To say we are excited about SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride is an understatement.
We listened to the live press release announcement at IAAPA Expo 2023, where Sally Dark Rides announced the new ride partnership with Circus Circus in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As a Northern Nevadan, this is an exciting new attraction to make its way to our State. There are no “real” amusement parks in Nevada; most of the attractions are hotel-based and managed.
IAAPA Announcement of SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride
Circus Circus Las Vegas will be the new home of SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride; Circus Circus is getting a massive remodel and revitalization, much needed for sure, and this ride will join the already standing 25+ rides, circus shows, and midway they already have.
General Manager of Circus Circus, Shana Gerety, announced that this was part of our incredible resort-wide revitalization from the outside in. As the first dark ride added to the collection of ride-through carnival midway games, they are excited to join Paramount, Sally Dark Rides, Nickelodeon, and Spongebob’s fans of all ages. And finished by adding, “The high energy attraction will bring a new level of family-friendly competitive gameplay and theme park ride experiences to all our guests.”
This is the first ever interactive Spongebob Squarepants ride, and is planning an early Quarter 1 open. We will be there in late February so we will be eager to experience the new dark ride.
Senior Vice President of Operations of Themed Entertainment, Marie Marks, talked briefly about the world of Spongebob Squarepants and his impact globally.
The globally recognized characters of Spongebob Squarepants have over 1 Hundred MILLION fans. I was shocked. While I loved Spongebob as a kid I didn’t imagine 20 years later he would be thriving and a fan of the entire family.
Mr. Krab, the ride’s star animatronics, was revealed at the show, and I cannot wait to see the other incredible animatronics they will release. I’m assuming we will see Spongebob, Patrick, Squidward, Plankton, and Pearl.
Spongebob’s Crazy Carnival Ride reveal walked us through the lines queue, and what crazy adventure you are heading out on. The ride will feature unique scenes, each with interactive targets that take you through the story and nautical nonsense of Spongebob Squarepants.
John Wood, President and Chairman behind Sally Dark Rides, told us the story of the upcoming ride. This is a bit of a spoiler, and if you want to be completely surprised, jump to the Themed Entertainment section.
Ride Description for SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride
Mr. Krabs wants to run a carnival as another way to make money, he invites guests to his new zany collection of ride-through-style midway games.
He tasks Spongebob and Patrick to get the items needed for his new carnival; as per usual, the hysterical best friend duo heads out to get the boxes of supplies and grab a box of Krabby patty ingredients instead.
Patrick and Spongebob, feeling the pressure from Spongebob’s greedy boss to open up shop, don’t tell Mr. Krabs the items for their game are ingredients. Instead of throwing darts in their carnival game, they throw sea tomatoes, lettuce, and buns, providing the perfect opportunity for an evil plan to take place.
Mr. Krabs’ arch-rival plankton is on a mission to steal the Krabby patty’ secret formula, and SpongeBob, and Patrick’s mixup provides the perfect opportunity.
Themed Entertainment
Everything is themed, from the Spongebob-themed ride cars to the handheld you use to interact with the special targets. The interactive attraction takes you on a sensory-engaging journey with original vibrant sets and seafloor scenes.
Behind Spongebob’s Crazy Carnival Ride Creator Sally Dark Rides
I don’t know what happened to Sally’s Creative team, but they have taken a turn for the better and announced four rides in 2023, and their dark rides are next level when it comes to details.
Sally Dark Rides has made some pretty incredible rides and attractions over the years, with one of their rides making it to the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice List.
Funtown Splashtown in Saco, Maine, it holds one of their rides called Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel.
Adding the new SpongeBob Squarepants Dark Ride to their line-up is a great choice, and hopefully, it will put them on the map to create more dark rides and coaster-style rides.
Founded in 1977, the company led by Rolf Paegert (CEO), John Wood (Chairman, President), and Rich Hill (Creative Director, Ride Designer) continues to surprise us with great ideas and family entertainment. We are excited to try out the new ride and see what other announcements they will have in the future.
