Universal Studios Hollywood Dedicates its New Simpsons Land

May 12, 2015, 8:02 PM · Universal Studios Hollywood this evening celebrated the official opening of the new "Simpsons"-themed Springfield land with a dedication for the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant.

Of course, it all went horribly wrong.

Universal Studios Hollywood President Larry Kurzweil and "The Simpsons" Executive Producer Al Jean threw the switch for the ill-fated firing of the plant, then were joined on the dais by voice actors Yeardley Smith [Lisa Simpson] and Nancy Cartwright [Bart Simpson], far left, and Universal Creative's Mark Woodbury and Jon Corfino, far right.

The Springfield creative team

Universal Studios Hollywood's Springfield creates many of the iconic locations and vistas from the long-running animated television show, next to the park's "The Simpsons Ride." Springfield houses several restaurants, including Krusty Burger, Moe's Tavern, Cletus' Chicken Shack, Bumblebee Man's Tacos, Suds McDuff's Hot Dog Stand, Duff Brewery, Luigi's, Phineas Q. Butterfat's Ice Cream Parlour, and Lard Lad Donuts.

Universal Studios Florida opened the original version of Springfield in 2013 as a refurbishment and expansion of its former International Film Festival food court building. However, Universal Studios Hollywood expanded that model, creating a more detailed vista that includes larger versions of Florida's eateries, as well as extra options.

Last month, we previewed the new land and its many new restaurants during a walking tour and one-on-one interview with its creative director, Jon Corfino. Take a look:

We've also been reviewing some of the new restaurants in Universal Studios Hollywood's Springfield during its soft-opening period.

Springfield Restaurant Reviews:

Replies (7)

May 13, 2015 at 6:36 AM · If I'm correct, this should be Universal Hollywood's first actual land and not just one of the two lots, right?
May 13, 2015 at 7:35 AM · I wish they updated the Simpsons Ride to be less headachy and throw-uppy. Isn't it great to eat a great meal and then feel the rumble in your stomach. I wish there was room to add a second Simpsons ride.
May 13, 2015 at 12:58 PM · Universal has been really good as of late in "plussing" attractions added to the other resorts (The Simpsons, The Mummy, Transformers, King Kong, etc). So with that in mind, how will Universal Creative "plus" the new Harry Potter land in Hollywood? Possibly dining in the Great Hall of Hogwarts Castle?
May 13, 2015 at 3:11 PM · For Anonymous, above, there was Super Silly Fun Land and the area around USH's version of Despicable Me, but other than maybe that, yeah. The park's still dividing itself into the Upper and Lower Lots, rather than using land names, but it's clear that the long-term model is for themed areas within those two lots, with the next being the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
May 13, 2015 at 3:21 PM · According to Inside Universal, Universal might transfer soundstages 22, 23, 24, 25 to the theme park. In addition to the already demolished 28, there is more space to create new theme park lands. The lower lot will get more interesting.
May 13, 2015 at 7:26 PM · Hello Nintendo land to Hollywood...in the lower lot!
May 14, 2015 at 4:45 AM · I wish they could add a Futurama ride

This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.

Park tickets

Weekly newsletter

New attraction reviews

News archive