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April 25, 2007

Universal Creating "The Simpsons" Ride For Theme Parks

Universal City, CA and Orlando, FL — The familiar "Woo Hoo!" that spouts from Homer Simpsons' mouth will be heard at Universal Studios Theme Parks next summer as FOX's hit series "The Simpsons" expands from the boob tube to a brand-new theme park attraction. The Simpsons The Ride is already being touted by Universal as the world's most highly anticipated new theme park ride.

Animated characters Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson - starts of TV's longest running series – will ride along with guests in a new attraction at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2008.

According to Universal, guests will be rocketed along with The Simpson family on a hysterical, almost unimaginable adventure. They'll experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored as they enjoy the new ride's interpretation of thrill rides, dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show's cantankerous Krusty the Clown.

"The ride is designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming," said Matt Groening, The Simpsons creator and executive producer.

Groening and the show's executive producer James L. Brook are collaborating with Universal's creative team to create the first ride attraction to ever be based on a blockbuster TV series. The ride will feature show's classic humor and many of its recognizable characters all voiced by the original actors.

"I am particularly thrilled since, like most people, I'm forever looking for a way to cut the line at Universal Theme Parks," added James L. Brooks.

"Universal takes the most popular characters in blockbuster movies and hit TV shows and creates fun, exhilarating entertainment experiences," said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Universal Parks & Resorts. "With its unique sense of humor and enormous popularity, The Simpsons is a perfect complement to our brand of entertainment."

The Simpson's is the longest-running sitcom on television. In May, the show will air its historic 400th episode in the midst of its 18th season. The show is in production for a 19th season and this summer the highly anticipated The Simpsons movie will be released in theaters nationwide.

"The Simpsons is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon and nearly 400 episodes in, the multiple Emmy-Award winning show continues to be as hilarious and inspired as ever," commented 20th Century Fox Television Presidents Dana Walden and Gary Newman. "Creating an attraction based on this landmark series is a fantastic opportunity for our viewers to experience The Simpsons in a whole new way, as well as potentially expose it to an even wider audience."

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