Destination Box by John Allen

Effect

The Destination Box is a magic trick where a signed playing card vanishes and reappears inside a locked, examinable box. The spectator can unlock the box themselves to retrieve the card, making the effect highly interactive and impossible to dismiss. The trick plays big in close-up, parlour, and stage settings, leaving audiences stunned by the impossibility of the card's journey.

Full Details

The Destination Box is a versatile prop created by Jon Allen. It allows magicians to perform multiple effects beyond the classic card-to-box routine, including ring-to-box, signed bill-to-box, and watch steals. The box is durable, visually appealing, and designed for repeated use. The method is straightforward but requires confidence in execution. The trick works with any standard playing card and does not rely on gimmicks, making it highly examinable.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Destination Box is ideal for magicians who perform in close-up, parlour, or stage settings. It suits those comfortable with card magic and bold moves. Professionals like Tommy Wonder and Craig Petty have praised its reliability and audience impact. It works well as a closer due to its strong visual payoff.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick requires practice but is not overly complex. Magicians familiar with card magic will find it manageable. The boldness of the method is offset by the natural handling of the box. Steve Faulkner notes that while it demands confidence, the execution is straightforward with rehearsal.

What Magicians Say

• Sam Strange includes the Destination Box in his "desert island" list, calling it a clever object-to-impossible-location routine.
• Noel Qualter describes it as a "workhorse" in his repertoire, praising its layered deception and reliability.
• Steve Faulkner recommends pairing it with Perfect Score for smoother execution and calls it a "perfect finale" for close-up or stage.
• James Went highlights it as a standout trick for its visual impact and theatricality.
• Jon Allen and other reviewers emphasize its versatility, allowing multiple effects beyond the classic card-to-box routine.

The Destination Box consistently earns praise for its strong audience reactions, durability, and adaptability across performance styles.