On December 13, 2025, Dick Van Dyke turned 100 years old! Throughout his life, this beloved Disney Legend has been making people smile. He has done this on screen, on stage, and in person through countless magical moments. Through the years, the Daps Magic team has had some wonderful encounters with Dick Van Dyke.

As I write this, one of my favorite Disney moments comes to mind. I was given seats for the Candlelight Processional at Disneyland in 2005, and Dick Van Dyke was the narrator. There was a lot of chatter throughout the day as guests and cast members knew he was in the parks. Eventually, as is generally the case, he appeared for the sound check, and the world confirmed that he was the narrator. That night during Candlelight, something happened with the script. If I recall, he read too far or something. The stage manager had to sneak up to him on the stage, and he came down from his perch on the podium, which I was sitting right underneath. They figured out whatever needed to be fixed, and as the stage manager walked away, he made a goofy face at them. Apparently, I was the only person to see this happen and chuckled. He heard my laugh, turned, pointing at me, and we laughed at each other. It was a moment that was so simple, yet so magical and joyful.

There have been other favorite moments with Dick Van Dyke through the years. Another Candlelight memory comes to mind as I think of what turned out to be a rainy Candlelight Procession in 2012. This also turned into a magical moment with Dick Van Dyke being handed an umbrella and dancing in the night on the podium. Maybe there is a magical combination that comes when you put Dick Van Dyke on the Candlelight podium? Either way, it was magical, and everyone who was in attendance loved it. It also happened to be his birthday!

Fast forward a few years, and Dick Van Dyke was back at Disneyland for his 90th birthday. This was celebrated with a cavalcade along the parade route and other special moments throughout the day. This was one of the most joyous days at Disneyland, with a celebratory feel that reminded me of the kick-off of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.

Another fun moment was when Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastixs performed at the 2011 D23 Expo. There were SO MANY good songs and moments in this performance. One of the highlights was the Mary Poppins Medley. This was such a fun performance and once again, full of smiles.

As the world celebrates 100 years of Dick Van Dyke, everyone has a favorite moment or performance of this beacon of happiness. We at Daps Magic want to wish Dick Van Dyke the happiest of birthdays and say thank you for all the joy you have brought to our lives through the years!

Do you have a favorite Dick Van Dyke moment, performance, or memory? Share it with us in the comments below!