May 15, 2008
The Simpsons Ride Grand Opening
by Sledge
 

This wasn't here before but this came right after the pimpy faced teen at the beginning of the attraction before the ride begins. Krusty and the monkey dance, which is honestly
much more entertaining than one would think.

Fireworks shot off from the top of the building and the top of the "game booths". They were incredibly quick and didn't give us much time to snap pictures. Doh!

Fear not. The wait time started at 300 minutes and quickly went down. It ended up
stopping around 70 minutes.

We sat down in small groups with Mike West, the executive producer of the attraction. Some people on the net were wondering why 3D animation and not 2D. To put rumors to rest, he told me the 3D animation was actually harder and more costly than 2D animation. He also explained they wanted to give the riders a more immersive experience and show the Simpsons in a brand new way. When asked why none of Harry Shearer's characters were in the attraction he simply said they couldn't include all of the hundreds of characters and thecharacters just didn't fitinto the story. I'm not entirely sure
how much I believe that answer though.

Mr. West explained why they didn't consider 3D glasses.
Long story short... "They'd fall off."

“THE SIMPSONS RIDE” OPENS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO IN ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED ATTRACTION LAUNCHES IN HISTORY

Orlando, FL (May 15, 2008) – You’ve seen the show, played The Game, watched The Movie.  And now, yes, it’s finally here.  You can ride – The Ride.
 
America’s favorite animated family has arrived in Orlando – with their very own mega-attraction.  The Simpsons Ride officially opened today at Universal Orlando Resort.  The new attraction plants guests smack in the middle of a brand-new Simpsons adventure – a ride adventure so big, so funny and so thrilling it’s no surprise it took years to make.

In an unprecedented collaboration, Executive Producer James L. Brooks, Creator Matt Groening and Executive Producer Al Jean in association with 20th Century Fox Television and the creative teams of Gracie Films and Universal Theme Parks have accomplished what has never been done before – the launch of the  world’s first authentic mega-attraction of The Simpsons.

“The Simpsons Ride” showcases everything the hugely popular television series has made famous and that Simpsons fans love . . . a great story, humor and irreverence that are pure Simpsons, with original animation starring cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and guest star Kelsey Grammer.

Guests are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s cash hungry clown.  Meanwhile, maniacal Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and has taken control of the park to get his revenge on Krusty and the Simpson family.  Hand-picked by Krusty to be the first to ride his newest attraction, you are thrust into the middle of the action.

The attraction is larger than life – from the 28-foot-tall Krusty the Clown at the entrance (guests walk through Krusty’s mouth on his extended tongue) to the giant wrap-around cinematic experience created for this great new adventure. Guests soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world’s first-ever cork screw that’s animated!  

“I take with all due sense of mission and humility the opportunity to spray water and spritz baby powder at Universal patrons,” says James L. Brooks.

“For twenty years I've been dreaming about this, and here it is -- a wild, thrilling Simpsons Ride put together by a huge number of talented artists and amusement-park maniacs,” says Matt Groening.

“The Simpsons Ride is Universal at its best: bringing blockbusters to life in entirely new ways,” said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. “And with its unique sense of humor and enormous popularity, it is the perfect complement to our brand of entertainment.”

“We have created the ultimate Simpsons experience,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative.  “It’s a wild ride through the world of the Simpsons – up close and with the whole family, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie – like you’ve never seen her before.”

“We’re bringing the fun and joy of The Simpsons to millions of fans in the most immersive way possible. The Simpsons Ride is a blast!”, said Elie Dekel, Fox’s Executive Vice President of Licensing.

As the longest running animated series and the longest running primetime comedy series ever, The Simpsons has aired more than 400 episodes.  The critically acclaimed show 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 Kelsey Grammer, 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. The Simpsons Movie was released on July 27, 2007, has earned more then 500 million dollars worldwide and is now available on DVD.

This twenty-three time Emmy-Award-winning series is currently airing 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.