ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney’s Super Bowl parade has been canceled, but filming for the commercial “I’m Going to Disney World” after the big game is still on.
Walt Disney World officials said on Friday that the resort theme park would not be hosting its annual Super Bowl parade with game stars this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. But the resort still plans to film its annual announcement after the game, usually featuring the Most Valuable Player looking at the camera and saying those famous words.
The ads have featured Super Bowl stars since 1987, when New York Giants’ Phil Simms first appeared after his team won the championship.
In the ads, the song “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays scenes of the featured player passing or running and scenes of fans screaming and jumping. In the end, an off-camera announcer acknowledges the Super Bowl victory and asks the player, “What are you going to do next?”
In the midst of a joyous celebration, the player replies “I’m going to Disney World!”
“Stay tuned after the big game to watch the commercial on major TV and social networks!” Disney officials said on a blog. “Disney Parks hopes to be able to bring back our other Super Bowl traditions next year, including allowing football and Disney fans to see and cheer for their favorite player in the park.”
Disney World has not had parades since it reopened last summer, following a closure due to the spread of the virus.