You haven't really arrived, in the cartoon world, until you have your own theme park attraction; and after 19 years and iconic status, Marge, Homer, Bart, Lisa and Maggie finally have a Ride.

The big opening dates are May 15 - 16 2008 in the Universal Studios theme park (one of two theme parks at Universal Orlando). With a price-tag reportedly $30M, and 80-foot tall movie screens, the ride takes visitors through a cartoon theme park called (groan) Krustyland, Krusty being the grating-voiced Clown in the Simpsons' world. A Simpsons Ride also opens May 17 at Universal Hollywood in California.

Teens love Universal Orlando for the thrill rides, but there's much for little kids too, such as Seuss Landing in the Islands of Adventure park. Universal Orlando also has its own Blue Man Group.

 | Tips for Islands of Adventure (Spiderman, The Hulk coaster, Jurassic Park) | Universal Studios Florida (Shrek 4D, Revenge of the Mummy, Jaws)

^{photo courtesy of Universal Orlando}