Jacob Bibaud remembers watching parades at Walt Disney World when he was 5 years old.
On Thursday, a dream came true for the 12-year-old, known to the world as a pitcher for the Little League World Series championship team from Lake Mary, as he was part of the parade. Jacob, along with his teammates and coaches, rode in a car and on a float through Magic Kingdom as thousands of fans cheered on the champions.
The Lake Mary Little League boys became the first team from Florida to win the renowned, international baseball tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, clinching the title with a thrilling 2-1 victory in extra innings over Chinese Taipei.
“It was crazy, being on that float, after sitting there watching that parade when I was 5 years old was just unreal,” Jacob said.
How the Lake Mary Little League team spent their day at Walt Disney World
The team of 12 boys, three coaches and their families were given the VIP treatment at Walt Disney World, just like when professional athletes win championships.
They rode in a parade with Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald, all dressed in their baseball attire. Fans lined the streets cheering on the boys, waving and chanting “Lake Mary.”
“This is unreal for them, like a dream, because this is what they see the NFL teams do when they win the Super Bowl,” said Kack Morrisey, whose son Liam is on the team.
Players and coaches wore special Mickey Mouse ears embroidered with “Little League Champs ‘24” on the back.
“It was really cool seeing all the people who showed up to watch us,” said Lathan Norton, who slid into home plate to win the championship game. “I think the best part was seeing our families.”
Various park guests kept approaching the players and their families expressing their well wishes. When the parade ended, after posing for photos and taking part in numerous media interviews, the team was really able to celebrate. VIP tour guides took them around the theme park, skipping lines for rides.
The boys planned to enjoy all the festivities, which includes a parade in their hometown Saturday and a commemorative front-page poster produced by the USA Today Network, but their Manager Jonathan Anderson is already planning for the future.
“Let’s do it!” he said with a hoarse voice when someone suggested they meet back at Magic Kingdom next year for another championship parade.
When is the Lake Mary parade for the little league championship team?
The hometown parade will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Lake Mary.
In addition to the team, it also will include public service vehicles, marching band and local professional sports team mascots. There will be food, crafts, entertainment and more after the parade.
Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Little League World Series champs from Lake Mary celebrate at Disney
