This is big: Universal Studios announced that it will be expanding the area around The Simpsons Ride at its Universal Orlando Resort in Florida into a full-on Springfield replica this Summer. This means aside from the rides, it will feature actual restaurants and foods straight from The Simpsons.
Visitors will be able to get "Krusty-certified meat sandwich[es]" from a Krusty Burger, doughnuts from Lard Lad and beer at the Duff Brewery (which was brewed exclusively for the theme park). There will also be a Moe's Tavern. And in addition, a Cletus' Chicken Shack, The Frying Dutchman, Luigi's Pizza, and a Kwik-E-Mart (hopefully they will serve Skittlebrau?).
Sadly there doesn't appear to be any Khlav Kalash. The Simpsons has a long history with food. See last year's episode when hipsters invaded Springfield and opened artisanal doughnut trucks; the super food-themed episode featuring guest stars Anthony Bourdain, Mario Batali, and Gordon Ramsay; or the one with Tom Colicchio and his soul patch. Anyway, here is a video highlighting all the main attractions, as well as the full press release from Universal:
Update 06/03: Krusty Burger, Moe's Tavern, and more are NOW OPEN.
Video: The Simpsons Theme Park Expansion Announced
ENTER THE WORLD OF SPRINGFIELD LIKE NEVER BEFORE -
ONLY AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT! ORLANDO, Fla. (May 23, 2013) - Woo Hoo! Springfield, hometown to America's favorite animated family, The Simpsons, comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort this summer.The expansive, new area within Universal Studios will be anchored by the mega-attraction, The Simpsons Ride, and will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before. It will be the only place in the world where guests can walk the streets of Springfield. It will include a brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show and two new Simpsons characters who will make their debut with the new area – Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.
And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando.
For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as "Shelbyville by the Sea." They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi's Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a "Taco Fresho" with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe's Tavern.
The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl – will take "foolish humans" on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.
"This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world," said Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative. "For the first time ever, they're going to be able to enter a world that they've only seen on television – and we're really excited to bring that world to life."
"This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love," said Jeffrey Godsick, President, Fox Consumer Products. "Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe's Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal."
"It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way," said Denise Sirkot, President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. "Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth."
And here's video of the Simpsons theme park under construction. >>>
Update 06/03: Krusty Burger, Moe's Tavern, and more are NOW OPEN.
· Springfield Comes to Life at Universal Orlando [Universal Studios]
· The Simpsons Theme Park Expansion Announced [YouTube]
· The Simpsons Food Episode [-E-]
· All Simpsons Coverage on Eater [-E-]