It's been a while since a Universal theme park opened a mega-attraction, but wait no more: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie will soon be incarnated in the theme park world. (If there's anyone who doesn't know: the cartoon Simpson family are the stars, or anti-stars, of the longest-running tv comedy show.)

In spring 2008, "The Simpsons" attraction will open at both Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. The attraction will be a mix of thrill ride and dark ride; Simpsons creator Matt Groening says, "The ride is designed to duplicate the Simpsons home-viewing experience, only at high speed and with lots of screaming."

Well, we'll have to see how that manifests... meanwhile, if you're planning a visit this year, or next spring, to the Universal Orlando theme parks, check out some tips, below. Universal Orlando is known for thrill rides but has plenty for little kids kids too, such as Seuss Landing; and guests at the three on-property resorts get Front of the Line access to theme park rides. See:

• Tips for Visiting Islands of Adventure - which has the Spiderman "ride", The Hulk thrill coaster, Jurassic Park, Seuss Landing, and more
• Universal Studios Florida - Shrek 4D, Revenge of the Mummy dark coaster, Jaws, kiddie play zone...
• how to beat the line-ups at Universal Orlando

And for more buzz about the Simpsons ride-- such as its location, where the Back to the Future ride once was-- check About's Theme Parks site.

^{* photo courtesy of Universal Orlando}