Universal to debut new attraction based on animated TV series The Simpsons in Spring 2008.

A new ride based on the long-running animated television series The Simpsons will open in Spring 2008 at the Universal Studios theme parks.

The new yet-untitled ride is set to open in both Universal’s Orlando and Hollywood theme parks and will replace the simultor ride Back to the Future: The Ride, which was closed in Orlando in March. Hollywood will close up its Future after Labor Day.

In the anticipated attraction, guests will “ride along with” Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson through an area of the park created to look like an unexplored section of the Simpson family’s home town of Springfield, a fantasyland dreamed up by the show’s Krusty the Clown.

Universal’s design team collaborated with Simpsons creator Matt Groening and executive producer James L. Brooks to create the show’s first-ever attraction, which will feature many of its recognizable characters voiced by their original actors.

“The ride is designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming,” stated Matt Groening.

The announcement of new The Simpsons ride cames along with the recent rumor that Universal Studios is in final negotiations to bring a Harry Potter-themed attraction — and possibly an entire Harry Potter World — to their Orlando theme park.