Nickelodeon Universe: Coming in 2008 to the Park at MOA

[Mike T]

http://mn-meetings.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/25/unknown_2.jpg

The Park at MOATM, the largest indoor family amusement park in the nation, invites guests to take a whirlwind ride on the latest roller coaster, the speeding and spiraling Timberland Twister. The park is home to seven acres of fun with more than 30 remarkable rides and attractions, nine mouth watering places to eat, plenty of entertainment and, of course, shopping.

The Park at MOA is currently undergoing a transformation! Nickelodeon Universe will be opening in spring of 2008. While you can still enjoy all the same great rides and attractions, there may be construction taking place during your visit.

Nickelodeon Universe Kid's Construction Crew
Would you like to be part of the construction of Nickelodeon Universe? Join our Nickelodeon Universe Kid's Construction Crew! We'll provide you with a free yellow construction hat (wristband purchase required) and each time you purchase an unlimited ride wristband between October and February, you'll receive a new sticker for your hat.

Once you have five stickers on your hat, you'll get a FREE ticket to Nickelodeon Universe (opening in spring of 2008). So visit the Park today and become a member of the Nickelodeon Universe Kid's Construction Crew!

Nickelodeon Universe FEATURED RIDES:
SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge
A unique vertical lift that will turn you head over heels - with intense loops, spirals and 90-degree turns. This ride is currently under construction.

Avatar Airbender
An extreme family thrill ride, taking you through the curl of the wave with rotating seats and an amazing free fall experience.

Splat-O-Sphere

A radical 60' spring tower that will launch you right up to the ceiling of the park, then catapult you down at record speeds. This ride is currently under construction.
Rock Bottom Plunge Webcam: http://info.theparkatmoa.com/Hours/RockPlunge.htm

Avatar and Splat-O-Sphere Webcam: http://info.theparkatmoa.com/Hours/splat-o-sphere.htm

An Idea of what the Sponge Bob Ride will look like:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/mike2008t/SpongeBobSquarePantsRockBottomPlung.jpg


With 2 New Major roller coasters and a large indoor drop tower coming to the park in 2008, it will definately change the face of what The Park at MOA looks like all together! With these additions, it brings the Park's indoor coaster total to 5!

[Jake]

That SpongeBob coaster looks a little... intense for a SpongeBob coaster, doesn't it? It's a nice layout and all that, but it seems a little "big kid" when they're trying to appeal to a younger audience.

[rollercoasterfreak91]

^But think about how those kids will brag to their friends. I think it's a good mix that adults and teens will enjoy too. I need to hit MOA someday...

[Arez]

Looks like a great coaster, I'm loving that twisting drop. Congrats to MOA on this great expansion, it's pretty amazing that all of these rides will be inside of a mall.

-Alex

[Michael]

Finally, a twisting drop on a EF, man this ride looks great! I'm going to be visiting MOA next summer, so I'l be sure to ride this :D

[jolash]

That SpongeBob coaster looks a little... intense for a SpongeBob coaster, doesn't it? It's a nice layout and all that, but it seems a little "big kid" when they're trying to appeal to a younger audience.

Perhaps it's appealing to the younger ages who want to take a little risk?


Finally, a twisting drop on a EF, man this ride looks great! I'm going to be visiting MOA next summer, so I'l be sure to ride this :D

Mystery Mine?

[Haunt-Freak]

Hey Mike, you wanna put that download up? :D

[Michael]

Mystery Mine?

But is Mystery Mine's Spongebob themed? I didn't think so :p

[sfgam2006]

Well, is the park going to stay open through this? If it does, will it interfer with any of the ride's operation schedule? This seems like a great renovation for the park and it seems sad that the state's second best park is inside a mall and that this park is better then any park in my home state (Arizona). :(

- Zach

[Arez]

Hey Mike, you wanna put that download up? :D

The NL recreation was made by Gerstlauer, not Mike, Ha.

^Yes, the park will stay open, however Pepsi Ripsaw will not operate untill the construction is finished.

-Alex

[jolash]

The NL recreation was made by Gerstlauer, not Mike, Ha.

It was made by Mike. He sent me a copy of the file. That's not even the exact layout anyways.

Mike has seen the layout. This is just an interpretation of what he remembers seeing.

[Arez]

While Mike's layout was close, the actual layout can be found at 1:47 in this (http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=38416&bw=) video. The real coaster has an additional over bank and helix after the mid course. This coaster looks awesome, definitely a wise move by MOA.

-Alex

[Comet]

I think the best case scenario would've been if they kept the old theme and still made this expansion.
The Nickelodeon theme is just getting old for me.

[The Storm Runner]

^You mean if they just kept going with the non-existant theme that is the Park at MoA?

I for one am excited for this! I'm a huge Nickelodeon fan. :D

[ThrillsChills]

This will be a great piece to the park. Look at what Timberland did.

[Jake]

Personally, I am not a huge fan of Nick, but this license is absolute gold for the park. Themes like SpongeBob and the Fairly Odd Parents are names that every kid in America knows. Honestly, I know very few kids who would miss out on the chance to ride a coaster that is SpongeBob related. So, while I may not love Nickelodeon, I can see that it will be good for the park.

[Comet]

^^^By old theme, I meant Camp Snoopy, I prefer that over Nickelodeon.

[jolash]

Nickelodeon is a bigger, more recognizable brand by today's youth than Peanuts is.

I'd also like to note that I'm surprised that this is the first instance of Spongebob in relation with a major ride.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

Like mentioned right above me, I do find it quite unusual how Sponge Bob is the main theme for the signature attraction. The target range of Sponge Bob is only 6-11 years.


While Mike's layout was close, the actual layout can be found at 1:47 in this (http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?aid=38416&bw=) video. The real coaster has an additional over bank and helix after the mid course.
For the truly lazy:
http://xs121.xs.to/xs121/07481/ef.jpg

[jolash]

I was actually noting that I was surprised that Spongebob has really never been used before. Spongebob actually (as far as I've seen) appeals to a much wider age range than 6-11. In fact, many teens enjoyed the humor of Spongebob in its early days (1st season). Then the cartoon got new writers, and the humor became very dull.

[R.C.]

^I heard that SpongeBob was originally created for Adult Swim, but then was turned into a kids show.

I know they had the SpongeBob 3D rides and those were fairly popular, but I am also surprised that there has not been a roller coaster themed to SpongeBob. I think a coaster like this would fit in very well in the old Paramount parks.

[Tom]

The Spongebob movie had almost as much adult humor as it did little kid humor. Every episode in the first season had some adult humor in it, which made older people be able to handle it but since, well its not nearly as good.

The coaster looks good, if I ever get there, I will be sure to ride it.

[ThrillsChills]

Will Nickelodeon advertise on tv? If they do you will have the place be packed every day.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

I was actually noting that I was surprised that Spongebob has really never been used before. Spongebob actually (as far as I've seen) appeals to a much wider age range than 6-11. In fact, many teens enjoyed the humor of Spongebob in its early days (1st season). Then the cartoon got new writers, and the humor became very dull.
Maybe it's after my age group, but I can think of a few people that wouldn't be caught dead watching it.

What I'm getting after is the theme kind of feels like sticking the square peg in the round hole.
"Hey guys, let's go check out the totally scary, thrilling, and breathtaking SpongeBob ride!"
It's like you would not expect to see an Intamin Accelerator coaster with a Barney theme.


Will Nickelodeon advertise on TV? If they do you will have the place be packed every day.
I'm sure you'll see it pop-up here and there...kind of like Expedition Everest and Splash Mountain scenes on Disney Music Videos.

[jolash]

Maybe it's after my age group, but I can think of a few people that wouldn't be caught dead watching it.


Must be. As I wrote my last post, the kid next to me commented "I like Spongebob". I think the age range for Spongebob might be more around 6-18.

[ThrillsChills]

I think the age range for Spongebob might be more around 6-18.

I don't think it would be 18 more like 14 around there. I am 14 and things are pretty funny and some are just really plain stupid.

[jolash]

I don't think it would be 18 more like 14 around there. I am 14 and things are pretty funny and some are just really plain stupid.

I'm 17 and I enjoy Spongebob, as many of my friends do.

Think about it this way. If Spongebob was intended for young children, it wouldn't be on the standard Nickelodeon, it would be on Nick Jr., with the likes of Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, etc.

Also note that Nickelodeon is teen/tween-based television, which is ages 6(about)-18.


Ugh, why am I standing up for Spongebob so much?:p

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

LOL, I don't think there's a right or wrong answer...sorry if I came off that way.

I'm just saying the theme doesn't fit as well as I'd expect for an intense roller coaster, that's all.

[jolash]

I understand. Just as it wouldn't make sense for Canada's Wonderland to name they're big new hyper, Spongebob The Ride.

I think it's part of that illusion concept that goes into coaster design. Although Euro-Fighters are fairly intense, the fact that they're small in stature makes some guests assume it's a bit more tame. The same goes for Maverick.

[Michael]

I'm 17 and I enjoy Spongebob, as many of my friends do.

The old episodes, they are amazing. I love how it appealed to kids with light humor, and the sarcastic humor that was thrown in there for the sake of older viewers, I love it! :D

But anyways, looking at that layout, how on earth are they going to fit that in there!?!? :confused:
lol

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

The old episodes, they are amazing. I love how it appealed to kids with light humor, and the sarcastic humor that was thrown in there for the sake of older viewers, I love it! :D

But anyways, looking at that layout, how on earth are they going to fit that in there!?!? :confused:
lol
I'm almost positive the area where this will be going is much larger than the building that houses either ROTM.

[ThrillsChills]

But anyways, looking at that layout, how on earth are they going to fit that in there!?!? :confused:


Just look at how little space Timberland Twister had. Almost as small as the Spongebob ride.

[Arez]

Apparently, Pepsi Ripsaw's new name will be "Orange Streak", Timberland Twister's is now "Fairly Odd Coaster", and Lil' Shaver will now be called "Barnyard Barnstormer."

Talk about a complete overhaul. I feel that this is a wise move, business wise. I can't even imagine how many kids this will attract.

-Alex

[Haunt-Freak]

Yep. I can't wait to see the new Orange Streak station!
= )
(I've seen the concept artwork and it looks Amazing.

[ThrillsChills]

These names will really change up the theme to the coasters...and parks. I am really looking forward to going to the park in the next couple of months.

[Haunt-Freak]

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g244/mattwagner22/Avatar.jpg
That went up fast!

[Sam]

Avatar has gone vertical.

http://www.theparkatmoa.com/images/camera2a.jpg

[mitchellPAUL]

sweet. A halfpipe meerley six hours away. I've gotta get up there soon!

[Youhow2]

You'd drive six hours for a half-pipe? I want even go up to williamsburg to ride one(mini version though)...

[Haunt-Freak]

Hey everyone! I just put up a full PTR on Valleyfairzone!
www.valleyfairzone.com
Check it out! It has EF pics!

[thatdancingbear]

Thats really cool that you could go and touch the new track :).

I've only had that chance with Greesed Lightnin at SFAW, but I never got close to Tatsu...

[Michael]

Wow, great update! :D

Loved the commentaries on the pics, lol :p Nice to have some good humor.

And I really enjoyed the pictures of the new track, wow! Very neat color, I think it will look great when it's all said and done :cool:

[p0tat0]

hahah really nice commentary there

[Dan]

Great update! I'm amazed the designers can fit all this new stuff into the building, it's so packed already.

[Airtime&Gravity]

This park is going to be impressive when finished, and like said above, it is impressive that more rides are being added to what was already a really compact park. While I loved the forest theme, the whole Nickelodeon theme should be great for business as the kids who visit the park will probably have a lot of fun since it will be themed around shows they watch. The euro-fighter looks like a great ride, and the Half Pipe is a fun ride that will be a great family coaster in the park.

[Haunt-Freak]

There should be vertical construction tonight. Keep watchin!

[Haunt-Freak]

UPDATE! Valleyfairzone will have pics from today so stay tuned!

[rcwhiz]

I'm surprised that track isn't covered or put into a special area where it can be watched so nothing goes missing. Right now it looks like its out in the open for anyone.

Besides that, great report. Glad that work looks like it is going smoothly on the rides. I must ask are they changing every single name (Rides, concessions, stalls, etc.) or are they keeping some names from before.

[Haunt-Freak]

If I remember right they're changing all the names of the rides.

[thatdancingbear]

^^ Its not like you can pick it up and put it in your car... And I'm sure there is some sort of security there to see you...

[Haunt-Freak]

Probably some security cameras. And your right, you'd need at LEAST 3 people to carry it. :D

[Sam]

Here is a still frame of the construction. It's looking great so far! :)

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/files/camera1a_719.jpg

[mitchellPAUL]

Holy crapola! that thing as just shot up from last time i saw it. it looks a little intense to be named after sopngebob, but it looks amazing none the less!

[Michael]

The only thing that looks odd to me is the zero g roll... thing :p It's a little oddly shaped, but other than that this is looking fantastic!


Also, so you can get a sense of how compact and crammed this little coaster is:
Imagine how close the drop will get to the visitors below!

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p21200.jpg

photo courtesy of rcdb.com

http://cache.rcdb.com/pictures/picmax/p21200.jpg

photo by Matt Luettinger

[rollercoasterfreak91]

Wow, I don't even know if little kids will want to go on this, it's so intense looking. But I will! :)

[The Storm Runner]

I think that immelman zero-g roll thing looks really cool. With Gerstlauer's heartlining, I think it'll turn out really neat.

^^In that pic, doesn't it look like that pullout is starting there? If so, that pullout is starting really early.

[Dan]

Yeah, it does look that way...it is a bit shorter than something like Rage, I'm sure that played a part when designing the first drop (and the rest of the ride of course, lol). That inversion does look awesome as well. I really need to get on a Eurofighter, they look great!

[Voyage100]

My eyes were going to pop out as I found out as, this Gerstlauer ride could be little too intense for family fun. But sounds like a great ride for us.

[Sam]

this Gerstlauer ride could be little too intense for family fun. But sounds like a great ride for us.


Wow, I don't even know if little kids will want to go on this, it's so intense looking.

With any luck this will mean shorter lines for the rest of us. :D

[Mike T]

If anything, I think this ride might be a good thing by enticing Children to try "bigger" rides. The lure of Spongebob could get some kids to toughen it up and become brave about riding roller coasters.

[Haunt-Freak]

New pics up on Valleyfairzone!
http://www.valleyfairzone.com/gallery/index.php

[Haunt-Freak]

Update!
The track is now done!

[Mike T]

Hmm, I'm surprised that my rendering of the ride was more accurate than the one that was posted by that News Team out in Minnesota. I was actually getting excited for the little S-turn that I didn't put in my layout, but surprisingly it never made it into the assembly of the ride.

Overall I think the final product looks very nice, and not as intimidating as I was expecting. I know a lot of people would disagree with me, but this coaster gives off the impression of being fun and radical, rather than menacing and intimidating. I think once the Sponge-bob thematics start popping up throughout the ride area, that impression will hold even truer.

[The Storm Runner]

Have ya'll seen the flaming cars?

http://www.rcdb.com/ig3727.htm?picture=16

I'm guessing the flames are there instead of a yellow "sponge" because of that random hot rod in one of the episodes (or the movie??) with flames on the side? I'm not exactly sure. I think it will look good color-wise with the teal and blue, but I think a yellow with circles would look better.

[Youhow2]

This coaster is proof of how large the age variety is that watches spongebob...lol

[Dan]

Those trains will be a huge hit, though to me it looks like the colors will clash against those of the track. Little bits of interesting additions, such as the car paint, are very interesting to watch. They are one of the few things we don't know about until we see it done.

[rcwhiz]

Surprised they went with those cars. I was expecting a scheme for the cars that makes them look like the red buses just like they are in the episode Rock Bottom.

[Renegade]

Heading up to MOA this weekend. I'll be sure to take lots of photos of the new stuff!

[CedarFair Kinda Guy!]

I think Nickelodeon Universe is turning out to me a great fresh new start for the park of MOA. I was born just down the road from MOA, and grow up around it!! I loved it as a kid, and know as a ThemePark Freak the take over is A-mazing!! So good job to the people behind the upgrade!! Can't wait to take my next trip back home!!

[Michael]

Heading up to MOA this weekend. I'll be sure to take lots of photos of the new stuff!

Photos? :)

[ThrillsChills]

I am going there in 2 weeks, I could get some pictures for you guys.

[Sam]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CZqVDs4d0E
http://youtube.com/watch?v=N_UcfU_bIOY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z7XDFZkYs7k

Testing videos of Avatar and SpongeBob.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

I still think G-Force (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A42X6oF0Lig) looks better than Avatar... okay, I kid. The seat rotation and hang time look really good on Avatar.

Sponge Bob also looks great. The pacing is nice and steady. I'm looking forward to hearing how smooth the transition of the heartline roll to the U-turn (http://rcdb.com/ig3727.htm?picture=12) is.

[The Storm Runner]

^Lol at that G-Force...

I think Avatar and Spongebob both look really good. It's cool to see how Mall of America really crammed these rides in height-wise. I just now noticed that short pop of airtime after the loop on Spongebob. I think it'll make some good ejector air there; very surprising for those who don't know it's coming. :smile:

[Michael]

On spongebob you could hear the upstops hit the rails on that bunny hop after the loop :blink:

Pretty sweet, I have relatives up there so I hope I might be going in the near future...

[thatdancingbear]

^ Upstop Wheels. :wink2:

[upfrontjwash]

im going their this summer, im sure to have lots of pictures.

[ThrillsChills]

I went there yesterday and they were letting all the staff ride it. They were all screaming, I think this is going to be big.

[RaptorOMGZ]

how that intense of a ride could be named spongebob?
I honestly have no idea. Haha :stick_tongue:

[ThrillsChills]

how that intense of a ride could be named spongebob?
I honestly have no idea. Haha :stick_tongue:

You would think its a kiddie ride, but when you look at it. Its just like omg this is crazy.

[Mike T]

From the looks of it, it doesn't look like Sponge Bob is going to have an actual station, rather a loading dock. I find it interesting that they are adding some shallow ponds to the base of this ride. I don't really understand what thats going to do for it, but if it works out then great. If I were to have worked on this ride, I would have added some really large sea weed pieces around this ride. Because its so compact and clustered together, I just get this feeling that something is missing.

Overall though I'm hearing some really great reviews from employees about this ride. I guess the drop is really great (no surprise there) and the roll provides some really nice hang time. I think its good that the park now has a few more challenging rides, and I get the feeling that there's going to be a huge spike in attendance this year.

[ThrillsChills]

I was wondering what was going in the little ponds. I think they should put the sea weed in the water.

[Mike T]

Ironically, after I posted that comment last night, I go to take a look at some updated photos and they seem to be adding aquatic-looking plants to the interiors of the coaster, in and around the ponds as well... Heres the link to those photos.

http://www.thrillnetwork.com/boards/showpost.php?p=751803&postcount=640

[Youhow2]

I wish I could get that rock-bottom plunge sign, It looks so funny and cool... Oh yeah, and that pineapple house thingy....


I didnt know catai grew underwater

[ThrillsChills]

I wish I could get that rock-bottom plunge sign, It looks so funny and cool... Oh yeah, and that pineapple house thingy....


I didnt know catai grew underwater

I got the picture of it on my camera. Be glad to give you the picture if you would like.

[Haunt-Freak]

I'm going on Saturday. Anyone else?

[Mike T]

Interesting note: The price for an annual pass to Nick Universe is $250.00, which is comparable to the price of a Disney annual pass. A little rediculous for a 7 acre park don't you think?

[Dan]

That is extremely ridiculous. Anyone know what it was last year? If it was high last year as well, that means they sold a lot of 'em, so more power to them if that's the case.

[ArrowOwnzU]

Interesting note: The price for an annual pass to Nick Universe is $250.00, which is comparable to the price of a Disney annual pass. A little rediculous for a 7 acre park don't you think?

The cheapest Disneyland pass is around 130 bucks, thats just ridiculous.

[Mike T]

Well Nick Universe knows for a fact that they can get away with it with that Nickelodeon license. I mean look at what parents will do to get their daughters to a Hannah Montana concert. I think they'll find success with the season pass, although I don't think its appropriate to charge people 250 for 7 acres of rides that includes a pseudo-disk-o, the smallest Euro fighter on earth, a spinning coaster, and a coaster that operates more like a high speed train. I understand that Nick is a big thing, but I think they are taking advantage of their customers.

In fact, the park normally sells this thing thats called a "80 ticket deal". That means you'll need 80 tickets to do everything in the park, and this is what the park generally sells as admission to visitors. Well, they recently up'ed the price of this deal, where 1 ticket = the value of $1. So you're paying 80 dollars to spend a day in this park. Keep in mind Universal's Orlando resort has a deal going on for 82 dollars where I guest can visit not one, but two parks for SEVEN consecutive days. In fact you could buy 2 tickets to Cedar Point for the same price as one day's admission to a park the size of Maverick's plot of land...

EDIT: The article I was reading is a bit misleading. While indeed 80 points is 80 dollars worth, Nick Universe has this things where you can get an unlimited rides wristband for 29.99...

http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com/ticketpurchasing.html

I still think its a bit much, but definately a more acceptable price.

[ThrillsChills]

I get the unlimited wristbands there easy and cheap. The prices are a little bit too high.

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

I think $29 does NOT seem bad at all.

Look at the location you're at: the middle of a mall, or lack of cover, a huge tourist trap. Compare $29 to the average price one could spend at a Family Entertainment Center: a couple laps on the go-kart track(s), your typical sky coaster, maybe a flat ride or two. Each of those is what, $5-12? The price levels itself out quite equal. Then factor in the money you just wasted at the FEC, you end up getting readmission on the rides at MOA if you want.

[Sam]

^ Sky coasters tend to cost an upwards of $35 for one ride, at least the Six Flags ones do.

[Renegade]

I agree $29 not bad, but $250 for a season pass is ridiculous! But, then again, it does get you in every day of the year! :ohmy:

The old prices were only $25, so they've only raised it up 4 bucks, which is very low when think about how much power Avatar is going to be using!

[Thrill Reconnoiter]

^ Sky coasters tend to cost an upwards of $35 for one ride, at least the Six Flags ones do.
Oh yeah, most definitely. I meant to generalize it though... Gravity Works' Sky Scraper, different tower rides, S&S, etc, Fun Time and other Sling Shots, etc. All are of them are easily in the $12-30+ range, so MOA's price seems realistic.

If it was on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, I could see it being high, but look what's around it. I'm sure you can walk the corner and find one of those little message booths at $25 for 10 minutes.

[Sam]

Nick Universe officially opened this past weekend along with the two new coasters. Theme Park Review member TimbersKara posted an excellent PTR of the opening. Lots of great photos here.

http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42466



On another level, I just talked with my cousin who went there with some of her friends today and she said it was great. So there you have it - satisfaction from the teenage GP. Obviously this is fun for many more than just coaster nerds and Nickelodeon loving kids. :)

[ThrillsChills]

^Just saw those pictures and I think its really cool that some stars came here for the grand open. Were all the llines longer then on a regular day?