Legoland as it once was.

Legoland is one of the few stores at the Mall of America that has been there since the mall opened, which is why I was surprised to see no Legos in Legoland last time I visited. All that is left is a few support beams.

The good news here is that they are building a bigger and better Legoland. It will be in the same location as the previous one and the new store will be open in November.

There is a temporary Lego store in Nickelodeon Universe, near West Market Square, so you can still buy your Legos, but there are no giant Lego creations at this time or places to go and play with Legos.

If you are at the Mall of America and get pictures of the construction, let us know and we’ll post them. Unfortunately last time I visited, I didn’t have my camera.

Legoland disappears from the Mall of America. But will return soon. originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

• ValleyFair tailors more to big kids, Nickelodeon Universe to little kids.
• ValleyFair is outdoors, Nickelodeon Universe is indoors.
• ValleyFair is pricy but all rides are included, Nickelodeon Universe is pay per ride for the most part.
• ValleyFair has a water park, Nickelodeon Universe has a water ride.
• ValleyFair is open in the summer, Nickelodeon Universe is open all year around.
• ValleyFair usually has longer lines, Nickelodeon Universe doesn’t have the crowds.
• ValleyFair has some gift shops, Nickelodeon Universe has an entire mall.
• ValleyFair has Wild Thing, Nickelodeon Universe has Sponge Bob.
• ValleyFair has paid parking, Nickelodeon Universe has free parking.
• ValleyFair has bugs, Nickelodeon Universe is bug free.
• ValleyFair gets you a tan, or sun burn, Nickelodeon Universe keeps the sun away.
• ValleyFair has mini golf for an additional price, Nickelodeon Universe does too.
• ValleyFair has all day fun, Nickelodeon Universe you can probably do in an hour or two.

What other comparisons do you have?

Post inspired by ValleyFair VS. Nickelodeon Universe at the Science Buzz.

Battle: ValleyFair VS. Nickelodeon Universe originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

Sure, down low all is good. But the view from the second or third level shows dust caked on all the Legos.  The colors appear faded due to the dirty conditions and it detracts from the mall landmark.

Now, I know it’s not easy to climb up and clean them all but you’d think that once every few years they could do something.  Maybe they do.  Maybe they just get dirty that fast!

Either way, Lego Land needs a bit more cleaning and attention paid to it.  It’s a fantastic attraction and it should look as good as possible at all times.

Someone Needs to Clean Lego Land originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

Instead of one giant addition, they are now thinking of a three phased approach.  The first, 3 million square foot, phase could be done by 2013.  The rest… maybe in our lifetime.

There are no details on store, or when construction may start, but at least they are sill thinking of expanding.  However, with the economy the way it is, I wouldn’t be expect to see the expansion be delayed yet again.  On the other hand, think of how many jobs it’d create!

Mall of America Expansion Rendering

Mall of America is Still Expanding…. Eventually. originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

It’s taking over the old Sportsmart location and is well under way of development.  Not sure on when the store will be open for business though.

Best Buy Coming to the Mall of America originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

Spongebob, Patrick, Dora the Explorer, Backyardigans and all your favorite characters will be on hand to welcome you.

If you head out, let us know what you thought and how much fun you had!

For more information, visit: http://www.nickelodeonuniverse.com

Nickelodeon Universe Opens Saturday March 15th! originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

This is the first announcement from the nations largest indoor theme park and many more will be on their way as they work towards the March 2008 completion date. A logo, character rides and overall theme park makeover is all on it’s way for the Mall of America.

During the transition period, the rides should not be shut down but some construction annoyances will probably come up.

Stay tuned for more information.

Mall of America Welcomes Nickelodeon Universe originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

Moose Mountain Adventure Golf is coming to the Mall of America later this summer. The 19 hole course will overlook the amusement park and construction is already under way.

The ironic part is it’s location. It’s located in the exact same spot as the mini golf course use to be in the mall. When the mall first opened mini golf was a part of it all. Then it was removed for Cereal Land from General Mills, then Dinosaur World and now it’s back to mini golf. Ok, so I think there may have been more than two attractions in that spot, but I’m not sure what they were. Either way, this space doesn’t hold attractions for long. However Moose Mountain Adventure Golf looks pretty nice!

It’ll open later in the summer, probably around August is my bet. Lets just hope they keep the pricing reasonable so that it can be a success!

Moose Mountain Mini Golf Coming to Mall of America originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

Over the next few months, the rides will be transformed into Nickelodeon themed rides. These include “Spongebob Squarepants,” “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius,” “My Life as a Teenage Robot” and “Rugrats.”

Better yet, new rides are on their way also. Including a possible 70-foot-tall free-fall tower tower and an upside down rollercoaster!! The coaster is set to be themed to “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

I was a big fan of Snoopy, but I think that Nickelodeon is an excellent choice to bring to the park. On my next visit to the mall, I’ll have to remember to take my camera!

Not to start a rumor, but the Mall of America does have a large underwater area that would be perfect for SpongeBob. By bringing in SpongeBob & Patrick and making admission to Underwater World free, it may be a great way to bring in more visitors. I know I’ve been to the mall many many times but never paid to see Underwater World.

What do you think?

Mall of America Welcomes Nickelodeon originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

So what will they call the new park?

• Camp Nickelodeon?
• Themepark Under the Sea?
• Nickelodeon Fun Zone?
• Park at Nickelodeon?

SpongBob and the Nickelodeon Team Coming to the Mall of America Theme Park originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com

On November 24th, after 1,700 hours of working, the 60 foot, 1,496 square foot gingerbread house will open up. With 14,250 pounds of gingerbread and 4,750 pounds of icing, it’ll be sweet for sure!

Mall of America’s holiday shoppers will be able to walk though the World’s Largest Gingerbread House and enjoy the not only the house, but the animated elves inside. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m though the 3rd of January. Donations will also be accepted for the Saint Therese Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides housing and health care to seniors.

Check out construction photos at: http://pcl.oxblue.com/gingerbread/

MOA Building the World’s Largest Gingerbread House originally posted at http://www.twistermc.com