Review: Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood blends satire with thrills

Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

No cast of characters cries out for a theme park ride more than the Simpsons, from the animated television show (and movie) that skewers American pop culture with a sledgehammer and a flamethrower.

After a sneak preview Friday, I can tell you the Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood truly delivers — with loads of in-jokes and satire for serious fanatics and tons of thrills and fun for casual fans. The visually stunning experience immerses riders in an IMAX-like movie of the wackiest order. Like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, only faster and more frenetic. It’s high-octane eye candy for the wired age.

The only visually jarring aspect of the ride, which disappears on subsequent visits, is the 3-D rendering of the traditionally 2-D Simpsons characters.

For the uninitiated, the motion-simulator Simpsons Ride takes visitors on a six-minute journey through the Krustyland amusement park aboard a rocking and tilting roller coaster-like vehicle with the action playing out on an 80-foot-tall domed screen. Quite naturally, things go awry.

Your average theme park visitor and serious “Simpsons” fan will find the attraction worth riding again and again. Your jaded been-there, seen-that theme park junkie (and devoted “Back to the Future” fan) will bemoan what could have been and what used to be — and still come back for more.

Previous stories:
Sneak peek: Simpsons ride careens through Krustyland
Simpsons ride more than a Back to the Future clone
Universal Studios Simpsons ride shows visitors Krustyland
Simpsons ride features 29 characters, original voices
Simpsons carnival midway takes shape at Universal Studios
Simpsons Ride spoilers: Universal Studios Florida ride opens
Doc Brown makes Simpsons Ride cameo at Universal Studios

Find the latest amusement and theme park news at the Los Angeles Times Funland blog: www.latimes.com/funland.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

[Image: Universal Studios Hollywood]

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2 Comments on “Review: Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood blends satire with thrills”

  1. Brady MacDonald Says:

    Reviews of the Simpsons Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood continue to roll in:

    > Thrill Ride: “I loved it, pure and simple - giggled, laughed and whooped all the way through.”
    > Theme Park Review: “Standard simulator fare… A re-dress on an old attraction.”
    > Roller Coaster Pro: “A must-do ride.”

    — Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times staff writer + theme park blogger

  2. Steven Lamarke Says:

    I recently traveled to Universal Studios through Universal Action Travel, Inc. and had a blast. They provided me and my girlfriend with a 2-day Star pass, so we visited Universal Studios both days. Loved the Simpsons ride, but the lines were forever! lol. Jaws should be changed, it has been the same since I last visited it in 2004.

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