The Tradition of Super Bowl Champions Going to Disney World
While each Super Bowl is unique, some things never change. And in this case, it means that the Kansas City Chiefs are again Super Bowl champions and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is again going to Disneyland.
Putting the iconic “I’m going to Disney” commercial together in the minutes after the game ends doesn’t look like the easiest job in television. There are edits to make, contracts to sign and the final game outcome typically isn’t known until the very end — especially in the event of overtime, like Sunday night.
But that hustle and subsequent quick-turn creation of the “We’re going to Disney!” commercial are as much a part of the modern-day Super Bowl experience as a flashy halftime show and buckets of chicken wings.
If you’ve ever wondered how this came to be, the iconic commercial got its start after the 1987 Super Bowl when winning quarterback Phil Simms was the first to take in a payday (reportedly $75,000 in 1987) in exchange for saying a couple of lines and taking a trip to Disney World.
The commercial, largely unchanged from its original version, has happened almost every year since.
And yes, the players who say the magical phrase really do go to Disney World or Disneyland, usually the very next day after the game. This year, Mahomes and family will head to Disneyland, the closer of the two U.S. parks to Las Vegas, where the 2024 Super Bowl was held.
If you’re ever at Disney World or Disneyland the day after the Super Bowl (again, whichever park is closer to the location of the Super Bowl is typically utilized), there’s a decent chance you’ll see a representative or two from the winning Super Bowl team take their place in a celebratory parade down Main Street, U.S.A., which will be held Monday at 2 p.m. Pacific time.
Often, though not always, it is the MVP of the game that’s at either Disney World or Disneyland the next day.
If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, it’s never too early to start planning for next year, when the Super Bowl will be held in New Orleans, making Disney World a good candidate for the day-after celebratory parade.
The tradition of Super Bowl champions going to Disney World or Disneyland has become an integral part of the post-game celebration. It provides a fun and lighthearted moment for both the players and fans, as they get to witness their favorite athletes enjoying themselves in the magical world of Disney.
The commercial itself has become a beloved tradition, with fans eagerly anticipating which player will utter the famous line, “I’m going to Disney World!” It has become a symbol of victory and achievement, signifying that the winning team has reached the pinnacle of success in the NFL.
The commercial’s origin can be traced back to the 1987 Super Bowl, when Phil Simms, the winning quarterback for the New York Giants, became the first player to star in the ad. In exchange for a handsome payday and a trip to Disney World, Simms delivered the iconic line that would go on to define the commercial for years to come.
Since then, the commercial has become a staple of Super Bowl broadcasts, with the winning quarterback or MVP being featured in the ad. It has become a highly coveted opportunity for players, as it provides them with a unique chance to celebrate their victory in a memorable and magical way.
The logistics of producing the commercial are no small feat. The team responsible for putting it together must work quickly to edit the footage, sign contracts, and ensure that the final game outcome is accurately represented. This can be especially challenging in the event of overtime, as the outcome of the game may not be determined until the very end.
Despite these challenges, the commercial has remained largely unchanged over the years. Its simplicity and authenticity have contributed to its enduring appeal, as fans eagerly await the moment when the winning player announces their trip to Disney World or Disneyland.
For the players, the trip to Disney World or Disneyland is a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication. It allows them to unwind and celebrate their victory in a magical setting, surrounded by their friends and family. It also provides them with a unique opportunity to connect with their fans, as they participate in parades and other festivities at the park.
The tradition of Super Bowl champions going to Disney World or Disneyland has become a cherished part of the Super Bowl experience. It adds an element of fun and excitement to the post-game celebration, allowing players and fans alike to revel in the joy of victory.
So, if you’re ever at Disney World or Disneyland the day after the Super Bowl, keep an eye out for the winning team’s representatives. You might just catch a glimpse of your favorite player as they take part in the celebratory parade down Main Street, U.S.A. And remember, it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s Super Bowl, as you never know when your favorite team might be heading to Disney World or Disneyland to celebrate their victory.