D'oh! Simpsons part of Universal park

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 24 (UPI) -- The Simpsons, the most recognizable cartoon family of fictional Springfield, USA, now are part of the Universal family of U.S. theme parks.

Universal parks in Universal City, Calif., and Orlando, Fla., each will add a new ride based on the Fox blockbuster animated hit, "The Simpsons," the Universal division said Tuesday in a news release.

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson -- along with their friends, neighbors and nemeses -- will ride along with guests in the attraction, scheduled to open on both coasts in spring 2008.

Universal's award-winning creative team is collaborating with "The Simpsons" creator and executive producer Matt Groening and executive producer James L. Brooks to create and open the first-ever attraction based on the long-running series. It will feature the show's humor and many of its characters voiced by the original actors.

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

Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Parks & Resorts, said that "with its unique sense of humor and enormous popularity," the TV cartoon show "is a perfect complement to our brand of entertainment."