Uncover the Surprising Origin of ‘I’m Going to Disneyland’ at Super Bowl 2026

Tracing the roots of the iconic phrase, “I’m going to Disneyland,” reveals a captivating history intertwined with Super Bowl celebrations. The phrase was first introduced by New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms following the team’s victory in Super Bowl XXI, which took place in 1987.

Origins and Tradition of the Phrase

The inception of this beloved slogan can be attributed to Jane Breckenridge, the wife of Disney CEO Michael Eisner. In January 1987, during a dinner at Disneyland, she posed an inquiry to aviators Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager about their future endeavors. Rutan’s jovial response, “We’re going to Disneyland,” sparked an idea in Breckenridge’s mind.

Breckenridge suggested this cheerful declaration as a perfect slogan for an advertising campaign. This led to the tradition of having the Super Bowl MVP announce their plans to visit a Disney park post-game.

The Super Bowl Connection

After the Giants triumphed over the Denver Broncos with a 39-20 scoreline, Disney contracted Simms for $50,000 to officially say, “I’m going to Disney World!” The quarterback honored his commitment by appearing at Magic Kingdom.

• This practice has evolved into an annual event, featuring the MVP or another key player from the Super Bowl.
• All players engaging in the tradition are typically involved in a celebratory procession at either Disneyland or Disney World.
• Notably, the tradition was paused during Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005 but resumed the following year.

What to Expect at Super Bowl LX

Super Bowl LX, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock, is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET. The winner from either the Seattle Seahawks or the New England Patriots will likely continue this cherished practice.

Last year, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts participated in Disney’s advertisement following the team’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He celebrated with a parade on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom.

This year, potential candidates to declare their plans for Disney include Sam Darnold, Drake Maye, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, an unexpected star may emerge as the one to announce their Disney destination.

As Super Bowl LX nears, anticipation builds for another unforgettable moment tied to this cherished sporting tradition. Fans will await with excitement to hear who will bring the phrase back to life this year.