Intro: Got a call from Hospice and had to make an emergency run to Minnesota to see my dying Mother. It's okay, though, folks--my Mother lived a very good life and has seven kids and a plethora of grandchildren. Her legacy will live on, and she will be in the Kingdom of Heaven soon.

With my oldest Sister and younger Brother and several of my nephews, we took a brief excursion to the Mall of America while we all had a chance to be together as a family.

Once inside the mall, everyone split off on their own way. Being single and the only hardcore roller coaster enthusiast in the group....*sigh*....I took the obligation to visit the attractions at Nickelodeon Universe.

The Park: It's been several years since I visited the attractions at the Mall of America. The last time I was there it was still called Knott's Camp Snoopy. I visited the mall last year, but we didn't stay very long at all--we literally walked in then walked right back out.

So this was my first time visiting since the re-theming.

The locations of several ancillary attractions and amenities changed, but the overall topography of the place was familiar enough. One thing I must say--the flow of the place seemed a lot less cluttered. I don't know what they did, but I didn't feel like everything was scattered in a cramped-up maze. Walkways were wide and open. I only got slightly confused trying to get to the Fairly Odd Coaster, but reversing my directions was easy enough.

I miss the old-school arcade games of yesteryear. Although the venerable vintage classic Pac Man was there with it's iconic low-bit theme music. The new cabinets are okay, I guess. I remember playing the deluxe version of Capcom's 1945 with the large vertical CRT screen. *sigh* Those days are sadly gone.

Since we arrived after 5 p.m., I was able to take advantage of the "Twilight" pricing, which means I got a goofy wristband for $19 and change that allowed me to ride at my leisure.

My first ride was Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge. It was my first Euro-Fighter style coaster with a vertical lift. I have to say--while it was exhilarating and certainly very entertaining--it was surprisingly tame. I mean, I didn't really know what to expect. Maybe I expected more. The layout certainly made the ride look more exciting than it was, although the "outside" corkscrew was the most intense element of the ride. This is not so much a complaint because the ride was quite a tickle.

I did Ghost Blasters next. Very tame, but also fun. I was a single passenger so I used both light guns, and I scored more than any of the other riders combined. The guns weren't the most accurate--I notice that they worked better the further away the target. Still fun.

Next was the Pepsi Orange Streak. Even with new trains, I STILL can't fit in those doggone trains without sitting sideways somewhat. At 6'7", life in public transportation systems has always been a challenge. The Pepsi Orange Streak has a long enough duration to actually be a worthwhile ride. It also has some moments that feel like they have a potential to give a moderate sensation of light-weighedness. Fun.

Next was Tak Attack. This was my first ever flat of this kind, and I was looking forward to it. What I wasn't looking forward to was a relatively mild/tame ride that, in places, pushed me rather uncomfortably against the restraints, albeit for brief periods of time during its run. Different.

Next was the Fairly Odd Coaster. It was my first spinning coaster ever. I was very curious about the lift chain, which seemed to be okay suspended several inches above the track at any given time. The ride itself was very fun, and quite a bit more intense than I had expected. I was pleasantly surprised! A longer ride might have made this worth the visit on its own. Excellent! I look forward to riding more of these.

I have yet to ride the log flume ride. It looks like it might be interesting. If I had more time I would have tried it. I don't know if I would fit in it, though. Could someone who's ridden it please enlighten me as to how the ride is? I've always loved how the Orange Streak cuts right through the mountain facade.

One thing I want to mention about the ride operators: They are very lackluster and don't seem to be into their jobs. It didn't seem to effect how the guests enjoyed the rides, but it was sub par and very unprofessional. Lots of teenagers who you know are going to college and can't wait to get off work. Not good for PR.

Also, I notice how two of the rides--Rock Bottom Plunge and Tak Attack--pushed me so hard against my restraints that I've been sore ever since! This is unusual for any ride visit, much less rides that aren't as epic in scale as many of the ones I've ridden in the past. I would chalk it up to old age, but I remember thinking how if it weren't for the restraints I would be an oily stain on the ground below. It wasn't too uncomfortable at the time, but the lingering effects afterward are certainly not welcome or appreciated!

I've suffered worse bruises on the Son of Beast on my legs and even threw my shoulder out one year on the Mantis, but my entire body felt achy and sore from those two rides. Not even my 12 hour ride from Ohio to Minnesota left me so sore!

Alas.

I like what they've done with the park as far as engineering. It seems a heck of a lot more efficient than I remember. But the lackadaisical attitudes of the ride operators was a palpable downer. The pricing didn't bother me, even though I didn't have very long to stay. It was a decent value for the money.

One last thing: What is it with food being so expensive anymore? I mean, I know the economy is bad, but $2 for a kiddie cone is nothing short of ridiculous!

Thanks for reading! I hope you are able to/live in some place warm enough to still enjoy the rides!

Excellent report; a pleasure to read.
Your first paragraph re your Mother was very nicely worded.

Mike B.

Sounds like you had a great time, Link. fortunately, I never had to worry about being too tall for a ride.

pat-O

I echo the sentiments above. I've always wanted to go to MOA, but I have a hunch it's one of those places I'll never get to. I looked at your profile, and it's impossible to tell you're that tall. Have you ever actually HAD trouble or been turned away from a ride?

Mike

> I echo the sentiments above. I've always wanted to go to
> MOA, but I have a hunch it's one of those places I'll never
> get to.

I feel that way about most of the parks mentioned here. =(

> I looked at your profile, and it's impossible to
> tell you're that tall. Have you ever actually HAD trouble
> or been turned away from a ride?

Yes: I am unable to ride giant Frisbees such as Delirium or maXair. I never knew you could be too tall for the ride. I now know what it is to be discriminated against for a ride because of my physical features. =/

P.S.: I got this email from my older Sister a short while ago:

At 2:30 p.m., quietly and peacefully mom finished her journey home to be with the Lord.

>> At 2:30 p.m., quietly and peacefully mom finished her
> journey home to be with the Lord.

My condolences, Link. Oddly, I just posted something referencing my late Mom.

Mike

I forgot to mention that I was worried that I've always been apprehensive of the idea of a spinning coaster because spinning makes me dizzy and thereby violently nauseous. To my pleasant surprise, the ride spinning didn't make me dizzy at all--that is--until the very end, when the car has to re-orient itself and spins in place while it sits at the brake. Those few moments, although brief, were unbearable!

> My condolences, Link. Oddly, I just posted something
> referencing my late Mom.

Thank you! I'm glad that her struggle has finally ended. I'm also grateful that she probably couldn't be any happier right about now! =)

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