“The Simpsons” theme park expansion announced for Universal Orlando with Moe’s Tavern, Krusty Burger, Duff Beer

in Entertainment, Food, Merchandise, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Ay, Caramba! The Simpsons are set to take over more of Universal Studios Florida this summer.

Today Universal Orlando announced a major makeover and expansion over the area surrounding The Simpsons Ride that will feature several iconic establishments straight out of Springfield. Among locations fans of the long-running Fox TV show will be clamoring to step into are Moe’s Tavern, Krusty Burger, and The Android’s Dungeon – better known as the home of the famous Comic Book Guy. Best. News. Ever.


Update – Fast Food Boulevard has opened, part of The Simpsons expansion. Click here to look inside and explore Moe’s Tavern, Krusty Burger, and more.



(Click to enlarge.)


Video: The Simpsons Springfield street announced for Universal Orlando


The expansive area within Universal Studios Florida will now not only feature the existing attraction, The Simpsons Ride, but also the streets of Springfield with brand-new outdoor attraction, places and foods pulled right from the show.

And yes – there will be Duff Beer, brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando.

Two new Simpsons characters will also begin appearing in the park: Krusty the Clown and Sideshow Bob.

Fast Food Boulevard, as it will be known, will feature Krusty Burger, the Frying Dutchman, Luigi’s Pizza, Lard Lad, Moe’s Tavern, and more.

The new attraction is called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, something straight out of the Treehouse of Horrors.

Today the restaurants and stores in the new row of buildings look a whole lot like the animated versions from “The Simpsons,” matching their vibrant colors, storefronts, and signs.

Pictured below are artwork revealed by Universal Orlando along with pictures taken earlier today by @OrlandoInformer of a few of the main locations Universal is building and, for comparison, images of how they have appeared in the “The Simpsons.”

Moe’s Tavern

Arguably the most famous of “The Simpsons” locations, Moe’s Tavern is the regular home of Homer Simpsons and Barney Gumble, along with its namesake Moe Szyslak. Recreated at Universal Orlando, fans will finally have a chance to step inside and order a drink.

Moe’s Tavern (Universal Orlando artwork)
Moe’s Tavern (Photo by @OrlandoInformer)
Moe’s Tavern (“The Simpsons”)

Krusty Burger

In “The Simpsons,” Krusty the Clown’s fast food restaurant Krusty Burger is known to feature unusual offerings including zoo animals, road kill and insects. Though Universal (thankfully) won’t be serving those, guests will surely be excited to finally have a chance to order there.

Krusty Burger (Universal Orlando artwork)
Krusty Burger (Photo by @OrlandoInformer)
Krusty Burger (“The Simpsons”)

The Android’s Dungeon and Lard Lad

The Comic Book Guy’s famous store, The Android’s Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop, is where Bart drooled over the Radioactive Man comic book’s first issue. And at Lard Lad, those famous Springfield-made donuts will be served to every Homer-wannabe.

Android’s Dungeon and Lard Lad (Universal Orlando artwork)
The Android’s Dungeon (Photo by @OrlandoInformer)
The Android’s Dungeon (“The Simpsons”)
Lard Lad (“The Simpsons”)

Cletus’ Chicken Shack

Cletus Spuckler, sometimes known as Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel, has a farm in Springfield that Universal Orlando has now turned into a “Chicken Shack” restaurant.

Cletus’ Chicken Shack (Photo by @OrlandoInformer)
Cletus and his farm house (“The Simpsons”)
Cletus’ House (“The Simpsons: Tapped Out”)

Duff area

A smaller version of the Duff brewery will be featured at Universal Orlando, serving up this famous drink, made especially for the park.

Duff area (Universal Orlando artwork)
Duff Brewery (“The Simpsons”)

It hasn’t exactly been a secret that Universal is building Springfield, as construction already began several months ago replacing the International Food and Film Festival restaurant located directly next to the Kwik-E-Mart store, which is next to The Simpsons Ride.

Moe’s Tavern construction, as seen in March 2013.

The former restaurant location can be seen in the aerial photo below, now replaced by the future home of Springfield.

Aerial photo of Universal Studios Florida, pre-Springfield

Universal has already expanded the area around The Simpsons Ride once before, adding themed carnival games in October 2012.

The Springfield expansion follows the successful thought process behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, giving guests a chance to truly step into the world of a famous franchise instead of only riding a ride or two. Visitors to Universal Studios Florida will be able to pull up a stool and order a drink in one of the world’s most famous bars or proudly eat at the “unhealthiest restaurant in the world,” loving every minute of it.

Of course, The Simpsons Ride has been open in the park since June 2008, after it replaced the beloved Back to the Future: The Ride. Since then, Universal Orlando visitors have been meeting with Bart, Lisa, Homer, Marge, and occasionally Maggie but will soon have a chance to explore even more of this piece of pop culture.

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