“I’m Going to Disney World” Joe Flacco Style

As tradition has it, by winning the MVP of the Super Bowl, Joe Flacco spent Monday– or at least part of it– in Disney World parading through the Magic Kingdom and conducting an interview here and there. So that got me thinking… where in the world did this tradition start and why Disney World?

Believe it or not, the first use of the phrase “we’re going to Disney World,” (plural in this case) was Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager in 1987. In December 1986, these two had piloted the first aircraft to fly around the world without stopping or refueling. The two were in Disneyland for the grand opening of the new Star Tours attraction and were eating with CEO Michael Eisner and his wife Jane when they were asked what they were going to next. They responded with the now famous phrase, which set off a lightbulb in the head of Jane Eisner.

A few short weeks later, Disney launched the campaign following Super Bowl XXI with a commercial starring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms saying the celebratory phrase. Simms was reportedly paid $75,000 for his role in the advertisement. This was considered a groundbreaking concept at the time– producing a commercial involving a current event and airing it hours after its conclusion.

After MVP honors this past weekend, Flacco became the newest poster child of the 26th Super Bowl commercial that Disney has aired with the coined phrase. And although he might not have the most “Disney” personality, (even his dad called him boring) he participated in the festivities and paraded down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom on Monday.

In light of this, here are a few things Mr. Flacco undoubtedly wishes he would have known for his tenure in the happiest place on earth:

1. Stay on the float, or car. Two areas of concern here, and if you’ve been to Disney you know what I’m getting at. (1) The massive crowds. (2) The scooters– they’re everywhere and seem to constantly be in attack mode. Some people really need them for enjoyment of the parks, don’t get me wrong, but some people, well, just don’t want to walk that much, which can somewhat be understood. Flacco just thought he had it rough avoiding the 49ers rush on Sunday. Now this day would have been much more suitable for the speedy Colin Kaepernick had the job description been to mix and mingle among the masses. However, a float, or nice car, is provided to sit on, so use it to your advantage.

2. Bring a handkerchief for “wishes.” This is the amazing and touching fireworks show at night at the Magic Kingdom over Cinderella’s castle. I know you’re as cool as they come Mr. Flacco, but Ray Lewis’ tears could be contagious. Better safe than sorry.

3. Be on the lookout for any wayward Mickey Mouse hands. They could belong to an innocent child, Anquan Boldin going for your MVP trophy, or Ray Lewis seeking your spotlight. Keep your head on a swivel.

4(a). Don’t shy away from the light up toys. You can’t miss the vendors. They’re sold all up and down Main Street as soon as dusk hits. Never know when they could come in handy.

4(b). Ride Space Mountain as much as possible. It’ll help your eyes get adjusted to darkness just in case.

5. Bring teammate Jimmy Smith along for the ride on the car. He would be ideal for holding your trophy, holding your phone, or maybe even holding some popcorn during your cruise. I’m not really sure why, but I heard he’s good at holding things.

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…