There will be plenty of “sliming” worldwide as Nickelodeon plans to create Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott, a new lodging resort brand and concept in conjunction with Marriott International Inc. and Miller Global Properties. The deal proposes 20 upscale, self-contained destination resorts expected to be under construction by 2020. Miller Global will have certain exclusive rights to develop and own the resorts in specified geographic areas and will initially provide $300 million of dedicated development equity capital. All properties will be managed by Marriott.

The first property is expected to be a 650-room resort at Liberty Station in San Diego complete with a 100,000-square-foot water park and activity deck complex featuring a variety of pools and interactive attractions. The resort is expected to break ground in January 2008 and open in early 2010. Other potential resort locations being considered include major family-oriented destinations in the U.S., Caribbean and Mexican resort areas, the UK and Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.