Nick to splash in waterworld

Nickelodeon is to launch its own brand of hotels and water parks incorporating characters such as Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants.

The company has teamed with hotel chain Marriott and real estate firm Miller Global Properties to develop the plan and aims to have its first resort up and running in San Diego, USA, in early 2010. The 650-person resort is set to include a 100,000 square foot water park as well as live entertainment in the form of costumed Nick characters. The company hopes to have have 20 resorts worldwide by 2020.

Other destinations that are being considered include Mexico, the UK, Asia and the Middle East.

As well as kids suites and a themed theatre, other attractions will include the NickToons Cafe.

Nickelodeon is the latest in a line of kids TV firms to launch attractions following HIT Entertainment’s ThomasLand UK, which opens at Drayton Manor Theme Park in 2008. The park will include themed rides based on the Thomas and Friends characters.