Seattle Seahawks Stars Kenneth Walker III and Sam Darnold to Headline Super Bowl LX Parade at Disneyland. Following a dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, the Seattle Seahawks are trading the gridiron for Main Street, U.S.A. Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III and quarterback Sam Darnold are officially headed to Disneyland Resort today, February 9, to continue a “magical” tradition that has defined post-game celebrations for nearly 40 years.
The Magic Moment in Santa Clara
Moments after the final whistle blew in Santa Clara, the camera found Walker and Darnold amid a blizzard of confetti. The duo shouted the iconic phrase, “We’re going to Disneyland!”—a moment that has become the hallmark of Disney’s “What’s Next?” campaign.
Walker earned the MVP nod after an explosive performance, racking up 161 total yards and becoming the first running back to win the award since 1998. For quarterback Sam Darnold, the trip is a literal homecoming; the signal-caller grew up in San Clemente, just 35 miles from the park, and starred at USC before his NFL journey led him to a Super Bowl title.
A Surprising Origin Story
While the “I’m going to Disneyland” proclamation feels like a permanent fixture of American sports, its origin was surprisingly casual. The idea was sparked in 1987 during a dinner between then-Disney CEO Michael Eisner and his wife, Jane, along with Star Wars creator George Lucas and pilots Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager (the first to fly around the world non-stop).
When Eisner asked the pilots what they planned to do next, they replied, “We’re going to Disneyland.” Jane Eisner immediately recognized the marketing potential. Just weeks later, New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms became the first athlete to utter the phrase on camera after winning Super Bowl XXI. Since then, legends like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and now Kenneth Walker III have followed suit.
What Readers Need to Know: Today’s Parade & “The Handoff”
If you are heading to the park today, Monday, February 9, here is what you can expect:
- The Cavalcade: While official times vary, the celebratory parade down Main Street, U.S.A., is typically scheduled between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM PT. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as the park is currently celebrating its 70th Anniversary, leading to higher-than-normal attendance.
- ESPN’s “The Handoff”: In a new twist for 2026, Disneyland is hosting a 24-hour multi-platform event called “The Handoff.” This marks the ceremonial transition of NFL coverage to ESPN/ABC, which will host Super Bowl LXI in 2027.
- Live Broadcasts: Look for Stephen A. Smith and the First Take crew, along with multiple editions of SportsCenter, broadcasting live from a temporary set in Town Square near the park entrance.
- Mickey’s New Look: To celebrate the upcoming “Road to Los Angeles” for Super Bowl LXI, Mickey and Minnie Mouse have debuted new outfits. This special “fit” commemorates the 40th anniversary of the “What’s Next?” campaign, which will reach its milestone next year when the game is played at SoFi Stadium.
New for 2026: The Road to Los Angeles
This year’s celebration serves as more than just a victory lap for Seattle. Because Super Bowl LXI will be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, today’s festivities at Disneyland act as the official “kickoff” for next year’s Big Game. This creates a rare “Southern California double-header” for Disney, as the company prepares for its 40th year of the “What’s Next?” campaign in 2027.
Whether you’re a Seahawks fan celebrating a second franchise title or a Disney enthusiast enjoying the 70th-anniversary decor, today’s parade offers a unique look at where sports history meets “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
