Nickelodeon Universe

Nickelodeon Universe is a series of indoor amusement parks including locations in The Mall of America (Bloomington, Minnesota) and the American Dream mall (East Rutherford, New Jersey), with a third location under construction in the Mall of China (Chongqing, China). These parks are based off of Nickelodeon’s most popular series and characters.

Mall of America

Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Previously known as Knott's Camp Snoopy (1992–2005)
Camp Snoopy (2005–2006)
The Park at MOA (2006–2008)
LocationBloomington, Minnesota
Coordinates44°51′15″N 93°14′32″W / 44.85417°N 93.24222°W / 44.85417; -93.24222
OpenedAugust 11, 1992 (as Knott's Camp Snoopy)
March 15, 2008 (as Nickelodeon Universe)
OwnerTriple Five Group / Mall of America
(licensed by Paramount Global)
Operating season
Indoors, open all year
Area7 acres (28,000 m2)
Attractions
Total27+
Roller coasters
5
Water rides1
Websitewww.nickelodeonuniverse.com/home/

History

Camp Snoopy

The park opened as Camp Snoopy, and was themed around the Peanuts characters. Camp Snoopy was calmingly themed with a very outdoors, "woodsy" feel with references to Peanuts throughout. Much of the original theming was already toned down before rights to the characters were lost. Some theming was lost before the closure, including various kites near the ceiling, Charlie Brown and Lucy playing baseball above the Sports Grill restaurant, the Snoopy fountain, some of the shops and other smaller details.

In 2005, there were plans to modernize Camp Snoopy, including the introduction of a new logo in October, the new roller coaster logo unveiled to replace the old canoe logo. These plans did not last long, due to the closure in the following months.

The Park at Mall of America

On January 9, 2006, Staff announced that starting January 19, the park's Peanuts branding would end. The park was renamed to The Park at MOA while new branding was being applied. All traces of the Peanuts branding was removed, some sloppily.

Nickelodeon Universe

SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge

The park's new name was announced on July 25, 2007, and the park was completed on March 15, 2008. New rides include SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge, and the Splat-O-Sphere (a drop tower in the center of the park). The Mystery Mine Ride was demolished to make way for the new SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge.

On March 12, 2008, Star Tribune reported that the price of ride points, daily wristbands and, annual passes, would become significantly more expensive at the full opening of Nickelodeon Universe. Some denounced the price increases as being too high compared to other parks, such as local Valleyfair at $79.95–$99.95. Others defended the price as necessary because of the millions of dollars needed to rebrand the park as Nickelodeon Universe.

On March 17, 2020, Nickelodeon Universe closed along with the rest of Mall of America in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the mall re-opened in June, Nickelodeon Universe stayed closed until August. 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. On May 28, 2021, the park was reopened to full capacity.

Rides and attractions

Roller coasters

Name Opened Manufacturer Make/model Notes
Pepsi Orange Streak 1992 Zierer Tivoli - Custom Formerly known as Pepsi Ripsaw (1992-2007)
Fairly Odd Coaster 2004 Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster - 420/4 Formerly known as Timberland Twister (2004–2007). The original layout used for the Pandemonium clones of the Six Flags parks.
SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge 2008 Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter - 410 Located next to the former home plate for Metropolitan Stadium, which was previously located on the site of the Mall. Replaced Mystery Mine (1992-2007) and Yogi's Big Rescue (2006-2007)
Back at the Barnyard Hayride 1995 Zamperla Mini Mine Powered Coaster Replaced Huff and Puff. Formerly known as Li'l Shaver (1995-2007)
Avatar Airbender 2008 Intamin Surfrider - 20 m Replaced Camp Snoopy's Water Fountain (1992–2007)

Thrill rides

Name Opened Manufacturer Make/model Notes
BrainSurge 2010 Chance Rides UniCoaster Based on the game show of the same name
Shredder's Mutant Masher 2015 Chance Rides Revolution 20 Replaced Danny Phantom Ghost Zone
Splat-O-Sphere 2008 Moser's Rides Drop Tower Replaced the water fountain
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock 2012 Gerstlauer Sky Flyer Replaced Tak Attack

Family rides

Name Opened Manufacturer Make/model Notes
Paw Patrol: Adventure Bay 2018 Replaced Jimmy Neutron: Atomic Collider
Carousel 1992 Chance Rides 36 Foot Carousel Formerly known as Americana Carousel (1992-2007) and Nick-O-Round (2008).
Fly with Appa 2024 Replaced Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler’s former spot.
Log Chute 1992 Hopkins Rides Flume Formerly known as Paul Bunyan's Log Chute (1992-2007)
Ghost Blasters 1999 Sally Corporation Interactive Dark Ride
El Circulo Del Cielo 1992 Chance Rides 63' Century Wheel Formerly known as Skyscraper Ferris Wheel (1992-2007)
Crazy Cars 1992 Bertazzon Bumper Cars Formerly known as Bumpers (1992-2007) and Naked Brothers Crazy Cars (2008-2011)

Kiddie attractions

Name Opened Description
Backyardigans Swing-Along 1992 A Zierer Wave Swinger that was formerly known as Kite-Eating Tree from 1992-2006 and Tree Swing and 2006-2007
Big Rigs 1992 Formerly known as Truckin' (1992-2007)
Blue's Skidoo 2008 A SBF Visa Group Junior Jets flat ride that replaced Red Baron
Boots' Banana Swing 2024 A clone of the installation in American Dream, a Happy Swing ride.
Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler 2015 A Zamperla Balloon Tower that replaced Balloon Race. Relocated in 2023 to make room for Fly With Appa.
Diego's Rescue Rider 1998 A Zamperla Junior Flying Carpet that was formerly known as Camp Bus from 1998-2007.
La Aventura de Azul 1992 Formerly known as Bloomington Express (1992-2007). Presumably a Zamperla Junior Railway flat ride.
Pineapple Poppers 2008 A bouncy castle that replaced Snoopy Bounce and Bounce
Rugrats Reptarmobiles 2008 A Bertazzon Junior Dodgems that replaced the shooting gallery.
Swiper's Sweeper 1992 Formerly known as Speedway (1992-2007). Presumably a Zamperla Junior Whip
Wonder Pet's Flyboat 1999 A Zamperla Junior Drop Tower that was formerly known as Frog Hopper from 1999-2007.

Others

Name Opened Description
Barnacle Blast 2014 Part of Dutchman's Deck Adventure Course
Moose Mountain Adventure Golf 1992
Xscape Entertainment Center 1992 Two locations; formerly Games! Powered by Namco
Dutchman's Deck Adventure Course 2010 Includes the Ghostly Gangplank ropes course, Anchor Drop slides and Barnacle Blast zip line
Flyover America 2016
Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf 2017
5D Extreme Attraction 2018

Former rides

Name Opened Closed Manufacturer Type
SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D 2003? 2006 SimEx-Iwerks 4-D film
Huff and Puff 1992 1995 Bradley and Kaye
Bounce 1992 2007
Red Baron 1992 2007
Mystery Mine Ride 1992 2007 SimEx-Iwerks 4-D Theater
The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera/Yogi's Big Rescue 2006 2007 SimEx-Iwerks 4-D film, this was the final film shown in the Mystery Mine Ride before its closure.
Tak Attack 1998 2011 Zamperla Rotoshake
Balloon Race 1992 2015
Danny Phantom Ghost Zone 1992 2015 Chance Rides Falling Star
Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Collider 1992 2018 Zierer Hexentanz
Linus Loop 1992 1998 Zamperla Mini Ferris Wheel
Beagle Ballroom 1992 1999

Dining

Former dining

  • Hard Rock Cafe
  • Caribou Coffee
  • 1st Rnd
  • Barbie Cafe
  • 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

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

Accidents

American Dream

Nickelodeon Universe American Dream
LocationEast Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Coordinates40°48′24″N 74°04′16″W / 40.806591°N 74.071201°W / 40.806591; -74.071201
OpenedOctober 25, 2019
OwnerTriple Five Group
(under license from Paramount Global)
SloganEvery Day is the Best Day Ever
Operating season
Year-round
Area8 acres (3.2 ha)
Attractions
Roller coasters
5
WebsiteOfficial website

History

During September 2016, a second Nickelodeon Universe was announced for the American Dream mall. This new park was designed to contain two new world record setting coasters. TMNT Shellraiser, would be the steepest in the world at an angle of 121.5 degrees. The Shredder consists of four carts that spin while moving down the track. This coaster is both the world's tallest and longest, free spinning coaster, at 1,600 feet.

The mall was closed on March 13, 2020 due to the pandemic. This caused retail shops and the DreamWorks Water Park to have a delayed start.

During April 6, 2020, a change was made bringing the mall from 55% entertainment and 45% retailers to 70% entertainment and 30% businesses. No retailers have backed out of the mall. Eight more rides are planned for Nickelodeon Universe theme park, to build on its success.

Rides and attractions

Roller coasters

Name Opened Description
TMNT Shellraiser October 25, 2019 A Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter that is the world's steepest roller coaster at a 121.5 degree drop angle
The Shredder November 2, 2019 Gerstlauer spinning coaster
Nickelodeon Slime Streak October 25, 2019 Chance Rides family coaster
Sandy's Blasting Bronco October 1, 2020 Intamin Vertical LSM Coaster
Timmy's Half-Pipe Havoc December 7, 2019 Intamin Surf Rider roller coaster

Other rides

Name Opened Description
Aang's Air Gliders 2019 A Zamperla Air Race attraction that sends 24 riders into several inversions. The ride is themed to Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express A Zamperla Rocking Tug themed to a Bikini Bottom bus from the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. Intended for families with young children.
Blaze's Monster Truck Rally A Zamperla Convoy where scaled-down monster trucks drive along an oval track encircling some mock stunt ramps. The ride is loosely themed to the Blaze and the Monster Machines franchise.
Blue's Skidoo A Zamperla Junior Jets flat ride where riders can board various vehicles themed to Blue and Magenta. Loosely themed to the Blue's Clues show.
Dora's Sky Railway A monorail-type ride 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. Presumably a Zamperla Junior Railway.
Fairly Odd Airways A Zamperla Flying Tigers ride taking younger riders for a flight in their own planes. Themed remotely to The Fairly OddParents.
Invader Zim's Flip & Spin... OF DOOM! A bumper car style attraction where riders can flip upon impact. Themed to Invader Zim. It had constant technical issues and downtime during the park's opening months, and was replaced by Bubble Guppies: Guppy Bubbler. The ride is currently in storage near Sandy's Blasting Bronco. It was an Amusement Products LLC Flip Zone.
Jimmy Neutron's Atom Smasher A Chance Rides Unicoaster 1.0 flat ride where riders spin along a track and can control the flipping motion of their vehicle. Themed to The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius show, and only the third Unicoaster to be installed within North America.
Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge A 10-story-tall interactive ropes course developed by Michigan-based RCI Adventure Products. Vaguely themed around the Legends of the Hidden Temple game show.
Nickelodeon Skyline Scream 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 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 Junior Ferris Wheel that is loosely themed around Paw Patrol.
Ren & Stimpy's Space Madness A 10-passenger Zierer family drop tower. This attraction can hold 10 riders and is themed to The Ren & Stimpy Show.
Rugrats Reptar Go-Round 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 & Shine Jumping Genies 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. Themed to the Shimmer & Shine show.
SpongeBob's Jellyfish Jam A Zamperla Wave Swinger themed to a horde of jellyfish in the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise.
Kraang Prime Pandemonium! This Zamperla pendulum ride takes riders in 360° loops going both directions. It is of the 16 seater Discovery Revolution make, and loosely themed around the Krang extraterrestrial villain in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.
Bubble Guppies: Guppy Bubbler 2021 A children's Samba Tower ride themed to Bubble Guppies.
Zuma's Zoomers A boat Whip ride themed to Zuma from Paw Patrol.
Boots' Banana Swing A Happy Swing ride themed to Boots from Dora the Explorer.
Butterbean's Sweet Spin A Teacups cupcake ride themed to Butterbean's Cafe.
The Loud House Road Trip A Crazy Bus ride themed to The Loud House.

Additional attractions

  • In The Game arcade

Additional locations

Upcoming Chongqing, China location

A third theme park is in construction at the Mall of China (Chongqing, China). Concept art was released at July 26, 2018 that showcases rides present in the American Dream location. This art also houses several brand new attractions. Construction was stopped in March 2020 due to the COVID Pandemic. The theme park was originally meant to open in December 2020, but current progress is unknown.

Cancelled New Orleans location

On August 18, 2009, Nickelodeon and Southern Star Amusement announced that a location would be built at New Orleans, Louisiana. A schedule claims it to be completed sometime near the end of 2010. The park is the only proposed outdoor Nickelodeon Universe. On November 9, 2009, Nickelodeon announced that it ended plans with Southern Star Amusement.

2020 temporary closures

Both parks were closed in March 2020 from the COVID-19 pandemic. The park in the Mall of America opened on August 10, 2020, but the park in American Dream stayed closed until October 1, 2020.

References

  1. ↑ "Viacom to construct Nickelodeon theme park at Mall of China". July 26, 2018.
  2. ↑ "4 Ways To Spend A Day At American Dream Meadowlands". Wyckoff, NJ Patch. 2018-09-27. Retrieved 2018-11-05.
  3. ↑ "Camp Snoopy". AOL. Archived from the original on May 9, 2006.
  4. ↑ "Nick Universe at the Mall of America - A photographic reflection". MiceChat. March 8, 2008. Archived from the original on 2016-08-22. Retrieved 2016-08-04.
  5. ↑ Carissa Wyant (July 25, 2007). "MOA unveils Nickelodeon theme park name". Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal.
  6. ↑ PR Newswire (January 29, 2008). "Nickelodeon and Mall of America(R) Set Date for Nickelodeon Universe's Grand Opening - Saturday, March 15, 2008". CNN Money. Archived from the original on February 14, 2008.
  7. ↑ "New Mall of America rides put an extra nick in your wallet". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on May 11, 2008.
  8. ↑ "Coronavirus In Minnesota: Mall Of America To Close Tuesday Afternoon". 2020-03-17. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
  9. ↑ "Nickelodeon Universe opens Monday". kare11.com. August 10, 2020. Retrieved 2021-03-25.
  10. ↑ State of Minnesota (July 22, 2020). "Preparedness Plan Requirements Guidance – Recreational Entertainment & Meetings" (PDF). Stay Safe MN. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 31, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  11. 1 2 "Nickelodeon Universe Opens in Mall of America" (Press release). April 2008. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  12. ↑ "1998 Accident Reports and News". RideAccidents.com. Archived from the original on 2008-03-06. Retrieved 2011-08-22.
  13. ↑ Anzidei, Melanie. "It's finally happening: American Dream mall will open Oct. 25". North Jersey Media Group.
  14. ↑ "SpongeBob, Ninja Turtles sign on with American Dream". NorthJersey.com (The Record). September 13, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  15. ↑ "SpongeBob, Ninja Turtles sign on with American Dream". NorthJersey.com. September 13, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  16. ↑ Jerde, Sara (December 5, 2017). "Meadowlands megamall to house pair of world record roller coasters". NJ.com. Retrieved March 17, 2019.
  17. ↑ "American Dream megamall in New Jersey is shutting down over coronavirus". cnbc.com. Mar 13, 2020. Retrieved Mar 13, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Stalled by coronavirus pandemic, American Dream rethinks its future and retail becomes an afterthought". cnbc.com. April 6, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  19. ↑ Marden, Duane. "TMNT Shellraiser  (Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  20. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Shredder  (Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  21. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Nickelodeon Slime Streak  (Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  22. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Sandy's Blasting Bronco  (Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  23. ↑ Marden, Duane. "Timmy's Half-Pipe Havoc  (Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Arcade with Virtual Reality, Prizes & Games for all Ages in New Jersey". American Dream. Retrieved 2023-06-24.
  25. ↑ "Viacom to construct Nickelodeon theme park at Mall of China". Blooloop.com. July 26, 2018. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  26. ↑ Heath-Jones, Lauren (March 19, 2020). "Work restarts on Nickelodeon's giant indoor theme park in China". AttractionsManagement.com. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  27. ↑ Jaquetta White (2009-11-09). "Nickelodeon ends licensing agreement with Southern Star". NOLA.com. Retrieved 2015-09-19.
  28. ↑ "Nickelodeon Universe". nickelodeonuniverse.com.
  29. ↑ "American Dream - Fantasy, Fashion, Food, Family, and Fun". American Dream.
  30. ↑ "Home – Nickelodeon Universe".
  31. ↑ "Nickelodeon Universe Reopens Monday With COVID-19 Safety Precautions In Place". 2020-08-10. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
  32. ↑ NJ.com, Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for (2020-09-03). "American Dream announces reopening date, but it's far away". nj. Retrieved 2020-09-09.

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