Welcome to SpongeBob SquarePants World

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

It's not exactly as massive as Walt Disney's theme parks, but parents of SpongeBob SquarePants fans are thrilled just the same. In just a few days SpongeBob wannabes will get the chance to chow down on Krabby Patties and chili kelp fries before taking a 60-foot plunge on the Splat-O-Sphere.

It all happens this Saturday when Nickelodeon opens Nickelodeon Universe smack in the middle of Minnesota's Mall of America. The standalone theme park is set on seven acres in the middle of the world famous shopping center and features nearly 30 rides, along with live performances, visits from costumed characters and a retail store.

Among the kid-friendly thrill rides are two new roller coasters - the Avatar Airbender and the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge. And if you are lucky enough to get to the park on opening day you'll be treated to visits by Nick favorites including SpongeBob, Diego, Dora the Explorer and others. Ashlee Simpson will be performing along with Miranda Cosgrove (star of "iCarly") and Nat and Alex Wolff ("The Naked Brothers Band"). There will also be a "virtual slime machine" on hand for kids whose parents allow them to be hit with the network's signature green goo.

If you can't make out for the grand opening take note--Nickelodeon Universe will be open daily 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Unlimited-ride tickets will be $29.95.

Can't get enough of the absorbent yellow guy? Then you will be overjoyed to hear he'll soon be available to greet your kids at a new waterpark. The first Nickelodeon Resort by Marriott will open its doors in San Diego in 2010. According to company execs, the resort will offer 650 kid-friendly rooms and suites, along with a 100,000-square-foot waterpark, entertainment studio for live productions and a boatload of Nick-branded stores and services.

If you don't live near California take heart, the San Diego waterpark is slated to be just the first of many. Nickelodeon and Marriott hope to open 20 more resorts by 2020. Other potential sites include other U.S. cities, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and various resort areas in Mexico and the Caribbean.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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