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 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 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 Thrill rides Family rides Kiddie attractions Others Former rides Dining Grub Sweet Treats Coaster Cafe Various carts featuring popcorn, mini donuts, cotton candy, Dippin' Dots ice cream, Pepsi beverages and ICEE beverages 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 Nickelodeon Shop Toys Gear LEGO Store M&M's World 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 On August 1, 1998, a 12-year-old boy, David Craig from Cable, Wisconsin, was killed due to the Log Chute. When the boat reached the top, he began to panic and reached outside to grab a railing. The log had already begun its descent down the drop, Causing him to loose his grip. Craig fell onto rocks below. On Saturday, August 15, 1998, an 8-year-old girl died of a heart attack after she rode the Screaming Yellow Eagle (later known as Danny Phantom Ghost Zone). Her parents said she died from a heart attack because she had a history of heart problems for five years before her death. American Dream 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 Other rides 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 Other websites Official website Nickelodeon Universe at the Roller Coaster DataBase Nickelodeon Universe Store website Nickelodeon Universe information and photos