The Simpsons are coming!

[WebmasterPete]

While this has been all but confirmed for months, here's the official release we received today.

The Simpsons
​

“Woo Hoo!” Universal’s theme parks add fun and
excitement to their roster as FOX’s blockbuster hit
series, The Simpsons, becomes the inspiration for the
world’s most highly anticipated new theme park
attraction Coming Spring 2008!
​

The Simpsons at Universal’s Theme Parks
​

Universal’s award-winning creative team is collaborating with The Simpsons creator and executive producer Matt Groening and executive producer James L. Brooks to create and open the first-ever mega-attraction based on the blockbuster TV Series. It will feature the show’s classic humor and many of its instantly recognizable characters – all voiced by the original actors.
​

About The Attraction
​

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson – stars of TV’s longest running series – will ride along with guests in a new mega-attraction opening at Universal Orlando Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood in
Spring 2008. Guests will be rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They’ll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride’s interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and “live” shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show’s cantankerous Krusty the Clown.
​

About The Show / About The TV Series
​

Currently the longest-running sitcom on television, The Simpsons will air their historic 400th episode May 2007. The critically acclaimed series features Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, who take
traditional family life and turn it upside down. Exploding into a cultural phenomenon in 1990, The Simpsons remain incredibly popular today.
The Simpsons is noted for famous celebrity guest voices (such as Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Kiefer Sutherland, Natalie Portman, Simon Cowell, Gore Vidal, U2, Mick Jagger and Aerosmith) and received a Star​

on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in January of 2000.

 

[tlinus]

 

[Motherfletcher]

Woo Hooo!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...2407apr24,0,1590493.story?coll=orl-home-promo

 

[damo]

Sounds good to me! Hopefully it is somewhat different than BTTF.

 

[ChrisFL]

Im reading about krusty's theme park and somehow I keep thinking of the part of the hanna barbera ride where they go through an amusement park

 

[mark2311]

Am I the only one who's not excited about this? I was secretly hoping for BTTF to be remade into a brand new ride. I don't see the Simpsons bringing in as many new guests as the bosses would think. I'll probably be wrong though

 

[robvia]

Depends on how different the ride is. Here's a quote from the article.

"Back to the Future: The Ride, based on the 1980s films starring Michael J. Fox, was widely considered the state-of-the-art simulator ride when it opened in 1991. Though it won a large, loyal fan base, the ride also drew critics for its jerky, jolting motion, especially after smoother simulator rides appeared. It was closed March 30."

"The ride will use the 80-foot-tall movie screens and motion-simulation vehicles from Back to the Future: The Ride, to give visitors a virtual-reality trip through a cartoon theme park called "Krusty Land" -- the domain of The Simpsons' TV clown."

Not only was it the jerky, jolting motion, but simulators trick the brain into making half the riders sick. I can ride any coaster in the land, but not a simulator. The effects last for 2 hours after riding.

 

[damo]

And then the article goes on to say, "For The Simpsons, the motion devices will be toned down to offer a smoother ride, and all elements will be brought up to current state of the art, said Trowbridge, vice president of Universal's Creative Studio for Universal Parks and Resorts. There are plenty of characters and story possibilities to drive the experience, he said."


Hopefully, I'll be able to ride this one if it is more state of the art and smoother. BTTF made me oh so sick.

 

[FayeW]

Am I the only one who's not excited about this? I was secretly hoping for BTTF to be remade into a brand new ride. I don't see the Simpsons bringing in as many new guests as the bosses would think. I'll probably be wrong though

While certainly the goal of any venue is to continue to increase their customer base I am sure that they are updating the park with new and contemporary attractions to keep it fresh and exciting for returning guests as well.

Let's face it, BTTF was a great ride and despite not knowing the story or who the characters were, my kids enjoyed it. The Simpson's will appeal to a brand new generation of theme park guests and will probably emcompass some of the newest technology as well. It might not specifically bring guests to the park, but it will certainly add to their enjoyment of the park overall, and help to build a loyal repeat customer base.

As long as UO keeps updating their attractions and layering old favourites with contemporary new rides they will continue to build a world class theme park that, in a few years, will have the thrill rides and the nostalgic rides of this generation.

 

[tikkipoo]

I think it sounds fun! I"m alway up for new rides.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

And then the article goes on to say, "For The Simpsons, the motion devices will be toned down to offer a smoother ride, and all elements will be brought up to current state of the art, said Trowbridge, vice president of Universal's Creative Studio for Universal Parks and Resorts. There are plenty of characters and story possibilities to drive the experience, he said."


Hopefully, I'll be able to ride this one if it is more state of the art and smoother. BTTF made me oh so sick.

This makes me feel better! I couldnt stand it of they didnt do something to change the rides smoothness.

I'm looking forward to it!

 

[ChrisFL]

I wonder if it will be their regular animation or CGI style...hmm...

 

[macraven]

i'm hoping a gift shop for simpson items will be available since there will be the simpson.


i need a HOMER tshirt.......

 

[Figment22]

i'm hoping a gift shop for simpson items will be available since there will be the simpson.


i need a HOMER tshirt.......

I'm sure you'll get your wish, mac. This is from the Variety article:

Deal also includes provisions that will allow characters from "The Simpsons" to be integrated into the larger Universal theme park brand. Actors dressed like "Simpsons" characters will start roaming the grounds of both parks, while stores devoted to selling "Simpsons"-themed souvenirs will pop up

 

[F-L-A]

Am I the only one who's not excited about this?

No. I've known from day one that it'd be BTTF with a different theme, which seems entirely pointless to me. Why not just keep BTTF open?

 

[GreyStr0ke]

No. I've known from day one that it'd be BTTF with a different theme, which seems entirely pointless to me. Why not just keep BTTF open?

I'll drink to that

It's been estimated that $30 Million of that $120 Million is going towards the Simpsons. Lets just hope that more of that money goes towards the actual ride and ride system as opposed to making the facade of the Institue complelty hideous.

 

[macraven]

I'm sure you'll get your wish, mac. This is from the Variety article:

WOO HOO..............as homer would say

 

[Motherfletcher]

mac,

For Christmas the kids got me a Homer as the Hulk T-shirt complete with rhinestone bling. Woo hoo!

 

[sanapunk]

Why do corporate big wigs still think the simpsons are popular? This ride is 10 years too late.