What will happen to Nickelodeon Studios?

[DocBosch]

I just got back from a stay at the new Nick hotel in Orlando, so I think I can offer some insight.

First, a quick overview of the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (formally themeless Holiday Inn Family Suites). The suites have separate mini rooms for kids, with bunk beds, TV, video games, and Nicktoon decor. There are two pool/water areas with very elaborate water jet and slide systems (think Curious George Goes to Town on steroids). They have hourly poolside "Double Dare" style shows/games (water balloons, pies in the face, slimings) and nighttime stage shows with more complex competition games in the same vein.

Anyway, I think the Nick hotel opening had something to do with the closing of Nick Studios at Universal. Look at it from Viacom's point of view. If they already have a whole new complex representing Nick in Orlando, why would the continue to pay Universal for studio space that wasn't even being used properly. Especially since they have the popular Jimmy Neutron ride for promotions.

Now, this doesn't mean Nick's ties with Universal are completely severed. Right across from the registration desk, next to the brochure stand, is a flat screen TV dedicated solely to looping promotional footage from Universal (this hotel is less then a mile away from Disney, but there is no such TV for them). Also, it seems that Universal operates the souvenir store at the Nick hotel, since they sell all the same Nick products found at Universal, including stuff with the Universal logo that features SpongeBob, AND they bag your merch in Universal bags.

The good thing about the hotel is that it gives a more involved, interactive Nick experience. I was a huge Nick fan as a kid (now 22), but never got a chance to do Nick stuff during my countless visits to Universal. I chalk it up to being too old to participate as a kid, and too young to be the silly adult who gets messy, but it also had to do with the limited availability and exclusivity of the activities. At the Nick hotel kids and adults alike get numerous chances during the day to act crazy and be involved. (BTW, during my stay I got pied in the face 18 times and, finally, slimed!)

The bad thing about the hotel is that something was lost in translation. Nickelodeon's heart and soul lie in being wild and messy, and while the hotel tried to incorporate this into it's atheistic (a lot of green and orange, splatters everywhere), some of it feels a little too false. The lobby, while colorful and stylish, actually resembles the love child of a Starbucks and a mall food court, dressed in Nicktoons clothes. A lot of things seemed to have been marginalized, maybe to fit in with what's expected in the area. For example, during their character breakfasts, the waiters do a cute song and dance introducing the characters. This is a little too precious for NickToon characters, mostly made up of under dogs, outcasts and misfits. The Nick Studios at Universal was a perfect representation of the makeshift, by kids/for kids, 'lets just have fun' essence of Nickelodeon. The new Nick hotel is just a little too perfect.

In any case, the Nick Hotel opening made me feel a little less worse about Nick Studios closing. The Nick Studios will live on in a more fruitful manner. It could be the future home of the slime geyser and the time capsule (as I'm sure a lot of the props from Nick Studios are already being used at the hotel). I still wish that Nick has worked WITH Universal to create a Nick hotel on property, from scratch,(Universal Creative could have succeeded in making the Nick hotel look and feel more like Nic k) but I'm sure it was more fiscally viable for Viacom to convert and existing hotel.

-Kevin

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

I just got back from a stay at the new Nick hotel in Orlando, so I think I can offer some insight.

First, a quick overview of the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (formally themeless Holiday Inn Family Suites). The suites have separate mini rooms for kids, with bunk beds, TV, video games, and Nicktoon decor. There are two pool/water areas with very elaborate water jet and slide systems (think Curious George Goes to Town on steroids). They have hourly poolside "Double Dare" style shows/games (water balloons, pies in the face, slimings) and nighttime stage shows with more complex competition games in the same vein.

Anyway, I think the Nick hotel opening had something to do with the closing of Nick Studios at Universal. Look at it from Viacom's point of view. If they already have a whole new complex representing Nick in Orlando, why would the continue to pay Universal for studio space that wasn't even being used properly. Especially since they have the popular Jimmy Neutron ride for promotions.

Now, this doesn't mean Nick's ties with Universal are completely severed. Right across from the registration desk, next to the brochure stand, is a flat screen TV dedicated solely to looping promotional footage from Universal (this hotel is less then a mile away from Disney, but there is no such TV for them). Also, it seems that Universal operates the souvenir store at the Nick hotel, since they sell all the same Nick products found at Universal, including stuff with the Universal logo that features SpongeBob, AND they bag your merch in Universal bags.

The good thing about the hotel is that it gives a more involved, interactive Nick experience. I was a huge Nick fan as a kid (now 22), but never got a chance to do Nick stuff during my countless visits to Universal. I chalk it up to being too old to participate as a kid, and too young to be the silly adult who gets messy, but it also had to do with the limited availability and exclusivity of the activities. At the Nick hotel kids and adults alike get numerous chances during the day to act crazy and be involved. (BTW, during my stay I got pied in the face 18 times and, finally, slimed!)

The bad thing about the hotel is that something was lost in translation. Nickelodeon's heart and soul lie in being wild and messy, and while the hotel tried to incorporate this into it's atheistic (a lot of green and orange, splatters everywhere), some of it feels a little too false. The lobby, while colorful and stylish, actually resembles the love child of a Starbucks and a mall food court, dressed in Nicktoons clothes. A lot of things seemed to have been marginalized, maybe to fit in with what's expected in the area. For example, during their character breakfasts, the waiters do a cute song and dance introducing the characters. This is a little too precious for NickToon characters, mostly made up of under dogs, outcasts and misfits. The Nick Studios at Universal was a perfect representation of the makeshift, by kids/for kids, 'lets just have fun' essence of Nickelodeon. The new Nick hotel is just a little too perfect.

In any case, the Nick Hotel opening made me feel a little less worse about Nick Studios closing. The Nick Studios will live on in a more fruitful manner. It could be the future home of the slime geyser and the time capsule (as I'm sure a lot of the props from Nick Studios are already being used at the hotel). I still wish that Nick has worked WITH Universal to create a Nick hotel on property, from scratch,(Universal Creative could have succeeded in making the Nick hotel look and feel more like Nic k) but I'm sure it was more fiscally viable for Viacom to convert and existing hotel.

-Kevin

Oh I didn't know they did those kind of things at the hotel(pies & slime). I would have booked at least a couple of days when we go in October. I was a Nick fan as a kid too(I'm 29) and my DD8 and I wanted to do a mother/daughter sliming. Oh well, maybe next trip

 

[MissTink]

I just got back from a stay at the new Nick hotel in Orlando, so I think I can offer some insight.

First, a quick overview of the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (formally themeless Holiday Inn Family Suites). The suites have separate mini rooms for kids, with bunk beds, TV, video games, and Nicktoon decor. There are two pool/water areas with very elaborate water jet and slide systems (think Curious George Goes to Town on steroids). They have hourly poolside "Double Dare" style shows/games (water balloons, pies in the face, slimings) and nighttime stage shows with more complex competition games in the same vein.

Anyway, I think the Nick hotel opening had something to do with the closing of Nick Studios at Universal. Look at it from Viacom's point of view. If they already have a whole new complex representing Nick in Orlando, why would the continue to pay Universal for studio space that wasn't even being used properly. Especially since they have the popular Jimmy Neutron ride for promotions.

Now, this doesn't mean Nick's ties with Universal are completely severed. Right across from the registration desk, next to the brochure stand, is a flat screen TV dedicated solely to looping promotional footage from Universal (this hotel is less then a mile away from Disney, but there is no such TV for them). Also, it seems that Universal operates the souvenir store at the Nick hotel, since they sell all the same Nick products found at Universal, including stuff with the Universal logo that features SpongeBob, AND they bag your merch in Universal bags.

The good thing about the hotel is that it gives a more involved, interactive Nick experience. I was a huge Nick fan as a kid (now 22), but never got a chance to do Nick stuff during my countless visits to Universal. I chalk it up to being too old to participate as a kid, and too young to be the silly adult who gets messy, but it also had to do with the limited availability and exclusivity of the activities. At the Nick hotel kids and adults alike get numerous chances during the day to act crazy and be involved. (BTW, during my stay I got pied in the face 18 times and, finally, slimed!)

The bad thing about the hotel is that something was lost in translation. Nickelodeon's heart and soul lie in being wild and messy, and while the hotel tried to incorporate this into it's atheistic (a lot of green and orange, splatters everywhere), some of it feels a little too false. The lobby, while colorful and stylish, actually resembles the love child of a Starbucks and a mall food court, dressed in Nicktoons clothes. A lot of things seemed to have been marginalized, maybe to fit in with what's expected in the area. For example, during their character breakfasts, the waiters do a cute song and dance introducing the characters. This is a little too precious for NickToon characters, mostly made up of under dogs, outcasts and misfits. The Nick Studios at Universal was a perfect representation of the makeshift, by kids/for kids, 'lets just have fun' essence of Nickelodeon. The new Nick hotel is just a little too perfect.

In any case, the Nick Hotel opening made me feel a little less worse about Nick Studios closing. The Nick Studios will live on in a more fruitful manner. It could be the future home of the slime geyser and the time capsule (as I'm sure a lot of the props from Nick Studios are already being used at the hotel). I still wish that Nick has worked WITH Universal to create a Nick hotel on property, from scratch,(Universal Creative could have succeeded in making the Nick hotel look and feel more like Nic k) but I'm sure it was more fiscally viable for Viacom to convert and existing hotel.

-Kevin

Hey, thanks for the info. I didn't realize the hotel would carry such a heavy Nick theme. How far away is it from IoA and USo? Also, what do the rates look like?

 

[rangebob]

Here is their website. www.nickhotel.com

 

[MissTink]

Is the hotel close to USo? Looks like it's closest to WDW on the map...

 

[deelam]

It's seems a little pricey to stay at the Nick hotel. Close to $200 per night. I really was thinking of staying a few nights in 2006. But for $200 a night I would prefer to stay onsite. Does anyone know if the Nick hotel will offer Front of the line like the onsite hotels?

 

[rangebob]

Nick Hotel isn't affiliated with Universal such as the onsite hotels are. I doubt that you will get Express Pass access if you stay to Nick like you do at Hard Rock (or the others).

MissTink you are correct. It is closer to Disney than to Universal.

 

[MissTink]

It's a shame they didn't build a Nick hotel onsite. IMO, it would have been a wise decision considering they only have 3 onsite hotels, and Nickelodeon continues to be profitable among children and adults for that matter! I was almost tempted to try the new hotel out, but after confirming that it is significantly distant form USo--I don't think I want to pay $200 a night for a non-Universal experience.

Also, although the Nick hotel is not affiliated with USo, I still thing Universal when I see Nick.

 

[No11's Mom]

I wish they would reassemble the old Alford Hitchcock attraction in that space. We always enjoyed that attraction.