• People float.
• Things vanish.
• Your brain short-circuits.

It’s Vegas-style magic — but without needing to explain to your kids why someone is walking down the street dressed like a giant playing card.

🧙‍♂️ Wizard-Level Shenanigans

Of course, Orlando is home to some of the most famous fictional magic in the world at Universal Orlando Resort.

You can:

• Cast spells.
• Wave wands.
• Pretend you absolutely meant for that spell to not work the first time.

Is it “real” magic? Technically no. Does it feel magical? Absolutely yes.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Magic Shows Are Perfect for Families

Magic is the only form of entertainment where:

• Kids are amazed.
• Teens pretend they’re not amazed.
• Adults are secretly the most amazed.

And everyone leaves saying, “HOW did they do that?!” for at least 45 minutes in the parking lot.

Plus, it’s air-conditioned. In Orlando. That alone is magical.

💑 Surprisingly Great Date Night Idea

Think about it:

Dinner and a movie = predictable.

Dinner and someone levitating = memorable.

Magic shows give you:

• Built-in conversation starters
• Shared confusion
• The opportunity to dramatically whisper, “This changes everything.”

Nothing bonds people like mutual disbelief.

🎟️ Final Thought: Add a Little “How??” to Your Trip

Between theme parks and pool days, a live magic show is the perfect way to shake up your Orlando itinerary.

In a city built on imagination — alongside giants like Walt Disney World — it only makes sense that a little live illusion would steal the spotlight too.

So grab a seat. Guard your wallet (just kidding… probably). And prepare to question reality.

Because in Orlando, even the pizza refills feel supernatural. ✨

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Genii Convention

 

For professional and amateur magicians – or simply people who love magic – a magic convention is a great way to learn about the latest tricks, illusions and magic techniques in the industry or to meet some of the biggest names in the business. Every year there are dozens of magic conventions with different themes and styles all throughout the United States – from Florida to California, New York to Georgia, and of course, Las Vegas.
With so many conventions – from the small club conventions to the big international attractions – it can be hard to choose which ones to attend and on which ones to spend money for travel, lodging and admission. 
In my personal experience, three important factors can help make the decision: the entertainers or magicians performing at the convention; the dealers (magic shops) that will be present displaying the latest in magic; and the theme or type of convention.
I am personally most interested in attending magic conventions where the speakers, magicians and entertainers are all related to magic card tricks, stage presentations, illusions, and comedy magic.  For that reason, one of my favorite conventions is the Genii Magic Convention. The Genii Convention, held every other year, is one of the best for its variety and quality of speakers, magicians, magic shows, entertainers and dealers brought in from all over the world, right here to Orlando, Florida! The Genii Convention of 2019 will run from Oct. 2-6 at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando.

So what is the Genii Convention?

For any magician, magic shop entrepreneur or just someone who enjoys the art of magical performance, the Genii Magic Convention brings together the best in the world to present lectures, workshops, and performances that demonstrate and teach the art of magic. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for someone in the industry, and a chance to learn from professionals on the art of performance, illusion, and tactics for the most notable tricks in the book. It’s also a chance for the greatest magicians to gather and share their experiences and information with each other in order to learn and grow, and for new, rookie magicians to get a glimpse into the industry and a deep dive into the world of magic.

The Genii Convention strives to bring together fresh, new talent to showcase their performances live at the event, to make sure all tricks and performances are truly “never before seen” for all attendees. The 2019 convention is showcasing performers from across America and Europe, with some demonstrating their talents for up to hour-long shows. The event is organized so that all attendees get to watch all shows, and not choose between those that are scheduled at the same time. And there are plenty of workshops and lectures where attendees can get a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite performers and learn from the best of the best in between shows.

The headliners for the 2019 convention will be none other than Penn & Teller – the world- famous American magicians currently performing the best magic shows in Las Vegas and the tv program Penn & Teller: Fool Us. 

Audience members can enjoy their lively, edgy mix of magic and comedy. It’s an opportunity to witness some of the best professional magic firsthand and also gain valuable takeaways from each performer, and to learn from their workshops and performances and apply the techniques in your own work. 

According to Genni Convention website: Genni Magic Convention 2019 The attendance cost For four full days of performances, lectures, and workshops is $350 for early-bird registration, rising to $400 in April, 2019. 

Convention dates: From October 2 to October 6 2019 (Workshops On The 6th). 

Location: The convention has reserved rooms in the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, where convention attendees receive discounted prices on rooms. 

Florida Hotel and Conference Center 1500 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809 

If you’re more interested in reserving a room nearby, the Hampton Inn Orlando-Florida Mall and the Red Roof Inn Orlando South-Florida Mall are both within walking distance of the convention location. For more information, visit: https://www.geniiconvention.com/ 

Genni Convention - Magic convention in Orlando 2019

Genni Convention - Magic convention in Orlando 2019

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Discount Tickets Dinner Shows Orlando

Buy Discount Tickets for dinner shows and attractions in Orlando and save money! (But beware of the scams!)

Orlando has many attractions to visit. Besides the parks, Orlando offers visitors and local residents plenty of other things to do – such as live shows, magic shows, dinner shows, water parks, aquariums, and more!  

Vacations or day trips in Orlando with family and friends promise to be great fun! But they can be expensive, too – especially if you don’t plan ahead. With a little planning, you can find great deals, but be aware of scams and websites offering discount tickets or free tickets. 

Nothing is more frustrating than losing your money to a scam or finding out that you’ve wasted precious vacation time tracking down “discount” event tickets that end up costing the same as those at the door! 

So let’s say you want to go see your favorite magician who is in town, or buy tickets to a dinner show in Orlando. But you don’t want to pay full price for the ticket. Understandable, with all the expenses involved with vacations – from plane tickets to hotel rooms. Many attendees are resorting to scrounging out discount tickets from third-party online vendors, buying tickets at a reduced price. But in doing so, they are opening themselves up to the risk of being tricked. Unsecure websites, identity or credit card theft, computer viruses, and fake tickets that might not even exist are just the beginning of the problems that might crop up.

There is true value in buying tickets straight from the source and paying full price to see the show. And there are also ways to get a discount on your ticket without resorting to an unknown, untrustworthy source. Here’s how:

- Buy your tickets months / days ahead of the show: Sometimes shows offer discounts for attendees who buy their tickets in advance. If you know you’re going to want to see your favorite show, park, attraction, magician or entertainer in Orlando, plan ahead and buy your tickets months in advance of the show and you might receive a hefty discount! Different shows have different rules and pricings, but most offer a discount for attendees who make advanced purchases.
- Buy your tickets in a package. Lots of shows have package deals where you pay for tickets, dinner, and drinks, and then receive a discounted deal on the total price. Cons of this option? You might not love the food options, but choose the deal just because it’s attached to the great ticket pricing. The show might also not be great, but dinner can be amazing. It’s a gamble that you can consider taking if you want that discount. 
- Memberships: Sometimes, venues and shows offer discounted prices for audience members who are veterans, public service workers, or members of other groups who are coming to watch the shows. Check their websites or social media pages to see if you might qualify for a discounted ticket before you buy yours!

Buy Discount Tickets online for shows in Orlando, FL is good deal?

Overall, buying a discounted ticket online really depends on the source. If you’re buying from a person or website that you’ve never heard of, never visited, and doesn’t appear to be secure, you might want to rethink your decision. Saving a few dollars on a ticket is not worth having your credit card information stolen, or your computer compromised. Or ruining an otherwise perfect vacation!

Buy Discount Tickets Orlando, FL

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Daytona Magic Convention

When we talk about magic conventions in Florida, The Daytona Magic Convention has its own signature in the Sunshine State. Every November in Daytona, Florida, The Daytona Magic Convention brings the best magic experience for the whole audience – magicians and non-magicians alike.
Attendees can experience all types of shows: Comedy Magic shows, illusions, Vegas-style shows, Close-up Magic, Kid’s Magic shows, Magic Card tricks and more!Although magic conventions are rarely ordinary, the Daytona Magic Convention is particularly special. It attracts both aspiring magicians and magic lovers in a remarkable three-day event. 
Organized by Daytona Magic Inc., one of the best magic shops in the state, this convention has been one of the most popular magic conventions in the country for nearly 20 years. Attendees can participate in auctions of used and new magic products, compete in various contests for magic stage performers (including kid magicians!), and view the Las-Vegas style shows on Friday and Saturday nights, performed by some of the biggest names in magic. It is a Magic festival of stars under a sunny and blue Florida sky.

Check the 2022 version: Daytona Magic convention 2022.

The talent at the Daytona Magic Convention is always spectacular, with the very best magicians and performers demonstrating their skills and lending their knowledge to attendees. This year’s performers and lecturers include Jeff McBride, Harry Allen, Andi Gladwin, Scott Humston, and many more. On Friday and Saturday nights, two stage shows will take place, where you won’t believe your eyes at the incredible talent that you’ll see and the takeaways you can glean from each performer’s original and unique stage presence. 
Over the course of the weekend, attendees can expect to take part in various lectures delivered by renowned industry experts, including Jeff McBride, Harry Allen, and Mickey Silver, where they can learn the best tips and tricks of the trade from those who know it best. Experiencing the latest trends in magic by the industry’s top performers provides an invaluable opportunity to attendees, whether they’re looking to expand their knowledge for their own performances, or they’re just seeking some magical entertainment. 

During the auctions throughout the weekend, attendees get a chance to purchase new and used magic products sold at an incredible bargain by other attendees of the convention. It’s a great chance to snag some good deals on stock items, or just browse the types of products available to get ideas for your own collection.

Daytona Magic - The Contest:
If you or the little magicians in the family are interested in taking part in one of the contests during the convention, there are several avenues through which you all can participate. You can show off your talents at the close-up magic competition, the stage magic show competition, the senior stage magic competition, or the junior stage competition. For more contest rules and guidelines, visit the convention website.
The convention itself is held in the Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center, a stunning beachfront resort with a lounge, restaurant, and beautiful rooms for guests of the convention. Attendees of the Daytona Magic Convention can receive a special discount through a promotional code available on the convention’s website, making it convenient and easy to book a room for the weekend in the venue. If you’re staying somewhere offsite, the convention website has directions for your safe and timely arrival to the convention.

Check the Daytona Magic Convention 2022

Daytona Magic Convention 2019:

If you’re looking for a magical experience this fall, plan to attend the 19th annual Daytona Magic Convention November 1 - 3, 2019.
STARS FEATURING: LANCE BURTON! - HARRY ALLEN, LANCE BURTON, SCOTT HUMSTON, KYLE & MISTIE KNIGHT, GIOVANNI LIVERA, MONDRE, STUART MACDONALD, ERICK OLSON, FIELDING WEST, and MORE!

Where: Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center:

2700 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Remember: The Daytona Magic Convention is every year around November

Daytona Magic Shop 136 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Website: https://www.daytonamagic.com/

Daytona Magic Convention

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Kissimmee, FL Magic Shows The Great Magic Hall

The Great Magic Hall. 

Beyond the sights, sounds, and enchantments of Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, is a gathering spot for lovers of magic. the Great Magic Hall offers close-up magic, parlor and card tricks. 

For visitors seeking for an alternative entertainment in the Orlando area, the Great Magic Hall may be the place. The magicians have a few tricks up their sleeves just for you. The Great Magic Hall has a unique way to present magic shows. Divided by four magic rooms, each room presents a different style of magic, such as close-up, parlor magic, card magic tricks and illusions.

The Great Magic Hall is located right there at the one of the most popular corners in the Old Town. Walking through the streets of Old Town -- a walkable, family-friendly corridor of entertainment in Kissimmee -- you will have the sensation of a unique, magical and friendly place full of lights, live music, restaurants, ice cream places, games, mechanical attractions, a big carnival ferris wheel and more!

What is the Great Magic Hall in Kissimmee?

At the Great Magic Hall in Kissimmee, Florida, you’ll find interactive magic tricks and an entertaining cast of magical characters. It’s an experience that both adults and kids can enjoy, with magicians who perform classic tricks for audience members. Explore the curiosities and eccentricities of the show, and even stop by the gift shop on your way out to purchase some magic accessories of your own to take home and stun your family and friends! 

The Great Magic Hall itself has an almost carnival-like feel, as if you’re stepping under a carnival tent – with bright colors, shining lights and unique trinkets and gifts for visitors to peruse as they step through the main doors to get to the entertainment. Before your show, browse through classic and modern magic books or check out the magical items that you can purchase to take home with you, or buy as a gift for the magic-lover in your family. The Great Magic Hall offers a welcoming, fun feel from the moment you step inside. And, it’s affordable – with some of the best ticket deals in town.The shows
The half hour and hour-long shows are affordably priced for the value of the entertainment, with ticket pricing ranging between $10 and $30 per person for matinee, evening and special performances. Visitors can choose to attend one of the “Magician Tonight” shows, with a special guest performer each evening at 7 and 9 p.m., a “Grand Magic Tour” show, which takes you on a tour of the remarkable building, or the “Parlor Presents” show, which is the daily matinee option full of magical debacles.

The location in Kissimmee, Florida is perfect for visitors and residents who are staying near Disney World – located just minutes away. The Great Magic Hall is a fun choice for a relaxing night with family or friends when you’re not exploring other local attractions! Visitors have said that it’s a great activity to check out after a full day of exploring the nearby parks and attractions, or a great way to spend a birthday or other special event. With the matinee and evening show options, you can spend an hour or two at the Great Magic Hall before or after dinner and a long day at area attractions. Make a reservation before you come to ensure there is space for you and your family to enjoy the show. 

Web: http://www.thegreatmagichall.com

The Great Magic Hall: 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy #400, Kissimmee, FL 34746

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Magic Shops Online vs Local Magic Shops

Local magic shops vs Online magic shops

The Enchantment of local magic shops

I remember a time not long ago – before the Internet and online magic videos, before websites that taught magic tricks or gave away secrets for free – sneaking away to a magic shop on weekend afternoons. I was a little boy growing up in my home town of Bogotá, Colombia. At the time, in the early 1980s, there was a lot of turmoil in my city and country, but I didn’t even notice. For me going to the magic shop was an adventure and a vivid experience!

I could stay at that magical place all day watching magic tricks:  Close-up magic with cards, coins, sponges, stage magic, magic props, illusions, etc. It was a small one-room shop located just off the busy streets and traffic in north Bogotá. There were always people coming and going, to and from the shop, all the time. Some were regular customers – amateur or professional magicians. Others were just curious people, walking by and stopping to be entertained and amazed for a few minutes by the owner Jaimer, the magician, who never seemed to tire of performing for us. He would show people tricks for free – offering to demonstrate a trick’s secret only to those who were going to buy it.

As much as I enjoyed watching the magician performing magic tricks, I loved seeing the reaction of the customers even more. It was a time when people were amazed by magic tricks done right there in front of them on a table or shop countertop – no cameras or smart phones to record or post and share the experience. It was just that moment to be lived right there, and then retained in one’s memory. It was real magic!

Not only local magic shops are losing

Society today is all about instant gratification. When we decide we want something, we want it immediately, and it’s got to be fast, convenient and high-quality. But does this type of immediate delivery really satisfy customers in all industries, especially the magic industry? Retailers in almost every industry have started closing up their physical shops and opening up online worlds where customers can shop, make decisions, and be entertained on the Internet instead of in person. But for local magic shops, which for generations have been able to enthrall potential customers with the allure of the unknown, the move to online sales has been a blow – hitting brick and mortar storefronts across America. But it’s not just the local magic shops that lose something in this arrangement. So do the customers.

Be amazed by the moment! 

Magic products and tricks are a thrilling purchase, and a purchase that’s best made when you can see, touch and try the products before you buy them. The value of in-person entertainment is something that can’t be replicated online. A few decades ago, it seemed that magic shops were in every city, with a huge appeal to customers of all ages who wanted to be entertained, amazed and to experience the thrill that magic tricks bring. So what happened?!!

The Magic of the Internet, software-created Illusions 

The Internet age might have had something to do with it. With today’s Photoshop tricks, YouTube videos, and Internet sensations, people can find and watch magic and illusions at their fingertips at any time – threatening to make local magic shops obsolete. And, with the ever-rising cost of living for many families, magic products and tricks are likely not considered priorities. Instead of seeking out local magic stores and shows to provide entertainment on the weekends for the kids, people can simply turn to the online world and order products with free shipping, revealing magic tricks, or watch videos at no cost at all, without leaving their homes. 

But the truth is that local magic shops offer something tangible and real that an online video doesn’t have.

You might watch an online video with an air of disbelief and skepticism; you’ll enjoy it, but you won’t walk away feeling like you’ve really witnessed something magical and real. When you’re in person in a local magic shop or at a live magic show, watching something disappear before your eyes without the trick of a camera angle or editing, that feeling cannot be reproduced. When you’re testing out a trick in a local magic store, touching the products and experiencing person-to-person contact and you can feel yourself making the illusion happen – that’s not a feeling of satisfaction that you can get anywhere else.

So although online videos might gather hundreds of views and draw customers away from the real deal, the truth is, they can’t make it happen like local magic shops can. In-person entertainment will always provide a better experience than an online one, because of the ability to touch, smell, and witness with your own eyes magic that can’t be edited or Photo-shopped to be what it is.

The good news is that some local magic shops are working hard to continue offering that personal magical touch that can’t be replaced by a click of a computer mouse.

I encourage you to visit and support your local magic shops near your city

Some of the local Magic shops in Florida are: 

• The Magic Emporium - Tampa, FL.
  4429 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. 
• Merlin’s Magic Shop - New Port Richey
  7150 Congress Street, New Port Richey, FL. 
• Daytona Magic - Daytona, FL.
  136 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. 
• Cigam, House of Magic - Bradenton, FL.
  1834 TAMIAMI TRAIL (14th St W), Bradenton, FL 34205. 
• Theatre Magic Shop - St. Augustine, FL.
  106 St George St Suite M, St Augustine, FL 32084. 
• Magic Dove Magic Shop - Cocoa, FL.
  604 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922. 

Some of the local Magic shops in Massachusetts are: 

• RP Magic Shop. Ludlow, MA
  69 East St. Ludlow, MA. 

Some of the local Magic shops in Las Vegas are: 

• Las Vegas Magic Shop - Las Vegas, VN
  2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104. 
• Houdini's Magic Shop - Las Vegas, NV
  3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.

Some of the local Magic shops in California are: 

• Hocus Pocus Magic Shop - Fresno, CA.
  1492 N Clark St #104, Fresno, CA 93703
• Houdini's Magic Shop - San Francisco, CA.
  Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133
• Misdirections Magic Shop - San Francisco, CA.
  1236 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
• Main Street Magic Shop - Anaheim, CA.
  102 Main Street, Anaheim, CA 92802
• White Rabbit Magic Shop - Santa Paula, CA.
  15500 W Telegraph Rd B15, Santa Paula, CA 93060
• Magic Shop San Diego - San Diego, CA.
  827 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

If you would to add other local magic shops please feel free to leave the name of the local magic shop and location in the comments section.

Let’s help to keep the local magic shops vibrant and prevent our personal contact with magic – and each other – from disappearing.

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