Nickelodeon Universe facts for kids
Nickelodeon Universe is the name of two awesome indoor amusement parks! You can find them at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and at American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. These parks are packed with fun rides and attractions based on your favorite Nickelodeon shows and characters. They are owned by the Triple Five Group and have a special agreement with Paramount Global, which owns Nickelodeon.
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Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America
| Previously known as Knott's Camp Snoopy (1992–2005) Camp Snoopy (2005–2006) The Park at MOA (2006–2008) |
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| Location | Bloomington, Minnesota |
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| Coordinates | 44°51′15″N 93°14′32″W / 44.85417°N 93.24222°W |
| Opened | March 8, 2008 |
| Owner | Triple Five Group / Mall of America (under license from Paramount Global) |
| Theme | Nickelodeon |
| Operating season | Indoors, open all year |
| Area | 7 acres (28,000 m2) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 27+ |
| Roller coasters | 5 |
| Water rides | 1 |
A Look Back: From Peanuts to Nickelodeon
The Early Days: Camp Snoopy
This park first opened as Knott's Camp Snoopy. Later, it was just called Camp Snoopy. It was themed around the famous Peanuts comic strip characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. The park had a natural, woodsy feel. Over time, some of the Peanuts decorations were removed. In 1998, a Kids Quest childcare area opened inside. It was a large space for kids up to twelve years old. This area is now a cool ropes course with slides and a zip line called "Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course."
In 2005, there were plans to update the Camp Snoopy look. A new logo was even introduced. However, bigger changes were coming soon.
A Temporary Name: The Park at MOA
On January 9, 2006, the Mall of America announced a big change. They could no longer use the Peanuts characters for the park. So, starting January 19, the park was temporarily renamed The Park at MOA. All signs of Peanuts were removed. It took a few months for new decorations to replace the old ones.
Becoming Nickelodeon Universe
On July 25, 2007, the park announced its new name: "Nickelodeon Universe"! Construction began in August 2007. Workers built new sections while most of the park stayed open. Nickelodeon Universe officially opened on March 15, 2008.
New rides were added, like SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge. This roller coaster is themed after the SpongeBob SquarePants show. Other new rides included the Splat-O-Sphere, a tall drop ride, and the Avatar Airbender, a surf-rider attraction. The old Mystery Mine Ride was removed to make space for SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge.
Ticket Prices and Park Access
When the park became Nickelodeon Universe, ticket prices went up. An annual pass, which used to be $99, increased to $250. Daily wristbands also became more expensive. In 2015, the annual pass price dropped to $139. In 2021, Nickelodeon Universe introduced three new annual passes. These passes offer different levels of access and prices.
Operating During the COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 17, 2020, Nickelodeon Universe closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The whole Mall of America also closed. While the mall reopened in June, the park stayed closed until August. When it reopened, only 250 people were allowed inside at a time.
Because of these rules, the way tickets worked changed. You used to be able to enter for free and pay for rides one by one. Or you could buy an all-day pass. Now, you had to buy a ticket that was good for two hours of rides. Even people not riding had to buy a ticket to enter. As rules became less strict, all-day wristbands and point passes returned. The park fully reopened on May 28, 2021.
Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream
Park History and Special Rides
In September 2016, the Triple Five Group announced a second Nickelodeon Universe. This park would be inside American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It would be 8 acres large and feature two amazing roller coasters.
One coaster is called TMNT Shellraiser. It holds a world record for the steepest drop! The second coaster is a spinning coaster called the Shredder. Its cars spin as they go down the track. It is the world's tallest and longest free spinning coaster.
Operating During the COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 13, 2020, American Dream announced it would close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This also delayed the opening of its shops and water park. On October 1, 2020, American Dream finally reopened. The amusement park, water park, ice rink, and mini-golf arcade all reopened. They limited the number of people allowed inside to 25% of their normal capacity.
Other Nickelodeon Universe Locations
Chongqing, China
A third Nickelodeon Universe theme park is being built in Chongqing, China. It will be part of the Mall of China. Pictures show rides similar to those at the American Dream location. There might even be a drop-tower ride themed to Jimmy Neutron. Construction was paused for a short time in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We don't know yet when this park will open.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In 2009, there were plans for an outdoor Nickelodeon Universe park in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was meant to replace the old Six Flags New Orleans park, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. However, in November 2009, Nickelodeon decided not to go forward with the project.
