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In the heart of Universal Studios
Harry Potter is not the only world into which you can be immersed on a visit to Universal Orlando® Resort, you know? You also have the opportunity to take a stroll into the heart of Springfield, the little slice of satirical small-town America that's home to The Simpsons – as well as an ever-growing ensemble of memorably hilarious characters.
For more than 27 years have the inhabitants of the iconic town been entertaining the world with their adventures and misdemeanours, with few fictional towns having the level of impact on popular culture that Springfield has enjoyed.
Which is why the Universal recreation of the town is such a joy to behold, and a section of the resort that you simply must not miss.
Located in the Universal Studios® Park, Springfield has been built up adjacent to the lake. For those who visited the park in the early years, this is where the old set of Amity Island (from Jaws), used to be; Springfield coming to full fruition back in 2013.
And while there may be a touch of nostalgic pathos for the passing of the Amity setting, the way in which Springfield has been meticulously created is simply joyous – an area that just makes you smile from the moment you stroll into Fast Food Boulevard.
As is the case with all the different themed zones, at its heart there's a ride to experience. In this case it's The Simpsons Ride; which first replaced the old Back to the Future ride in 2008. And has subsequently had a more immersive upgrade; bringing the entire Springfield backdrop and cast of characters into the experience.
In keeping with the caustic humour of the show, the ride is set around the premise that you (along with Homer and family) are about to take a ride at Krustyland (on the less-than-quality designs of Krusty the Clown); albeit with a looming shadow of dastardly sabotage.
Similar to other rides in the park, it's a mix of simulation and motion as you are thrust headlong into an colourful, turbulent, and all-immersive version of the animated world in which they live.
It's a family ride and one of the favourites for this author's two kids (13 and 11 at the time). It's hugely entertaining, funny and offers plenty of thrills, excitement, and a dose of the unexpected.
However, it is kind of full on – so if you do suffer from motion sickness, the mix of motion and immersive animation can make the more sensitive stomach a little queasy.
But a highly-recommended experience none the less.
The Town Itself
OK, so it's not a full town, of course – but what the Springfield zone does do, quite brilliantly, is bring some of the town's iconic landmarks to life; while managing to recreate the slightly anarchic humour of the show.
Fast Food Boulevard is a nod to the gently satiric take on America's disposal culture, and the obsession of Homer et al with junk food snacking. However, the quality is perfectly fine and a lot of fun (particularly for Simpson's enthusiasts); allowing you to indulge on some genuine Duff beer, Bumblebee man tacos, or Homer's favourite, Lard Lad Donuts.
Personal Highlights
The Simpson's Ride is brilliant; and one of my own personal highlights of the entire Universal experience. But as a fan of the show for many years, just to wander through the area is a huge thrill.
And it appeals not only to fans of the show. My wife has never been a particular fan, but the cleanliness, calm, the beautifully detailed set, and the overriding sense of fun around the Springfield area, meant that she too loved it.
For me, however, there is simply something wonderful about the chance to see and visit:
Moe's Tavern – an amazing replica of the iconic bar and a chance to enjoy a Flaming Moe (or Homer, depending on where your loyalty lies)
Krusty Burger – another recreation of the show's take on the classic burger joint
Kwik-E-Mart – a fully functioning shop, designed in the guise of Apu's convenience store
The Android's Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop – Otherwise known as the shop owned and operated by Comic Book Guy
Duff Brewery – When you can't get enough of that wonderful Duff
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