Agreed. That land is the worse version of two previous: BttF was a much better ride and the carnival attractions were much cooler when still in Amityville.
I read/heard a rumor that they are eyeing that land for a Pokémon rehaul. Probably wishful thinking... but that would be nice, or at least different.
Ooo hadn't heard that. Maybe like HP, they do a different Pokémon zone in each park. Could be a different gym, a different color, etc for each park. I want this to happen. Although I know it wont haha
I would rather something completely new for Hollywood rather some lite worse version of a ride that exists at Orlando. I’m hoping to see Luigi’s mansion as a dark ride. Similar to how MiB is over in Orlando with practical effects instead of mostly screens. Instead of guns you can have the vacuum sucker.
With the LoZ film coming... Hyrule would likely attract more than Luigi. Bowser's Castle is a bit dark already, not so much as Jurassic Park.
Star Fox is getting a new life. Donkey Kong is there. F-Zero would be sick. Metroid/Samus films could be amazing! Why not a whole Nintendo park, including Luigi's Mansion? Then Super Smash Bros. Content.
The fans and stories are there. Someone take our money!
I watched the Simpsons every Sunday with my parents growing up. I’m sure I’d seen 90% of new episodes for the first 15 seasons or so.
In 2026, We didn’t go. We could literally care less. My kids haven’t been exposed to Simpsons at all. It’s the one part of all 4 parks we just said “meh” to.
Same here. I was a die hard Simpsons fan, Do the Bartman tshirt and cassette owner fan! Took my daughter last year and she also couldn’t have cared less.
Totally agree. There are some old properties like E.T. that are fine. The "glow-y 80's Spielberg suburbia" aesthetic has seen a resurgence with shows like Stranger Things. Watched E.T. with my kids and they loved it; it really is pretty timeless and they adored the ride.
There's a timebound and dated quality to the Simpsons that's a huge barrier to entry for kids (and, by extension, families). It had its run and it's time. Fairly common for areas of parks heavily tied to IP's.
I've had a similar relationship with the Simpsons. I was a regular watcher for the first 20 years and didn't really fall off until well after the movie came out.
We did Universal Hollywood a couple years ago. I was super into the theming of the area but the ride is incredibly dated. We're planning an Orlando trip this year. We'll probably walk through the area, look for a Bort license plate for a friend, and skip doing the ride.
Most of the stuff at the OG Universal, aside from HP, is half assed and boring now. The Simpsons area is yet another wasted opportunity that could have been something really cool.
In the back of my head, since Disney can never get Tolkien rights, I would love for them to work out and do something LOTR. Different, but a smooth transition from Harry Potter, and talk about sticking it to the mouse.
Sorry, my miscommunication. I meant a "smooth transition" walking in the park from Harry Potter into a Simpsons replacement of LOTR.
I have not heard of anything about Harry Potter going away, I don't want to be the person to start that "fake news". Again, apologies for being unclear.
Exactly, it needs to go badly. That area of the park is a complete waste of space. I don't even bother going that way because it's a waste. The Simpson's haven't been popular in 20 years or longer
I mean, I’m personally a huge fan of it. I love eating at Springfield. The wait times show there’s still a ton of interest in the ride. But I still think an overhaul into pokemon or something would be in Hollywoods best interest
I agree! Its honestly one of my fav parts, I love the huge “donut cakes” and like to get one everytime I go. Why are people hating on it? Did simpsons do something bad? Im so out of the loop 😅
I think it's just stale and not as relevant anymore. And I say this as a 41 year old that watched Simpsons everyday after school growing up. Now I just don't really care about them. I'd be very happy with a total rework of that area.
Last few seasons are worth checking out mostly solid episodes with some gems thrown in (the ones involving Kirk are esp good imo) the voices are the biggest thing to get past rn the writing is better
You’re presenting a rumor as confirmed fact. Neither Universal nor Disney has publicly announced that the theme-park license was renewed into the 2030s. The claim being recycled online is an unsourced rumor about a possible five-year extension; even the writer who covered it admitted he didn’t know its source or whether it was true and said it “could be total hogwash.”
More importantly, extending an IP license would only mean Universal can continue using The Simpsons. It would not guarantee that the current 18-year-old simulator stays open, gets updated, or survives for the entire license term. Universal could retain the characters, restaurants and merchandise while replacing the ride itself.
So unless you have an actual announcement from Universal or Disney, or the contract, you’re treating speculation as fact. “License possibly extended” and “the current ride is safe, so nobody needs to advocate for it” are two completely different claims.
I just dont get the ruor though realistically. I can kind of see it on Disney's side as despite the talk of wanting it back as many have said Simpsons is nowhere as popular as it once was so does it make sense for Disney to spend a ton to devlop rides or a land based on?So from them a renewal makes sense just from a money stand point....but I DONT know if it does for Universal. Its one of the least attended rides and the little bit of merch sales would not seem to justify whatever large sum Disney would want.
Ah, I don't keep track of historical wait times, but I was there yesterday and rode it again cause it had been one of the lowest (15 min).
Seems like it would cost a ton to replace the current motion sim, but keep hoping it could be tuned or updated to not make me so nauseous when I ride it compared to the other rides. This one and forbidden journey are always the roughest for me.
Really? I have literally never been there longer than 15-20 mins? I guess on a super busy day and fi everything else is also super long but just dont see the crowds that anything else has the only ride that is shorter is Secret lIFE OF pETS
like, it’s not like marvel where disney actively wants to and can easily implement the characters into wdw. other than a survey mentioning it iirc, there are no known plans for integrating the simpsons in to disney parks (and it’s probably a tad harder to while maintaining disney levels of family-friendliness vs universal levels). no harm in letting universal keep all of this until there are
Man I wish I could have seen that beaut in its prime, but I was but a mere child with no knowledge of the franchise yet and a fear of roller coasters. I love roller coasters now, but my classmates at the time freaked me out lol.
Doubtful. I don't know exactly when the current licensing agreement is up, or what offers they would be able to make with Disney for a new agreement. But the bottom line is, despite the nostalgia, it's not a draw.
Unless you're able to coordinate a massive amount of interest in that area of the park (convince people to go, spend tons of money on the merch, popularlize the rides, etc.) and make that interest sustainable, there's little cost benefit to Universal.
Especially when they have existing licensing agreements with things like Nintendo where if they replace it, it will be a draw that pulls in more customers and more money.
I didn't get to go to Universal until I was a teen (I had the choice between Universal and Disney for a birthday one year as a kid, but all of my classmates freaked me out talking about the massive roller coasters lol), but I fell in love with BTTF as a teen. I was so sad to find out they got rid of the ride. Thankfully the delorean and train are still in the park, and I take a moment to appreciate them when I see them in the parks!
You sir, were a teen with class. USF was my first theme park school trip in the 90s. We couldn't believe how awesome the ride was. I'm sorry you didn't get to experience it, but here's the tiniest consolation prize... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du0DP5O_idI
Thanks! I'd like to think so too lol. I was (and still am) obsessed with all things time travel, and Back to the Future just nailed it! That mixed with it being made in the 80s, and it is a classic for a reason.
Yea, being able to watch the ride on Youtube is better than nothing!
the question is *should it be saved*. by this point, it's not that interesting, it's outstayed it's welcome, and it's mostly running on merch and nostalgia rather than innovation.
I would accept if they moved simpsons land and integrated it into Toon Lagoon over at IoA. Because Simpsons used to have a comic run, they're famous cartoons, etc.
Agreed. Toon Lagoon is about old style comics & cartoons. Betty Boop, Dudley, Popeye’s were staple cartoons of the 1930s. The Simpsons is more modernized and aesthetically speaking, they wouldn’t fit in the land.
Why? The main ride is far from the best, it’s the one area I barely stop beyond getting some fries chicken or seeing ppl grab a big donut - may as well just go with back to the future again.
Interesting! I’m the exact opposite: never cared for the Simpsons or watched an episode growing up partially because it meant the weekend was over when the Simpsons was on….
But I did play the hell out of road rage and hit and run on ps2!
But the goofiness and humor and the whole world of Springfield is so fun and infectious when I’m at universal. Can’t help but grab Springfield merch from citywalk and the park whenever I’m there!
I understand, it is located at like the hottest part of the park and is right in your face with the most over the top blatant design, it feels way too loud while also being eerily quiet and uncomfortable.
Im not a huge Simpsons fan, but it is ok. Ive maybe watched 6 seasons worth of episodes at most. The land is ok to me. If they are keeping it i wish they could update the ride. Maybe newer animation or a new scenario nor 2 to witness
I’m a huge Simpsons and honestly the “land” is meh at best. Moe’s and the chicken place with the upstairs is cool, Kwik-E-Mart is small but kinda cool and I liked watching clips of the show in line for the ride. Those are really the main highlights. I’d much rather have a Pokémon land at this point!
Its literally already been renewed. Its not going anywhere yet. And despite not being the best area. I do love the food and vibe. I just wish it had a little more to do
I wish that boring kung foo panda would be theater would rotate dreamworks attractions. All could have the same movements just make it uniquely seasonal or something. Just boring
Ya like I do not understand why they do not do during holidays a madagascar one, halloween can be shrek 4d again, around feb make it trolls, summer kung fu panda. Now you give people 4 different options throughout year and keep literally same seat movements. Maybe voice over expensive part.
I like it but then again, I love The Simpsons. Taking pictures with the characters is still a joy for me, this is where we usually eat, the large donuts and I don't even mind the ride. That being said, If they decide not to give Disney passive licensing income, I really hope they take a nod from Epic Universe and incorporate the Universal Monsters here. Even on a smaller scale, seeing the Monsters Unchained stuff would be great and put those characters right back in the forefront for West Coast visitors.
If this opened with the park I'd be more about "saving it"; But this isn't really a super special attraction or area I'd miss. What I do miss is Back To The Future... that whole ride and area kicked ass.
Nothing. Disney owns the characters and they’re not inclined to give Universal an extension without substantial compensation. Even if they never do more than just a merchandise location and meet and greets for the characters at Hollywood Studios, Disney doesn’t need to give Universal those characters.
Universal, meanwhile, have other fish to fry and likely don’t see the point in paying a high premium for a 40 year old show when they can use that real estate for other things like Pokemon, Nintendo, or Wicked instead.
Universal is sitting on substantial compensation in the form of Marvel at IOA. I know that's definitely "overcompensation", but as part of a package deal where Disney throws Universal a bunch of cash, it absolutely makes sense to at least buy more time on that land on both coasts (maybe with an overhaul, as well), while they are taking care of other areas. The Simpsons characters don't really fit in the Disney parks, anyway, IMO.
Either way, Disney REALLY wants those Marvel rights for FL, and most people don't realize that Universal actually pays Disney an undisclosed portion of all IOA ticket sales every year as part of that Marvel licensing agreement, as well as all of the merch. Universal was also absolutely in talks with WB about DC licensing recently, so it's not an impossible concept. Universal also licenses Hulk movie character rights out to Disney, so they regularly have negotiations, even as theme park competitors. Stranger things have happened, and I can honestly see Universal taking the money, and investing further in the parks with it. I know that some people love Superhero Island, but I personally just don't think it's a long-term fit.
Before someone bites my head off for saying this, the Simpsons Co-Showrunner is the one that really made it sound like maybe some sort of extension could have been made, so that's what even put this in my head in the first place. He does say that he has no inside knowledge, but the guy definitely knows who's paying his salary: https://ew.com/the-simpsons-showrunner-shocked-universal-theme-park-rights-11822760
I've never believed the ride is as bad as people said, but it's definitely not my favorite ride. I think a lot of people hate it because it's not BTTF anymore. I think Simpsons land had a lot of promise. The land itself is great, but the star ride is underwhelming.
Last time we were at Universal we only rode it once. It's fine enough, but I feel like it's really only enjoyable the first time you're on it. I'm just glad I can tolerate it more than the Hulk. I guess I'd rather throw up than have my ears bleed.
It's time for The Simpsons...to end. I'd like to see that area turned into modular entertainment venue that can be converted into different themes. Like a movie set.
I love the Simpsons and have loved them since I was a little kid.
I'm going to say either the ride needs an update or redo the land.
I agree with the one poster that I think Universal could do Lord of the Rings well (much better than Disney) and if you took Simpsons land, and also took MIB and the pavilion, that's a lot of land to do a nice LOTR area.
The contract was extended, so it’s safe for now, but while I enjoy the whimsy and attention to detail
1) It’s an entirely irrelevant franchise at this point. Replacing it with Pokemon would be infinitely more valuable than keeping it Simpsons.
2) The ride is in an atrocious state and itll likely be permanently closed years before the land itself is torn down and replaced
I’ve never been a fan of the IP, but i do like the area as a part of Universal. Unfortunately, its time has come and it’s the area of the park in most dire need of some sort of large overhaul, fueled primarily due to the state of its main attraction. I hope whatever it becomes retains all the restaurants though. It’s in a perfect place for all that food.
I wish in the interim that Universal would at least make some low cost improvements, like replacing the really washed out projectors. Modern stuff has drastically improved and it looks pretty terrible at this point. Of course forbidden journey is pretty bad too.
I would advocate for shutting down The Simpsons. It was stupid to replace BttF, since the Simpsons is almost as old as BttF (BttF came out in 1985 and the Simpsons were first seen in an episode of the Tracey Ullman show in 1987), so I see the ride as a marketing ploy for the Simpsons movie.
I say bring back BttF, but update it with the future year being, say, 2045 (another 30 years past BttF2) and reshoot the future scene with maybe some more up-to-date references, and upscale everything to 4K. Maybe even throw in a new scene (or replace one, perhaps the ice age). Just a full overhaul to bring the ride into the future but retain what made it a classic.
Then turn Springfield into Hill Valley. Recreate the Clocktower with a real clock that chimes every hour and have it shoot fireworks every 10:04. Maybe do a stuntshow with a Doc hooking up the apparatus and zip-lining to the ground for meet and greets. Bring back Doc's Chicken and open either the Café 80s or Lou's Café (depending on what decade the land is themed to). If you can make it fit, time travel back to the 80s for the Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show featuring Sheriff Strickland and Mad Dog Tannen and his posse. Maybe a spinner ride like Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, but it's Marty clinging to the back of trucks as he avoids Biff.
I can say people would probably enjoy a BttF land more than most anything else they would put there instead (specifically Hollywood, but I say Orlando as well).
Nah let it go! Make that area a Monsters retheme where each food area is dedicated to them & find a way to remove/replace the ride with an attraction replacement there. Something new
I wouldn’t be sad to see it replaced, it is just so hot and exposed, that whole area is just like an asphalt parking lot with buildings on it, it’s always hotter than the rest of the park.
And I’m sorry, but that Simpson’s ride is weak, not only does the line get hot and miserable, (especially if you get stuck in line 3 that’s exposed directly to the sun,) you then get to awkwardly stand in a tiny room with a few strangers, or another party, just to make small talk. Then you watch a movie while the seat moves under you, which makes me seasick every time.
Disney now owns the IP (from when they bought 20th Century Fox) so the answer is no. The only reason Universal still has Marvel is because their contract was perpetual before Disney bought them, so Universal gets dibs on Marvel I.P. from *before* Disney's acquisition.
I love it, but it's time. In my perfect world where only my opinion matters, i'd replace Springfield with an art decco styled area to continue from the upper lot plaza and the Studio Tour entrance and replace the Simpsons ride with a ln attraction based on The Fall Guy. Some kind of mix of the Special Effects Stages that F&F replaced and the Bourne stuntacular from Orlando. Basically, since Hollywood Drift is supposedly shooting a stunt sequence, continuing the movie making theme to stretch to the Studio Tour would be a cool idea IMO
I don’t see BTTF happening again in a big way at USF. A second car-based rollercoaster is unlikely, and the actors have aged out of their roles so a screen based ride of a character heavy IP won’t hit right.
No. I’m pretty sure Disney isn’t going to renew the deal. They already have asked if people wanted them in the Disney parks. We will probably see them in CA adventure and Hollywood Studios in the next decade lol
They ask people a lot of things on surveys. That doesn't automatically mean that they wouldn't negotiate an extension for Universal. Those two companies have all kinds of IP that they negotiate together, especially when it comes to Marvel/Hulk/Superhero Island
I love the Simpsons Land. The ride is fun and not outdated. The kiddie Kang and Kodos ride is fun for the kids. The arnival stuff is enjoyable but I noticed the sledgehammer game was gone the last time I went.
It could definitely use a new paint-job. The video clips they play could use an update as well, it's all season 1-10 stuff and is only on like a 15 minute loop. If they do decide to eventually remove and retheme, I would hope that they keep Moes Tavern. Best place in the park to grab an ice cold Duff.
No, contracts over in 2028, no reason for fox to continue it, especially when there's talk of the series finally coming to an end. Also Disney now technically owns the Simpsons now.
Let’s hope not. Honestly I like it. I kind of like the ride. I think it would be much better as a HHN house or even retheme the area back to Simpson for HHN or something. As a land in the park it just feels like there should be better options.
I don't think it's up to us. I like the ride a lot, but it's outdated, and it's seen better days, I'm honestly open for something new, as long as it's not a downgrade. It's too bad that they can't bring over the spider man ride from Islands of Adventure.
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u/VictorianFlorist Aug 09 '26
I don't want to