Sticky Nicky Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Here is the article, just in case they remove the story soon. I don't trust the Star Tribune at all with their online stuff. Get ready to fork over megabucks at the megamall when six new rides start spinning Saturday, launching and whirling customers at the Mall of America's newly overhauled amusement park. The price for an annual pass to the remodeled Nickelodeon Universe will be $250, compared with the old $99 yearly fee for those taller than 3-foot-11. An unlimited, one-day wristband will cost $29.95, up $5. Mall spokesman Dan Jasper said it's the first hike in the annual pass price since the mall opened in 1992 -- back when the park was called Camp Snoopy -- and is needed to offset $25 million of improvements, with $6 million more in the plans. Among the new rides are a SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge that flings riders toward the mall's roof before dropping them on a roller-coaster ride. The Avatar Airbender is a U-shaped wave with spinning seats on a swinging surf board. A Splat-o-Sphere launches people 60 feet in the air before bouncing them back down its tower. And for the little ones, there are kid-friendly bumper cars, a Pineapple Popper bouncing room and a Blues' Skidoo that replaces the old Red Baron plane ride. The new prices compare to Disneyland's $259 annual pass in California or the $245 Florida residents can pay for annual passes to Disney World in Orlando -- both of which black out prime holiday weeks. For a day visit, those parks cost more than twice the new rate at the Mall of America. Valleyfair in Shakopee and Six Flags north of Chicago both charge about $100 for season passes and $40 and $55, respectively, for day passes at their seasonal, outdoor parks. Tom Schmidt, a computer repairman from New Hope, said he's planning a summer trip to Disneyland -- and was shocked to hear about the hometown park's prices. "The scale of Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure and our local park are night and day," said Schmidt, father of a 7-year-old girl, "and to price them in similar ballparks, it's just ridiculous. "Being a dad, and with the economy the way it is, I was just flabbergasted when I heard the new prices from another dad. I was like, 'Well, good God, you've got to be kidding me.'" But a local spokesman for the 8,000-member American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) club says the increase is justified. "All in all, it's priced at a good value if it's used as frequently as many will," said Kevin Schreiner, a Minneapolis postal payroll clerk and assistant regional representative for the organization of roller-coaster enthusiasts. "I think with the expenditures they're putting into the park, and the amazing transformation that's taking place, you've got to pay for it somehow and bumping up prices is something that's going to happen." Most ride packages are going up about 25 percent, too. For example, a single point will cost $1 instead of the old 80 cents. An 85-point package goes from $50 to $62.90 and a 50-point deal will now run $44.10 instead of the old $35. Jasper said the new annual passes "pay for themselves" if you go to the park eight times a year. "Real enthusiasts go once a month, so there's value if you really use the park," he said. "We had to make decisions in order to make it a possibility, and this is what we came up with." Curt Brown • 612-673-4767 "The Avatar Airbender was tested for 100 hours. Stan Jackson, manager of park operations, kept an eye on it." "The soon-to-open Nickelodeon Universe at the park in the Mall of America." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimace Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 ^I really like that first picture, the backdrop reminds you that all of these additions are going on inside of a huge mall! It's insane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Nicky Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Just found another article from Thrill Network(www.thrillnetwork.com) featuring just about evrything the park has to offer. Mar. 12th, 2008 -- Via Press Release: This Saturday, March 15, at 9 a.m. (CT) the number-one kids' brand, Nickelodeon, and Mall of America the country's largest shopping and entertainment destination, celebrate the grand opening of Nickelodeon Universe, a seven-acre theme park featuring 18 new Nick-themed rides and attractions. Nickelodeon Universe is a seven-acre indoor park located in the center of Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. The grand opening celebration of the re-branded, first-ever Nickelodeon theme park will feature special appearances by TEENick talent including: Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly); Nat Wolff and Alex Wolff (The Naked Brothers Band); and Lil' J.J. (Just Jordan); and a special performance by multiplatinum recording artist, Ashlee Simpson. "The grand opening of Nickelodeon Universe, marks a very exciting time for us, as the Nickelodeon brand continues to expand to bring more hands on entertainment experiences to families," said Howard Smith, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Recreation. "This represents the perfect marriage of two entertainment entities, Nickelodeon, the number-one brand for kids, and Mall of America, the top shopping and entertainment destination in the country. Nickelodeon Universe will provide hours upon hours of excitement for kids and their families." "Over the past year we have witnessed an amazing transformation of our amusement park," adds Maureen Bausch, Executive Vice President, Mall of America. "We are thrilled to have partnered with Nickelodeon to create Nickelodeon Universe. Guests to the park will be amazed at the new rides and theme. We have guests from around the country and the world visit our park, and everyone is certain to enjoy their experience here." Nickelodeon Universe will feature rides themed with Nickelodeon hit properties from the past and present, including: SpongeBob SquarePants; Dora the Explorer; Go, Diego, Go!; Avatar: The Last Airbender; The Fairly OddParents; Rugrats; Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius; The Wonder Pets!; and many more. The newly re-branded rides will be family oriented thrill rides with a Nick twist. The new line-up of Nickelodeon-themed rides includes: * SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge: This rollercoaster offers unique vertical lifts that will turn riders head over heels with intense loops, spirals, and 90-degree turns. Riders will twist and turn through Bikini Bottom, then screech to a halt at the Bikini Bottom bus stop. * Avatar Airbender: Riders can reach heights of 70 feet as they rock back and forth and also spin along a horseshoe track on this family thrill ride. * The Fairly OddParents Fairly Odd Coaster: Featuring Cosmo and Wanda, this rollercoaster includes, spinning cars, hairpin turns, plummeting spirals and fast fun. * Danny Phantom Ghost Zone: Riders will embark on a ghost-hunting adventure that will 'pale' in comparison to all others. This theater-seat style, platform ride soars at high speeds above the Mall and rotates 360 degrees in a clockwise motion. * Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Collider: A radical thrill ride where riders can take one of Jimmy's out-of-this-world inventions for a test drive. The cars on this ride lift off the ground and leap over one another as one of Jimmy's inventions goes awry again. * Splat-O-Sphere: Riders will get a bird's eye view of the park as they are taken up the 60-foot tower via a vertical lift and then dropped back. * Tak Attack: Spin head over heels and flip upside down on this gravity-defying thrill ride. Riders will harness the power of Juju as they hurtle skyward, twisting and turning on Tak's gigantic magical staff. * The Naked Brothers Crazy Cars: Riders can join in smashing bumper car action for in these Naked Brothers themed "crazy cars." * Pepsi® Orange Streak: A spine-tingling ride in a sleek, Nickelodeon orange vehicle, this rollercoaster streaks down a twisting, turning track through the entire park, leaving nothing but laughs and screams in its wake. * El Circulo del Cielo: Families can circle high above the crowd for a view of the park from more than seven stories high on a Dora and Boots-themed Ferris Wheel. * Back at the Barnyard Hayride: Kids of all ages can take an "udderly" wild ride through the Barnyard with Otis and the rest of the party animals on this family friendly coaster. * The Backyardigans Swing-Along: Riders can let their imagination soar as they fly on this Backyardigans-themed swing and reach heights of up to 27 feet. * Blue's Skidoo: Based on the preschool hit Blue's Clues, kids can fly through the air in Blue and Magenta-themed planes, using their on-board control buttons to make them hop up and down. * Diego's Rescue Rider: Fans of Nickelodeon's animal rescuer can hop aboard the Rescue Rider bus and ride along in Rescue Pack for another wild animal rescue adventure. * La Aventura de Azul: All aboard for a whimsical journey on Azul, the blue train. Head out on a storybook journey through the fantasy world of Dora the Explorer. * Pineapple Poppers: Fans of Nickelodeon's most popular underwater sea creature can hop up-and-down and jump to their heart's content in this bright orange oversized pineapple resembling SpongeBob SquarePants famous abode. * Rugrats Reptarmobiles: The Rugrats are at it again -- and now fans can join them in the driver's seat of their very own kid-sized bumper car, made especially for Rugrats-sized visitors. * Swiper's Sweeper: Fans of Dora the Explorer are in for a wild ride as this "Kiddie Whip" ride rotates little ones round-and-round while trying to keep Swiper from swiping their stuff. * Wonder Pets Flyboat: Kids can hop aboard the Wonder Pets' fantastic Flyboat, which will lift riders 20 feet above the park, then bounce them up and down until they reach the ground. The first-ever Nickelodeon theme park will also feature, attractions, daily meet and greets with costumed characters, and games and entertainment based on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. properties. Additionally, Mall of America will feature "Toddler Tuesday," a program that will present Nick Jr. events throughout the year. Nickelodeon Universe also features four new Nickelodeon-branded retail stores. Located at the north entrance of Nickelodeon Universe, the Nickelodeon Store, occupying more than 5,000-square feet, is the flagship store with the largest selection of Nickelodeon merchandise in the world. The store will include unique character merchandise from SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, The Fairly OddParents, The Backyardigans, Rugrats and more. 4U Nickelodeon Universe will feature-up-to-the-minute fashions for tweens and teens from hot tees to funky bags featuring some of Nick's most popular properties, including The Naked Brothers Band and SpongeBob SquarePants. Home to some of Nickelodeon's most beloved properties and the largest toy store in the Mall of America, TOYS will be the one-stop-shop for the latest new toy trends for kids of all ages. NU Stuff, is home to park based Nickelodeon Universe souvenir merchandise. This 1,000-square foot space, located at the East entrance of Nickelodeon Universe, offers an open atmosphere to make browsing fun an easy. Chicago-based Levy Restaurants will bring a fresh new dining marketplace, EATS, to the theme park. Levy's innovative Culinary team has created healthy dining options and one-of-a kind concepts for guests of all ages, including fresh-carved sandwiches, flatbreads and signature baked goods. These unique, healthy dishes complement Nickelodeon's five-year-old health and wellness commitment, Let's Just Play, and the brand itself. More than 4,400 hours of labor from PCL Construction has gone into Nickelodeon Universe to install the new, branded rides. Construction on Nickelodeon Universe is environmentally conscious, with nearly 85 percent of the construction demolition being recycled; totaling 2,179 tons of material or 5,000 cubic yards. For more information, visit www.nickelodeonuniverse.com. About Levy Restaurants Levy Restaurants was founded in Chicago in 1978 and is recognized as one of America's fastest growing and most critically acclaimed restaurant companies, and is the leader in premium sports and entertainment dining concessions. Levy's diverse and expansive portfolio includes award-winning restaurants such as James Beard-winning Spiaggia and Bistro 110 in Chicago, Fulton's Crab House and Wolfgang Puck's Grand Cafe at Walt Disney World Resort, renowned sports venues, such as Lambeau Field in Green Bay, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and American Airlines Arena in Miami, retail locations including Hershey's and the Harley Museum, and events including Super Bowls, World Series, Kentucky Derbies, NASCAR Racing, the US Open and the Grammy Awards. For details on Levy Restaurants, visit www.levyrestaurants.com. About Mall of America Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. The 4.2 million square foot complex is home to more than 520 world-class shops; the nation's largest indoor family amusement park; Underwater Adventures, a 1.2 million gallon walk-though aquarium; a 14-screen movie theater and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. For more information visit www.mallofamerica.com. About Nickelodeon Nickelodeon Recreation began in 1990 and since has grown to include a diverse range of complex and specialized business segments including hotel resorts, touring family theatricals and theme park attractions. Nickelodeon, in its 28th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 96 million households and has been the number-one- rated basic cable network for more than 13 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. NYSE: VIA NYSE: VIA.B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanks4me05 Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I'm really liking the atmosphere of this place! I would expect the people to theme the rides just "generally" to each cartoon, but they even made a shout out to Rugrats! I remember that show when I was growing up - I'm only 15 (in about two weeks - I have a crap load of Itunes $ on my list among other stuff - I saw my TPR Spain Video/ present arrive in the mail because I come home before my parents, so many of my mailed presents are not a surprise, but my parents almost always give me coaster related stuff anyway) , but hey, it's not on anymore, and it aired in what, 1991? (The Kiddie Reptar Bumper Cars.) And they even gave a shout out to one of the original Spongebob episodes - the Rock Bottom episode. I remember it well. I will definitely try to plan a mini mid west trip in my college years. (When I mean mini, I mean probably 4 - 6 parks or so, not a huge 2+ week trip - those are for when I get more money, and my first true huge trip will probably either be a TPR trip - it will probably have a crap load of add ons if TPR does another East Coast trip in 5 or 10 years.) -Tanks "I still watch Nickelodeon - but hey, IMO Avatar has a good plot. At least I watch the Military Channel as well - I'm a 'balanced' TV watcher." 4me05. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiteeatingtree Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kraken613 Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Thats odd to me. SB has a 32'' heigth requirment seems a bit short. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Nicky Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Spongebob and Avatar both will have 48" height restrictions. It is really funny that the website just went live as I checked about 15 minutes ago and it was just the old preview site. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiteeatingtree Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upside down Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Site dosent want to work for me, I wonder why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vffreak07 Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 It's actually a really bad site. It takes a really long time to navigate from ride to ride, and (to me) the interactive map doesn't work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Nicky Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I'm sure it has some kinks in it, but it will get better over time. My biggest problem w/ it is that they din't just have a page that lists all the rides. But for an interactive site, I think it works pretty well. I like how you can list all of the ride you want to do and it will tell you how many points you have to buy to go on all of those rides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Nicky Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Found a new Spongebob video Fairly-Odd Coaster and Pepsi Orange Streak http://youtube.com/watch?v=YHcPyo0-p6U Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
threeyoda Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 looty said over at TN that he's getting pics tommorow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jekoon Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 That site was pretty bad. I didn't get any information out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiquidForce Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 looks like the website was launched before it was even finished... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterdude5 Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Yeah I'm not impressed with the site either. Too slow and hard to navigate. But it's not big deal, they got time to work everything out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knottslover77 Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 The site wouldn't let me go to any other ride then the swings. I must say this site was horrible. --Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoshiFan Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I agree the website is horrible, the height restrictions are all messed up. It says for the kiddie bumper cars you either need to be 37" or 42" or be with an adult to ride. I don't think there is a kiddie bumper car ride that exists that allows adults to ride (due to safety), plus how would an adult or anyone over 54" even fit in those cars? I guess the $250 is there way of not wanting to sell season passes. Unless I lived less than 15 minutes away, there is no way I would get one. $150 would have been a much better price. A large increase of $50 but still reasonable enough that most would still get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 WTF spongebob apparently has the same height requirement as bumpercars. How is that possible. I thoug0ht at least a 480inch requirement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 WTF spongebob apparently has a 32inch height requirement. How is that possible. Thats less than three feet tall and ef=ven a smaller requirement than the d0isney coasters. Ithought it would be at least 48" tall 0but 32" just seems kind of dangerous as well. This seems li0ke a full fledged coster and contains a m0ore than vertical dr0op so 0this is really wierd. http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/rideSpongeBobSquarePantsRockBottomPlunge.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looty Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 ^That's an obvious error. It will have a 48" height requirement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golfie Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I don't see why everyone's freaking out about height requirements. I'm pretty sure almost everyone on this site is probably over 48" tall. The rides are ready to go, so who cares about some typos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Nicky Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Here is a old-new map comparison. Old first New second Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiteeatingtree Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Nicky Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I would guess that they have not been removed...yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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