The current Nickelodeon Universe logo, used since 2010.
The original Nickelodeon Universe logo, used from 2008 until 2010.
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Nickelodeon Universe is the name of two indoor amusement parks located at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and American Dream Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, consisting of attractions and rides based on Nickelodeon’s popular franchises. The amusement parks are owned and operated by the Triple Five Group with licensing rights from ViacomCBS, who owns Nickelodeon.
On August 18, 2009, Nickelodeon and Southern Star Amusement announced that a Nickelodeon Universe would be built in New Orleans, Louisiana to replace the former Six Flags New Orleans that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and would open around the end of 2010. It was set to be the first outdoor Nickelodeon Universe theme park, but on November 9, 2009, Nickelodeon announced that it had ended the licensing agreement with Southern Star Amusements.
On March 12, 2008, the Star Tribune reported that the price of ride points, daily wristbands and, in particular, annual passes, would take a significant price hike once the park transitioned to Nickelodeon Universe. The price for an annual pass, which had remained $99 per year since the park opened in 1992, would increase to $250, and daily wristbands would be raised from $24.95 to $29.95. They eventually rose to $32.99 in 2014. In 2017, prices rose to where they currently stand, at $35.99 for a daily wristband. In April 2015, the price for the annual pass dropped to $139. Some decreed the price increases as being unjustifiably high when compared to other parks, such as local park Valleyfair at $79.95–$99.95. Others defended the pricing as necessary to accommodate the millions of dollars of investment needed to rebrand the park as Nickelodeon Universe.[1]On March 17, 2020, Nickelodeon Universe closed along with the rest of Mall of America in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] While the mall re-opened in June, Nickelodeon Universe didn't re-open until August.[3] As a result of restrictions put in place by the Minnesota state government, Nickelodeon Universe was only permitted to re-open to a capacity of 250.[4] Thus, the previous ticketing model—where entry to the park was free and patrons could either pay for rides individually, or unlimited–ride tickets that valid for the entire day—was temporarily suspended. Patrons then had only the option of a ticket that was valid for two hours from when it was first scanned at a ride; persons not riding were required to have a paid ticket to enter the park, albeit at a reduced cost.[5] Capacity restrictions eventually loosened into the spring, resulting in the return of all-day unlimited-ride wristbands and point passes. The park reopened to full capacity on May 28, 2021.
Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America (originally Knott's Camp Snoopy, later known as The Park at MOA) is the seven acre (28,000 m²) indoor amusement park located in the center of the Mall of America (MOA), in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA.
Design
Nickelodeon Universe is primarily lit by a glass ceiling, which is also the source of most of the heat for the Mall of America. It was originally built by Knott's Berry Farm. Unlike many indoor amusement parks, Nickelodeon Universe has a great deal of natural foliage in and about the park, and its floor has a wide variance in height - the highest ground level in the park is 15 feet above the lowest. This allows for a far more naturalistic experience than would normally be possible in an indoor amusement park.
The Park has some small roller coasters, but mainly has flat ride due to space constraints. Near the Rugrats Reptarmobiles is the site of home plate for Metropolitan Stadium, which was located on the site of the Mall.
History
As Camp Snoopy
The park was originally known as Knotts Camp Snoopy, and later, simply Camp Snoopy, and was themed around the Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts comic strip characters. Camp Snoopy themed areas are still located at the following Cedar Fair parks: Cedar Point, Dorney Park, Knott's Berry Farm, Worlds of Fun, and Michigan's Adventure.
Camp Snoopy was never aggressively themed to the Peanuts franchise; the park had a very outdoors and woodsy feel with more subtle references to the Peanuts franchise. Much of the original theming in Camp Snoopy fountain and all around the park were already toned down by the time the rights to the Peanuts characters were lost.
Theming that was removed from the park prematurely and was never replaced include various kites near the ceiling, Charlie Brown and Lucy playing baseball above the Sports grill restaurant (although their baseball remained suspended in the air afterwards), theming in Snoopy fountain, the retheming of Snoopy Boutique the Snoopy Bouncer, and the Snoopy Shop [6] and much smaller theming.
On April 7, 1998, New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc. opened a Kids Quest hourly child care facility in Knott's Camp Snoopy. The facility incorporated 17,385 ft² and served children ages six weeks to twelve years until it was removed in 2007. [7]
In 2005, there were plans to revitalize the Camp Snoopy image, and a new logo was introduced in October, called the "roller coaster logo" to replace the "canoe logo", however this did not last long as there were even bigger and unexpected changes coming within the next few months.
Nickelodeon Universe
The park's new licensing deal and name, "Nickelodeon Universe", was announced on July 25, 2007.[8] Construction began on August 27, 2007 with work to be completed in sections so 80 percent to 90 percent of the park remains accessible at all times. Nickelodeon Universe was completed on March 15, 2008.[9]
New rides include SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter style coaster themed after the Nickelodeon show SpongeBob SquarePants, the Splat-O-Sphere, a tower drop-ride in the center of the park, and the Avatar Airbender, a surf-rider attraction located in the center of the park as well. The shooting gallery beneath the Ripsaw/Orange Streak roller coaster was gutted, and was replaced by the Rugrats Reptarmobiles.
The site of the Mystery Mine Ride was completely demolished to make way for SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, a new Gerstlauer roller coaster. This site also included an Old Time Photography studio, and restrooms. Old Time Photography relocated into the mall (but not within the park) and restrooms did not return in this section of the park.
Levy Restaurants partnered with Nickelodeon Universe to include a themed restaurant at the park. The restaurant is called EATS, and it is located in the former Park at MOA food court.
On March 12, 2008, the Star Tribune reported that the price of ride points, daily wristbands, and, in particular, annual passes would take a significant price hike once the park transitioned to Nickelodeon Universe. The price for an annual pass, which has remained $99 per year since the park opened in 1992, will increase to $250, and daily wristbands will be raised from $24.95 to $29.95. Some decried the price increases as being unjustifiably high, when compared to other parks, such as much larger Walt Disney World at $249.95 and local park Valleyfair at $79.95-$99.95. Others defended the pricing as necessary to accommodate the millions of dollars of investment needed to rebrand the park as Nickelodeon Universe. [10]
Rides/Attractions
The park is free to enter, but the rides require patrons to purchase a varying number of tickets (points), depending upon the type of ride. Unlimited single rider wristbands or season passes are also available.
Rides
| Thrill rides | ||
|---|---|---|
| Camp Snoopy | The Park at MOA | Nickelodeon Universe |
| Pepsi Ripsaw | Pepsi Ripsaw | Pepsi Orange Streak |
| Screaming Yellow Eagle | Screaming Yellow Eagle | Danny Phantom Ghost Zone |
| The Mighty Axe | The Mighty Axe | Tak Attack |
| Timberland Twister | Timberland Twister | Fairly Odd Coaster |
| Treetop Tumbler | Treetop Tumbler | Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Collider |
| Mystery Mine Ride (1992-2007) | Mystery Mine Ride (1992-2007) | xx |
| xx | xx | SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge |
| xx | xx | Avatar Airbender |
| xx | xx | Splat-O-Sphere |
| Family rides | ||
|---|---|---|
| Camp Snoopy | The Park at MOA | Nickelodeon Universe |
| Character Carousel | Carousel | Nick-O-Round |
| Lucy's Crabbie Cabbies | Bumpers | Jimmy Neutron's Atom Collider |
| Ghost Blasters | Ghost Blasters | Danny Phantom's Ghost Blasters |
| Race for Your Life Charlie Brown | Paul Bunyan's Log Chute | The River Adventure |
| Skyscraper Ferris Wheel | Skyscraper Ferris Wheel | El Circulo del Cielo |
| The Kite-Eating Tree | Tree Swing | Backyardigans Swing-Along |
| Kiddie rides | ||
|---|---|---|
| Camp Snoopy | The Park at MOA | Nickelodeon Universe |
| Balloon Race | Balloon Race | Boots' Balloon Fiesta |
| Bloomington Express | Bloomington Express | La Aventura de Azul |
| Snoopy Bounce | Bounce | Pineapple Poppers |
| Camp Bus | Camp Bus | Diego's Rescue Rider |
| Frog Hopper | Frog Hopper | Wonder Pets Flyboat |
| Li'l Shaver | Li'l Shaver | Back at the Barnyard Hayride |
| Red Baron | Red Baron | Blue's Skidoo |
| Speedway | Speedway | Swiper's Sweeper |
| Truckin' | Truckin' | Big Rigs |
| Huff and Puff (1992-1995) | xx | xx |
| xx | xx | Rugrats Reptarmobiles |
Dining
- Caribou Coffee
- Schwan's Ice Cream Cafe
- Cool Treats
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Various carts featuring popcorn, ice cream, pretzels
Former dining
- Tall Timbers
- Stampede Steakhouse
- Mrs. Knott's Restaurant
- Mrs. Knott's Picnic Basket
- The Silver Stein-Festhaus
- Festhaus Buffet
- Hormel Cook Out
- McGarvey Camp Bakery
- EATS
- Cool Treats
- Schwan's Ice Cream Cafe (Replaced by Sweet Treats)
- Slurp and Snack (Replaced by Grub)
Retail
- Nickelodeon Store
- nuStuff (Nickelodeon Universe merchandise)
- SpongeBob 4U
- TOYS
Former retail
- 4U (Replaced by Peeps & Company, which eventually closed and became the Mall's second IT'SUGAR location called "Candy Universe". This IT'SUGAR location is now closed.)
- NU Stuff (Replaced by Gear)
- Candy Universe (Operated by IT'SUGAR)
- American Girl Store
Arcade
- Namco Arcade
Nickelodeon Universe American Dream
Nickelodeon Universe American Dream is the 8-acre indoor amusement park at the American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It's slogan is "Every Day is The Best Day Ever" and opened October 25, 2019.
Design
Nickelodeon Universe is located next to DreamWorks Water Park and the 3-floor It'Sugar candy department store and the Oreo TWISITD cafe.
History
In September 2016, the Triple Five Group announced that a second Nickelodeon Universe amusement park would fill the 8-acre indoor amusement park space at American Dream Meadowlands, which will feature two world record-holding roller coasters. TMNT Shellraiser, a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter, would hold the record for the steepest roller coaster drop at 121.5 degrees, and is based on a model seen in Japan. The second coaster, a Spinning Coaster called The Shredder, consists of four-passenger cars that spin on a vertical axis as it progresses down the coaster's track, and is the world's tallest and longest free spinning coaster, at 1,600 feet.
On March 13, 2020, Triple Five announced that the mall will be closed due to the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic and pushing the opening of retail shops and DreamWorks Water Park.[11] Then on April 6, 2020, American Dream changed to a mix of 55% entertainment-related tenants and 45% retailers to roughly 70% entertainment and 30% retail. But as recent as April 10, 2020, No retailers have backed out of American Dream to date. American Dream also said it will be adding eight more rides to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, building on its early success.[12]
Rides/Attractions
Roller coasters
| Name | Based on | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMNT Shellraiser | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | 2019 | A Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter that is the world's steepest roller coaster at a 121.5 degree drop angle |
| The Shredder | 2019 | Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster | |
| Nickelodeon Slime Streak | N/A | 2019 | Chance Rides Family Coaster |
| Sandy's Blasting Bronco | SpongeBob SquarePants | 2020 | Intamin multi-launch coaster |
| Timmy's Half-Pipe Havoc | The Fairly OddParents | 2019 | Intamin Half-Pipe Roller coaster |
Other rides
| Name | Based on | Opened | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aang's Air Gliders | Avatar: The Last Airbender | 2019 | A Zamperla Air Race attraction that sends 24 riders into several loops and twists. |
| Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express | SpongeBob SquarePants | A Zamperla Rocking Tug themed to a Bikini Bottom bus, intended for families with young children. | |
| Blaze's Monster Truck Rally | Blaze and the Monster Machines | A children's ride where scaled-down Monster Trucks drive along an oval track encircling some mock stunt ramps. The ride is presumably a Zamperla Convoy. | |
| Blue's Skidoo | Blue's Clues | A children's spinning ride where riders can board various vehicles themed to Blue and Magenta. | |
| Dora's Sky Railway | Dora the Explorer | A monorail that takes riders on a journey across the park. This attraction is loosely themed to the Dora the Explorer franchise and gives families an elevated view of the park. | |
| Fairly Odd Airways | The Fairly OddParents | A Zamperla Flying Tigers taking younger riders for a flight in their own planes. | |
| Invader Zim's Flip & Spin... OF DOOM! | Invader Zim | A bumper car style attraction where riders can flip upon impact. Very little is currently known about this attraction, but it is not at all common. Themed to Invader Zim. | |
| Jimmy Neutron's Atom Smasher | The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius | A Chance Rides Unicoaster flat ride where riders spin along a track and can control the flipping motion of their vehicle. It is the third Unicoaster to be installed within North America. | |
| Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge | Legends of the Hidden Temple | A 10-story tall interactive ropes course developed by Michigan-based RCI Adventure Products. | |
| Nickelodeon Skyline Scream | N/A | This is an S&S - Sansei Technologies spinning Rotating Tower drop tower, which is marketed as the tallest indoor drop tower in the world, taking the record from Galaxyland's Space Shot, which is 37 m tall (121 feet). Opened on November 7, 2019. | |
| PAW Patrol Adventure Bay | PAW Patrol | A large interactive play area with play structures, slides, and pits meant for younger children, and themed around the Paw Patrol franchise. | |
| Pup, Pup, and Away | This is a Zamperla Ferris Wheel Fiesta Balloon/mini ferris wheel. | ||
| Ren & Stimpy's Space Madness | The Ren & Stimpy Show | A 10-passenger Zierer family drop tower. This attraction can hold 10 riders. | |
| Rugrats Reptar Go-Round | Rugrats | A Chance Rides double-decker Carousel of the 36 foot variant. All of the vehicles are custom themed to the Rugrats franchise. Riders have the option of riding on Reptar's back or in a tea cup or other ride vehicle. | |
| Shimmer and Shine Jumping Genies | Shimmer and Shine | A Zamperla Jump Around where riders are speedily taken through a circle. Unlike many of the other attractions, this is located within an enclosed building within the park. | |
| SpongeBob's Jellyfish Jam | SpongeBob SquarePants | A Zierer family Wave Swinger themed to a horde of jellyfish. | |
| Kraang Prime Pandemonium! | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | This Zamperla pendulum ride takes riders in 360° loops going both directions. It is of the 16 seater Discovery Revolution make. |
Cancelled/Planned/Shelved Theme Parks
Nickelodeon Universe New Orleans
On August 18, 2009, Nickelodeon and Southern Star Amusement announced that a Nickelodeon Universe would be built in New Orleans, Louisiana to replace the former Six Flags New Orleans that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and would open around the end of 2010. It was set to be the first outdoor Nickelodeon Universe theme park, but on November 9, 2009, Nickelodeon announced that it had ended the licensing agreement with Southern Star Amusements.
References
MOA References
- ↑ "New Mall of America rides put an exra nick in your wallet ". Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/local/west/16582921.html.
- ↑ "Coronavirus In Minnesota: Mall Of America To Close Tuesday Afternoon" (en-US) (2020-03-17).
- ↑ "Nickelodeon Universe opens Monday" (en-US). kare11.com.
- ↑ State of Minnesota (July 22, 2020). "Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance – Recreational Entertainment & Meetings". Stay Safe MN.
- ↑ "Tickets – Nickelodeon Universe". Nickelodeon Universe.
- ↑ Website featuring news on Camp Snoopy from 2000-2005.
- ↑ KidsQuest opens at Knott's Camp Snoopy April 7, 1998.
- ↑ Carissa Wyant, MOA unveils Nickelodeon theme park name, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, July 25, 2007.
- ↑ Nickelodeon Universe and MOA set date for theme park opening
- ↑ New Mall of America rides put an extra nick in your wallet
- ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/american-dream-new-jersey-mall-delays-opening-events-over-coronavirus.html
- ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/06/stalled-by-coronavirus-american-dream-rethinks-its-future.html
AD References
External links
- MOA Official Website
- AD Official Website
- Nickelodeon Universe for MOA Store Website
- Local story on WCCO-TV 4
- Nickelodeon Universe MOA Information and Photos
| This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The article or pieces of the original article was at Nickelodeon Universe. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with Nickipedia, the text of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License. |