Nickelodeon Universe452

SpongeBob, Dora, Blue, and all their pals have taken up residence at the Mall of America in Bloomington, now that Nickelodeon has unveiled its first theme park, Nickelodeon Universe, formerly known as Camp Snoopy and The Park at MOA.

The world's largest indoor family amusement park underwent more than $25 million in renovations during the transformation (with new additions added each year), and now boasts a handful of unique and thrilling new Nick-themed rides, a new food court featuring healthful and tasty international foods and snacks, and four new stores selling Nick merchandise, clothes, toys, and more.

The park's seven acres of rides and attractions, include gentle kiddie rides suitable for toddlers and preschoolers that feature trains, buses, and hot-air balloons, as well as high-speed thrill rides such as the Avatar Airbender and the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge for older kids. There are also rides the whole family can enjoy together, such as the log flume, an ornate carousel, and a large ferris wheel, Dora's Circulo del Cielo, that offers a great view of the park.

Rides are priced on a point system, and riders "pay" by scanning their prepaid tickets or unlimited-ride wristbands before boarding. Wristbands are definitely worth buying for those planning on going on more than a few rides; the cost per ride when paying by points adds up fast. Annual passes are a good option for local families.

Height requirements vary for the two dozen rides; for some attractions there's one limit to ride, and another to ride alone. Check the website for details.

Photos are taken of riders automatically at hair-raising points on a couple of rides for purchase - or ridicule! - after disembarking. Riders can also purchase a DVD of their hair-raising turns on the Fairly Odd Coaster (formerly the Timberland Twister). Several other options for taken-on-the-spot digitally-altered photo souvenirs are offered throughout the park, along with high-quality face painting.

Water fountains and restrooms with changing tables are located by the arcade, across from Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Collider (formerly the Treetop Tumbler). Lockers are located on the second level, near the ferris wheel; the Guest Services desk is across from the carousel.

Parties: Packages at Nickelodeon Universe include three-hour ride wristbands, a choice of four food menus, goodie bags, and a visit from your favorite Nickelodeon character! Contact 952.883.8796 or shenkel@levyrestaurants.com for more information and reservations.