Nickelodeon Universe
4.5(18K)google
3.8(191)yelp
KidsYouth-FriendlyIndoorThrillingMust-SeeCarnival
Overview
Nickelodeon Universe is the name of two indoor amusement parks located at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Originally, a third location was under construction at the Mall of China in Chongqing, China, but it was later announced that it would not be branded as a Nickelodeon Universe. The parks consist of attractions and rides based on Nickelodeon’s popular franchises.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-7 hours
Best TimeA massive, fully climate-controlled indoor amusement park perfect for any season. Visiting on a non-holiday weekday afternoon (Tuesday through Thursday) after 2:00 PM is highly advised; this hits the sweet spot for minimal line stagnation across major coasters like the SpongeBob Plunge, letting you experience thrill rides back-to-back.
Getting TherePerfectly centered within the absolute heart of the Mall of America beneath the massive glass canopy dome. Transit is seamless via the METRO Blue Line light rail. Drivers should utilize the West Garage multi-story parking structures and stroll directly into the central courtyard grid where the towering indoor rollercoasters are immediately visible.
Travel Tips
- This 7-acre park uses an open-gate layout where ride points expire daily; high-frequency riders must purchase the Unlimited Ride Wristband at opening instead of individual point cards to optimize spend.
- The premier coaster SpongeBob Rock Bottom Plunge bottlenecks to 90-minute wait times between 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM on weekends; monitor queues via app and clear this asset before 11:00 AM or after 7:30 PM.
- Rides operating directly beneath the massive glass skylights experience intense greenhouse heating from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in summer; ensure children avoid skin contact with exposed metal safety bars.
Reviews
Positive
- As a premier indoor theme park, it perfectly blends thrilling roller coasters with beloved IPs like SpongeBob and PAW Patrol, creating a vibrant and visually spectacular atmosphere.
- All the rides operate under a soaring glass atrium, completely immune to harsh outdoor weather year-round, offering fantastic natural light and a safe, comfortable environment.
- Purchasing the Unlimited Ride Wristband is highly recommended; riding just a handful of the major attractions easily justifies the cost, making it excellent value.
- The accessibility design is highly commendable, with queue lines and public spaces being exceptionally stroller and wheelchair friendly, and staff are very accommodating to guests with special needs.
Heads up
- Being in the center of the mall, the lines during weekends or holidays are brutal; popular rides like Rock Bottom Plunge frequently have waits over an hour, meaning two hours is nowhere near enough time.
- Certain high-thrill roller coasters are frequently closed for maintenance without prior notice, leaving adult thrill-seekers disappointed and pointing to a need for better management updates.
- The fast food and themed dining options inside the park are heavily overpriced; a bottle of water or popcorn costs far more than outside, so it is better to eat on other floors of the mall.
- The ambient noise level and music inside the cavernous indoor space can be deafening; it can quickly become overwhelming and headache-inducing for sensory-sensitive toddlers or seniors.