The Simpsons Ride Officially Opens at Universal Studios Orlando
May 16th, 2008
Orlando, FL - You’ve seen the show, played The Game, watched The Movie. And now, yes, it’s finally here. You can ride – The Simpsons Ride.
America’s favorite animated family has arrived in Orlando – with their very own mega-attraction. The Simpsons Ride officially opened today at Universal Orlando Resort. The new attraction plants guests smack in the middle of a brand-new Simpsons adventure – a ride adventure so big, so funny and so thrilling it’s no surprise it took years to make.
“The Simpsons Ride” showcases everything the hugely popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and guest star Kelsey Grammer.
Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s cash hungry clown. Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family. Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, you are thrust into the middle of the action.
In an unprecedented collaboration, Executive Producer James L. Brooks, Creator Matt Groening and Executive Producer Al Jean in association with 20th Century Fox Television and the creative teams of Gracie Films and Universal Theme Parks have accomplished what has never been done before – the launch of the world’s first authentic mega-attraction of The Simpsons.
The attraction is larger than life – from the 28-foot-tall Krusty the Clown at the entrance (guests walk through Krusty’s mouth on his extended tongue) to the giant wrap-around cinematic experience created for this great new adventure. Guests soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world’s first-ever cork screw that’s animated!
As the longest running animated series and the longest running primetime comedy series ever, The Simpsons has aired more than 400 episodes. The critically acclaimed show 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 has remained one of the most visible and marketable properties domestically and internationally. The Simpsons is noted for famous celebrity guest voices (such as Kelsey Grammer, 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. The Simpsons Movie was released on July 27, 2007, has earned more then 500 million dollars worldwide and is now available on DVD.
This twenty-three time Emmy-Award-winning series is currently airing its 19th season. The Simpsons is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the current Executive Producers. Film Roman is the animation studio.
Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com). With Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando – the place where blockbusters come to life — has created some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture’s most compelling films and stories.
Families will experience two world-class theme parks - Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure - a nighttime entertainment complex and magnificently themed on-site hotels. Universal Studios is a working film and TV production studio as well as a highly acclaimed motion picture and television theme park featuring attractions such as “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” and “Shrek 4-D.” Universal’s Islands of Adventure is the world’s most technologically advanced theme park and features five uniquely themed islands that include Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. Its marquee attractions include “Jurassic Park River Adventure” and “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.”
In addition to its theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops, clubs, a 20-screen cineplex and live-entertainment. The destination’s three on-site hotels include the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.
