Summary
- Disney is surveying guests about a Simpsons-themed land and meet-and-greets, potentially hinting at future integration at its parks.
- The company acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019 for $71 billion.
- Universal Studios has exclusive rights to The Simpsons until 2028, but Disney may explore themed experiences in the future.
Disney has recently begun surveying guests about their interest in themed lands, attractions, and meet-and-greets based on The Simpsons in U.S. Disney theme parks. This move has sparked curiosity among fans, who have long wondered whether the beloved Simpson family would ever make their way to Disneyland and Walt Disney World following the show’s acquisition.
Over the years, The Walt Disney Company has expanded its entertainment empire, acquiring major franchises such as Star Wars and Marvel. In 2019, Disney completed a $71 billion acquisition of 20th Century Fox, gaining access to an extensive catalog of intellectual properties, including the fictional town of Springfield and its iconic residents from The Simpsons. However, this acquisition did not immediately open the door for The Simpsons to appear in Disney parks. A long-standing contract between Fox and Universal grants Universal exclusive rights to The Simpsons for its theme parks until 2028.
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According to the Orange County Register, Disney’s recent survey specifically asks guests about their interest in The Simpsons IP within Disney parks. One of the questions included in the survey reads, “Which of the following offerings do you want to hear more about from The Simpsons?” Guests can select from answers including “Character meet & greets at the Disney theme parks” and “New lands or attractions at the Disney theme parks.” The timing is significant, as Universal’s 20-year contract to feature The Simpsons in its parks will expire in 2028, potentially allowing Disney to fully integrate Springfield and its characters into its theme parks. Disneyland will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025, and fans are expecting to hear more about new additions over the coming months.
Disney Parks Survey Teases Possibility of Simpsons-Themed Expansion
- Character Meet & Greets at Disney Theme Parks: This suggests Disney might be exploring opportunities to introduce beloved Simpsons characters—like Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa—into their parks for meet-and-greet experiences.
- New Lands or Attractions at Disney Theme Parks: This fuels speculation that Disney could be considering developing a Simpsons-themed land or attraction, offering fans an immersive experience inspired by Springfield.
The closest The Simpsons has come to a Disney park experience was during the 2019 D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. Now, with surveys actively exploring guest interest in themed lands, attractions, and meet-and-greets, the iconic family might finally find a home in Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Whether or not this becomes a reality remains to be seen, but the survey marks an intriguing step toward a potential Springfield presence in Disney’s parks. While the survey suggests Disney is exploring possibilities, no official announcement has been made regarding plans for The Simpsons in Disney parks. Surveys like these often gauge guest interest and may not directly lead to new attractions or themed lands. If survey responses lean negatively, Disney could ultimately decide not to pursue The Simpsons-themed experiences at all.
Outside of the Disney parks, both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort feature Simpsons-themed lands inspired by the iconic TV show’s fictional town of Springfield, including the debut of The Simpsons Ride in 2008, well before Disney acquired the franchise. Surrounding the ride, both parks feature shops and dining inspired by the iconic television show, including a Krusty Burger, a virtual thrill ride, and a Kwik-E-Mart. Additionally, Universal Studios Florida offers an extra attraction: Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl.