Savannah Bananas Do Disney: Greatest Show in Sports Storms the Happiest Place on Earth
The Savannah Bananas visited Disneyland and Disney California Adventure for a special appearance and, in fitting fashion, they knocked it out of the park. This takes a look at the Greatest Show in Sports storming the Happiest Place on Earth ahead of their Anaheim games, including the special cavalcade, dances, and more.
I’ll be honest with you, I had never even heard of the Savannah Bananas until a segment on 60 Minutes last month. (Side note: that’s how you know you’re getting old–when you first learn about a craze from 60 Minutes or, equally as common for me, CBS Sunday Morning.) As it turns out, the team is incredibly popular, with ~10 million TikTok followers, or more than every one of last year’s Major League Baseball playoff teams combined.
Regardless, I was intrigued as both a Disney and baseball fan. CBS focused on the team’s charismatic owner, Jesse Cole, who got bored with baseball so he invented a new sport dubbed “Banana Ball.” This is a faster, livelier, more dynamic twist on baseball that’s become a huge hit with fans and a viral sensation on social media. If you’re unfamiliar with the Savannah Bananas and don’t want to watch that segment (you should–it’s really good!), they’re basically the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.
Cole caught my attention for a couple of reasons. As a baseball fan since childhood who grew up listening to Ernie Harwell and Al Kaline while watching Cecil Fielder, I have long held the seemingly unpopular belief among fans that Major League Baseball has gotten boring. Although I still follow the game, the MLB peaked for me in the 1990s, with the high-water mark being the summer of Sosa and McGwire’s thrilling home run chase–an era and players that are now tainted for many fans due to PEDs.
I’m a staunch proponent of recent rule changes that speed up the game, and if anything, think they don’t go far enough. Baseball isn’t drawing new fans and doesn’t have enough recognizable superstars. Until last year, its two biggest generational talents were languishing away in Anaheim. The game’s marquee player moving ~30 miles up the road was great for the game, and Shohei Ohtani-mania plus Grimace were refreshing developments for the MLB last season. Still, not enough.
Watching the 60 Minutes piece and hearing that Cole draws inspiration for the Savannah Bananas from his idols, showmen P.T. Barnum and Walt Disney, had me further intrigued. Basically, Cole wants to do for baseball what Walt Disney did for theme parks.
He’s reinventing and reinvigorating the sport with a fan-first approach that reaches new audiences and focuses on entertainment that’s fun for the whole family, bridging generation gaps between children, parents and grandparents. Sound familiar?!
Even as a bit of a curmudgeon, I was immediately sold on the Savannah Bananas after hearing this. I wanted to show my ‘support’ for the team–and anyone with such a fan-forward philosophy inspired by Walt Disney–by attending one of their games in California and seeing what Banana Ball is all about for myself.
In actuality, the Savannah Bananas do not need my support. There’s a lottery just to purchase tickets (which are fairly inexpensive when purchased for their face value prices–another fan-first move!). The team manages to sell out massive venues–even Angel Stadium. No one sells out Angel Stadium–not even Shohei Ohtani! Guess I’ll watch on ESPN+ instead.
Anyway, I figured I could support the team a different way–by bringing their day at Disneyland to the attention to my fellow old fogeys who are likewise unfamiliar with Banana Ball. Here’s a look at all the fun the Savannah Bananas had throughout their day at Disneyland…
During their visit, the Savannah Bananas were eager to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Not only did they have a blast, but Disney made sure to capture their good side with some a-peeling photos:
The Bananas aren’t the only team that visited Disneyland – the Firefighters are in town, making a pit stop before their big game at Angel Stadium.
They couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet the famous Disneyland Fire Department, including Hank, the longest standing employee at the Walt Disney Company:
The Bananas put on their yellowest attire and danced to the Jonas Brothers Disneyland 70th anniversary theme song, “Celebrate Happy” in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
In true Bananas fashion, the Firefighters then came out and danced with them to fan-favorite “Hey Baby!”
To celebrate the Savannah Banana’s exciting visit, Bananas players danced their way down Main Street, U.S.A for a special cavalcade.
If you can’t get enough of the Savannah Bananas, tune into their upcoming games at Angel Stadium on May 30-31, 2025.
ESPN and the Savannah Bananas are joining forces for a summer filled of Banana Ball, providing fans an opportunity to witness one of sports’ fastest growing sensations across ESPN and Disney platforms, continuing each month through August.
MLB and football stadiums will host each of the ten games of the new agreement, including historic Fenway Park, picturesque Camden Yards and raucous Memorial Stadium, home of the Clemson Tigers, adding to the electrifying atmosphere that has become synonymous with Banana Ball.
The summer of the Savannah Bananas will be showcased on Friday and Saturday nights on ESPN or ESPN2, with all ten games also simulcast live on Disney+ and ESPN+.
Here are a couple more must-watch amusing videos of the Savannah Bananas at Disneyland:
Banana Ball meets @Disneyland 😎 pic.twitter.com/b90AHL3phN
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) May 28, 2025
We had the best time at Disneyland🤩 pic.twitter.com/BXAydUGB8M
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) May 29, 2025
All in all, looks like the Savannah Bananas had a fun day at Disneyland. The videos they’ve posted to social media thus far have been a lot of fun, and it’s easy to see why they’ve cultivated such a loyal and passionate fanbase–the parallels to Disney are quite clear, even without the owner being inspired by Walt. (Makes me wonder if Bob Iger might “pull an Eisner” and set his sights on acquiring the Bananas!)
As a huge fan of the “Weird Disney” genre, I love this type of thing. In last week’s Celebrated Criminal Stitch Toilet Papers Cinderella Castle Again post, I remarked how Disney doesn’t really do this type of thing anymore. They’re so careful and considered with marketing that rarely is anything zany or oddball. Less than one week later, they deliver this–proving me wrong.
It’ll be fun to say look back on the videos of the Savannah Bananas at Disneyland in a decade or two as a “remember when?” time capsule of 2025 (right down to the 70th Anniversary character costumes) and a fun ‘Weird Disney’ experience. Now, we need to find a way to get the Savannah Bananas to play some games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports and visit Walt Disney World. Maybe they could revive KiteTails for a one-day-only encore, smashing dingers and performing trick catches as the Lion King kites crash. Now that would truly be a ‘Weird Disney’ day for the history books!
Planning a Southern California vacation? For park admission deals, read Tips for Saving Money on Disneyland Tickets. Learn about on-site and off-site hotels in our Anaheim Hotel Reviews & Rankings. For where to eat, check out our Disneyland Restaurant Reviews. For unique ideas of things that’ll improve your trip, check out What to Pack for Disney. For comprehensive advice, consult our Disneyland Vacation Planning Guide. Finally, for guides beyond Disney, check out our Southern California Itineraries for day trips to Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and tons of other places!
Your Thoughts
What do you think of the Savannah Bananas visiting Disneyland? Are you a fan of Banana Ball or do you favor the ‘dignity’ of regular ole boring baseball? Be honest: had you never even heard of the Bananas before this? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I have followed these guys on TikTok for years.
My son went to school in Savannah, SCAD, I begged him to go to a game but could never convince him and look at what we missed!!
I forwarded him your article because he’s a Disney freak like me and now all of a sudden after he graduated and when you can’t get tickets he wants to go!
Always enjoy reading about different discs and techniques. It’s wild how much of a difference the right disc can make. I’ve been exploring more brands lately — there’s always something new to try!
the bananas are playing 2 games in chicago in august. we find out in june if we’re picked from the lottery. fingers and toes all crossed!
Was in Savannah this spring. Banana gear was everywhere including the airport, shops, etc. So fun!
Go Dodgers! Not bandwagoning…have been an avid fan since the early 80s. See the LA caps all over WDW now. Stopped saying “Go Dodgers” because a lot of people look at me like I’m crazy! Don’t get that response from dog fans (UGA)! Oh well…at least they aren’t wearing so many Yankee caps anymore!
This is banana-rific!! I had heard of the team previously, but I thought they were part of the minors. Thank you for adding the “60 Minutes” clip. I’ll make sure to catch tonight’s game on Disney+ !!
We’ve been following the Bananas and Jesse and Emily Cole (co-owners) for several years. Walt Disney is someone cited as inspiration. I highly suggest the Bananaland documentary on ESPN+. And yes, if you can get tickets, it quite an experience. We’re looking forward to seeing the Savannah Bananas here in Washington DC this summer and it will be our second chance to see them. Worth the effort of the lottery for sure.
“I highly suggest the Bananaland documentary on ESPN+.”
Thanks for the recommendation–I love 30 for 30 and many of the other ESPN docs, but somehow missed that one!
I’ve always been a big fan of the Harlem Globetrotters, whom I saw play several times and after every time I always wondered why there wasn’t a baseball equivalent. I think the Globetrotters led me to enjoy the craziness of wrestling. So glad to find out about Banana Ball and I would certainly love to see them do their stuff at the WDW baseball field. I would make a special trip down for that alone. I’m absolutely CERTAIN they have made plans to do that next year so keep us informed.
Now…
That said, this is an unfair loaded question,
“Are you a fan of Banana Ball or do you favor the ‘dignity’ of regular ole boring baseball?”
Nothing better than REAL baseball. Unless you’re a Rockies fan. (Not sure that counts.)
I had the great privilege to witness The Wizard of Oz do a back flip after running out to his shortstop position many years ago. Eventually the team made him stop. I bet, if the Bananas were around back then. he would have loved to join them after he retired.
As for “boring” baseball, I bet there isn’t one banana in the bunch that wouldn’t give everything to play in the show. I know some of them who are good enough have gone into the MLB and that former Pros including Cy Young, gold glove winners and World Series Champions including HOFers like Johnny Bench have been involved with them.
No offense, but you couldn’t have been a true Tigers’ fan if your explanation is that you started rooting for the Dodgers because you moved to LA.
You had the perfect excuse to say you adopted the Dodgers as your National League team while still holding onto your beloved Tigers.
It’s ok Tom, I still love you.
The dignity of regular ole boring baseball was meant to be firmly tongue in cheek, as I’ve found that many MLB fans are self-described purists who don’t want to see the game change with the times to attract new, younger fans.
Definitely what I should’ve done with the Tigers, but it’s too late now that they’re good–not doing that. Honestly, I wasn’t a true Tigers fan at the point we moved to CA. During college, I watched very little baseball, and what I did watch was almost exclusively the Cubs and White Sox (dangers of going to school near Chicago). The only team I’ve watched consistently since the 1990s is the Lions.
I only recently heard of the Savannah Bananas when Disney Parks Blog had articles on them. I immediately connected them as being like the baseball counterpart of the Harlem Globetrotters. I notice you lifted a lot of your article’s paragraphs directly from a recent article on Disney Parks Blog, & you often do this. It worries me that you don’t put such paragraphs in quotes to distinguish them from your own writing or credit the original author. Aren’t you worried about someone at Disney coming after you for plagiarism? Is there a loophole that allows you to do this?
Disney sends press releases to media for stuff like this. Sometimes, it’s formatted differently as a standard press release; other times, it’s just the DPB post. The expectation is that the content is reposted. So it’s not really a loophole at all–that’s what they want.
Some sites will copy & paste the whole thing, and that’s the entirety of their post–which is completely fine. I only share something if I find it interesting, have value to add, and make the end result materially different. Often, I will quote Disney or indicate that what follows is their language. Not because it’s necessary, but because they often use flowery language and I don’t want that to be viewed as mine (especially when it enthusiastically describes something about which I am not enthusiastic).
Dear Gina,
Tom has a very unique voice.
It’s actually quite easy to distinguish where Tom leaves off and Disney PR drops in.
Because of my background there’s little I detest more than plagiarism, thieves and hacks.
Take it from one who’s been around GREAT talent most of my life.
Tom is waaaaay better than he knows.
Right now he’s in the learning stages. It takes at least ten years just to reach step one.
He’s only recently arrived there. I hope he’s finding the confidence and hunger he needs.
That’s why I sometimes push him. Maybe annoy him. I don’t think he’s figured that out. I know he thinks I’m a pain.
Everyone, enjoy and appreciate Tom while we have him.
He’s growing too big for the room. And now there’s another mouth to feed.
Come for the articles, stay for mickey1928 comments.
Thank you for the kind words Amanda.
I greatly appreciate the undeserved accolade.
I am however well aware this is THE TOM BRICKER SHOW! (cue theme music) Starring TOM BRICKER — audience applause —- featuring Sarah Bricker, as his sarcastic, adoring wife — and Baby Bricker as THE BABY.
I’m merely the wacky next door neighbor who occasionally makes an appearance to provide hijinx, shenanigans and general Tomfoolery.
So…you’re the Kramer in this scenario. It all makes sense now! 😉
“that’s how you know you’re getting old–when you first learn about a craze from 60 Minutes”
That sentence should read,
You know you’re OLD if you’re watching 60 Minutes.
60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Mornings are two of the best programs on television. I’ve been watching them since I was a kid! I remember when Mike Wallace was still there!
“60 Minutes and CBS Sunday Mornings are two of the best programs on television. ”
You really are a comedian.
Mike Wallace was the GOAT!!!! but a really screwed up person. Know someone who was a friend.
I know, I know, we’re all flawed. Not judging. Not my place.
They sure could use him now.
PS see my response to Gina.
You know you are a full-blown leftist, if you are STILL, watching CBS Dunday morning and 60 minutes. I used to love watching both of these shows, but the last 10 years or so, they have went absolutely “far-left “ loony tune crazy. Only liberals are lifted up, and promoted on those two shows. Sad, to be that bias.
I am an unabashed capitalist.
I learned about them a couple of years ago from a friend, who lives in the Midwest and has entered the lottery several times with no luck. Last year they played somewhere smaller in the Inland Empire so Anaheim Stadium is a better fit. I heard about them being here too late to enter the raffle. I figured a couple of days late that would surely get tickets but alas I was incredulous to see both days sold out Anaheim Stadium!
I’m going to make a guess about how this whole Banana baseball thing will go down. The times are good right now. Everyone involved is excited to build this thing and watch it grow, but slowly the players will realize how underpaid they are. As time goes on they’ll watch their founder grow rich. Eventually the players will ask for more money, and make the argument Banana baseball was built on their backs. But management/ownership will say they are replaceable and anyone could do the player’s jobs. Players strike or quit and are replaced. PR nightmare that fades along with ticket sales. Interest fades and they run out of money. It all wraps up with Bill Simmons making a documentary on the whole thing for Netflix.
“Until last year, its two biggest generational talents were languishing away in Anaheim.”
That’s funny, but I don’t recall Aaron Judge ever playing in Anaheim.
You should start a Sports Blog, I could sarcastically comment all day on a Sports Blog.
Now I must look up the Bananas and see how they’re playing the game. I thought it was just dancing and entertainment related.
LOL!
He’s definitely not #2 anymore (heck, he’s probably not even #20), but I probably would’ve ranked Mike Trout #2 at the start of 2023 when he and Ohtani were both in Anaheim.
Aaron Judge is awesome. Really fun to watch him play, especially since he doesn’t just strike out constantly–kind of hope he gets the Triple Crown this year! (Still hate the Yankees.)
How fun is it watching our Tiger’s right now?! Gotta love it. We saw the Banana’s in Savannah last year. It’s a good time. I highly recommend.
I’m actually a Dodgers fan now. I’m almost embarrassed to type that as it probably sounds very fairweather, but I made the switch when we first moved to California in 2014. We were going to a lot of games, it was easy to watch them on TV, and they weren’t nearly as good.
Now, they are unfairly dominant (to a degree that I think is actually bad for the game), and local blackouts made it easier to watch the Tigers with MLB TV. Oh well, no going back now–I do love that Shohei is finally getting the spotlight he deserves, and I’m absolutely hoping for the best for the Tigers even if they’re no longer my team!
Plus- no fees!!!
You should absolutely sign up for the lottery and go to a game next season! I got to see the Savannah Bananas at Clemson football stadium and it was one of the best sports experiences of my life, and DEFINITELY the best value for money. We had amazing seats at $40 a pop.
Love your take on the Bananas! I’ve caught a few games on ESPN+, and they are so fun (their take on extra innings is particularly creative). And I agree with the general boringness of MLB. I haven’t been to a major league game in a decade and haven’t intentionally watched a game on television in years. But I’m biased–I’m a fan of fastpitch softball, which is fast, fun, and intense. The Women’s College World Series starts today (ESPN/ESPN2 and ESPN+); I recommend watching a few innings just to see how fun it is and to show Megatron that everyone watches women’s sports.
I still enjoy the MLB, but I watch few regular season games (part of that is due to regional blackout rules) and only some playoff games before all of the World Series.
By contrast, I watch at least 4 NFL games per week (sometimes 5-6) and every single playoff game. As a kid, I watched more baseball than football.
TOM How can you NOT be watching every Tigers game ??????
They HAVE to come to WDW! Baseball stadium on property…it’s a no brainer! They could come for two weeks or the July 4th weekend! They could make several stops or extended stay during the winter!