The Simpsons gave us plenty of parodies and references in their lifetime (a very long lifetime) and have nearly touched every property (and Disney) under the moon with a comedic flair. Spoofs are one of the show's most formulaic elements, and when executed correctly, they take on a life of their own, leading to a permanent carving of The Simpsons' lore.
Long ago, The Simpsons predicted that Disney would own it one day, and in 2019, the House of Mouse acquired 20th Century Fox. Before then and after, the animated series retold several Disney stories using their humor and satire brand. As a Disney fan, I loved when the writers "imagineered" their takes on the classics, and in this piece, we're revisiting five of the best Disney references The Simpsons have done over the years.
These 5 The Simpsons Disney references will make you laugh
"Itchy and Scratchy Land"
Season 6
Itchy and Scratchy Land is an obvious nod to Disney Land and Jurassic Park. When the Simpson family vacationed at the "most violent amusement park on Earth," they got more than they bargained for. Soon, Homer, Marge, and the kid are fighting for their lives against the "killer robots," and while the situation was grim, it was pretty cool.
The episode also contained Fantasia and Pinocchio farces with a macabre twist.
"Two Dozen and One Greyhounds"
Season 6
If you think having seventeen Dalmatians is a lot of dogs, try having twenty-seven greyhounds. In this 101 Dalmatians-themed episode, Santa's Little Helper is on the hunt for love and finds it with his "spouse," She's The Fastest. It doesn't take long for the puppies to be born, and while being bathed in puppies seems like the ideal dream, Bart and Lisa soon learn that taking care of twenty-five tiny babies is a huge responsibility.
To make matters even worse, Mr. Burns steals the puppies to make a dog-skin coat. However, he doesn't have the heart to continue his plans and raises the dogs to become million-dollar racers.
Aside from 101 Dalmatians, Lady and the Tramp and Beauty and the Beast are also honored.
"Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala (Annoyed Grunt)cious"
Season 8
After Marge discovers she's losing her hair due to stress, the family hires a nanny, much in the form of Mary Poppins, except her name is Shari Bobbins. Throughout the episode, colorful and fun song and dance numbers are rolled out, giving "Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious" that classic Disney rhythm and spirit.
"Love, Springfieldian Style" ("Shady and the Vamp" segment)
Season 19
Marge retells the story of Disney's Lady and the Tramp, only it' her and Homer as the Cocker Spaniel and homeless stray. It follows much of the original's plot, except there's a few adult innuedo joke added in and there are a lot more puppies.
Bart, Lisa, and Maggie make adorable ones though.
I love Lady and the Tramp, and while the segment was a bit on the "frisky" side, it offered plenty of heart.
"Treehouse of Horror XXXI" ("Toy Gory")
Season 32
Bart doesn't play nicely with his toys, and he finds all kinds of horrific ways to destroy them. The Halloween segment is based on the 1995 Academy Award-winning Toy Story, but its tone is much darker. The altered toys avenge Bart by turning him into a doll, which breaks Homer's and Marge's hearts to shatter. If only Bart were a kinder kid to his childhood treasures instead of being a rotten one.
The message here is to play nice and you won't get hurt.