What Makes Super Bowl Champions Head to Disney After Their Victory?

As confetti showers down post-Super Bowl, you can anticipate the magical words: “I’m going to Disney!” This iconic phrase has been shouted by legendary players, including the 2023 champion, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who visited Disneyland the very next day.

This cherished tradition began with Super Bowl XXI in 1987, according to Disney Parks Blog. As reported by ESPN, it was New York Giants quarterback and MVP Phil Simms who first declared this famous post-game phrase as part of a Disney marketing campaign. Since then, it has become a ritual often spoken by the named MVP before they and their family or teammates head to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland to celebrate. This annual event has featured sports legends like Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and Peyton Manning, among many others.

Fans can join in the festivities — park visitors can grab a front-row spot for the celebration if they know where to go.

Usually, park guests can catch a special, one-time cavalcade featuring the player (or players, depending on the year) on the Monday after the Super Bowl. Disney fans flock to the event, often dressed in their football gear for the celebration. The parade typically includes cheerleaders, a marching band, colorful floats showcasing the champion’s colors, and the MVP alongside Mickey and Minnie.

At Walt Disney World, this tradition unfolds at Magic Kingdom Park, while at Disneyland Resort, it occurs in Disneyland Park. This experience is included with standard admission, but it’s essential to remember that a valid theme park reservation may be required depending on your ticket type.

At Magic Kingdom Park, the festive parade usually winds its way down Main Street, U.S.A. "The visiting MVP typically shows up between noon and 3 p.m., but it's wise to be patient due to potential delays," shared Matt Roseboom from Attractions with Dinogo. "The MVP parade doesn't always happen just before the main parade; it could take place at any time." Roseboom recommends positioning yourself near Cinderella Castle for the best chance to catch the action and spot players during post-parade interviews.

When the event takes place at Disneyland Park, the parade generally kicks off near It’s a Small World and then proceeds down Main Street, U.S.A. "My preferred spot for such a grand celebration is right on Main Street, U.S.A.," says Bridget Waldman from CaliforniaDisneyBliss to T+L. "It's a rare occasion to cheer for renowned Super Bowl champions against the backdrop of the world’s most famous castle!" Waldman emphasizes the importance of securing a viewing spot early. "Arrive as soon as the park opens and claim a curbside area at least four hours prior to the cavalcade's start. The spots near It's a Small World and Main Street fill up quickly, so if you want to avoid a long wait, find a place anywhere between Pixie Hollow and the Matterhorn at least two (or more) hours in advance."

Can’t make it to the parks? The cavalcade is often live-streamed on Disney Parks social media platforms. Last year, the Disney Parks Blog provided updates about the festivities the day after the game concluded.