Nickelodeon Universe

thumb|250px|The current Nickelodeon Universe logo, used since 2010.
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.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 didn't re-open 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. 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. 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 Website featuring news on Camp Snoopy from 2000-2005. 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. KidsQuest opens at Knott's Camp Snoopy April 7, 1998.
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.Carissa Wyant, MOA unveils Nickelodeon theme park name, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, July 25, 2007. 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.Nickelodeon Universe and MOA set date for theme park opening
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. New Mall of America rides put an extra nick in your wallet
== 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 	Thrill 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 	Family rides 	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 	Kiddie rides 	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.https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/american-dream-new-jersey-mall-delays-opening-events-over-coronavirus.html 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.https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/06/stalled-by-coronavirus-american-dream-rethinks-its-future.html
== 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 	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles	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 	2019 	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 	2019 	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 	2019 	A children's spinning ride where riders can board various vehicles themed to Blue and Magenta.
Dora's Sky Railway 	Dora the Explorer 	2019 	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 	2019 	A Zamperla Flying Tigers taking younger riders for a flight in their own planes.
Invader Zim's Flip & Spin... OF DOOM! 	Invader Zim 	2019 	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	2019 	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 	2019 	A 10-story tall interactive ropes course developed by Michigan-based RCI Adventure Products.
Nickelodeon Skyline Scream 	N/A 	2019 	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 	2019 	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 	PAW Patrol 	2019 	This is a Zamperla Ferris Wheel Fiesta Balloon/mini ferris wheel.
Ren & Stimpy's Space Madness 	The Ren & Stimpy Show 	2019 	A 10-passenger Zierer family drop tower. This attraction can hold 10 riders.
Rugrats Reptar Go-Round 	Rugrats 	2019 	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 	2019 	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 	2019 	A Zierer family Wave Swinger themed to a horde of jellyfish.
Kraang Prime Pandemonium! 	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 	2019 	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 ===
=== 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
Category:Nickelodeon
Category:Theme park attractions