Disney parks could open ‘new Simpsons lands and attractions’ after £56billion purchase
A NEW Simpsons attraction could be on the cards for Disney, and it’s good news for theme park fans.
Major media company Disney acquired the Simpsons in 2019 as part of its $71billion (£56billion) purchase of 21st Century Fox.
The Simpsons first aired in 1989, making it the longest-running animated television series in American history.
Set in the fictional town of Springfield, the TV show follows the daily lives of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie.
It’s been a fan-favourite for years, with Universal Studios Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood both having themed rides.
But brand-new rides could be on the cards for Disney.
As reported by the Orange County Register, Disney recently surveyed fans to ascertain an interest for Simpsons lands, attractions and meet-and-greets at its parks.
While responses from fans have yet to be revealed, Disney won’t be able to introduce Simpsons attractions at its parks for the next few years.
This is because Universal can keep Simpsons attractions in its US parks until 2028, as per a pre-existing contract.
Simpsons-themed lands have existed at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort since 2008.
Both of the lands are based on Springfield, the fictional town in the TV show.
The Simpsons-themed land at Universal Studios Florida features two rides, the Simpsons Ride and Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ hurl.
The Simpsons Ride is a motion simulator, while the Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ hurl is an aerial carousel.
Other attractions include a Kwik-E-Mart and a Krusty Burger.
Fans of the show will be able to try a non-alcoholic Flaming Moe and a Duff Beer.
There are also plenty of character meet-and-greets, so lots of photo opportunities.
Even though Disney is unlikely to launch a Simpsons-themed attraction in the foreseeable future, there are plenty of other rides and attractions launching at Disney theme parks across the globe.
Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris is getting a huge €2billion transformation this year.
The French theme park will get a new entrance called World Premiere.
Set to open in spring, the revamped entrance will lead guests into a Hollywood-style film premiere.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
- Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
- Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer – this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
- Download the park’s app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
- Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out “birthday badges” that can get you freebies.
- If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
Here’s how to do an adult-only trip to Disneyland Paris.
And we went inside the new Disneyland Paris hotel which opened last year after a huge renovation.