Peyton Manning Is Coming to Disneyland

February 8, 2016, 8:57 AM · The Denver Broncos won Super Bowl 50 last night, so, per tradition (and a promotional deal), one of the winning team's most popular players is going to Disneyland.

Quarterback Peyton Manning will appear at Disneyland in a parade today to celebrate the Broncos' victory. The Orange County Register reports that the time will be noon, though Disney is saying publicly that the time is yet to be determined.

In a 2013 interview with Theme Park Insider, former Disneyland president Jack Lindquist explained how he came up with the idea for the "I'm going to Disneyland" television commercials following a dinner conversation with then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Voyager pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager. The first commercial aired after the 1987 Super Bowl, featuring MVP Phil Simms of the New York Giants, who was filmed on the field immediately after the game saying the now-famous words.

For what's worth, Simms was the color commentator on last night's television broadcast of the game.

Manning was not the MVP of Super Bowl 50 — that honor went to the Broncos' linebacker Von Miller. But Disney typically tries to get the highest-profile player from the winning team for its post-game in-park appearances and there are few athletes in pro football with more of a public presence than Manning — an 18-year veteran who holds multiple NFL records and is a ubiquitous pitchman for a wide variety of commercial products.

Update: And here he is:

You Might Also Like:

Replies (8)

February 8, 2016 at 9:51 AM · Yesterday's attendance at Disneyland was pretty full based on wait times that I've seen. I'm sure the guests don't care about the Superbowl. I doubt many people will trek down to Disneyland just to see Peyton Manning. Paint The Night will be more crowded. The problem is they don't have a meet and greet and a few more players to sweeten the pot. You see the player come by and it will be over in a few minutes. As a fan, it is a disappointment.
February 8, 2016 at 10:30 AM · I thought it was going to Disney World
February 8, 2016 at 11:14 AM · Anon Mouse- the constant complaining gets kind of old. I've been present for past parades of this kind and I don't care if you see the celebrity or sports player for only a brief moment. It's cool, it's a unique Disney experience and worthy of celebration, not hatred. Trust me, there will be fans present to see him. More importantly Disney will get plenty of press from his appearance as well. It's not just for fans, but it's part of the marketing of the parks.

Who cares if Paint The Night is more crowded?

February 8, 2016 at 3:12 PM · @70: And the complaining about the complaining gets old. I don't care if you don't care. Nice clear video. Just a few seconds. He looks happy and his kids are cute.
February 8, 2016 at 5:07 PM · Should have been Von Miller riding in the parade.
February 8, 2016 at 6:13 PM · I personally would love if one of these years the player whose supposed to say the catchphrase instead says "PLOT TWIST!!!!! I'm going to Tokyo Disney!" Or better yet, just to really piss off some Disney executives, (just keep in mind as you're reading this that I'm still on Disney's side) he looks straight at the camera and exclaims at the top of his voice......"I'm going to Universal!"
February 9, 2016 at 12:58 PM · disneyversal,

Read somewhere that the line is based on the location of the Super Bowl. Because SB 50 was on the West Coast, it's Disneyland. SB 51 is in Houston. So WDW.

February 9, 2016 at 2:34 PM · Was great to see Peyton Manning! We were surprised but ecxited! He is a fantastic example as a man, father and athlete!

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive