Anaheim, CA--Travel Agent was on site at the International Pow Wow for Universal Studios' press conference, where the resort announced that Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson--stars of TV's longest running series--will ride along with guests in a new theme park ride opening at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood in spring 2008. Universal's 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 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. It will utilize next-generation digital imaging projected onto a screen seven stories high, according to Scott Trowbridge, vice president of design and creative development for Universal Parks & Resorts. Guests will experience dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park, KrustyLand, said to be dreamed up by the show's cantankerous Krusty the Clown and built on the site of the former Back to the Future ride in each location. Tom Williams, chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts, commented: "With its unique sense of humor and enormous popularity, 'The Simpsons' is a perfect complement to our brand of entertainment." He also referred to the characters, the five of whom appeared in person at the event, as "America's first family." The opening of the "mega-attraction" will come on the heels of The Simpons movie, which will open this July in theatres.
