Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, Maggie, and Krusty are all American house hold names and characters of the longest running animated sitcom in television history. Created and inspired by Matt Groening, The Simpsons has fueled the laughter and hilarity of generations since its television debut in 1987, celebrating its 20th anniversary last summer with a major motion pictured simply known as The Simpsons Movie. The year 2008 marks another milestone in the show’s history. The blockbuster attraction dubbed The Simpsons Ride debuts at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood this spring, bringing the escapades of Springfield to life in an all-out action adventure thrill ride.
The attraction began its transformation in the spring of 2007 for the Florida version, and in early August of the same year for the Hollywood version. Both rides are housed in the former Back to the Future buildings, using the same general ride system. The attractions feature two 80 foot tall IMAX domes, with each one capable of seating 96 riders per viewing. With the screens alternating (1 dome loading and unloading riders while the other dome is in operation) the attraction is able to usher in over 2000 guests an hour, making it one of the highest capacity additions at either park.
Manufactured by Intamin AG of Switzerland, the ride rectifies the capacity issue that most simulator-type rides have. Unlike the former IMAX technology used throughout Back to the Future, The Simpsons Ride utilizes 2 state-of-the-art Sony projectors with the ability to display a screen resolution twice the quality of what’s seen in a standard movie theater.
Krustyland - A satirical combonation of some well known American theme parks
The Simpsons Ride revolves around the twisted and almost sardonic nature of Krusty the Clown’s new theme park Krustyland, with riders being taken on a hair-raising tour through the park’s rides and attractions. The story was created specifically for the The Simpsons Ride, but brings in key elements from the show to tie in with the ride’s premise.
Before boarding one of the ride’s 12 cars, guests are shown a pre-show video, introducing them to Krustyland. On this particular occasion, Krusty is unveiling the newest and most trilling addition to the park, the "Upsy-Downsy Spins-Aroundsy High-Flying Teen-Operated Thrillride”. He goes on to choose a family to be the first riders, who coincidentally are the Simpsons. Homer invites the guests to join them for the inaugural ride, before proceeding to the attraction’s pre-show room.
Keeping the history of the show in mind, guests are also introduced to Sideshow Bob, an antagonist who escapes from prison, hoping to kill off the Simpsons family during their ride. He dresses up as a Krustyland park character, eventually taking over the controls to the "Upsy-Downsy Spins-Aroundsy High-Flying Teen-Operated Thrillride” before riders board the vehicles. From there, the attraction begins, in which riders dodge and evade the lethal tactics of Sideshow Bob.
Point of view image of the ride.
The Simpsons Ride marks a milestone in the renovation process of both Universal Studios parks, in the effort of taking outdated attractions and making them new again. With a hefty price tag of 40 million dollars, the ride was transformed into something that is not only funny, but is welcomed for all ages. The actual ride experience submerses guests into the world of the Simpsons characters, with the ride vehicles performing dramatic movements in sync with the projected images. This combination gives the appearance that riders are doing the impossible; falling from remarkable heights, traveling faster than the naked eye can see, and avoiding inevitable danger. Through all of this is what makes this attraction a success, and a must-do ride for anybody visiting either Universal Studios Florida, or Universal Studios Hollywood!
The Simpsons Ride officially opens to the public at Universal Studios Hollywood on Monday, May 19th, 2008. More information about The Simpsons Ride can be found at www.SimpsonsRide.com and www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
