Springfield announced for Universal Studios Florida
Hot on the heels of the massive announcement of the second Harry Potter-based realm coming to Universal Studios Florida, the Universal Orlando Resort announced today that the area surrouding the popular attraction, The Simpsons Ride will be transformed into Springfield, the notable city that plays host to the colorful characters of the The Simpsons. Taking over the remainder of the former World Expo section that was rethemed after the closure of Back to the Future: The Ride, this exciting new land will include a new family attraction, food and beverage options, photo opportunities and new meet and greet characters.
Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort launching this summer.
The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.
And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando.
For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.” They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern.
The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.
“This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.”
“This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.”
“It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth.”
I wonder if Universal would someday create a mini section themed to My Little Pony franchise located at the Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone area after replacing three of its attractions like the Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster would be a Rainbow Dash-themed roller coaster, A Day in the Park with Barney would be a 3D show, and a Curious Gorge Goes to Town play area would be a whole village with stores, restaurants, snack stores, and other rides and attractions.
It would be called: “My Little Pony Land” or “Ponyville” since it is a town where ponies lives.
It would be a great idea for Universal make a small section based on that franchise to appeal not only for young girls with families, but for the groups of adult My Little Pony fans as well. 🙂
It seems like a good idea to me, and something I’d like to visit, but it sounds like it’s just going to be a bunch of food places plu one ride. I’d like to see at least one more ride and less discussion of the food served.
A bunch of food places plus one ride….sounds a lot like the new fantasyland. Considering this is opening in the same park at around the same time as the new Transformers ride, I’d say its pretty cool 🙂 On its own, I agree, no big deal (just like Fantasyland) but combined with the other new addition and next year’s bigger addition I think its outstanding.
What’s next…M*A*S*H Land? Muddy streets, drinks in IV bags, realistic snipers?
Or maybe Seinfeld Land. Go on a series of meaningless misadventures. Decide who’s ‘spongeworthy.’
I guess just because we can do it, thematically and construction-wise, someone with deep pockets decided we should.
I like it, in fact last week the Kwik-E-Mart was open and we had a great time taking pictures and seeing all themed merchandise. But this whole Seinfeld Land idea is great. Streets of American overlay perhaps?
Agreed @Andrew. Look how lame “Wayne’s World” became at Paramount Parks.
I guess it’s cool, but the Simpsons are very long in the tooth, and the ride isn’t good enough to build a whole land around, IMO.