Slime, SpongeBob and the Simpsons enliven Orlando
The next time Junior starts bellyaching about how hard it is to conquer fractions and decimals AND pick up the malodorous socks strewn about his room, describe what his life would have been like about 100 years ago: Kids were toiling right along with adults on farms and in factories. Bosses loved kids in the workplace because they were easier to manage and could be paid a lot less.
After he rolls his eyes at your history lecture, tell him payment for good grades and chores well done is a trip to the place that's all about kids, nothing but the kids, so help him SpongeBob.
Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, located in the heart of Orlando, Fla., will be celebrating its third birthday this June with additions to its ultra-family-friendly atmosphere and entertainment that appeals to all generations. For the uninitiated, the planet's first and only Nick Hotel offers wholesome fun with that sly Nickelodeon edge; roomy one- to three-bedroom suites; two colossal pool areas with slides and water towers; $1 million studio that hosts live, interactive family stage shows; food that pleases the chicken strip crowd and more-refined palates; and a gazillion gallons of slime.
While children spend much of their young lives trying to sit up straight and fit into the adult world, it's nice to have a place where play is supreme and the joy of childhood is celebrated -- with an old-fashioned pie in the face for snicks and giggles.
Kids and tweens won't mind a day or two away from the theme parks because there's so much on-site action in the way of vaudeville 21st-century style. Interactive entertainment in Studio Nick and high-energy poolside games are led by a young, dynamic staff that knows the way to a kid's heart is through gelatinous glop with a killer beat in the background.
Where else can a child lay a pie into Dad's face or Mom do the honors of pouring green goo over the head of her kid without social workers nosing around?
Shoot hoops or try the nine-hole mini-golf course; let the little ones loose at the wet/dry preschool play area; grab a Styrofoam noodle and head to the pool for a Dive-In movie on Friday nights. Treat your princess to hair braiding or wraps while you indulge in a 10-minute massage poolside.
Dora the Explorer, the Rugrats gang and the king of this world -- SpongeBob SquarePants -- make appearances during the daily Character Breakfasts in the Nicktoons Cafe. Club Slime opens around 10 p.m. for food and drink, messy games, dancing and family photos.
In early June, the Nick Hotel unveils a high-tech 4-D theater that offers a variety of shows for all ages: Experience wind, water, bubbles, scents and more with SpongeBob SquarePants and his BFF, Patrick Starfish; take an extreme log ride in 4D or journey through a 4D Funhouse. Tweens will enjoy nightly shows that include a 4D Dinosaur Spectacular or a trip to the Deep Sea in 4D.
If anyone is celebrating a birthday during your visit, the entire family receives one free night as a special birthday present during a three-night stay (the offer includes one free night on the actual birthday date, per two paid nights). You can also snag a party room for games, music and fave foods.
For details about the Best Birthday Present Ever special packages for single parents or grandparents, stays bundled with theme park visits and more, visit www.nickhotel.com or call (866) 462-6425.
The Nick Hotel offers free shuttles between Walt Disney World parks, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild water park.
You might want to time your Nick Hotel visit to align with the opening of The Simpsons, a new theme park attraction at Universal Studios Florida. The mega attraction based on the long-running TV series features a thrill ride, dark ride and "live" show all in one adventure accompanied by the show's classic humor and characters. The Simpsons is slated to open sometime this spring.
Be sure to get in line for Disaster! A Major Motion Picture Ride … Starring You, a new attraction that uses high-tech virtual imagery technology called Musion. Musion technology is a high-definition video projection system that transforms two-dimensional images into what seem to be live, three-dimensional images. Guests enter Disaster Studios and become part of the production action during the filming of a major motion picture.
Start saving for a late 2009 visit when the world's first fully immersive Harry Potter-themed environment based on the best-selling books and films becomes part of the experience within Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park.
For information on all, go to www.universalorlando.com or call (407) 363-8000. For vacation packages that combine Universal theme park visits and stays at the Nick Hotel, call (877) 801-9720.