When The Walt Disney Company finalized its historic 2019 purchase of 21st Century Fox, fans immediately began speculating about how Disney might use its newly acquired franchises. That $71 billion deal brought iconic titles like Avatar, Die Hard, Fantastic Four, Ice Age, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and American Dad under the Disney banner.
But perhaps the most talked-about addition was the long-running animated series The Simpsons — a property so entrenched in pop culture that it seemed destined to appear in Disney parks.
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Since that acquisition, a burning question has hovered over the theme park world: would Disney ever reclaim the rights to The Simpsons and bring Springfield to its own resorts? Fans have debated this for years, especially given Disney’s track record of folding big franchises into its parks. Yet there’s a major complication that can’t be ignored — Universal Studios already beat Disney to it.
Both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood currently feature The Simpsons in the form of Springfield U.S.A., complete with themed dining, shops, and the popular The Simpsons Ride. These areas have been entertaining visitors for more than a decade, creating a vibrant home for Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.
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Universal still holds the theme park rights, but those rights are expected to expire in 2028. This looming date has fueled endless rumors that Disney could swoop in to finally bring the animated family to Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Despite the speculation, one person very close to the show isn’t convinced Disney will ever get the chance. The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly and made it clear that, while he has no insider information, he can’t picture Universal letting Springfield go.
“I would personally be shocked if The Simpsons did not continue at Universal. I don’t have any inside information, so I’m just a fan. This is not an official announcement. I’m not party to those negotiations.”
“Think about it, what would they put there? They’d have to close it, shut it down for what, two years? And build another area, right in the middle of Universal. I was just there. They’re building a giant Fast and Furious outdoor rollercoaster right there. And they just built all this Mario stuff. Like how would they— it would destroy them!”
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Even with technology that’s no longer cutting-edge, Selman still sees Springfield as a draw.
“The Simpsons Ride is, even though its technology is 20 years old, is great,” he says. “The in-line experience is funny. People ride it again and again. The Springfield food court is amazing. Cletus’s fried chicken on the bone is so good. The Krusty Burger is so good. The branding and level of Springfield specificity is fantastic.”
“Just as a Simpsons fan, it does not seem logical to me that they could close that, or that they would be so shortsighted to do that. But that’s not an announcement. That’s just me speculating. What would they possibly do?”
Still, Universal’s long-term plans remain a mystery. Theme park insiders have spent years debating the fate of Springfield U.S.A., especially at Universal Studios Hollywood. At one point, rumors spread that the area could be rethemed into a land inspired by Bob’s Burgers, though those whispers were never confirmed. The lack of official word has only kept speculation alive.
It’s also worth remembering that this wouldn’t be the first time Disney and Universal have clashed over intellectual property rights. Walt Disney World Resort is barred from using many Marvel superheroes because of a pre-existing contract Marvel Comics signed with Universal long before Disney bought the company. Interestingly, that agreement doesn’t apply to California, which is why Disney was able to create Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park.
As of now, Disney hasn’t made any public statements about its plans for The Simpsons should Universal’s contract end. But given the show’s continued popularity and its decades-long cultural impact, it’s not surprising that fans imagine Disney wanting a piece of the Springfield experience.
Would you like to see The Simpsons come to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland? Or do you think Disney and Universal should renew their deal to keep Springfield where it is now? Should Universal close the land entirely and build something new? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
