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 The ride has since been replaced by Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.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.