Nick Attractions at Universal

files/pictures/picture-23.jpgOn Wednesday, March 28, Nickelodeon and Universal Studios Recreation Group
announced the signing of a strategic alliance for the development of new
Nickelodeon-branded attractions at various Universal theme parks. Under the
new agreement, the two companies will develop two major attractions, create
co-branded promotions, sell merchandise and increase marketing and
advertising on the Nickelodeon cable channel. As part of the agreement,
Universal will get rights to use Nickelodeon characters such as THE RUGRATS,
THE WILD THORNBERRYS, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, BLUE'S CLUES and ROCKET POWER
in its American theme parks. Nickelodeon will also maintain the option to
utilize production facilities at Universal Orlando. The first new
Nickelodeon attraction, "Nickelodeon Blast Zone" at Universal Studios
Hollywood, will feature flying rubber balls and thousands of gallons of
water in a 30,000 square-foot interactive adventure, which will debut in
Spring 2001. "Nickelodeon Blast Zone" will be located next to "Rugrats Magic
Adventure" -- an interactive stage performance based on the award-winning
animated television series. Construction of the second new
Nickelodeon-themed attractions will begin early next year at Universal
Orlando, which is also home to Nickelodeon Studios Florida. "We're very
excited to enhance and extend our partnership with Nickelodeon," said Tom
Williams, chairman and chief executive of the Universal Studios Recreation
Group. "Nickelodeon's new attractions provide the quality and fun-filled
family entertainment that we strive for in our theme parks." According to
Jeffrey Dunn, president, Nickelodeon Enterprises and COO, Nickelodeon, Nick
at Nite, TV Land and TNN, "Universal Studios is a world-class family
destination and the ideal home base for Nickelodeon. Their contemporary
approach to themed attractions is a perfect compliment to Nickelodeon's
dynamic brand and innovative characters."