Walt Disney World will host the winners of Super Bowl 59 on Monday, February 10 at Magic Kingdom Park. The game will be played between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans.
The long-standing tradition of Super Bowl MVPs saying “I’m going to Disneyland” or “I’m going to Disney World” began in 1987.
In Michael Eisner’s memoir “Work In Progress,” Michael credits his wife Jane for the idea of this campaign. According to Eisner, during the January 1987 grand opening of Star Tours at Disneyland, the couple dined with Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, who in December 1986 had piloted the first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. Jane Eisner asked what the pilots planned to do next, and they replied, “Well, we’re going to Disneyland.” She later told her husband the phrase would make a great advertising campaign.
So just a few weeks later following Super Bowl XXI, which was played on January 25, 1987, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena between the New York Giants and the Denver Broncos, Giants Quarterback Phil Simms was asked the now famous question “Phil Simms, you’ve just won the Super Bowl. What are you doing next?” Simms replied, “I’m gonna to go to Disney World!”
The phrases “I’m going to Disneyland” and “I’m going to Disney World” have been said by athletes of many sports following their championship wins.
Over the years, Disney reportedly has offered $30,000 to athletes and other stars for participating in the ads and appearing at one of its theme parks.
Deciding whether Disneyland or Walt Disney World hosts the victory parade depends on where the Super Bowl is being played. The 2022 Super Bowl was played in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. Members of the Los Angeles Rams took part in that victory parade at Disneyland. In 2023 and 2024, Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes celebrated the Chiefs victory at Disneyland.
This year will mark the 20th time that Walt Disney World has hosted the Super Bowl winners and MVP.
What do you think of this tradition? Have you ever been to the Parks during a victory celebration? Let us know in the comments.
