So it’s finally here, Super Bowl Sunday. The day that most football fans get together with others to have a party, eat some good food, talk about the commercials, and watch the game. This year’s game puts the Denver Bronco’s, led by Peyton Manning against the Seattle Seahawks with their very outspoken cornerback, Richard Sherman.
So what team will be victorious at the end of the game? Who will win the MVP and say those words that all Disney fans know, “I’m going to Disney World” or “I’m going to Disneyland”. It’s really become a big part of the Super Bowl since the first time it was said in 1987. But do you know the history of the marketing campaign?
In the 1998 memoir, Work in Progress, ex Disney CEO Michael Eisner credited his wife with the idea. In early January 1987, during the grand opening of Star Tours the Eisner’s dined with Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. Dick and Jeana, in December 1986, had piloted the first aircraft that flew around the world without stopping or refueling. Jane Eisner asked the pilots what they planned to do next and they replied “Well, we’re going to Disneyland.” Later Jane told Michael the phrase would make a great advertising campaign and the idea was born.
Just a few weeks later, the first commercial was launched during Super Bowl XXI on January 25, 1987. The first player to say it was Phil Simms of the New York Giants. The Giants won the Super Bowl that year 39-20 beating the Denver Broncos. Phil won the MVP and then uttered the phrase, “I’m going to go to Disney World.” It’s rumored that Phil was paid $75,000 for his part in the promotion. Since then the catch phrase has been used for other sport championships and even American Idol. In subsequent 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, usually the next day.
So today, as the Broncos and Seahawks take the field, I wish both teams the best of luck. I hope it’s a good game and not a blow out by either side. I hope there are no injuries to any of the players and that the players enjoy this moment of their career. From every child who plays pee-wee football, to high school varsity player’s to the fortunate ones that are given a college education to play this game for the school, each and every player has at one time or another dreamed about playing for their favorite team in the biggest game of the year. Congratulations to both teams for the accomplishment of getting to the game. Even though only one team can win the game, there are 30 other teams that would love to be in their position.
Here are some images we created to celebrate the big game. Click on any of the images to enlarge and if you like them feel free to save them and use them.
As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
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