recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
SpongeBob SquarePants (character)

*This article is about the character. For the franchise of the same name, see SpongeBob SquarePants (franchise).*

**SpongeBob SquarePants**, also known simply as **SpongeBob*,*** is a meet-and-greet character at Universal Studios Florida. He is the main protagonist of the Nickelodeon animated series of the same name, and appears in *Universal's Superstar Parade*. He is also featured on most of the merchandise sold at the SpongeBob StorePants gift shop in Woody Woodpecker's KidZone.

## Background

SpongeBob is a anthropomorphic yellow sea sponge (although he resembles a kitchen sponge) that lives in an underwater town called Bikini Bottom. He lives in a house that resembles a pineapple next to his friends Patrick Star and Squidward Tentacles. He also works at a fast food restaurant called The Krusty Krab, as a fry cook, with Mr. Krabs as his boss. SpongeBob has been on several adventures with many friends and foes, and has also been featured in two theatrical films.

## Park Appearances

SpongeBob appears most prominently in *Universal's Superstar Parade*, along with the supporting cast of his eponymous show, as well as characters from *Despicable Me*, *The Secret Life of Pets*, and *Dora the Explorer*. When not performing in the parade, he can occasionally be found doing meet-and-greets at SpongeBob StorePants, a gift shop themed entirely around his show. On some occasions, he is also accompanied by his best friend Patrick and his neighbor Squidward.

Formerly, SpongeBob made a guest appearance in *Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast*, mistaking the titular character for a jellyfish when he enters Bikini Bottom on his rocket ship. He then tries to catch Jimmy with his net, which blinds Jimmy, causing him to travel with the rocket while holding onto the net. The ride has since been replaced by *Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem*.

## Trivia

*For additional and more detailed information about the character of SpongeBob SquarePants from the franchise of the same name, please refer to the Encylopedia SpongeBobia Article.*

* SpongeBob had a previous costume for meet-and-greets at other theme parks in the United States, particularly the former Paramount Parks now owned by Cedar Fair. This suit was more accurate to the proportions of the character and featured a bright orange color that was made with actual sponge material, but it prevented performers from moving their hands and arms in specific ways.
	+ For the Universal Parks, a new costume was designed, that featured a smaller, more rectangular shape for the body, and longer arms and legs. Performers were now able to bend their arms and move their fingers. This costume also featured a brighter shade of yellow that is more accurate for SpongeBob's skin.
Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges

Entrance to the attraction. Note the sailor accent writing on the wait time sign.

## Ride Details

### Featured Characters

Popeye
Olive Oyl
Bluto
Swee' Pea

***Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges*** is a river rapids ride located in the Toon Lagoon section at Islands of Adventure. It is based on the characters of the *Popeye* franchise, and features riders going on a river tour organized by Popeye, only for Bluto to send the riders off-course into dangerous waters as a distraction while he once again kidnaps Olive Oyl. The ride opened with the park on May 28, 1999.

## History

In the early planning phases of Islands of Adventure, Universal was hoping to make a park themed to cartoon characters in order to compete with the library of animated characters at rival resort Walt Disney World. While several characters and franchises did not make the final cut, such as those of DC Comics (which led to Marvel Super Hero Island), one set of the original plans involved the comic characters of King Features Syndicate, the publishers behind comics like *Blondie*, *Beetle Bailey*, and *Popeye*. These characters, along with the cartoon characters of Jay Ward, formed the backbone of Toon Lagoon. The island was named for its water rides, which were deemed as a necessity to the park as the Orlando area is known for high temperatures when it's not raining.

The original plans for Toon Lagoon also called for a dinner show themed to *Popeye* to compete with a stand-alone dinner show in the Orlando area, but these plans were scrapped. However, the *Popeye* theme would still be used for a river rapids ride, as well as a children's playground.

*Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges* opened with the rest of Islands of Adventure on May 28, 1999, and has been in operation ever since.

## Trivia

* Much like Toon Lagoon's other major ride, *Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls*, the animatronics of this ride are not very advanced compared to other attractions at the resort, possibly because of the higher chances of water damage.
* Guests visiting the nearby *Me Ship, The Olive* playground themed to Popeye's ship have the opportunity to operate water cannons that can further soak guests on this ride.
* Keith Scott, who provided the voices of Dudley Do-Right and Inspector Fenwick on *Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls*, also contributed to this ride as the voices of Popeye and Bluto.
	+ Olive Oyl is voiced by Sandy Fox.
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl

A photo of the ride.

Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl is a ride at Universal Studios Florida. The ride is based on The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror specials.

## Queue

The queue is a brief walk around the spinner and into a shaded area where guests board the ride. While waiting, guests can watch brief clips from the Treehouse of Horror specials.

## Ride

Guests enter their UFO spaceships. Once the ride begins, Kodos exclaims she has tricked the guests and the only way to get off the ride is to attack Springfield. Nelson, Homer, Bart, Willie and Grandpa will interact with the riders when the riders pass their faces which spin when they are passed. Also during the ride, Kodos interacts with the riders. When the ride finishes, she says that she is the only one who truly had fun.

## Trivia

* The fake Krustyland map showed this ride, even 6 years before this ride opened.
* This ride is featured in The Simpsons: Tapped Out as a part of the Krustyland building in the game.
Animal Actors on Location

The entrance to the attraction.

## Overview

**Animals Actors on Location** is a stage show at Universal Studios Florida, and formerly at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Japan that replaced Animal Planet Live!. The show features handlers with animals that perform various tricks.

## Summary

The attraction is a live show featuring dogs, cats, birds, pigs, and other animals performing tricks onstage in a covered outdoor theatre. This show also integrates video segments and comedy from the human trainers. One of the trainers acts as the show's main host, explaining how the animals are conditioned to perform the tricks. Several of the animals are veteran actors of TV and film productions, many who were rescued from shelters. The show makes use of audience volunteers, primarily children, during several of its training segments. After the show, guests are invited to meet and pet some of the animals. The show's rotation of animals has varied throughout the years, including otters, horses, orangutans, and skunks.

Animal performers that have appeared throughout the attraction's run have starred as:

* Babe
* Beethoven
* Marley in Marley & Me
* Max in The Grinch
* Frank the Pug in Men In Black
* Additional animals in Evan Almighty, Night at the Museum, Meet the Parents, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

## History

The attraction opened in Hollywood as "Animal Actors School Stage" in 1970, in Florida as "Animal Actors Stage" in 1990, and in Japan as "Animal Actors Stage" in 2001. Both US versions of the attraction received an Animal Planet-sponsored theming from 2001 to 2006.

The Japanese iteration of the attraction was rethemed to "Toto & Friends"*,* as part of the Land of Oz area in 2006, until being closed for the construction of the Universal Wonderland area in 2011. The Hollywood incarnation of the attraction, known as "Universal's Animal Actors," closed on January 8, 2023 and will be replaced by what is rumored to be a Fast & the Furious-themed rollercoaster.

## Attraction Information

* Express is accepted.
* Guest may remain in standard wheelchair throughout attraction.
Book of the Dead

**The Book of the Dead** is an item from the 1999 film *The Mummy*, inspired by the historic Ancient Egyptian *Book of the Dead* (a book of religious funeral texts, not a spell-book), and the fictional *Scroll of Thoth* from the classic 1932 horror-film of which the 1999 action-film was based.

## Appearances

### Halloween Horror Nights

#### Horror Nights: The Hallow'd Past

The Book of the Dead prop from the film appeared in the Universal Props Department in this haunted house.

### Revenge of the Mummy

The Book of the Dead appears in the ride queue.

#### Sahara Traders

There are implications of the *Museum of Antiquities* coming into possession of the Book of the Dead. A letter from Jack Driscoll to the Museum implies that Carl Denham came into possession of the Book of the Dead for his exhibit at the museum, the museum has an acquisition document for the Book of the Dead, a message from Ardeth Bay warning to not read the Book of the Dead, and a letter to Carl Denham from Jonathan Carnahan which implies that it was Carnahan who sold Denham the book.
The Bates Mansion Set

**The Bates Mansion Set** is a former set of theatrical property at Universal Studios Florida in Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone, that recreated the set of the Bates Mansion from *Psycho*. It opened with the theme park on June 7, 1990, then permanently closed in 1998 and got replaced by *Curious George Goes to Town*. Like *The Bates Motel Set*, it was also used to film *Psycho IV: The Beginning*.

## Tributes

* **Tribute Store**: The 2023 Tribute Store had a photograph of the Bates Mansion covered in Christmas lights and Earl the Squirrel in front.

## References

1. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2023/11/holiday-tribute-store-2023-usf-full-tour/
Captain Jake's Amity Boat Tours

**Captain Jake's Amity Boat Tours** was the fictional business featured in the *Universal Studios Florida* attraction, *Jaws*. In the attraction, guests would ride on one of Captain Jake's Tour Boats to go on an Amity Boat Tour, and they'd experience a shark attack by the Shark.

## Description

This was a business which toured the waters of Amity while exploiting the cultural trauma and popularity of the shark attacks which Amity had in 1974. Captain Jake assumed a stereotypical sailor persona to promote the business, while the mascot was someone in a shark costume called, "Chompy", made to represent the monstrous shark.

The price of these tours was 29.95 dollars per person, an insurance waver was required and the business deemed itself not responsible for those who fall overboard. To be safe, each boat was provided with an army surplus grenade launcher. For 75 dollars (71.50 dollars without champagne as a special offer) a person, the business also offered, "Captain Jake's Champagne Cruise" which attempted a romance theme while cutting corners.

### Members

* **Jake "Captain Jake" Grundy**:
* **Skippers**:

## Appearances

### Halloween Horror Nights

#### Dead Man's Pier: Winter's Wake

The bulletin-board in this 2022 Haunted House had a promotion for Captain Jake's Boat Tours.

## Trivia

* The live-performers on the boats being called, "Skippers" may be an allusion to the classic Disney Parks attraction The Jungle Cruise, in which cast-members of the boat rides are called skippers. Incidentally, the shark in the original Jaws was designed by sculptor Bob Mattey (1910-1993), who also sculpted the animals on the Jungle Cruise.
The Blues Brothers Show

**The Blues Brothers Show** is a live show attraction located at *Universal Studios Florida*, which is based on the 1980 film, *The Blues Brothers*.

The show debuted at the Florida theme park in March 1991 in the New York area, and features the title characters of Jake and Elwood Blues performing classic rock, blues and soul music from the film. Currently, in Florida, before the show begins, the Blues Brothers drive around the theme park in their Bluesmobile, park it nearby *Transformers*: The Ride 3D and then walk towards the stage.

## Setlist

Five shows are performed daily on a rotating show schedule, which include a selection of the following:

* "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love"
* "Flip, Flop and Fly"
* "Gimme Some Lovin'"
* "Hey Bartender"
* "Rubber Biscuit"
* "Rawhide"
* "Sweet Home Chicago"
* "Jailhouse Rock"
* "Think"
* "Respect"
* "Shake a Tail Feather"
* "Soul Man"
* "Shout"

### Christmas show

During Universal Orlando's holiday season, the show is re-vamped to include a Christmas setlist.

* "All I Want for Christmas Is You"
* "Santa Claus Rock" (a version of "Jailhouse Rock")
* "Run Rudolph Run"
* "Blue Christmas"
* "Snow Man" (a version of "Soul Man")
* "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town"
DreamWorks Destination

The entrance to this attraction.

**DreamWorks Destination** was a stage show and character experience attraction featured at Universal Studios Florida in the Woody Woodpecker's KidZone area, which housed classic and modern DreamWorks Animation characters. The attraction replaced A Day in the Park with Barney in 2021.

On November 1, 2022, it was announced that the attraction, alongside Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Fievel's Playland, Curious George Goes to Town, and Shrek and Donkey's Meet and Greet, would close permanently on January 16, 2023, with its last day of operation on January 15, 2023.
The Bourne Stuntacular

The entrance to this attraction.

**The Bourne Stuntacular** is a stunt show located in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida. It opened on June 30, 2020, and replaced Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time. The attraction is based off the four-decade-old franchise that now consists of 15 novels, five films, and a television series.

As you walk into the queue of the attraction, one of the first things you will see are images of your favorite scenes from “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy,” and “The Bourne Ultimatum.” My favorite scene is featured as a real prop from the films – the car from an iconic chase down several flights of stairs from the “The Bourne Identity.” You will also see Jason’s go-to form of transportation in “The Bourne Ultimatum” — his motorcycle.

You’ll pass through security scanners into mission headquarters where you’ll be welcomed and briefed by my favorite character in the franchise, Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles), Jason Bourne’s main confidant who helps him remember his past. Nicky, who can’t be in the field, will ask for your help tracking Bourne to ensure he does not get fooled by rogue double agents.

Then, as you enter the theater, you’ll join Jason Bourne as he travels across three continents and the cities of Tangier, Washington D.C. and Dubai, to uncover classified information all while trying to evade capture at every turn. Being a bit of a travel nut myself, I loved this part of the show, with Dubai being my personal favorite. I felt like I was really in the city and there’s even a chase scene through the desert!

Without giving away too many spoilers, there is a scene where the character of Jason Bourne is being chased on a motorcycle when suddenly both the screen and Bourne go from normal speed to slow motion. At first, I thought the performer was in the cinema of the show, but no…the live actor was holding himself up and moving in slow motion in a way that still gives me goosebumps.

Plus, our Entertainment and Creative Teams have been working hand-in-hand with the filmmakers and producers that worked on the Bourne film franchise to create an authentic and action-packed experience that will fully immerse you in the world of Bourne.
Donkey LIVE

**Donkey LIVE** is an interactive show located in Far Far Away at *Universal Studios Singapore*, which senders around the *Shrek* character, Donkey.

## Ride experience

Guests join Shrek’s happy-go-lucky and flighty sidekick Donkey for his one-of-a-kind interactive show experience. They're entertained by this witty, fast-talking character in an intimate theatre setting, where they not only get to sing along to the songs performed, but can have a conversation with Donkey all of their own.
Puss In Boots' Giant Journey

**Puss In Boots' Giant Journey** is a steel hanging roller coaster located in Far Far Away at *Universal Studios Singapore*.

## Ride experience

Guests hop onto the world’s first Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey roller coaster and join Puss and Kitty on this anti-gravity, swashbuckling adventure atop a giant beanstalk. They’ll go in search of the precious golden eggs, but beware! The legendary Great Terror will stop at nothing to scramble the plans of those who come a-poaching.

## Gallery

Puss In Boots' Giant Journey Entrance Sign.One of Puss In Boots' Giant Journey's coaster cars.
Angelica Pickles

**Angelica Charlotte Pickles** is the main antagonist of the classic Nickelodeon TV series, *Rugrats*. She along with Tommy Pickles and Chuckie Finster appeared as meet and greet characters at *Universal Studios Hollywood* and *Universal Studios Florida* when the Hollywood park had *Rugrats Magic Adventure* and the *Nickelodeon Blast Zone*, and when the Orlando park had *Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast* and *Nickelodeon Studios*.

When *Rugrats Magic Adventure*, *Nickelodeon Blast Zone*, *Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast* and *Nickelodeon Studios* all permanently closed and got taken away, Angelica is now a former meet and greet character at both *Universal* Theme Parks.
Po's Kung Fu Training Camp

**Po's Kung Fu Training Camp** is an attraction located in Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness at *Universal Studios Beijing*, that's themed on the DreamWorks Animation franchise, *Kung Fu Panda*.

## Experience

In the attraction, guests come to the Festival of Heroes and learn Kung Fu from none other than the Dragon Warrior himself! Po and a Universal team-member teach kung fu poses to children and families.
Jimmy Neutron

**Jimmy Neutron** is the main protagonist from the Nickelodeon Franchise of the same name, and who used to be a meet and greet character at Universal Studios Florida when the theme park had the attraction, *Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast*. When the attraction permanently closed and got replaced by *Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem*, Jimmy is now a former meet and greet character at the park.
The Bates Motel Set

The set itself

**The Bates Motel Set** is a former set of theatrical property at Universal Studios Florida in Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone that opened in 1990. It recreated the set of the Bates Motel from *Psycho*, and it was built for the filming of *Psycho IV: The Beginning*. Then it was later used to house the haunted house, *The Psycho Path Maze* for several years during Halloween Horror Nights at the park. It then permanently closed and got demolished in 1995 and got replaced by *A Day in the Park with Barney.*
Skull Island Native Tribe

The **Skull Island Native Tribe** conjecturally refers to a population of characters from *King Kong* (1933).

## Description

This was the Indigenous tribe of Skull Island in the Indian Ocean. They worshiped King Kong as a god, and provided him with human sacrifice.

### Members

* **Kalana**:
* **Shaman**:

## History

### Background

#### Origins

The origins of the tribe are mysterious. It is believed by some that they originate from an advanced ancient civilization, only for the hostility of Skull Island to drive them into living in catacombs and relying on human sacrifice to King Kong for protection.

## Appearances

### Skull Island: Reign of Kong

The queue is set in a temple used by the tribe. Within the queue, screens project videos of the natives watching guests and has an audio-animatronic shaman. The radio has different characters talking about the tribe. During the Halloween season, scare actors portray members of the tribe to scare guests in the queue.
Green Planet

**The Green Planet** is E.T.'s home-world in *E.T. Adventure,* originating from the 1985 novel *E.T.: The Book of the Green Planet* by William Kotzwinkle.

## Description

The Green Planet is a life-filled world located 3 million light years away from Earth. Amongst the planet's population were a species of diminutive brown humanoid (sometimes identified as, "Asogians") who have advanced powers, and technology.

## History

### Background

The Green Planet's history is unknown. A group of their brown humanoid aliens were sent to the planet Earth to retrieve botanical samples, only for one of them to be left behind. This alien (nicknamed "E.T.") was harboured by a boy named Elliot while pursued by the government.

#### E.T. Adventure

E.T.'s mentor Botanicus called him back to the Green Planet to save the planet from death. For assistance, E.T. (and possibly film director Steven Spielberg) recruited various humans to register interplanetary passports and fly on bicycles enhanced by E.T.'s powers to the Green Planet. This group was pursued by NASA before getting away, then was successful in saving the Green Planet.

## Appearances

### E.T. Adventure

In this attraction's story, Botanicus contacts E.T. to return to the Green Planet and save the world. Guests then ride flying bicycles to the Green Planet and fly around the world.
Captain America

**Captain America**, also known by his civilian identity of **Steve Rogers**, is a meet-and-greet character found in the Marvel Super Hero Island area of Islands of Adventure. Prior to the introduction of Spider-Man, he was the flagship character of Marvel Comics. Nevertheless, the character has been a staple of Marvel since the company's introduction in 1941, and re-emerged in the 1960s as a member of the Avengers. Like many of Marvel's characters, Captain America has also been featured outside of comics in television, film, and video games. In film, the character is most prominently featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he is portrayed by Chris Evans. Despite being a major character of the Marvel universe, he does not have his own attraction at Universal Orlando Resort.

## Background

Steve Rogers grew up in Brooklyn during the 1920s and 1930s, and wanted to help the Allied Forces in World War II. Unfortunately, he was rather skinny, and not athletic. A scientist named Abraham Erskine created what was known as the Super Soldier Serum, and Steve was chosen as a test subject. The serum worked for Rogers, and he emerged with incredible strength, allowing him to serve in World War II. Armed with a shield made from vibranium, the strongest metal on the Earth, he can block gunfire and throw his shield to incapacitate his enemies.

Though he was thought to have been lost in battle towards the end of World War II, he was discovered many years later frozen. But due to the effects of the Super Soldier serum, he was very much alive. He was brought back to the United States, and though he had difficulty adjusting to how much the world had changed since World War II, became a member of The Avengers, a team that he continues to serve in the present day.

On some occasions, Steve Rogers has dropped the Captain America mantle after being disappointed in various events of the country's history, especially the Watergate scandal committed by then-President Richard Nixon. During this time, he continued serving as a vigilante, but under the name Nomad, no longer wishing to represent a country. He eventually returned to the mantle of Captain America after being convinced that he could still represent the country, regardless of if he does not agree with its decisions.

## Park Appearances

Despite being one of the most notable super heroes of the Marvel universe, Captain America is not featured in his own attraction at Islands of Adventure. He is however, featured as a meet-and-greet character alongside Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Rogue, Green Goblin, and Doctor Doom.

Due to being one of Marvel's most iconic characters, Captain America also appears on various merchandise sold in the gift shops of Marvel Super Hero Island.

## Trivia

* Although not featured in any attractions, Captain America still makes several appearances in the Marvel Super Hero Island area of Islands of Adventure.
* Captain America is very popular with guests for meet-and-greets at Islands of Adventure, most likely due to the major presence of the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Sinister Syndicate

Image source

The **Sinister Syndicate** is a super-villain group from Marvel Comics who first-appeared in *The Amazing Spider-Man*#280 (September, 1986) and whom are a pastiche of the much more classic *Sinister Six*. The group acts as antagonists in *The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man*.

## Description

The Sinister Syndicate are a syndicate of five (or six if you count Scream and her Scream symbiote as separate villains) super-criminals active in New York City, lead by Dr. Otto Octavius AKA Doctor Octopus. The team often fights the superhero Spider-Man.

### Members

* **Doctor Octopus**: The leader of the group, Dr. Otto Octavius is a genius mad scientist who has four metal tentacles grafted onto his body and linked to his mind. He is one of Spider-Man's arch-enemies.
* **Electro**: Maxwell "Max" Dillon AKA Electro is an enemy of Spider-Man with electricity based powers.
* **Hobgoblin**: Edward "Ned" Leeds AKA The Hobgoblin is a goblin-themed enemy of Spider-Man with an enhanced physiology and an arsenal of gimmicked weapons and equipment such as pumpkin-bombs and a hovering glider.
* **Hydro-Man**: Morris Bench AKA Hydro-Man is a super-villain whose body physiology was altered, causing him to seemingly be made out of large amounts of living water.
* **Scream**: Donna Diego is a woman bonded to an alien Symbiote to be the super-villain "Scream".

## Appearances

### The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

The Syndicate are the villains of this attraction. A wanted poster for them appears on walls during construction.

## Trivia

* In the comics, the Sinister Syndicate was a villain group consisting of various minor Spider-Man enemies assembled by his minor villain, the Beetle. In the attractions, while it does contain some more obscure Spider-Man enemies it seems to be used as an analogue to Doctor Octopus' Sinister Six, albeit with a smaller and less traditional villain roster.
	+ Doctor Octopus, Electro and Hobgoblin (albeit Roderick Kingsley rather than Ned Leeds) are the only classic members of the Sinister Six to appear in the Sinister Syndicate.
* The Hobgoblin member of the Sinister Syndicate is Ned Leeds who, in the comics, was not the main Hobgoblin but rather brainwashed by the real Hobgoblin into being a patsy (though at the time, readers were lead to believe that Leeds was the true Hobgoblin).

## References

1. ↑ https://www.themeparktourist.com/features/20170519/32767/modern-marvels-amazing-adventures-spider-man?page=3
2. ↑ https://www.mousesteps.com/2012/02/27/227-universal-studios-update-lorax-meet-and-greet-spiderman-mini-golf-nearly-ready-to-open/
Animal Planet Live!

The signage for this attraction

**Animal Planet Live!** was a live stage show, at the two Universal theme parks, and was inspired by the TV channel Animal Planet.

It opened at Universal Studios Florida, replacing Animal Actors Stage in 2001, while the venue at Universal Studios Hollywood was opened and replaced Animal Actors School Stage in 2001.

The show featured multiple animals performing stunts and tricks. Both were closed in 2006, and the Florida version was replaced by Animal Actors on Location! while the Hollywood version was replaced by Universal's Animal Actors.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

**Loews Sapphire Falls Resort** is one of the hotels of *Universal Orlando Resort*. In this hotel, people could step into paradise in the heart of the tropics. Blue waterfalls cascade over lush grounds and, in the distance, the calming sounds of steel drums call you to take in the scenic views, ease into island time and let go.

## Restaurants

### Strong Water Tavern

A wall of vintage rums, people own rum specialist, a ceviche bar and a patio overlooking the lagoon combine to make Strong Water Tavern an exceptionally cool and stylish watering hole serving dinner.

Food service is available until one hour before close Sunday - Thursday and two hours before close on Friday and Saturday, with bar service available until close. There's also live entertainment on Friday and Saturday 8 PM - midnight.

### New Dutch Trading Trading Co.

The grab-and-go option with ready to go meals, beverages, fresh-baked breads and ice cream.

Coffee service is available till 11 PM. Food and beverage service is available till 12 AM.

### Drhum Club Kantine

Nestled within the lush grounds of the pool, Drhum Club Kantine offers sun-seekers a delightful menu focusing on fresh seafood and taste-tempting tropical drinks.

Food service available until one hour before close, with bar service available until close. There's also DJ Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM - 5 PM.

### Amatista Cookhouse

Caribbean cuisine prepared in an open exhibition kitchen makes Amatista Cookhouse an inviting option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. People inquire applicable outlet hours upon arrival to the hotel.
Marvel Superhero Island

**Marvel Superhero Island** is an area in Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. The area opened in 1999, ten years before Universal's competitor, The Walt Disney Company, acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009.

## History

In 1993, when Universal was looking to make a new park, they decided to add a superhero land after planning an overall theme of storytelling. They initially wanted DC, but Six Flags owned the license at the time. So they turned to Marvel, who was bankrupt at the time, and gladly said yes.

Marvel was used at the Universal parks almost instantly -- there was a Marvel Super Heroes Showdown stage show at Universal Studios Florida, and later a Marvel Mania restaurant at Universal Studios Hollywood. Finally, after years of hard work, Islands of Adventure opened on May 28th, 1999.

Marvel Super Hero Island was a big deal when it first opened, as it faithfully portrayed the world of Marvel and felt like a real life comic book. There were three attractions upon opening: The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom's Fearfall, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, with Storm Force Accelatron opening a year later. There were also tons of characters to meet, including: Captain America, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Cyclops, Doctor Doom, and Green Goblin.

In 2002, Universal's Islands of Adventure held Halloween Horror Nights, and Marvel Super Hero Island was home to "Absolute Carnage," depicting Spider-Man's enemy Carnage and a possessed Punisher taking over the island. Though met to many positive reception, and described by some as "Metal," Marvel did not like the event and forbade Universal to ever use their brand again in HHN.

In 2009, Disney bought out Marvel. Due to Marvel's contract with Universal, they could not use their new IP "east of the Mississippi," and could only use characters Universal wasn't using. Since there weren't any Marvel attractions in Universal Studios Hollywood, though, Disney was free to use Marvel at Disneyland. Many believe Universal has made better Marvel attractions than Disney, as Spider-Man Web Slingers at Disney's California Adventure received poor reception. Others believe Walt Disney World and Universal's Islands of Adventure is "double the fun," allowing one to experience the "newcomers" (Guardians of the Galaxy, etc) at one park and the "classics" (Spider-Man, etc) at the other.

## Attractions

### Flat rides

* Doctor Doom's Fearfall
* Storm Force Accelatron

## Dining

* Café 4 (featuring the Marvel Character Dinner)
* Captain America Diner
TODAY Cafe

The **TODAY Cafe** is a restaurant located at *Universal Studios Florida*, which is themed on the top-rated morning show on NBC, *TODAY*. The show is the inspiration for the cafe where people will enjoy great food in a setting that feels like you're on the TODAY set. From a morning cup of coffee to a delicious lunch or dinner, folks feel part of the show's Studio 1A experience every time they visit.

## Description

The venue is designed to look and feel like Studio 1A in New York City where *TODAY* broadcasts daily. Vibrant orange awnings and large floor-to-ceiling windows will line the outside of the cafe, as well as outdoor seating meant to look like the *TODAY* plaza (albeit without the crowds of people holding homemade signs and loudly cheering).

Inside, you will be able to step into the stage lighting and *TODAY*’s vibrant orange theming with a modern and sleek design. Plus, as you sit down and enjoy your cup of coffee and a bite to eat, you can catch up on top headlines from *TODAY*’s live broadcast—both uplifting and heartbreaking news alike.

## Menu

The menu is inspired by the culinary world of New York City, with sandwiches and other healthy items. Many of the items are inspired by recipes created by the show's anchors as well.
Magical Oz-Go-Round

**Magical Oz-Go-Round** was a carousel that was located in the former Land of Oz section at *Universal Studios Japan*. On this Oz-themed carousel, people rode on horses, and several other animals.

It then permanently closed on February 2011, with the rest of Land of Oz. When the land got replaced by Universal Wonderland, this carousel got re-themed into Big Bird's Top Circus, when Sesame Street Fun World got built.
Fred Flintstone

**Fred Flintstone** is one of the protagonists of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, *The Flintstones*, and who was a meet and greet character at Universal Studios Florida. Fred was a meet and greet character who guests could encounter at the theme park when it had the attraction, *The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera*. When the attraction permanently closed and got replaced by *Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast*, Fred is now a former meet and greet character.
Hollywood

**Hollywood** is one of the nine themed areas of Universal Studios Florida. It serves as a recreation of various sets from 1930's Hollywood, California, particularly Hollywood Boulevard.

## Attractions

* Universal's Horror Make-Up Show is a live stage show themed as a behind-the-scenes presentation of special effects used in horror films. A pre-show allows guests to walk through and view various set pieces and props from various films such as the Universal Classic Monsters series and *Hellboy II: The Golden Army*. It opened in 1990.
* The Bourne Stuntacular is a live-action stunt show based on the Jason Bourne film series. It opened in 2020.
* Marilyn and The Diamond Bellas is a live-action musical show located outside near the Horror Make-Up Show theatre. It opened in 2020.
* Mel's Drive-In Concert stars the Vinyls, performing live 50's songs in front of a Mel's Drive-In recreation. It opened in 1990.

## Previous Attractions

* Lucy: A Tribute was a walkthrough exhibit featuring the history of "I Love Lucy" and actress Lucille Ball. It opened in 1992, and closed in 2015.
* AT&T at the Movies was an interactive attraction featuring a series of electronic games powered by AT&T Wireless. It opened in 1998, and closed in 2001.
* How to Make a Mega Movie Deal was a small interactive exhibit about the film industry. It opened in 1991, and closed in 1993.
* Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time was a live 3-D stage show that combines live actors and a 4-D film based on *Terminator 2: Judgement Day*. It opened in 1996, and closed in 2017.

## Dining

* Cafe La Bamba
* Mel's Drive-In

## Shopping

* The Hello Kitty Store
* Theatre Magic
* Brown Derby Hat Shop

## Previous Shopping

* Beverly Hills Store (Lucy: A Tribute)
* Cyber Image (Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time)
How to Make a Mega Movie Deal

The sign for the attraction

**How to Make a Mega Movie Deal** is a former attraction at Universal Studios Florida. It opened in 1991, a year after the theme park opened. It then permanently closed in 1993 and got replaced by AT&T at the Movies. The attraction was though not much of a major one, though it was themed to Universal's and the rest of Hollywood's movie industry, and was similar to the park's *Lucy: A Tribute* attraction, also in the Hollywood area.

## The Attraction

### Synopsis

In 1990, Universal Studios Florida released this official synopsis:

### Summary

The exterior facade of the building was themed to *The Hollywood Hotel* in Los Angeles, California and *The Garden of Allah*
 in Hollywood. The attraction was a small exhibit themed to the movie
industry, and included many exhibits, games, and videos about the
industry. It also featured a small storyline of a man progressing from a
 mail room employee to a studio executive in Hollywood.

### History

The attraction opened a year after the park, in Spring, 1991. It was
closed in 1993, and was replaced by AT&T at the Movies, which opened
 in 1998 and was also removed, in 2001. The inside of the building was
then turned into *Cafe La Bamba*, a seasonal restaurant, while the
former entrance was converted into a Universal Express pass distribution
 area for the Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone area attractions, which was
closed in 2007.
Decepticoaster

The entrance to this attraction.

The **Decepticoaster** (Chinese: 霸天虎过山车) is a launched roller coaster located at Universal Studios Beijing within the Universal Beijing Resort. The ride opened to the public on September 20th, 2021, with the park.

## History

On 13 October 2014, Universal Parks & Resorts CEO Thomas L. Williams announced a deal to construct a Universal Studios park in Beijing, with the park's attractions yet to be announced. In October 2020, Universal Parks & Resorts posted a video which detailed most of Universal Studios Beijing's attractions. The video confirmed the addition of the Decepticoaster, similar to The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure. The roller coaster opened to the public on September 20th, 2021 with the park.

## Ride Experience

The train launches from 0 to 40 mph (0 to 64 km/h) in 2 seconds at an upward angle in a tunnel with special effects and lighting. The train then enters a zero-g roll and plunges down a 105-foot (32 m) drop, reaching its top speed of 67 mph (108 km/h), and then enters a cobra roll, followed by a vertical loop. The train then enters a small cave. Once exiting the cave, the train enters a corkscrew and another vertical loop before entering the mid-course brake run descending another hill into another corkscrew and a turn-around. The train then tilts sideways as the train enters a helix, which ends at the coaster's final brake run.
The Barney Store

File:Placeholder
**The Barney Shop** was a gift shop near the former A Day in the Park with Barney live show attraction located at Universal Studios Florida in the Woody Woodpecker's KidZone area. The store was a spot for buying various and mostly exclusive Barney items for fans of all ages. The gift shop contained newly released Barney merchandise up until it closed. During the later years, the shop started selling non-Barney related merchandise that was related to Universal Orlando Resorts. The shop eventually became the new relocation of Shrek and Donkey's Meet and Greet, following the closure of Shrek 4-D in 2022.
Shaggy

**Norville "Shaggy" Rogers** is a meet-and-greet character usually seen in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida. He is one of the five main protagonists in the *Scooby-Doo* franchise, and the best friend and owner of the titular character. Like Scooby, he is a member of the Mystery Inc. team, loves food, and is terrified of ghosts. Shaggy is best recognized by his high-pitched voice, and his catchphrases. He is usually seen wearing a green shirt and brown pants. He and Scooby are the primary characters that usually perform meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Florida, with fellow Mystery Inc. members Velma, Fred, and Daphne occasionally joining them.

## Background

Shaggy is a tall, skinny, member of the Mystery Inc. investigation team. He shares a lot of personality traits with his pet dog and best friend, Scooby-Doo. Both of them love eating food, and are terrified of ghosts. Even though Mystery Inc. has debunked several ghosts and monsters as being criminals posing as monsters in order to carry out their various crimes, Shaggy and Scooby still continue to be scared during investigations, possibly due to the occasional encounter with true ghosts and monsters. Despite his fears, Shaggy occasionally manages to truly help the team solve various mysteries, sometimes by accident.

## Park Appearances

Shaggy appears as a meet-and-greet character in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida. He is usually accompanied by his pal Scooby-Doo, and sometimes by the other members of the team, Fred, Velma, and Daphne.

Formerly, Shaggy appeared alongside Scooby as a guest character in *The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera*, where he could be seen attempting to evade being hit by the riders, who were aiding Yogi Bear and Boo-Boo in rescuing Elroy Jetson from Dick Dastardly and Muttley.

## Trivia

* Shaggy was originally voiced by Casey Kasem, but in more recent years has been voiced by Matthew Lillard, the same actor who played him in the 2002 and 2004 live-action films based on the franchise.
* It's never been made clear where Shaggy got his nickname, but it likely stems from his messy hairstyle.
* Interestingly, Shaggy and the other Mystery Inc. members are not the only meet-and-greet characters currently at the resort that used to be featured in their own attraction. Beetlejuice from the movie of the same name.
	+ Even stranger, both franchises are licensed to Universal by Warner Bros.
Lisa Simpson

Hilarious, overlooked, middle child. Lisa is intelligent, sensitive, talented, and creative. Plays a mean saxophone, expounds on the environment, political issues, and the virtues of vegetarianism. Says: "Stop it Bart!" and "It's up to you whether you confess to Mom and Dad but I just want you to know that I'm going to tell them myself in six minutes."
Phantom of the Opera

**Erik**, **the Phantom of the Opera** is main-antagonist of *Le Fantôme de l'Opéra* (1910) and its film adaptations such as the 1925 Universal Studios film in-which he was portrayed by Lon Chaney.

## History

#### Origins

Erik was an intelligent man born hideously deformed and who became an inmate at *Devil's Island* prison. After escaping, he made his lair in the catacombs below the Paris Opera House due to his love and talent for music. While under the opera house, he crafted the persona of the, "Phantom of the Opera" in order to blackmail the opera-house owners for his own benefit under threat of accidents occurring.

## Appearances

### All Hallows Eve Boutique

The Phantom of the Opera was identified as having made the score for, "Revenge of the Red Planet".

### Beetlejuice's Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue

Erik was one of the monsters summoned by Betelguese. Some versions also had the Phantom's daughter, Phantasia.

### Halloween Horror Nights

Erik has made some Halloween Horror Nights appearances.

The storyline, "Halloween Horror Nights: Ripped from the Silver Screen" had a *Phantom of the Opera* motif while the icon of said event Julian Browning AKA The Usher was a canonical fan of the 1925 film and died during a 1940 re-release of the classic.

### Universal Studios Classic Monsters Cafe

Portraits and images of Erik appeared inside.

## Trivia

* Sahara Traders indirectly references the Phantom of the Opera and/or the Hunchback of Notre Dame (whose monster, Quasimodo, was also portrayed by Lon Chaney).
* Some appearances of Erik at the parks have incorporated design traits from the Phantom of the Opera musical, which introduced a recognizable white half-mask for the character (to avoid the more book-accurate full mask bumping into the performer's microphone).

## References

1. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2023/06/monster-gram-pictures-all-hallows-eve-theming/
2. ↑ https://wdwnt.com/2022/05/photo-video-tour-in-memoriam-take-one-last-look-at-universal-studios-classic-monsters-cafe-at-universal-studios-florida/
Bumblebee Boogie

**Bumblebee Boogie** is a spinner ride located at Transformers: Metrobase at *Universal Studios Beijing*, that's themed on the *Transformers* film franchise. It's the same kind of ride as Storm Force Accelatron at *Universal's Islands of Adventure* and Accelerator at *Universal Studios Singapore*.

## Ride experience

Ratchet has asked Bumblebee to lend him a hand at the Medi-Bay test floor. Guests hop in a Mini-Con and try to keep Bumblebee focused as he jams to beats before Doc Ratchet pulls the plug!
Scooby-Doo (character)

*This article is about the character. For the franchise of the same name, see Scooby-Doo (franchise).*

**Scooby-Doo** is a meet-and-greet character at Universal Studios Florida, usually found in the Hollywood section of the park. He is one of five main protagonists from the Hanna-Barbera franchise of the same name, consisting of numerous television shows and films, usually animated. At Universal Orlando Resort, he can be found as a meet-and-greet character, and formerly as a guest character in *The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera*.

## Background

Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane dog with the ability to speak like a human, though all of his words begin with an "R" sound. He is the pet dog of Norville "Shaggy" Rogers. Both are members of Mystery Inc, a group that investigates supposedly haunted locations, in order to debunk the paranormal phenomena as a cover-up for crime. The other members of the group are Velma Dinkley, Fred Jones, and Daphne Blake. The group also has a brightly colored van that they travel in, known as the Mystery Machine. Despite having realized many of the monsters are not real, Scooby continuously gets scared, along with Shaggy, at various events while investigating. Sometimes, the group has encountered real monsters, much to Scooby's dismay. Despite his fears, Scooby-Doo never abandons his friends, and will do anything to keep them safe when such measures are needed to be taken. Scooby also has a nephew named Scrappy-Doo, that has accompanied him on some occasions.

## Park Appearances

Scooby-Doo makes meet-and-greet appearances in the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida, along with other members of Mystery Inc, usually his owner and best friend, Shaggy. On some occasions, other members of Mystery Inc. will be present with Scooby. Scooby and friends usually arrive at the meet-and-greet area driving the Mystery Machine.

Formerly, Scooby-Doo made a guest appearance in *The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera*, along with Shaggy. Both are seen multiple times in a haunted house environment, trying to avoid being hit by Yogi Bear and the riders as they chase after Dick Dastardly and Muttley, who had kidnapped Elroy Jetson. The ride was removed in 2002 to make way for *Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast*, which has also been closed, with *Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem* currently operating in the space. Scooby and the other members of Mystery Inc. are the only Hanna-Barbera characters that still have meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Florida.

## Trivia

*For additional and more detailed information about the character of Scooby-Doo from the franchise of the same name, please refer to the Scoobypedia Article.*

* Despite usually walking on all four legs, Scooby-Doo does meet-and-greats standing on two legs.
* Universal Parks is one of four theme park chains that have featured Scooby-Doo in some form throughout the years. The others are the former Paramount Parks now owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the Six Flags theme parks, and Warner Bros. Movie World in Australia.
* Scooby-Doo is the only member of Mystery Inc. that does not speak when meeting guests.