Springfield
Springfield sign at Universal Studios Florida
ThemeThe Simpsons
Universal Studios Florida
StatusOperating
OpenedJune 1, 2013
ReplacedBack to the Future: The Ride
Universal Studios Hollywood
StatusOperating
OpenedMay 23, 2015
ReplacedBack to the Future: The Ride

Springfield is a chain of themed areas at Universal theme parks in Florida and Hollywood, based on the town of the same name from the long-hit American television animated sitcom, The Simpsons.

History

On September 7, 2006, Universal Studios Florida announced that Back to the Future: The Ride would be closed around Spring 2007, while Universal Studios Hollywood announced on July 23, 2007 for the closure of its version on September 3, 2007.[1] On March 30, 2007, Universal Studios Florida officially closed the ride for good, while Universal Studios Hollywood closed its version exactly on September 3, 2007. On April 24, 2007, Universal Parks & Resorts announced that a new replacement would be built at both Universal parks based on the long-running animated television show, The Simpsons. In October 2007, Kwik-E-Mart-themed merchandise shops opened at both Florida and Hollywood and began selling a variety of items including Squishees (which are The Simpsons' parody of 7-Eleven's Slurpees).[2] The Simpsons Ride opened at both Florida and Hollywood on May 15 and 19, 2008 respectively.[3][4]

In 2012, Universal Studios Florida closed the International Food and Film Festival which was adjacent to The Simpsons Ride. The park later announced that they would be opening Springfield in Summer 2013. Fast Food Boulevard, which encompasses Krusty Burger, Moe's Tavern, The Frying Dutchman, Cletus' Chicken Shack, Flaming Moe's, Lisa's Teahouse Of Horror, and Luigi's Pizza, opened as the first phase of the expansion on June 1, 2013.[5][6] A second phase consisting of Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Gardens, Phineas Q. Butterfat's, and Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck, opened on August 2, 2013, while the last item Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl attraction opened on August 11.[7] On May 13, 2015, Universal Studios Hollywood opened its similar version with a special "meltdown" of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant display behind signaling the grand opening, complete with fireworks.

Springfield was dedicated in Universal Studios Hollywood on May 13, 2015 with a special "meltdown" at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant signaling the grand opening, complete with fireworks.[8] On hand for the event were the show's executive producer Al Jean and voice actors Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson), Yeardley Smith (Lisa Simpson) and Joe Mantegna (Fat Tony).[9] Springfield replaced various eateries including Doc Brown's Chicken with new food venues, including the Kwik-E-Mart, Moe's Tavern,[10] Duff Brewery,[10] Krusty Burger,[10] Luigi's Pizza,[10] Bumblebee Man's Taco Truck,[10] Cletus' Chicken Shack,[10] Phineas Q. Butterfat's Ice Cream Parlor,[10] and Lard Lad Donuts.[10]

On December 14, 2017, The Walt Disney Company (NBCUniversal's major theme park rival) announced it was intending to acquire 21st Century Fox, which included the film and TV studios of 20th Century Fox. At the cost of $71.3 billion in cash and stock, the deal was fully completed on March 20, 2019, and Fox became a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios.[11] Among the 21st Century Fox's assets, this gave Disney access to The Simpsons intellectual property, leaving many fans to question the future of the Springfield areas at the Universal theme parks, as Disney Parks, Experiences and Products would incorporate Fox properties in its parks. Universal issued a statement the same day the Disney/Fox deal was announced in 2017, which stated, "Today's headlines will have no impact on our ride or our guest experience."[12]

Parks

Universal Studios Florida

As of August 11, 2013 Springfield consists of two attractions:

The area also features fast-food outlets, including Krusty Burger outlet, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Gardens, Moe's Tavern, The Frying Dutchman, and a Cletus' Chicken Shack that replaced the International Food Festival dining location.

Universal Studios Hollywood

At Universal Studios Hollywood's Springfield area, it opened on May 23, 2015. As with its Florida counterpart, it features The Simpsons Ride simulator attraction and fast-food outlets, including Krusty Burger outlet, Lard Lad Donuts, Duff Gardens, Moe's Tavern, The Frying Dutchman, and a Cletus' Chicken Shack. The new area replaced many classic eateries including Doc Brown's Fried Chicken, The Flintstones Barbecue, and several others.[16] Other Springfield locations featured include Springfield Elementary School,[10] The Kwik-E-Mart, The Android's Dungeon,[10] Aztec Theater,[10] Springfield Penitentiary,[17] Herman's Military Antiques,[17] and the Springfield Police Department.[17]

References

  1. ↑ "Back to the Future: The Ride". theStudioTour.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  2. ↑ Bevil, Dewayne (October 26, 2007). "Simpsons' Kwik-E-Mart gets the Universal seal of Apu-val". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  3. ↑ "The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios Florida)". Parkz. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  4. ↑ "The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios Hollywood)". Parkz. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  5. ↑ Carchidi, Jim (June 4, 2013). "See inside: Springfield's Fast Food Boulevard". Orlando Business Journal. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Springfield comes to Orlando". Park World Magazine: 6. July 2013.
  7. ↑ "The Simpsons Springfield expansion". Orlando Informer. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  8. ↑ "The Simpsons Springfield Grand Opening at Universal Studios Hollywood". Archived from the original on 2016-07-01. Retrieved 2015-05-22 – via www.youtube.com.
  9. ↑ Riley, Jenelle (May 13, 2015). "Springfield Comes to Universal Studios Hollywood with New 'Simpsons' Environment". Archived from the original on December 22, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2017.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ""SPRINGFIELD" IS NOW OPEN AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD | NBCUniversal". Archived from the original on 2015-05-19. Retrieved 2015-05-22.
  11. ↑ "Securities and Exchange Commission Filing – Form 8-K Filing". Securities and Exchange Commission. March 20, 2019. Retrieved March 20, 2019.
  12. ↑ Martin, Hugo (December 15, 2017). "What would Disney theme parks do with Fox properties like 'X-Men' and 'Simpsons'?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  13. ↑ Walt Belcher (May 2, 2008). "Woo Hoo! Itchy For Fun? Ride With The Simpsons". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  14. ↑ "The Simpsons Ride". Universal Studios Orlando. Archived from the original on February 3, 2008. Retrieved February 16, 2008.
  15. ↑ "Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl (Universal Studios Florida)". Parkz. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  16. ↑ Springfield U.S.A. opens in Hollywood, April 8, 2015
  17. 1 2 3 Sciretta, Peter (May 13, 2015). "Simpsons Springfield Grand Opening Photos: Universal Hollywood". SlashFilm.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
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