Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Universe sits at the center of Mall of America and is the largest indoor amusement park in North America. Unlike a traditional amusement park, admission is completely free, allowing visitors to wander through the park and simply pay for the rides they want to experience. The result is a lively atmosphere that lasts all day.
The park opened in 1992 as Knott’s Camp Snoopy, developed by Knott’s Berry Farm. Fans of the original Camp Snoopy in California will quickly recognize a few familiar details. In 2008, the park was reimagined as Nickelodeon Universe and today features attractions inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol and many other well-known Nickelodeon characters.
Our tour begins with one of the park’s oldest roller coasters.
Pepsi Orange Streak
Pepsi Orange Streak is a Zierer Tivoli coaster and one of the park’s original attractions. Much like the very similar Jaguar! at the former sister park Knott’s Berry Farm, it features an unusually long layout for a Tivoli coaster.
The ride winds its way through the middle of Nickelodeon Universe, weaving between many of the park’s attractions. It isn’t until the train reaches the large log flume that the pace begins to slow slightly before gently returning to the station. Even by today’s standards, Pepsi Orange Streak remains one of the better Tivoli coasters I’ve ridden.
Log Chute
Log Chute is another original attraction dating back to the park’s days as Knott’s Camp Snoopy. Built by Hopkins Rides, this classic log flume takes guests into the world of Paul Bunyan and has become one of Nickelodeon Universe’s signature attractions thanks to its charming theming and surprisingly long ride.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to experience it during my visit, so Log Chute has earned a spot at the very top of my to-do list for my next trip to Mall of America.
Fairly Odd Coaster
Fairly Odd Coaster is a Gerstlauer spinning coaster with a fun layout that gets off to a promising start. Unfortunately, the ride is surprisingly rough, which takes away much of the enjoyment. That’s a shame, because the coaster itself has plenty of potential.
Shredder’s Mutant Masher
Shredder’s Mutant Masher is a KMG Afterburner that combines powerful G-forces with moments of surprisingly strong airtime as the gondola swings high above the midway.
By the time the ride reaches its finale, the gondola is spinning like crazy, turning the whole thing into an absolute puke machine. I loved every second of it, but anyone with a weak stomach has been warned.
Back at the Barnyard Hayride
Back at the Barnyard Hayride is a small Zamperla powered coaster aimed primarily at families with young children. While it’s a perfectly pleasant ride for its target audience, there’s simply not much to remember once it’s over.
Brain Surge
Brain Surge combines the familiar feeling of a classic Musik Express with the ability to flip your gondola upside down whenever you feel like it. Since every rider controls their own flips, no two rides are ever quite the same.
If you really want an unpredictable experience, let a child take control. Chances are you’ll spend the next few minutes upside down far more often than you expected.
Ghost Blasters
Ghost Blasters is a classic Sally interactive dark ride where guests use laser guns to blast ghosts, skeletons and other spooky creatures. Its light-hearted haunted house theme makes it a fun attraction for the whole family.
While Ghost Blasters is an enjoyable ride, it never really stands out from other interactive dark rides. It’s fun while it lasts, but once it’s over, there’s very little that sticks with you.
SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge
After climbing the vertical lift, the train dives straight down a 97-degree first drop and charges through a fast-paced opening sequence featuring a loop, a small airtime hill, an overbanked turn and a heartline roll. It’s an intense and thoroughly enjoyable start that showcases just how much Gerstlauer managed to pack into such a compact layout.
Unfortunately, the ride loses some of its momentum after the mid-course brake run. While the second half is still enjoyable, it never quite matches the intensity of the opening sequence. Even so, SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge remains a very good coaster that simply deserved a stronger finish.
TMNT Shell Shock
TMNT Shell Shock is a Gerstlauer Sky Fly, a ride type I’ve always been a big fan of. Unfortunately, this newer generation comes with redesigned restraints that offer noticeably less upper-body support. As a result, pulling off flips is far less comfortable than on the original Sky Flys at Nigloland and Legoland Germany.
Despite the lack of wind inside the building, it’s still surprisingly easy to flip the gondola throughout the ride. TMNT Shell Shock is definitely a lot of fun, but for me it never quite recaptures the magic of those original installations.
Avatar Airbender
Avatar Airbender is an Intamin Half Pipe Coaster that holds a very special place in my coaster journey. It was here that I reached my 1,000th roller coaster—a fitting milestone for an Intaminion, considering I had already been working for Intamin for more than two years at the time.
Fortunately, the ride itself is every bit as memorable as the milestone. Avatar Airbender delivers an intense and surprisingly long ride experience, while the gondola rotates just enough to keep things interesting without ever feeling out of control. Personally, I would have loved a little more rotation, but that’s a minor complaint. Overall, it’s an excellent attraction and a worthy coaster to celebrate such a special milestone.
Pictures Nickelodeon Universe
Conclusion Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Universe probably isn’t a park worth traveling to Minneapolis for on its own. As part of Mall of America, however, it’s a completely different story. The combination of shopping, dining and a surprisingly diverse collection of rides creates an experience unlike any traditional amusement park.
My personal highlights were Avatar Airbender, Shredder’s Mutant Masher and SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge. While not every attraction was equally memorable, it’s the mix of classic rides and modern thrill attractions that gives the park its unique character.
If you’re visiting Mall of America and enjoy amusement parks, Nickelodeon Universe is an easy recommendation. My visit became even more memorable thanks to my 1,000th roller coaster on Avatar Airbender
