I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets – here's how to get free entry
WHO lives in a pineapple under the sea? Not SpongeBob SquarePants any more.
The yellow cartoon character has a new home on Turkey's southern coast at the impressive Land Of Legends theme park.
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He's brought along all his pals to its new Nickelodeon Land — and I was one of the first there to check them out.
The themed area neighbours Adventure Land and the exotic Aqua Land in the vast entertainment complex in Antalya.
Nickelodeon Land consists of three areas — the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants; intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy; and the open-air Adventure Bay from PAW Patrol.
And just steps away is a plush new Nickelodeon hotel, featuring 238 themed bedrooms and its own waterpark-like outdoor pool where you can get 'slimed' for real, Nickelodeon style.
Sounds totally retro, right? There's a definite nod to the nostalgia of 90s Nickelodeon.
Think Rugrats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as little ones' modern favourites, such as Chase from Paw Patrol, Dora The Explorer and Nickelodeon's cartoon reboot of Star Trek.
I got stuck into the action at Bikini Bottom, my favourite area, which transports visitors to a neon, SpongeBob-themed underwater landscape.
The standout attraction is the Fiery Fist O'Fun, a reference to a classic SpongeBob episode.
The ride is like a ferris wheel on steroids, fast-paced enough to make your stomach drop — in the best way.
But if that is not your style, take a spin on the Jellyfish Jam swings.
New Nickelodeon land to open in Brit-loved holiday hotspot next year - with Paw Patrol rides and Spongebob attractions
Or you can pootle around the land in overhead blimps, dubbed Sandy's Rockets.
Plankton's Plunge is another must for thrill-seekers.
As the name suggests, it drops you from a squeamishly scary height.
Then there's the Crazy Carnival Ride, where you can battle against your family in a virtual shoot-out.
Aside from the rides, my highlight had to be meeting the chipper yellow sponge himself.
At various points in the day, each of the characters pop up for meet-and-greet sessions, so you can snap a picture with Squidward or pose with Patrick.
Giant pineapple
Meanwhile, Chase and the gang from Paw Patrol can be found hanging out at Adventure Bay, where rides are aimed at the littlest of adventurers.
It's not just about the kids, though. There's plenty of spaces that even Mum and Dad will enjoy.
The Snick Lounge, a games room and sports bar, hosts live music where you can bop away while enjoying a tasty cocktail.
For a proper place to unwind, head to the luscious Anjana Spa which is worlds away from the neon orange and splat motifs that adorn the rest of the hotel floors above.
Although, you may spot SpongeBob in subtle murals dotted around the space, donning his very own robe and head towel, or striking a yoga pose.
There are even more character nods across the main Nickelodeon Hotel, where the rooms are as comfortable as they are vibrant.
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Each floor is themed around a character — think jungle motifs for Dora The Explorer and industrial pipes for the adventures of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
If all the Nickelodeon colours get too much, though, hotel guests can enjoy free transfers to Rixos Premium Belek, a sister hotel down the road that has its own private beach as well as pools, restaurants and bars.
Likewise, any guests staying at a Rixos property in Antalya can enjoy free and unlimited access to The Land Of Legends, including the new Nickelodeon Land, during their stay.
I was staying in a SpongeBob suite where a giant pineapple housed all the drinks and snacks I could dream of.
After a tiring day on the roller-coasters, I would sink into the plush bedding and unwind with the TV (which, of course, has access to all your favourite Nick shows).
Even SpongeBob would be impressed with this place.
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