The tradition of Rose Bowl teams visiting Disneyland dates back to late 1955, when Disneyland first welcomed Rose Bowl teams Michigan State and UCLA. Since then, Disneyland has hosted many Rose Bowl teams and their players over the years, continuing an over 60-year tradition.
Some notable visits:
- In 1966, Walt Disney himself was the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade. His nephew Roy E. Disney also served as Grand Marshal in 2000.
- In 2005, Mickey Mouse served as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
- Teams are typically celebrated with a festive cavalcade down Main Street USA in Disneyland, often with appearances by the Rose Queen and Royal Court.
- The visit provides teams with some fun before their big game, a chance to “let their hair down” as Michigan running back Blake Corum put it this year.
Special Events
In addition to the cavalcade, teams have enjoyed other special Disney events:
- Photo opportunities with Disney characters like Mickey Mouse. The 2023 teams took photos in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- Rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
- Sometimes Disneyland hosts media sessions with coaches and players after the cavalcade.
- Special dining experiences are also common. For example, Michigan and Alabama will participate in Lawry’s Beef Bowl, a long-running pre-Rose Bowl tradition since 1956.
2023 Rose Bowl Teams – Michigan and Alabama
This year’s Rose Bowl Game is also a College Football Playoff semifinal. The teams visiting Disneyland were:
University of Michigan
- Big Ten Champions with a 13-0 record
- Notable players: RB Blake Corum, DL Kris Jenkins
- Head coach Jim Harbaugh
University of Alabama
- SEC Champions with a 12-1 record
- Notable players: QB Jalen Milroe, LB Dallas Turner, DB Malachi Moore
- Head coach Nick Saban
Both teams enjoyed Disneyland’s traditional cavalcade and photo opportunities on December 27, 2023. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe noted the importance of soaking up the experience and having some fun before the big game.
Celebrations
Disneyland pulls out all the stops to celebrate the Rose Bowl teams with:
- Festive floral decorations along Main Street USA and Sleeping Beauty Castle
- Themed food and beverages like cotton candy, popcorn, and hot cocoa
- Pep rallies and cheers from park guests as the teams go by
- Marching bands like the Pasadena City College Honor Band
- Appearances by Disney characters in their best football gear
It’s a chance for the teams to enjoy some Disney magic before facing off in the storied Rose Bowl stadium. Fans visiting Disneyland during this time may even catch a glimpse of their favorite players!
Past Celebrations
As mentioned, Walt Disney himself participated in Rose Bowl festivities in the 1960s. But Disney’s involvement goes back even further:
- 1955: First Rose Bowl teams visit Disneyland (Michigan State, UCLA)
- 1959: Visits become an annual tradition
- 1962: Rose Queen and Court first take part in Disneyland events
- 1980: Disneyland’s 25th anniversary “Family Reunion” showcased Rose Bowl entertainment
There are also close ties between the Rose Parade and Disney:
- Floats have featured Disney characters and themes over the years
- Several Disney Grand Marshals (Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, Julie Andrews)
With over 60 years of history behind it, the Rose Bowl celebration at Disneyland has become an annual tradition almost as iconic as the parade and game itself.
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