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Credit: Universal OrlandoUniversal Orlando Resort is gearing up for the opening of Epic Universe next year, which will bring about new lands, rides, and experiences. But Universal is also getting ready to bulldoze a large area of one of its parks to eliminate an entire land and a few rides to make way for new experiences at this Universal destination.
Universal Orlando Resort To See Entire Portion of Park Demolished for New Land, Experiences, Report Claims
Universal Orlando Resort, known for its cutting-edge attractions and immersive experiences, is reportedly planning to close The Simpson Land and the famous Simpsons Ride by 2025.
This bold move comes amidst growing speculation that the theme park giant wants to create something new, signaling the end of an era for the beloved Springfield-themed area. While the closure of The Simpson Land may disappoint longtime fans of the show, many industry insiders and theme park enthusiasts see this as a positive development.
I’m gonna get a lot of heat for this: Good f******* riddance. I’m excited to see what comes next for this area – @ThatOtherFangrl on X
I'm gonna get a lot of heat for this: Good fucking riddance. I'm excited to see what comes next for this area https://t.co/SYnBCT1mcp
— Tofu, Eternal Final Girl of the Swamp 🎃🧡💀 (@ThatOtherFangrl) August 29, 2024
Retiring the area opens up opportunities for Universal Orlando Resort to innovate and offer guests something fresh and unique—especially as Disney now owns the rights to “The Simpsons” television show.
The Simpson Land, which opened in 2013, has been a staple of Universal Studios Florida for over a decade. Based on the iconic animated television series, the themed area has attracted millions of visitors with its faithful recreation of Springfield, complete with Moe’s Tavern, Krusty Burger, and the Kwik-E-Mart.
The Simpsons Ride, a motion simulator experience, has been a fan favorite since it replaced the Back to the Future ride in 2008. However, with Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, which included the rights to “The Simpsons,” Universal’s continued franchise use has been the subject of much speculation.
The rumored closure of The Simpson Land and its associated attractions appears to be a strategic move by Universal to distance itself from intellectual property now owned by its biggest competitor.
“This is an exciting time for Universal Orlando Resort,” said an anonymous source close to the matter. “The closure of The Simpson Land will pave the way for a brand-new land and experiences that will capture guests’ imaginations for years to come. It’s a chance for Universal destination to build something entirely their own, without relying on a franchise that is now under Disney’s umbrella.”
Disney’s ownership of The Simpsons has undoubtedly complicated Universal’s relationship with the franchise. While the licensing agreement between Universal and Disney has allowed The Simpson Land to remain in place, it’s clear that both companies have been exploring their options.
Disney, for instance, has been integrating The Simpsons into its parks and streaming services, including The Simpsons shorts on Disney+.
Ready for them to leave. Makes sense too since Uni doesn’t want to keep dealing with something Disney owns. I’m sure Super Hero Island is enough of a reminder of their competition. – @ParkObsession on X
Ready for them to leave. Makes sense too since Uni doesn’t want to keep dealing with something Disney owns. I’m sure Super Hero Island is enough of a reminder of their competition. https://t.co/6Ca4CmPbc1
— Theme Park Obsession (@ParkObsession) August 29, 2024
For Universal, the closure of The Simpson Land represents a unique opportunity to reimagine this space and create something that can compete more directly with Disney’s offerings.
The theme park industry is incredibly competitive, and the ability to offer exclusive and original experiences is crucial to staying relevant and attracting new guests. “There’s no question that Disney’s acquisition of ‘The Simpsons’ put Universal in a difficult position,” said a theme park analyst.
Speculation is already rampant about what might replace The Simpsons Land. Universal Orlando Resort has been tight-lipped about its plans, but the possibilities are endless. Some rumors suggest that the new land could be based on a popular video game franchise. In contrast, others believe it could be an entirely original concept that rivals Disney’s most immersive lands.
One thing is sure: whatever Universal Orlando Resort has planned, it will likely be a significant draw for guests.
The resort has a history of successfully launching new lands and attractions that quickly become fan favorites, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the upcoming SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, set to open in 2025. In a way, the rumored closure of The Simpson Land reflects Universal’s broader strategy to invest in its future.
As the theme park industry evolves, there is a growing emphasis on creating immersive, story-driven experiences beyond traditional rides and attractions.
Universal has already demonstrated its commitment to this approach with lands like Diagon Alley and the forthcoming Epic Universe, with the Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Celestial Park, and more, and the closure of The Simpson Land could be another step in this direction.
Parker’s Word on the Street: Springfield USA and The Simpsons Ride are rumored to be closing at Universal Studios Florida as early as 2025 to make way for new and exciting lands.
🚨 Parker's Word on the Street: Springfield USA and The Simpsons Ride are rumored to be closing at Universal Studios Florida as early as 2025 to make way for new and exciting lands.🎢✨ #UniversalStudios #TheSimpsons #ThemeParkNews pic.twitter.com/RMFxNkDkzL
— ThemeParkParker (@ThemeParkParker) August 28, 2024
While Universal Orlando Resort has yet to officially confirm The Simpson Land’s closure, the rumors have sparked excitement among theme park fans and industry watchers. As 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Universal to see what they have in store for this prime piece of real estate.
In the end, the closure of The Simpson Land could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Universal Orlando Resort—one that promises to deliver innovative experiences that will continue to captivate guests for years to come.