These five words have come to symbolize a tradition on Super Bowl Sunday for more than 30 years in the making.
Super Bowl Champions and Disney World, Disney World and Super Bowl Champions– They just seem to go hand-in-hand. Think about it. What’s the first thing a Super Bowl champ says after the big game and after he tell his Momma he loves her on national television?
Back To The Beginning..
It’s one of the first things said to an ESPN anchor after a Super Bowl victory, and those words have been a part of the Super Bowl Sunday tradition since 1987. Some of the most recent participants in the tradition include New England Patriots stars Tom Brady and Julian Edelman, former Philadelphia Eagles star Nick Foles and former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.
The very first champion to ever say those words was former New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms after his team’s win in 1987, and Disney reportedly paid Simms $50,000 for the spot and also offered him an all-expenses-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort.
Those magical words uttered by Simms after the big game began the tradition, and the format for the spot remains the same to this day with a voiceover asking the player how he intends to celebrate his victory. Then come the five magical words while When You Wish Upon a Star plays in the background.
What Keeps This Tradition Going?
But where does this tradition come from? Where did it begin? And why is it still so popular? It goes without saying that every time a Super Bowl Champion says he’s going to Disney World after the big game, the entertainment giant is plugged in front of millions of viewers all across the country. And shortly after the game is over, the champions are invited to be a part of a parade down Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom at the nearest Disney Park location. (Either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort).
The Walt Disney Company has confirmed that Super Bowl LIV will be no exception.
“For us here at Disney, the campaign goes to the heart of who we are–a company that strives every day to make magic and create lifelong memories for our Guests,” Disney Parks said in a post about the magical tradition.
But the company didn’t respond to multiple requests for comments and statements about the specific financial components to such a campaign. It would be interesting to know; after all, postgame commercials for the Super Bowl sometimes sell for close to a whopping $3 million!
The only thing left to decide now is who will be saying those words: Garoppolo from the 49ers or Mahomes of the Chiefs. Wonder which team wants to go to Disney World most?
Which Super Bowl saw your favorite team headed to Disney World? Let us know which team and what year in the comments below!
Source: Fox Business