Bobbing Barrels’ Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks Revealed at Universal Kids Resort

Written by Joshua Posted March 4th, 2026

Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks have finally revealed themselves at Universal Kids Resort. After being hidden for nearly a year behind heavy plastic wrap, the Bobbing Barrels headliners are now enjoying a North Texas winter heat wave. Sandy must be thrilled.

The duo will soon take center stage on the park’s Zamperla Watermania attraction. The spinning, water-themed ride comes in two configurations. Universal opted for the double version, meaning Frisco’s Bobbing Barrels will feature two spinners, each with six vehicles. The barrels rotate around a central hub, each capped with a stationary barrel. That’s where Patrick and Sandy will keep watch.

Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants Bikini Bottom concept art — Patrick and Sandy can be seen on the right side of Universal’s concept art

Riders will have access to water cannons mounted inside their barrels, while additional blasters will line the ride’s perimeter. In other words, prepare for a full-blown water gun battle. Yes, you may get soaked while simply standing too close. During a North Texas summer, that probably won’t be a problem. But just in case, you’ve been warned.

Patrick and Sandy first appeared in the resort’s staging lot last March. Even under heavy plastic wrap, their shapes, especially Patrick’s, were unmistakable.

Wrapped SpongeBob Watermania ride vehicles at Universal Kids Resort — Sandy Cheeks (wearing her diving suit) and Patrick Star wrapped in plastic

I had hoped they’d be revealed when crews unwrapped the ride vehicles last month, back when everything was happening in the park’s original staging yard. You know, the one that was only a few feet from my camera lens. But that didn’t happen.

Ride vehicles for Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After and SpongeBob SquarePants Bobbing Barrels — Bobbing Barrels and Shrek’s Convoy cars

The barrels moved into the park while Patrick and Sandy were relocated to the new laydown yard, nowhere near the fence line. They’re now sitting deep inside a Texas-sized parking lot, forcing me to shoot through a hedge and heat shimmer from a couple hundred yards away.

Bobbing Barrel's Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks sitting in a staging lot at Universal Kids Resort

So no, these photos aren’t exactly award-winning. But they still make me smile every time I look at them. I suspect kids will feel the same way when they finally walk into Bikini Bottom.