I know many a Harry Potter fan made the pilgrimage to Universal Orlando Resort to down a butterbeer when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened. As a lifelong Simpsons fan, I now have my own pilgrimage to make. Universal Studios announced they will build a real-life Springfield to accompany The Simpsons Ride. The concept art (previewed above) shows the Kwik-E-Mart, Moe's Tavern, Krusty Burger, The Android's Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop, Lard Lad Donuts, Krustyland, and a Duff brewery. Simpsons creator Matt Groening has previously chosen not to license Duff Beer, concerned it would encourage kids to drink. But the press release promises, "And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando."
There's more food joints, the Jebediah statue (to embiggen the smallest patron), and a new attraction, Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. I must go. Hit the jump for the press release with all the details and the full concept art.
ENTER THE WORLD OF SPRINGFIELD LIKE NEVER BEFORE - ONLY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT!
ORLANDO, Fla. (May 23, 2013) - Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America’s favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort 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."
Concept art via Film Thrasher:
