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Nickelodeon in amusement parks

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Since the 1990s, Nickelodeon, a worldwide children's television network and franchise, owned by Paramount Global, has had an involvement in the creation and theming of amusement parks rides.

Several amusement parks have featured themed areas entirely devoted to the Nickelodeon brand whilst others have featured standalone attractions. Nickelodeon attractions currently exist at Movie Park Germany, Pleasure Beach Blackpool, Mall of America, Sea World, and American Dream Meadowlands. Attractions previously existed at California's Great America, Canada's Wonderland, Carowinds, Dreamworld, Kings Dominion, Kings Island, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Studios Hollywood and WhiteWater World.

History

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On June 7, 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened with an attraction named Nickelodeon Studios. It was a television taping studio for the cable television channel Nickelodeon.

In 1995, Nickelodeon Splat City opened at three former Paramount Parks: California's Great America, Kings Dominion and Kings Island. These attractions were inspired by the game shows that aired on the television network and generally involved slime. In 1999, Kings Dominion closed Nickelodeon Splat City in preparation for the opening of its 2000 attraction, Nickelodeon Central. Nickelodeon Central brought a retheme of many of the park's children's rides as well as the addition of new ones. Kings Island followed suit, closing its Splat City in 2000 and opening Nickelodeon Central in 2001. This area would later be expanded and renamed Nickelodeon Universe in 2006.

In 2002, Australian theme park Dreamworld opened Nickelodeon Central.[1] In 2003, Nickelodeon Central opened at California's Great America, Canada's Wonderland and Carowinds, and Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast opened in Universal Studios Florida. Expansions of these areas took place in 2005, 2006 and 2008 for Carowinds, Kings Island and Dreamworld, respectively. The Kings Island area was also renamed to Nickelodeon Universe at the same time. In 2007, Movie Park Germany opened a similar area entitled Nickland. In 2007, it was announced that Nickelodeon Universe would be opening in Mall of America in 2008, replacing Camp Snoopy. In 2009 and 2010, Cedar Fair terminated their contract with Nickelodeon resulting in all of the areas being rethemed to Planet Snoopy. In early 2011, at a cost of £10 million, Pleasure Beach Blackpool opened Nickelodeon Land.[2][3] By mid-2011, Dreamworld had closed their Nickelodeon Central and rethemed it to the generic Kid's World theme (it was later revealed that the park had struck a deal with DreamWorks Animation).[4][5] In 2012, Universal's Superstar Parade had its first performance which features floats based on SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer and later opened a SpongeBob gift shop in Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone. In September 2016, it was announced that a new Nickelodeon Universe would open in the upcoming American Dream Meadowlands mall and entertainment complex owned by the Triple Five Group, which also owns the Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe American Dream opened to visitors on 25 October 2019.[6]

Locations

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Park Area Opening date Closing date Previous area Replaced by
Alton Towers Nickelodeon: Outta Control 1997 1998 Frog Hopper
American Dream Meadowlands[7] Nickelodeon Universe 25 October 2019[6]
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Nickelodeon Land May 2011[8] Beaver Creek children's park
California's Great America Nickelodeon Central 2000 2009 Hanna Barbera Land Planet Snoopy[9]
Canada's Wonderland Nickelodeon Central 2003 2009 Hanna Barbera Land Planet Snoopy[9]
Carowinds Nickelodeon Central 22 March 2003[10] 2009 Happy Land of Hanna Barbera Planet Snoopy[9]
Dreamworld Nickelodeon Central 26 December 2002[11] 24 June 2011[4] Kennyland[12] Kid's World[4]
Kings Dominion Nickelodeon Central 2000 2009 Happy Land of Hanna Barbera Planet Snoopy[9]
Kings Island Nickelodeon Universe 2001 2009 Happy Land of Hanna Barbera Planet Snoopy[9]
The Land of Legends[13] Nickelodeon Land 15 January 2025
Mall of America Nickelodeon Universe 8 March 2008 Camp Snoopy
Movie Park Germany Nickland 2007[14] Unknown
Parque de Atracciones de Madrid Nickelodeon Land April 2014 Infantil Zone
Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside Nickelodeon Adventure February 2020
Nickelodeon Adventure Madrid Nickelodeon Adventure December 2018 September 2019
Nickelodeon Adventure Murcia Nickelodeon Adventure December 2017
Sea World Nickelodeon Land December 2011 Beach Break Bay
Sega World Sydney Nickelodeon TV Machine April 1997 2000
Sunway Lagoon Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon 2 February 2016 2023 Sunway Lost Lagoon
Universal Studios Florida Nickelodeon Studios 7 June 1990 30 April 2005 Blue Man Group Theatre
Universal Studios Hollywood Nickelodeon Blast Zone April 2001 7 January 2008 The Adventures of Curious George
WhiteWater World Nickelodeon Pipeline Plunge 8 December 2006[15] 24 June 2011[4] Pipeline Plunge

Attractions

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Below is a list of all of the attractions at Nickelodeon themed areas around the world. The dates shown in the columns refer to the opening and closing dates for the ride under that name. It does not mean that the ride was closed and/or removed.

Attraction Type CGA CW C DW KD KI MOA MPG PBB ADM TLOL Standalone
Angry Beavers Spooty Spin Matterhorn 2002-2011[4][16]
Avatar Airbender Disk'O 2006–2009 2011-[17]
Avatar Airbender Half Pipe roller coaster 2008-[18]
Avatar Air Glider Giant Skychaser 2007-[19]
Back at the Barnyard Hayride Powered roller coaster 2008-[18]
Backyardigans' Hip Hopper Hopper 2007-[19]
Backyardigans' Mission to Mars Junior Roller Coaster 2007-[19][20]
Backyardigans' Pirate Treasure Swinging Ship 2011-[17]
Backyardigans' Swing-Along Swinger ????-2009 2006–2009 2008-[18]
Backyardigans Mighty Go Round Carousel 2008-2011[4][21]
Back at the Barnyard Bumpers Bumper cars 2007-[19]
Balloon Race Balloon Ride 2008-2015
Big Rigs 2008-[18]
Bikini Bottom Bus Tour Crazy Bus 2011-[17]
Blue Flyer Junior Roller Coaster 2011-[17]
Blue's Skidoo Rotating Flat Ride 2003-2011[4][21] 2006–2009 2008-[18] 2007-2018[19] 2019
Boots Balloon Race Balloon Ride ????-2009
BrainSurge UniCoaster 2010-
Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler Spinning Tower Ride 2015-[18]
Carousel Carousel 2008-[18]
Crazy Cars Bumper cars 2008-[18]
Danny Phantom Flyers Kite Flyer 2006–2007
Danny Phantom Ghost Zone Teacups 2007-[19]
Danny Phantom Ghost Zone Falling Star 2008-2015
Diego's Rainforest Rescue Balloon Ride 2011-[17]
Diego's Rescue Rider Rotating Flat Ride 2007-[19]
Diego's Rescue Rider Crazy Bus 2008-[18]
Dora's Adventure Express Children's Train 2007-[19]
Dora's Big River Adventure Log Flume 2007-[19]
Dora's Dune Buggies Rotating Flat Ride 2003-2009[22][23] 2003-2009
Dora's Sky Railway Monorail 2019
Dora's World Voyage Boat Ride 2011-[17]
Dora and Boots Sun Wheel Ferris Wheel 2008-[18]
Dora the Explorer Azul's Adventure Children's Train ????-2009
Dora the Explorer Sea Planes Rotating Flat Ride 2002-2010[16][24]
Fairly Odd Coaster Family Wooden Roller Coaster 2005-2009[25] 2006-2009[26]
Fairly Odd Coaster Spinning roller coaster 2008-????[18]
Fairy World Spin Mack teacups 2013-[19]
Fairy World Taxi Spin Rotating Flat Ride 2011-[17]
Flying Dutchman's Revenge Rockin' Tug ????-2009
Ghost Blasters Dark ride 2008-[18]
Ghost Chasers Wild Mouse 2007-[19][27]
Go Diego Go Jeep Ride 2006–2009
Ice Age Adventure Flume ride 2005-2016[19]
Jimmy Neutron's Atom Smasher Bumper cars 2006–2009
Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Collider Rotating Flat Ride 2008-[18]
Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Flyer Suspended Family Coaster 2007-[19][28]
Jimmy Neutron's Brainwasher 2003-2009
Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast Motion simulator 2003-2011 (USF)
Krusty Krab Order Up Hopper 2011-[17]
La Adventura de Azul Children's Train 2006–2009 2008-[18]
LazyTown Sportacopters Pedal Helicopters ????-2009 2006–2009
Little Bill's Cruisers Mini Speed Boat Ride ????-2009
Little Bill's Giggle Coaster Junior Roller Coaster 2006-2009[29]
Log Chute Log flume 2008-[18]
Mystery River Raft ride 2005-2017[19]
Nick Jr. Drivers Car Ride 2006–2009
Nick Jr. Jets Flying Jet Ride ????-2009
Nick O Round Carousel ????-2009 2002-2008[16][21] 2006–2009
Nickelodeon Blast Zone Children's play area 2001-2007 (USH)
Nickelodeon Pipeline Plunge Aqua play area 2006-2011 (WWW)
Nickelodeon Space Surfer Swinger 2001–2009
Nickelodeon Streak Wooden roller coaster 2011-[17]
Nickelodeon Studios Production studio and game show 1990-2005 (USF)
Pepsi Orange Streak Steel roller coaster 2008-[18]
Danny Phantom's Phantom Flyers Kite Flyer ????-2009 2006–2009
Pineapple Poppers Jumping Castle 2008-[18]
Plankton's Plunge Hopper 2006–2009 2025-[30]
Rocket Power Air Time Swinging Ride ????-2009
Rocket Power Bumper Beach Bumper cars 2002-2011[4][16]
Rugrat Reptarmobiles Bumper cars 2008-[18]
Rugrats Lost River Log flume 2011-[17]
Rugrats Runaway Reptar Roller Coaster Suspended Family Coaster 2003-2009[22][23][31] 2003-2009[10] 2002-2011[4][32] 2001-2009[33]
Rugrats Toonpike 2003–2009 2002–2009
Sandy's Power Plant 2025-[34]
Sandy's Rocket Ride 2025-[35]
Sandy's Blasting Bronco Steel launched roller coaster 2020-[36]
Sea Swing Swinger 2007-[19]
Snailways Express 2025-[37]
Splat-O-Sphere Aviator 2007-[19]
Splat-O-Sphere Space shot 2008-[18]
SpongeBob and Friends 2025-[38]
SpongeBob's Boatmobiles 2003-2009[22][23]
SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride Darkride Shooter 2025-[39] 2024[40]
SpongeBob FlyPants Kite Flyer 2008-2011[4][41]
SpongeBob's Jellyfish Jam Swing ride 2019-[42] 2025-[43]
SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge Euro-Fighter roller coaster 2008-[18]
SpongeBob SquarePants Splash Bash Splash Battle/Twist 'n' Splash 2007-[19] 2011-[17]
Swinger Zinger Swinger 2002-2011[4][16]
Swiper's Sweeper Speedway 2006–2009 2008-[18] 2007-[19]
Tak Attack 2008-2011
Team Umizoomi Number Tumbler Zamperla Kiddie carpet 2013-[19]
Teenage Robot Roundabout Zamperla Kiddie carpet 2007-2012
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock 2012-[18]
The Flying Dutchman's Ghost Ship 2025-[44]
Timmy's Airtours Giant Skychaser 2006–2009
Tommy's Take Off Rotating Plane Ride ????-2009
Totally Nickelodeon 1997-2000 (USH)
TV Road Trip Car Ride ????-2009
Wild Thornberry's Rainforest Rampage Ball play area 2002-2011[4][16]
Wild Thornberry's Rain Maze Water play area 2003-2009[22][23]
Wild Thornberry's River Adventure Water ride 2003–2008 2001–2009
Wild Thornberry's Treetop Lookout 2003-2009[22][23] 2003-2009
Wonder Pets Big Circus Bounce Miniature Carousel 2011-[17]
Wonder Pets Fly Boat Hopper 2008-[18]

Shows and Events

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Some Nickelodeon shows and events held in different theme parks around the world recently.

Name Typology Park Year
Let's Party Live Show Mirabilandia 2022
Bobbejaanland
Movie Park Germany ?
Parque de Atracciones Madrid ?
SlimeFest Live Concert Mirabilandia 2018-2019
Nickelodeon Meet and Greet Meet & Greet 2022
Bobbejaanland
Movie Park Germany 2007
Parque de Atracciones Madrid 2014
Nickelodeon Universe ?
Mirabilandia 2022
Street Parade Parade Mirabilandia

Character appearances

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A variety of Nickelodeon costumed characters have been showcased at theme parks, parades, and other themed-entertainment experiences. Since the mid-2000s, a majority of the listed costumes have been designed and fabricated by Custom Characters Inc., a company that Nickelodeon Experience Design often collaborates with.[45]

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Dreamworld History" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  2. ^ Goodley, Simon (27 July 2010). "Nickelodeon signs Blackpool Pleasure Beach deal". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  3. ^ "Nickelodeon Land". Pleasure Beach Blackpool. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Kid's World - Where kids really do rule". Press Release. Dreamworld. 24 June 2011. Archived from the original on 3 April 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  5. ^ "Dreamworld Unveils Spectacular End of 2011: New World-Class Entertainment Alliance with DreamWorks Animation". Press Release. Dreamworld. 10 November 2011. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  6. ^ a b Anzidei, Melanie (3 July 2019). "It's finally happening: American Dream mall will open 25 Oct". North Jersey.com. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
  7. ^ "When Will Everything Open at American Dream Meadowlands?". Wyckoff, NJ Patch. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  8. ^ "Nickelodeon Land opens in Blackpool". Park World Online. 9 May 2011. Archived from the original on 8 June 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d e Potter, Derek (29 August 2009). "Cedar Fair says goodbye to Nickelodeon". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  10. ^ a b Marden, Duane. "Flying Ace Aerial Chase  (Carowinds)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  11. ^ "Nickelodeon Central (Dreamworld)". Parkz. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  12. ^ Wilson, Richard (29 June 2005). "Nickelodeon Central: from the ground up". Parkz. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  13. ^ https://www.thelandoflegends.com/en/nickelodeon-land
  14. ^ "Nickelodeon inks deal with Movie Park Germany to set up theme park 'Nickland'". Indian Television. 10 January 2007. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  15. ^ "Nickelodeon's Pipeline Plunge (WhiteWater World)". Parkz. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  16. ^ a b c d e f "Get Nicked at Dreamworld". Parkz. 12 January 2003. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Park Map" (PDF). Pleasure Beach Blackpool. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "Rides by Height". Nickelodeon Universe. Archived from the original on 1 November 2011. Retrieved 3 November 2011.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Attractions". Movie Park Germany. Retrieved 28 September 2010.[permanent dead link]
  20. ^ Marden, Duane. "Backyardigans: Mission to Mars  (Movie Park Germany)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  21. ^ a b c "Dreamworld and WhiteWater World Park Map" (PDF). Dreamworld. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Ten New Nickelodeon Rides and Attractions For Paramount's Great America". Press Release. Ultimate Rollercoaster. 12 March 2003. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  23. ^ a b c d e MacDonald, Brady (16 January 2010). "Snoopy kicks Spongebob to the curb at California's Great America". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  24. ^ Sinkowski, Luke. "Dora the Explorer Seaplanes". Facebook. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  25. ^ Marden, Duane. "Woodstock Express  (Carowinds)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  26. ^ Marden, Duane. "Woodstock Express  (Kings Island)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  27. ^ Marden, Duane. "Ghost Chasers  (Movie Park Germany)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  28. ^ Marden, Duane. "Jimmy Neutron's Atomic Flyer  (Movie Park Germany)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  29. ^ Marden, Duane. "Great Pumpkin Coaster  (Kings Island)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  30. ^ "Plankton's Plunge". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  31. ^ Marden, Duane. "Woodstock's Express  (California's Great America)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  32. ^ Marden, Duane. "Rugrats Runaway Reptar  (Dreamworld)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  33. ^ Marden, Duane. "Flying ACE Aerial Chase  (Kings Island)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  34. ^ "Sandy's Power Plant". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  35. ^ "Sandy's Rocket Ride". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  36. ^ Verdon, Joan (3 September 2020). "American Dream To Reopen October 1, But Once Again It Won't Be 100% Ready". Forbes. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  37. ^ "Snailways Express". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  38. ^ "SpongeBob and Friends". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  39. ^ "SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  40. ^ "Sally Dark Rides unveils animatronic at IAAPA Expo in Orlando for SpongeBob's Crazy Carnival Ride". www.gottagoorlando.com. 15 November 2023. Retrieved 15 November 2023.
  41. ^ "SpongeBob FlyPants (Dreamworld)". Parkz. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  42. ^ "SpongeBob's Jellyfish Jam". www.americandream.com.
  43. ^ "Jellyfish Jam". www.thelandoflegends.com.
  44. ^ "The Flying Dutchman's Ghost Ship".
  45. ^ "Nickelodeon – Custom Characters, Inc". Retrieved 29 October 2022.