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 
NameOpenedManufacturerMake/modelNotesPepsi Orange Streak1992ZiererTivoli - CustomFormerly known as Pepsi Ripsaw (1992-2007)Fairly Odd Coaster2004GerstlauerSpinning Coaster - 420/4Formerly known as Timberland Twister (2004–2007). The original layout used for the Pandemonium clones of the Six Flags parks.SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge2008GerstlauerEuro-Fighter - 410Located 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 Hayride1995ZamperlaMini Mine Powered CoasterReplaced Huff and Puff. Formerly known as Li'l Shaver (1995-2007)Avatar Airbender2008IntaminSurfrider - 20 mReplaced Camp Snoopy's Water Fountain (1992–2007)

 Thrill rides 
NameOpenedManufacturerMake/modelNotesBrainSurge2010Chance RidesUniCoasterBased on the game show of the same nameShredder's Mutant Masher2015Chance RidesRevolution 20Replaced Danny Phantom Ghost ZoneSplat-O-Sphere2008Moser's RidesDrop TowerReplaced the water fountainTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock2012GerstlauerSky FlyerReplaced Tak Attack

 Family rides 
NameOpenedManufacturerMake/modelNotesPaw Patrol: Adventure Bay2018Replaced Jimmy Neutron: Atomic ColliderCarousel1992Chance Rides36 Foot CarouselFormerly known as Americana Carousel (1992-2007) and Nick-O-Round (2008).Fly with Appa2024Replaced Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler’s former spot.Log Chute1992Hopkins RidesFlumeFormerly known as Paul Bunyan's Log Chute (1992-2007)Ghost Blasters1999Sally CorporationInteractive Dark RideEl Circulo Del Cielo1992Chance Rides63' Century WheelFormerly known as Skyscraper Ferris Wheel (1992-2007)Crazy Cars1992BertazzonBumper CarsFormerly known as Bumpers (1992-2007) and Naked Brothers Crazy Cars (2008-2011)

 Kiddie attractions 
NameOpenedDescriptionBackyardigans Swing-Along1992A Zierer Wave Swinger that was formerly known as Kite-Eating Tree from 1992-2006 and Tree Swing and 2006-2007Big Rigs1992Formerly known as Truckin' (1992-2007)Blue's Skidoo2008A SBF Visa Group Junior Jets flat ride that replaced Red BaronBoots' Banana Swing2024A clone of the installation in American Dream, a Happy Swing ride.Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler2015A Zamperla Balloon Tower that replaced Balloon Race. Relocated in 2023 to make room for Fly With Appa.Diego's Rescue Rider1998A Zamperla Junior Flying Carpet that was formerly known as Camp Bus from 1998-2007.La Aventura de Azul1992Formerly known as Bloomington Express (1992-2007). Presumably a Zamperla Junior Railway flat ride.Pineapple Poppers2008A bouncy castle that replaced Snoopy Bounce and BounceRugrats Reptarmobiles2008A Bertazzon Junior Dodgems that replaced the shooting gallery.Swiper's Sweeper1992Formerly known as Speedway (1992-2007). Presumably a Zamperla Junior WhipWonder Pet's Flyboat1999A Zamperla Junior Drop Tower that was formerly known as Frog Hopper from 1999-2007.

 Others 
NameOpenedDescriptionBarnacle Blast2014Part of Dutchman's Deck Adventure CourseMoose Mountain Adventure Golf1992Xscape Entertainment Center1992Two locations; formerly Games! Powered by NamcoDutchman's Deck Adventure Course2010Includes the Ghostly Gangplank ropes course, Anchor Drop slides and Barnacle Blast zip lineFlyover America2016Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf20175D Extreme Attraction2018

 Former rides 
NameOpenedClosedManufacturerTypeSpongeBob SquarePants 4-D2003?2006SimEx-Iwerks4-D filmHuff and Puff19921995Bradley and KayeBounce19922007Red Baron19922007Mystery Mine Ride19922007SimEx-Iwerks4-D TheaterThe Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera/Yogi's Big Rescue20062007SimEx-Iwerks4-D film, this was the final film shown in the Mystery Mine Ride before its closure.Tak Attack19982011ZamperlaRotoshakeBalloon Race19922015Danny Phantom Ghost Zone19922015Chance RidesFalling StarJimmy Neutron's Atomic Collider19922018ZiererHexentanzLinus Loop19921998ZamperlaMini Ferris WheelBeagle Ballroom19921999

 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 
NameOpenedDescriptionTMNT ShellraiserOctober 25, 2019A Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter that is the world's steepest roller coaster at a 121.5 degree drop angleThe ShredderNovember 2, 2019Gerstlauer spinning coasterNickelodeon Slime StreakOctober 25, 2019Chance Rides family coasterSandy's Blasting BroncoOctober 1, 2020Intamin Vertical LSM CoasterTimmy's Half-Pipe HavocDecember 7, 2019Intamin Surf Rider roller coaster

 Other rides 
NameOpenedDescriptionAang's Air Gliders2019A Zamperla Air Race attraction that sends 24 riders into several inversions. The ride is themed to Avatar: The Last Airbender.Bikini Bottom Crosstown ExpressA Zamperla Rocking Tug themed to a Bikini Bottom bus from the SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. Intended for families with young children.Blaze's Monster Truck RallyA 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 SkidooA 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 RailwayA 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 AirwaysA 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 SmasherA 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 ChallengeA 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 ScreamThis is an S&amp;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 BayA large interactive play area with play structures, slides, and pits meant for younger children, and themed around the Paw Patrol franchise.Pup, Pup, and AwayThis is a Zamperla Junior Ferris Wheel that is loosely themed around Paw Patrol.Ren & Stimpy's Space MadnessA 10-passenger Zierer family drop tower. This attraction can hold 10 riders and is themed to The Ren & Stimpy Show.Rugrats Reptar Go-RoundA 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 GeniesA 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 JamA 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 Bubbler2021A children's Samba Tower ride themed to Bubble Guppies.Zuma's ZoomersA boat Whip ride themed to Zuma from Paw Patrol.Boots' Banana SwingA Happy Swing ride themed to Boots from Dora the Explorer.Butterbean's Sweet SpinA Teacups cupcake ride themed to Butterbean's Cafe.The Loud House Road TripA 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

 Other websites 
 Official website

 Nickelodeon Universe Store website
 Nickelodeon Universe information and photos

Universe