Springfield: Home of the Simpsons and Your Perfect Day at Universal
Most of us have experienced The Simpsons from the comfort of our own couch, enjoying a hearty laugh at the end of a long day or perhaps pondering the eerie accuracy of the cartoon’s predictions of the future. The show is a constant in most people’s lives, especially considering its status as the longest-running animated sitcom in history.1
But now you can do more than just invite the Simpsons into your home on a Saturday evening – you can actually visit their stomping grounds at Springfield: Home the Simpsons at Universal Studios Orlando! It’s a cartoon dream come true!
So forget the remote control and come make some prank calls with Bart IRL!
“Hello, this is your Russian chauffeur, Picov Andropov. . .”
The Simpsons Ride: Crash Through Krustyland!
Join Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and even little Maggie as you soar across Springfield on this crazy virtual reality coaster!
Even before you board the motion simulator, there are zany Simpsons antics to enjoy, with a specially animated clip made just for this ride! With the appearance of Sideshow Bob eager for revenge, Maggie on the loose, and nuclear reactions, you know you’re in for a wild time! Additionally, Itchy and Scratchy will lead you through the safety protocols for the coaster – which goes about as well as you’d expect with them.
The action on this ride feels like a real rollercoaster, from the sudden drops to the sharpest turns. As you zoom through Krusty the Clown’s low-budget theme park – and out of it into Springfield – keep an eye out for other Simpsons characters you know and love. There are about two dozen cameos total! (Warning: You’ll have The Simpsons theme song in your head for days afterward!)
The Simpsons Ride is like climbing into your T.V. and actually living through an episode of the animated sitcom, and there are just as many classic gags and punchlines for you to laugh at – if you aren’t too busy screaming “Ay Caramba!”
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl: Greetings, Earth-Humans!
Once you disembark from Krusty’s deathtrap – uh, I mean, totally legal and totally safe ride – you’ll probably breathe a sigh of relief. However, that feeling won’t last too long because Kang and Kodos are trying to invade Earth again!
This iconic, green-alien-octopus duo is bent on conquering the world, and this time they’re launching their attack here in Orlando. Their devious plan? To incapacitate the humans with severe bouts of nausea! Can you withstand their dizzying, twirl ‘n’ hurl scheme? (We suggest a Dramamine as your best defense!)
As you find yourself whisked away in one of their flying saucers, Kang and Kodos demand your help in attacking Springfield – if you comply, they might just let you go! As you spin around at sickening speeds, maneuver your saucer higher or lower as you attempt to zap citizens of Springfield with a laser blaster straight from Rigel 7.
*ZAP*
Sorry, Grampa Simpson!!
The Simpsons Games: Madcap Carnival Fun!
Phew! Looks like we were safer with Krusty the Clown after all. . .and that being the case, let’s head on over to the Midway for some Krustyland carnival fun!
Each game here is a Simpsons twist on the classic fair festivities. The nostalgia factor plus The Simpsons make the Midway a must-play place! Here’s just a few games you’ll want to put on your Midway bucket list:
Catch a Fish. This game of chance is a guaranteed win – but will you get a big prize or a small prize? It all depends on the fish. The luckiest players can win a big, squishy plush of Blinky, the three-eyed fish!
Ball Toss. Try your luck at The Simpsons’ Ball Toss! In this goblet toss game, you’ll want to carefully aim for holes outlined in red, blue, and pink to win a prize – including plush cans of Homer’s favorite drink, Duff Beer!
Strike 3. Pull the trigger and launch flying objects at a tower of Duff Beer cans! If you knock them all down in only 3 tries, you’ll find yourself taking home a plush of Itchy, Scratchy, or even Homer himself!
Dunk or Flunk (with Principle Skinner). Shoot some hoops to pass this test and win some prizes! Previous athletic experience with The Springfield Isotopes or Denver Broncos is recommended for the best chance at winning.
Whac-a-Rat. What’s better than getting to batter animatronic moles in bouts of mild, nonsensical violence? Nonsensical violence starring Itchy and Scratchy from the Simpsons’ in-universe hit, The Itchy & Scratchy Show! Win a pillow that looks like a television set airing this classic cartoon-within-a-cartoon.
Help Santa’s Little Helper. Join a dog race full of colorful variations of the Simpsons’ pet dog, Santa’s Little Helper. Help this playful pooch pull ahead in the race by hitting the bullseye of a target with a water gun! More plushie prizes await the top dog!
Sledge Homer. Test your brute strength (and appreciate a great pun) at the Sledge Homer! Bring down the hammer and ring the bell, or, if you’re like me, find yourself saying “D’oh!” when you remember you have wimpy spaghetti arms.
Win or lose, playing these games is always fun and a great way to spend the afternoon. It also makes for some great friendly, family competition! Although bragging rights can get a little obnoxious on the drive home. . .
Protip: Carnival games are notoriously expensive. If you plan to spend some quality time on the Midway, getting a gameplay pass can help you save a few smackers to spend on other Simpsons merch!
Kwik-E-Mart: Clean Up in All the Aisles!
Some of that coveted Simpsons merch can be found at Springfield‘s very own Kwik-E-Mart!
Right out front, there’s a photo-op with Milhouse Van Houten, who’s perched on the bench slurping a soda. There’s also a payphone, which on occasion, will have something to say if you pick it up!
Inside the Kwik-E-Mart, you can find t-shirts to advertise your love of every member of the Simpsons family! (No, seriously, you can get a yellow shirt that’s just a giant picture of Marge’s face.) And, if you didn’t get a plush Homer on the Midway, now’s your chance to just buy one outright! There are cute, chibi-style plushies of the whole family – you’ll probably want to buy them all. It just doesn’t feel right to separate them! (And yes, they even have a plush of Santa’s Little Helper.)
In addition to apparel and plushies, there’s also an array of coffee mugs, cups, and other gear to choose from, each featuring famous Springfield logos like Duff Beef, Squishee, or Lard Lad Donuts.
Meet The Simpsons
For some awesome photo-ops, be sure to head over to the character zone on the corner of Fast Food Boulevard and Evergreen Terrace! Here you’ll have a chance to meet the entire Simpsons Family, Krusty the Clown, and even the notorious Sideshow Bob!
Say cheeseburger!
After all that excitement, you’re probably getting hungry. Don’t worry, in one of our other articles, we’ll cover all of the Simpsons-themed dining around Springfield: Home of the Simpsons! Until then, if anyone wants me, I’ll be in my room.
Have you visited Springfield: Home of the Simpsons? What was your favorite game on the Midway? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Photo: osseous via Flickr
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