SpongeBob SquarePants has been exploding onto the Universal Orlando scene lately with not one but two different opportunities for guests to watch, shop and even meet one of the most popular animated characters in Universal’s history!

In May, SpongeBob SquarePants and his underwater friends made their street entertainment debut when they began daily performances in Universal’s new Superstar Parade. The SpongeBob float consists of the yellow character’s famous pineapple house under the sea and all of his Bikini Bottom pals including Squidward, Gary the Snail, and Patrick Star. During the parade, SpongeBob and his friends come off the float to interact and dance with fans. You can catch SpongeBob and the rest of the SpongeBob crew in the Superstar Parade at 5 p.m. daily throughout the streets of Universal Studios.

And if you want to take a piece of the SpongeBob SquarePants fun home with you after watching the parade, Universal added to the SpongeBob mania with an immersive retail experience called SpongeBob StorePants! Located in Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, the new retail store takes guests into Spongebob’s underwater world, where characters come to life, merchandise lines the walls and SpongeBob himself makes appearances.

As you enter SpongeBob StorePants you will really will feel like you’ve been transported to Bikini Bottom as jellyfish from Jellyfish Fields hover above your head and direct you to SpongeBob's iconic pineapple house. Inside the pineapple house are SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary and animated posters that come to life on the walls, showcasing favorite characters from the show. The store also features a life-size model of Squidward’s house. As you marvel at the likeness of the store to Bikini Bottom you’ll be treated to music from the Nickelodeon TV series. The lively songs are occasionally interrupted by SpongeBob's foghorn alarm clock.

Guests will also be able to actually meet the famous character and purchase a photo of their experience in a new SpongeBob meet-and-greet opportunity. There is a switchback queue located around the back of the store where guests can get in line for the unique experience.

And as for the merchandise, SpongeBob StorePants features a variety of unique items that can only be found at Universal Orlando including jellyfish jam jars, plush SpongeBob, Patrick Star, and Plankton toys and customizable My Spongebob toys that allow guests to accessorize their favorite sponge with Krabby patties, hats and more. Other items will continue to be added throughout the rest of summer.

For your chance to experience SpongeBob SquarePants throughout Universal Orlando and take a piece of his underwater world home with you look for discounted Universal Orlando tickets right here on Best of Orlando.