Ken Doll Opens Up About Turning 65, His Expedia Super Bowl Ad and Becoming a World Traveler: ‘I Felt Like a Prince’ (Exclusive)

For the first time in over six decades, Mattel’s Ken is leaving the beach behind — and setting out for the great unknown.

In celebration of Ken’s 65th birthday, Mattel Inc. and Expedia joined forces for a Super Bowl LX ad titled Going Places with Ken. In the ad, Ken — who’s Expedia’s newest brand ambassador — journeys to places like Italy, Japan and Mexico City for the first time.

The ad marks the beginning of a year-long partnership between Expedia and Mattel, symbolizing the ease of booking flights, hotels, vacation rentals and more on Expedia for first-time travelers.

“Expedia quickly spotted Ken’s rising appeal and cast him for his big game debut,” Mahta Eghbali, Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Partnerships, Mattel, said in a press release. “This year-long partnership makes a clear statement: Ken isn’t just relevant; he is premium talent with the presence, range and reach to inspire fans across generations. Expedia’s brand spot captures his charm and shows the world Ken is going places.”

The Super Bowl ad also marks the launch of Expedia’s new brand platform, titled The One Place You Go to Go Places, which highlights Expedia’s role as the single destination where travelers can plan, book and manage every aspect of a trip, according to the release.

Below, Ken opens up to PEOPLE about turning 65 — and the exciting adventures that lie ahead.

PEOPLE: Happy birthday! What are you most looking forward to in your 65th year?

Ken: Thanks! Definitely a year of adventures and new experiences. 65, and just getting started!

PEOPLE: What was it like filming your first Super Bowl ad?

Ken: Honestly, totally natural. But my senior superlative was “Most likely to be in a Super Bowl commercial.” Expedia really gave me the 5-star treatment. I felt like a prince. Or a duke. Or a really expensive show pony.

PEOPLE: For this birthday, you’re embarking on an adventure and trying 65 new things. Can you give us a teaser on what that may include? 

Ken: Becoming a world traveler. With the help of Expedia, I’m going to hit as much as I can. My goal is 5000 new sights a month, 500 new foods per week, and 3 countries a day! Maybe more if I’m feeling ambitious.

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PEOPLE: What inspired you to say hello to new beginnings?

Ken: Saying goodbye to old ends! Haha, no, that’s me joking. It felt like the time for a new chapter. There’s so much I want to do. Live. Laugh. And probably a third thing.

PEOPLE: Everyone is raving over finding out your full name (Kenneth Sean Carson). How does it feel to finally reveal that?

Ken: Oh, wow! Well… It felt like winning the lottery. Going to the moon. Seeing a unicorn. Getting a perfect deal on Expedia. All of which I’ve done before.

PEOPLE: What sort of Ken-ergy are you exuding in your 65th year?

Ken: I plan to channel positivity, open-mindedness, and a sense of wonder. Like babies, whom I greatly admire.

PEOPLE: Will Barbie be joining any of your adventures this year?

Ken: Of course! It’s going to be a year of both familiar and new faces. So excited for you guys to see some of the new faces. They’re really good faces.