Simpsons headed to Universal theme parks in new special effects ride

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Homer, Bart and the rest of the TV Simpson family are headed to the amusement park.

Universal Studios will feature the cartoon characters in a new ride set to open at its two parks in Orlando and Hollywood, Calif., in the spring of 2008, the parks announced.

The new attraction is not yet named and will replace "Back to the Future: The Ride."

It will be based on the character Krusty the Clown's vision of an amusement park. Guests will sit in a vehicle and watch the action on a giant screen that fills their entire field of view.

"The ride vehicle will be moving along with that action," said Universal spokesman Tom Schroder. "We will combine all that, along with some great special effects, to make it seem you are experiencing a ride with all of the Simpsons."

Simpsons creator Matt Groening is collaborating with Universal on the project.

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

The actors' voices for the show's characters also will be featured in the attraction, Schroder said.

"The Simpsons" airs on the Fox network, which is owned by News Corp. A feature film, "The Simpsons Movie," is due out in theaters this summer.