It turns out Bikini Bottom is in Frisco, Texas.
NBCUniversal has cut a deal with Paramount Global, an agreement that will bring the long-running popular Nickelodeon show Spongebob Squarepants to the kids and family-focused theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences is building in the Lone Star State.
Universal officially announced all of the IP-driven lands that it is building at the new resort, which will open next year in Frisco. Most of the lands will be based on IP owned or connected to NBCUniversal, with Spongegob being the outlier (and one other with an asterisk).
The lands will include DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls and Gabby’s Dollhouse; Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants; Illumination’s Minions, as well as Jurassic World.
Gabby’s Dollhouse, of course, is a Netflix series, but it is produced by Dreamworks Television. Minions, Jurassic World, Shrek and Trolls are all based on blockbuster franchises owned at least in part by the company.
“At Universal Kids Resort, children will have the opportunity to play, sing, dance and discover with some of their favorite characters,” said Dan Cuffe, VP and GM of Universal Kids Resort. “Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicit wonder with a lush, colorful environment.”
As for what visitors can expect at he park, Universal says that Bikini Bottom will see Spongebob characters like Mr. Squarepants himself, Squidward and Texas-native Sandy Cheeks interacting with visitors: “From earning a boating license to relaxing on the beach as bubbles float by, kids and their families and friends can enjoy the nautical, nonsensical delights,” per the company.
Shrek’s world will include a swamp-themed playground; the Minions will take over a water-focused “vacation retreat”; Puss In Boots will oversee a carnival-like section; the Trolls will be in a music festival-focused world; while the Jurassic World area will allow for meet and greets with dinosaurs. Characters from Gabby’s Dollhouse will also be present in the central hub connecting all the worlds.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” said Sarah Gibbon, VP & executive producer at Universal Creative. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends. They’ll be able to do all this while being fully immersed in some of their favorite stories – ones full of curiosity, laughter and joy.”
The company also confirmed that there will be a 300 room hotel that will also serve as the entrance to the park.
Universal announced the Texas park in 2023 as part of an ambitious expansion plan outside of California and Florida. It is also launching a year-round “Horror Unleashed” attraction in Las Vegas this year with attractions based on Universal Monsters, The Exorcist: Believer, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
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