More ‘Simpsons’ Springfield sights open at Universal Orlando: Duff Gardens, Lard Lad, Bumblebee Man Taco Truck

in Entertainment, Food, Theme Parks, Universal Orlando

Just two months after Universal Orlando debuted the first phase of their Springfield recreation dubbed Fast Food Boulevard, more fun from “The Simpsons” has opened, nearly completing the theme park expansion.

Across from instant-success establishments Moe’s Tavern and Krusty Burger, Universal Studios Florida now features Duff Gardens, Lard Lad Dougnuts, and Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck alongside plenty of new photo ops and details straight out of the long-running TV show.


Video: The Simpsons Springfield expansion tour – Duff Gardens, Lard Lad, Bumblebee Man Taco Truck


At the center of it all is a statue of the most famous of Springfield residents: Jebediah Springfield.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

A plaque on the statue’s backside simply reads, “A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man” – possibly the first use of “The Simpsons”-created word “embiggens” in any theme park.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

Surrounding the fictional city’s founder are all of Universal Orlando’s newest additions to the area.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

Sure to be the most popular spot in Springfield, Duff Gardens is an open-air bar serving all of the area’s delightful drinks, not only featuring a trio of Duff beers but also the Flaming Moe from Moe’s Tavern and Squishees from the Kwik-E-Mart. Out front are the Seven Duffs mascots: Tipsy, Queasy, Surly, Sleazy, Edgy, Dizzy and Remorseful. (Hat tip to Universal and “The Simpsons” for the Disney/Busch Gardens parody all wrapped in one place.)

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

And everyone can leave home with a few Duff souvenirs and even a photo with Duffman himself.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

Towering over the new Springfield area is the iconic Lard Lad Doughnuts statue, marking an opportunity to purchase a variety of freshly prepared fried treats.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

And where there are doughnuts, there’s… Chief Wiggum, obviously in a rush.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

But the best of the new bites come from Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck, permanently parked at the entrance to the Springfield area.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

Hilariously-dressed employees serve up a variety of taco treats.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Korean Beef Taco doesn’t live up to its cultural name, but is still good with a nice combination of tangy and sweet. The Carne Asada Taco is loaded with fresh guacamole and salsa, the most typical of taco. But guests don’t have to choose between these or the other two menu items, able to order them as a combo for a better sampling.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

Also new to the area, outside the existing Kwik-E-Mart shop, is Milhouse sitting innocently on a bench, sipping a Buzz Cola.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

This phase of the Springfield expansion of Universal Studios Florida leaves just one element from “The Simpsons” left to open: Kang and Kodos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl. It’s a spinning ride that is nearly ready, set to debut any day featuring spinning character “targets” that will utter phrases when riders pass by in spaceships.

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

The Simpsons Springfield expansion phase 2 at Universal Orlando

Of course, Fast Food Boulevard is still packing guests in, serving up food and drinks from Krusty Burger, Moe’s Tavern, Cletus’ Chicken Shack, and more.

More photos from “The Simpsons” Springfield area of Universal Studios Florida:

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