The Simpsons Come to Universal Theme Parks

The Simpsons Come to Universal Theme Parks

New Mega-Attraction Opens in Both Orlando and Hollywood in 2008

ORLANDO, Fla., and UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- "Woo Hoo!" Universal's theme parks add animated fun and excitement to their roster as FOX's blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons, becomes the inspiration for the world's most highly anticipated new theme park ride.

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson - stars of TV's longest running series - will ride along with guests in a new mega-attraction opening at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2008.

Guests will be rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They'll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride's interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show's cantankerous Krusty the Clown.

Universal's award-winning creative team is collaborating with The Simpsons Creator and Executive Producer Matt Groening and Executive Producer James L. Brooks to create and open the first-ever mega-attraction based on the blockbuster TV series. It will feature the show's classic humor and many of its instantly recognizable characters - all voiced by the original actors.

"The ride is designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming," stated Matt Groening.

"I am particularly thrilled since, like most people, I'm forever looking for a way to cut the line at Universal Theme Parks," added James L. Brooks.

"Universal takes the most popular characters in blockbuster movies and hit TV shows and creates fun, exhilarating entertainment experiences," said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. "With its unique sense of humor and enormous popularity, The Simpsons is a perfect complement to our brand of entertainment."

"The Simpsons is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon and nearly 400 episodes in, the multiple Emmy-Award winning show continues to be as hilarious and inspired as ever," commented 20th Century Fox Television Presidents Dana Walden and Gary Newman. "Creating an attraction based on this landmark series is a fantastic opportunity for our viewers to experience The Simpsons in a whole new way, as well as potentially expose it to an even wider audience."

About The Simpsons:

Currently the longest-running sitcom on television, The Simpsons will air their historic 400th episode in May 2007. The critically acclaimed series features Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson, who take traditional family life and turn it upside down. Exploding into a cultural phenomenon in 1990, The Simpsons has remained one of the most visible and marketable properties domestically and internationally. The Simpsons is noted for famous celebrity guest voices (such as Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Kiefer Sutherland, Natalie Portman, Simon Cowell, Gore Vidal, U2, Mick Jagger and Aerosmith) and received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in January of 2000.

This multi-Emmy-Award-winning series is airing its 18th season and is in production on its 19th Season. The Simpsons is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the current Executive Producers. Film Roman is the animation studio.

Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a movie-based theme park and Studio Tour, the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features the groundbreaking attractions "Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride," "Shrek 4-D," "Jurassic Park-The Ride" and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds." CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. The Universal CityWalk Cinemas, which includes California's largest IMAX venue, features the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles.

Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com) With Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, Universal Orlando has created some of the world's most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture's most compelling films and stories.

Families will experience two world-class theme parks - Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure - a nighttime entertainment complex and magnificently themed on-site hotels. Universal Studios is a working film and TV production studio as well as a highly acclaimed motion picture and television theme park featuring attractions such as "Revenge of the Mummy-The Ride" and "Shrek 4-D." Universal's Islands of Adventure is the world's most technologically advanced theme park and features five uniquely themed islands that include Seuss Landing, Marvel Super Hero Island and Jurassic Park. Its marquee attractions include "Jurassic Park River Adventure" and "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man."

In addition to its theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also includes CityWalk, a 30-acre nighttime entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops, clubs, a 20-screen cineplex and live-entertainment. The destination's three on-site Loews hotels include the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort.

About Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising:

A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Universal Parks and Resorts

CONTACT: Cynthia Gordon of Universal Orlando Resort, +1-407-363-8220; or
Eliot Sekuler of Universal Studios Hollywood, +1-818-622-6896

Web Site:

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
http://www.universalorlando.com/

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