It's Official: The Simpsons coming to Universal Orlando & Hollywood

April 24, 2007, 12:04 PM · Universal confirmed today the oft-discussed switch of its Back to the Future rides to new attractions based on the long-running animated TV show "The Simpsons."

From Universal's press release:

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 and 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.

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.

There's no name yet for the ride. Naming theme park attractions a tricky act in the Internet era. Ideally, you want a name where you can get the dot-com URL for a promotional website, that's easy to remember, and in this case, contains the brand name of the theme. ("The Simpsons") There's been speculation, though, that the name of these attractions might include the first names of the characters, but not the Simpsons family name.

Thanks to multiple TPI readers who posted this today.

Replies (13)

April 24, 2007 at 1:34 PM · I seem to remember someone saying that the Simpsons were only a diversion......and it was going to be Battlestar Galactica or BTTF....hmmmmm.
While I dont like the idea of a ride using the same technology that was previously used for the old attraction, its still a welcome change.
April 24, 2007 at 6:44 PM · Wow, that's refreshing news! So it's confirmed that it will be using the same platform that BTTF used? That would be a bummer...

Still, I'm looking forward to it! It'll open around my pass renewal time :)

April 24, 2007 at 9:37 PM · BOOOOOO!!


Down with the Simpsons! Keep BTTF!


COme on now! Yeah, Simpsons is a classic too, but BTTF is much better for that kind of ride IMO


Well at least its not Fast and the Furious!

April 24, 2007 at 10:00 PM · I liked BTTF way back when but i felt like the ride was old, and very herky jerky. If they are changinf it, hopefuly htey update the technology a bit
April 24, 2007 at 10:37 PM · Worst. News. Ever.
April 25, 2007 at 6:39 AM · Between the Simpsons, Shrek, and Jimmy Neutron, it seems like the park is being overrun with cartoon characters.
April 25, 2007 at 7:01 AM · Since the building has two screens it would have been nice to keep BTTF in one side and put The Simpsons in the other.

How is The Simpsons going to fit into the "World Expo" theme of that part of USF?

Would anyone happen to know what's going to happen with all of the cool BTTF props that were in the queue and pre-show areas? Is there a warehouse like Mouse Surplus that is selling them?

April 25, 2007 at 1:23 PM · "How will the Simpsons fit in to the World Expo area?"

An even better question - how does Revege of the Mummy fit in the New York area?

April 25, 2007 at 3:54 PM · Well there you go. the diversion turned out to be the diversion. Interesting tactic...

Simpsons, lets see what they can do!

April 25, 2007 at 3:55 PM · DAVID - Revenge of the Mummy fits in to New York Nicely as its a MUSEUM EXHIBITION! Quite clever really!
April 26, 2007 at 9:50 AM · i would have liked to see a remake/updated version of bttf.

i like the simpsons, but i do agree with the fact that there are too many cartoon rides.

April 26, 2007 at 10:35 AM · I like the idea. The cartoon character's UO currently has are either very limited in appeal (Spongebob is popular I know, but not to the level of national icon, nor is Jimmy Neutron), or just plain old (Woody Woodpecker). Shrek IS a cartoon, but is not really perceived as one by many of the guests. The Simpsons HAVE reached the level of national icon and could be a nice addition to the park, especially when you consider that UO has somewhat of an "edgy" or "eat my shorts" approach to theme parks anyway.

It will fit into that area as neatly as anything else would. The area is an "expo" or exchange of ideas, and the theme to the new ride will be a new and innovative theme park in Springfield, owned by Krusy the Klown (not known for spending a great deal of money on actual innovations!). I think it fits.

April 26, 2007 at 1:46 PM · More of a question than a comment. It seems people every where are really in love with the BTTF attraction. Personally it made me sick and gave me a headache the times I rode it. I'm just wondering why everyone likes it so much. Maybe I caught it on a "bad day" or something??? LOVE the movies, (the first 2 anyway), I'm just curious why folks like it so much.

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