Jul 4, 2008 3:28 pm US/Pacific
Woo Hoo! Simpsons Ride Voted Best New Attraction
UNIVERSAL CITY (CBS) ―
It's only been open since May, but Universal Park & Resorts' new Simpsons Ride in Universal City and Orlando has been voted Best New Theme Park Attraction worldwide for 2008 by contributors to Theme Park Insider.com.
The Web site is a consumers' guide to the world's most popular theme and amusement parks and is written by consumers themselves.
The Simpsons Ride showcases many themes from the longstanding animated Fox TV show, including the voices of cast members Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria and guest star Kelsey Grammer.
Riders are swept into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show's cantankerous, 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, guests are thrust into the middle of the action and soar through Krustyland and Springfield on a ride that features the world's first-ever cork screw that's animated.
The ride is a motion simulator and not a roller coaster, so riders don't go anywhere, but are tilted and jostled in synch with the action on an 80-foot dome, giving them the same sense of motion that can cause both ecstasy and nausea. The ride is located in what used to be the motion simulating Back to the Future ride at both theme parks.
"The Simpsons Ride represents what Universal does best -- which is to take pop culture's blockbuster entertainment concepts and bring them to life in wildly entertaining theme park experiences," said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative, designers of The Simpsons Ride. "We appreciate the recognition and share it with our partners at Fox Licensing and Gracie Films, who helped us create a truly authentic Simpsons experience."
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
