The Simpson’s Ride

Homer, Bart and the whole Simpsons cast and crew take you on a fun-filled coaster ride through Krusty’s new Theme Park, Krustyland!  That’s what a promo would say, but I would like to take you beyond that.  In this review I would like to take a more methodical and detailed approach to what makes this ride an instant classic.

 First, the queue for this ride is nothing short of stellar,  It’s engrossing, well-themed, and detailed, complete with animated segments and realistic props.  This is very important, because the Simpsons Ride itself is a trick of the mind through use of simulated motion vehicles.  Starting the feeling of being in Springfield, the Simpson’s home town, as you walk through the queue adds to the believability of the experience.  As you near the exit of the queue, you will be led to a room for the safety spiel which is quite long in the case of this ride, and has special requirements regarding height, so I suggest paying attention.

Finally, you enter the ride room and you’re led to your coaster car.  They will ask you to leave any large bags or bulky items on the platform as a precaution, so you might want to leave any backpacks with non-riding parties.  Once the lap bars are down, the Dolorian-style doors close, and you will be off!  Since these are the overhauled Back To The Future ride cars, they feature the same open-roof configuration.  However, unlike the Back To The Future ride cars, you will not feel jerked around or disoriented.

The experience is all consuming once you hit the first drop.  You turn and wind through all sorts of exciting situations, until the ride does its most exciting move--a barrel roll! 

The significance of this is huge! The ride and the experience all lead to this, and while the car never goes upside down, in your mind you really feellike you’re upside down.  See, for the last 30 minutes or more, the queue, the employees, and the animated segments were all there to make you accept that you’re in Springfield with the Simpsons.  They put you in a place where you believe the unbelievable, and take you on an exciting journey, even though you never move more than a few feet.

I highly recommend this attraction. The wait time varies with park attendance, but usually is not more than 30 minutes.  If members of your party would rather not experience this attraction, there is Doc Brown’s Fried Chicken, a Simpons-themed Qwiki Mart, restrooms, and a striking view of Hollywood all nearby.

Go ahead and have a cow, man!

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