 Writer Ian Maxtone @-@ Graham was interested in making an episode where the Simpson family travels to New York to retrieve their lost car . Executive producers Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein suggested that the car be found in Austin J. Tobin Plaza at the World Trade Center , as they wanted a location that would be widely known . Great lengths were taken to make a detailed replica of the borough of Manhattan . The episode received generally positive reviews , and has since been on accolade lists of The Simpsons episodes . The " I 'm Checkin ' In " musical sequence won two awards . Because of the World Trade Center 's main role , the episode was taken off syndication in many areas following the September 11 attacks , but has come back into syndication in recent years . 
