Ever since Disney purchased 21st Century Fox Company in 2019, many parkgoers have been wondering whether or not the House of Mouse intends to inherit some of the Fox properties that can currently be found at Universal Studios, whether Orlando or Hollywood.
One property in particular is The Simpsons, whose dozens of seasons you can now stream on Disney+. Yes, The Simpsons is Disney property, but what about the actual property that can be found in the form of Krusty Land, Springfield, U.S.A: Home of The Simpsons at both resorts?
The Simpsons-themed lands are of course based on the hit American animated television series of the same name, which features world-famous characters such as Homer, Marge, Bart, Maggie, Lisa, Krusty the Clown, Itchy and Scratchy (that doesn’t even scratch the surface – there’s a wealth of characters in the show).
At Universal Studios Orlando, Florida, you’ll find The Simpsons Ride – a simulator attraction that uses dome-shaped IMAX screens – that has been built by Krusty the Clown. During the ride, you’ll learn that Sideshow Bob has escaped from prison and intends to get revenge on the clown and the Simpsons themselves.
The themed land’s second ride is Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, which is an “Aero Top Jet” attraction, during which you must help the two iconic aliens (who are famous for appearing in several The Simpsons’ Treehouse of Horror episodes) take over the town of Springfield.
The Simpsons Ride can also be enjoyed at Universal Studios Hollywood, which also shares many retail and food outlets with its Florida counterpart, such as Krusty Burger outlet, Lard Lard Donuts, Duff Gardens, Moe’s Tavern, The Frying Dutchman, and a Cletus’ Chicken Shack.
Other locations you’ll recognize include Springfield Elementary School and the Springfield Police Department, so needless to say, the world of Springfield at Universal Studios isn’t short on experiences and size. But how would the themed land fair in a Disney setting?
Let’s take Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as an example, seeing as it’s big enough to welcome almost any themed land from its neighboring Universal Studios! This raises many questions, from where a The Simpsons-themed land would belong within the resort, to whether or not it would even fit in in the first place?
Could Springfield fit into Walt Disney World Resort?
First of all, let’s address the aesthetic issue – could Springfield fit into Walt Disney World Resort, or any other Disney Park setting for that matter, from an aesthetic point of view? Well, we think the writing’s on the wall with this one, because The Simpsons is a property that is absolutely bursting at the seams with color.
Color isn’t necessarily the only qualifying criteria, of course, but it’s plain to see that Springfield has it all, and as you already know, it certainly wouldn’t be the first animated fictional universe welcomed into the world of Disney. In fact, the very foundation of Disney Park settings is the world of animation.
So, if The Simpsons does indeed qualify to be adapted into Walt Disney World from a visual standpoint, where would it be best placed within the resort? Epcot? Animal Kingdom Park? Magic Kingdom Park? Or Disney’s Hollywood Studios?…
Where would it be best placed within the resort?
Well, while we think Springfield wouldn’t look too out of place in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, given the explosion of color and fantasy already on offer in that area, we believe it would quickly make itself right at home at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which, in many ways, isn’t so far removed from Universal Studios.
With all that said, could Disney expand Springfield in ways never before seen? Would The Simpsons even remain a themed land if it was moved from Universal to Disney, or would the House of Mouse only be interested in an attraction of some kind, rather than committing an entire area to the world-famous family?
It’s no mystery that themed lands are becoming even more popular, especially at Walt Disney World. Take Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, for example – not only does the themed land house two signature Star Wars attractions, it has recently been expanded with Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, an immersive two-night hotel experience.
So what kind of scope is there for The Simpsons? What else can be plucked from its on-screen counterpart and adapted into a Disney Park setting? How about the whole of Springfield?! Imagine being able to enter and explore the Simpsons’ household itself, or enjoying a pint of Duff at an actual Moe’s Tavern.
While the Universal Studios’ versions definitely capture some iconic locations, there’s no denying that the face of the themed land is Krusty the Clown, as opposed to the more “generic” Springfield, which we think would go down incredibly well with parkgoers and fans of the show alike.
As for a sole attraction instead of a themed land, how about the infamous monorail from Season 4’s “Marge vs. the Monorail“? Or maybe even a ride that incorporates the whimsical opening sequence of the show itself, which sees each member of the Simpsons family racing home to take a seat on their couch in front of the TV.
Though we often put Walt Disney World on a pedestal due to its size, the truth is we’re not entirely sure where a Springfield would actually fit! So maybe The Simpsons household would offer the best of both worlds. Let us know where you think The Simpsons would fit best at Walt Disney World by leaving us a comment below.
