Universal has made it official. Homer, Bart, Marge, and the rest of The Simpsons gang are coming to the Universal Studios parks in Florida and Hollywood. Slated to open in Spring 2008, the denizens of Springfield will bring their enduringly popular, unique, and often hilarious worldview to new attractions in the buildings that hosted the Back to the Future ride films. Guests will ride along with The Simpsons as they explore Krusty Land, a toon theme park developed by the TV show's Krusty the Clown. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the attraction will use Back to the Future's giant OMNIMAX domed screens and motion simulation vehicles. Guests with enormous blue bouffants shouldn't get too concerned about destroying their dos. Scott Trowbridge, vice president of Universal's Creative Studio told the Sentinel that Back to the Future's jarring ride effects will be dialed down and that the attraction will feature the latest in motion simulator technology. When Back to the Future debuted in 1991, the breakthrough ride was seen as something of a savior for the fledgling Universal Studios Florida, which had been experiencing King Kong-sized problems. Universal, which has maintained a fairly low profile since introducing the Revenge of the Mummy attractions in 2004, has a lot riding on The Simpsons. (And to those naysayers who scoffed at earlier reports from me, Lance Hart at Screamscape.com, and others that The Simpsons were headed to the Universal parks, all I can say is--in my best Nelson Muntz voice--"Ha Ha!") But Universal may be harboring a cauldron filled with much bigger news. As I wrote in January, Universal's creative wizards plan to substantially change one of the five islands at Islands of Adventure, the Orlando resort's second park, and re-theme it to the stories and characters of one of the most popular children's franchises. Universal is mum for now, but it will likely make an announcement shortly.

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