Who First Said ‘Going to Disney World’?

The phrase “I’m Going to Disney World” has become a significant cultural reference, symbolizing celebration and achievement. This article explores the origins of the phrase and its association with Disney’s theme park resorts. The commercials featuring this iconic line have played a pivotal role in popularizing it and promoting Disney World and Disneyland.

    1. Phil Simms: The First Player to Utter the Famous Phrase

      • Phil Simms, a football player, holds the distinction of being the first person to say the phrase in a Disney commercial.
      • Simms uttered the phrase after winning the Super Bowl, emphasizing its association with victory and celebration.
      • His endorsement helped establish the phrase’s significance and set the stage for its future usage.

    2. The Inception of the Commercials (1987)

      • The commercials featuring the phrases “I’m Going to Disney World” and “I’m Going to Disneyland” first aired in 1987.
      • These commercials served as a promotional campaign for Disney’s theme park resorts in Florida and California.
      • By featuring NFL players, the commercials aimed to capitalize on the popularity and reach of the Super Bowl.

    3. The Role of NFL Players and Super Bowl MVPs

      • Typically, the commercials feature an NFL player, often the Super Bowl MVP, enthusiastically shouting the phrase.
      • The ads are filmed immediately after the championship game while the players are caught up in the joy of victory.
      • This association with the Super Bowl generates widespread attention and excitement for the commercials.

    4. The “What’s Next?” Campaign and Unseen Narrator

      • The commercials employ the “What’s Next?” campaign, where the star of the commercial responds to a question posed by an unseen narrator.
      • The narrator, Mark Champion, a respected radio play-by-play announcer, adds an element of intrigue to the commercials.

    5. Strategic Broadcasting and Regional Versions

      • The star of the commercial records two versions, one for each phrase, to promote the respective Disney resorts.
      • This strategic approach allows for targeted broadcasting in different American media markets.

    6. Expansion Beyond Football Champions

      • The campaign has expanded to include champions from various sports and winners of non-sport competitions.
      • Examples include winners of American Idol, illustrating the broad appeal of the campaign.

Conclusion

The phrase “I’m Going to Disney World” has achieved iconic status, symbolizing celebration and accomplishment. The commercials featuring this line have played a significant role in promoting Disney’s theme park resorts and building brand recognition. By associating the phrase with victory and featuring prominent athletes and celebrities, these commercials have become an enduring part of popular culture.

Sources:

Who First Said “Going to Disney World?”

The phrase “I’m Going to Disney World” has become a significant cultural reference, symbolizing celebration and achievement. This article explores the origins of the phrase and its association with Disney’s theme park resorts. The commercials featuring this iconic line have played a pivotal role in popularizing it and promoting Disney World and Disneyland.

Phil Simms: The First Player to Utter the Famous Phrase

Phil Simms, a football player, holds the distinction of being the first person to say the phrase in a Disney commercial. Simms uttered the phrase after winning the Super Bowl, emphasizing its association with victory and celebration. His endorsement helped establish the phrase’s significance and set the stage for its future usage.

The Inception of the Commercials (1987)

The commercials featuring the phrases “I’m Going to Disney World” and “I’m Going to Disneyland” first aired in 1987. These commercials served as a promotional campaign for Disney’s theme park resorts in Florida and California. By featuring NFL players, the commercials aimed to capitalize on the popularity and reach of the Super Bowl.

The Role of NFL Players and Super Bowl MVPs

Typically, the commercials feature an NFL player, often the Super Bowl MVP, enthusiastically shouting the phrase. The ads are filmed immediately after the championship game while the players are caught up in the joy of victory. This association with the Super Bowl generates widespread attention and excitement for the commercials.

The “What’s Next?” Campaign and Unseen Narrator

The commercials employ the “What’s Next?” campaign, where the star of the commercial responds to a question posed by an unseen narrator. The narrator, Mark Champion, a respected radio play-by-play announcer, adds an element of intrigue to the commercials.

Strategic Broadcasting and Regional Versions

The star of the commercial records two versions, one for each phrase, to promote the respective Disney resorts. This strategic approach allows for targeted broadcasting in different American media markets.

Expansion Beyond Football Champions

The campaign has expanded to include champions from various sports and winners of non-sport competitions. Examples include winners of American Idol, illustrating the broad appeal of the campaign.

Conclusion



The phrase “I’m Going to Disney World” has achieved iconic status, symbolizing celebration and accomplishment. The commercials featuring this line have played a significant role in promoting Disney’s theme park resorts and building brand recognition. By associating the phrase with victory and featuring prominent athletes and celebrities, these commercials have become an enduring part of popular culture.

Sources:

FAQs

Who was the first person to say “Going to Disney World” in a commercial?

Phil Simms, a football player, was the first person to say “Going to Disney World” in a commercial. He uttered the phrase after winning the Super Bowl, establishing its association with victory and celebration.

When did the commercials featuring the phrase “Going to Disney World” first air?

The commercials featuring the phrases “Going to Disney World” and “Going to Disneyland” first aired in 1987 as part of a promotional campaign for Disney’s theme park resorts.

Why did Disney choose to feature NFL players in their commercials?



Disney chose to feature NFL players in their commercials to capitalize on the popularity and reach of the Super Bowl. By associating the phrase with the Super Bowl and showcasing victorious athletes, the commercials generated widespread attention and excitement.

What is the “What’s Next?” campaign mentioned in the article?

The “What’s Next?” campaign is a marketing strategy employed in the commercials. The star of the commercial responds to a question posed by an unseen narrator, Mark Champion, a respected radio play-by-play announcer. This adds an element of intrigue and engagement to the advertisements.

Are there different versions of the commercials for different regions?

Yes, the star of the commercial records two versions, one saying “Going to Disney World” and the other saying “Going to Disneyland.” This strategic approach allows for targeted broadcasting in different American media markets promoting the respective Disney resorts.

Has the campaign expanded beyond featuring football champions?

Yes, the campaign has expanded to include champions from various sports and winners of non-sport competitions. Examples include winners of American Idol and other prominent events, illustrating the broad appeal of the campaign.

What does the phrase “Going to Disney World” symbolize?



The phrase “Going to Disney World” has become a cultural reference symbolizing celebration and achievement. It represents a reward or a dream come true, often associated with significant accomplishments or moments of joy.

How have the commercials featuring “Going to Disney World” contributed to Disney’s brand recognition?

The commercials featuring the phrase “Going to Disney World” have played a significant role in promoting Disney’s theme park resorts and building brand recognition. By associating the phrase with victory, featuring prominent athletes and celebrities, and using strategic marketing techniques, these commercials have become an enduring part of popular culture and have helped reinforce Disney’s image as a place of celebration and magic.

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