The Simpsons is a true television rarity at this point, as it enters an astonishing 25th season this fall. Multiple generations have now grown up with the characters, making them some of the most iconic and recognizable in the world.

Peter Cullen and Frank Welker Discuss Universal's Transformers Ride

Here we go! Flaming Moe time! https://t.co/yJ5RiCEZme



— Eric Goldman (@EricIGN) June 19, 2013

Springfield food court at Universal Studios Florida. https://t.co/0A09VIxRsh



— Eric Goldman (@EricIGN) June 19, 2013

Have a Krusty Burger and a Duff Beer!

At Universal Studios Florida, there had already been great success with The Simpsons Ride, which opened in 2008. But as of this summer, The Simpsons has a much bigger presence at the park, with the opening of an entire Springfield/Simpsons area expanding past the ride and the pre-existing Kwik-E-Mart merchandise store.Last week, I took part in a special press tour of the Springfield area, part of which has already opened – but with plenty more to come later this summer.The new section already open to the public is a food court, which has a couple of very distinct areas. First and foremost is Moe’s Tavern, which has its own entrance and is designed to look just like the show. As Ric Florell, SVP and general manager of Resort Revenue Operations for Universal Orlando, explained, “We wanted to make it as authentic to the fiction as we could,” noting the idea was to “Enhance that guest experience not just to come into a building, but to actually experience it. It looks right, tastes right, it feels right.”At Moe’s, you can enjoy Buzz Cola, a tall glass of Duff Beer -- which is a genuine, “handmade, craft beer” we were told -- or the non-alcoholic Flaming Moe, as seen below. The Flaming Moe is, in fact, a simple, albeit tasty, orange soda, but the presentation – involving dry ice in a compartment below the drink – is very fun.There are a lot of enjoyable details in Moe’s, including framed photos of Moe and his buddies on the wall and other recognizable memorabilia from The Simpsons. A great touch occurred during our visit when the phone behind the bar rang – and the bartender, after talking to the person on the phone, loudly yelled, “Is a Seymour Butts here?!”The adjacent food court has entrances that look like the exterior to Krusty Burger and Cletus’ Chicken Shack, which are two of several eateries inside, all inspired by the show, including The Frying Dutchman, Luigi’s and Flaming Moe’s. Flaming Moe’s features the drinks available in Moe’s Tavern and several other selections, including juices. There is also Lisa’s Teahouse of Horror which features pre-made, healthier (including vegetarian) dishes, inspired by the Simpson family member most associated with such food. Given the other food selections include a Chicken and Waffle sandwich (which was quite good), Krusty Burgers and even The Clogger burger, it’s nice to see there is an alternative, such as a turkey wrap or hummus, for those not looking to eat quite like Homer Simpson.Florell revealed that they’d flown to Los Angeles to present and taste their food with The Simpsons' creator Matt Groening and executive producers James L. Brooks and Al Jean, along with many of The Simpsons' writers. Steven Jayson, executive chef, Universal Parks & Resorts, remarked that there were “A lot of great things we’ve done to give The Simpsons menus its own unique, separate identity” at Universal Orlando Resort. Florell laughed that The Simpsons writers, “were very intrigued with The Clogger” – described as "Two 6 oz burger patties topped with applewood smoke bacon, Secret Sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, a giant tomato slice and iceberg lettuce, served on a specialty bun" -- and that The Simpsons writer who invented The Clogger, introduced in The Simpsons Movie, exclaimed, “That’s exactly what I had in mind when I came up with it!” And yes, you can have a Ribwich too.

Continue to Page 2 for more from Springfield, including a preview of what's to come, including a Kang and Kodos ride and a Duff Brewery...