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Nickelodeon Universe: Largest Indoor Theme Park Is Getting Built In New Jersey

By Jeffrey Totey
Published on: 15:07 PST, Sep 18, 2016

Just last month, The Inquisitr reported that IMG Worlds of Adventure in Arab Emirates, Dubai, was the world’s largest indoor theme park. Today, we can report that the largest indoor theme park in America will be built in New Jersey. Nickelodeon Universe is being planned to be part of the American Dream Meadowlands project. Developed by Triple Five, Nickelodeon Universe will stretch over 8.5 acres worth of rides and attractions. Though the new park is a bit smaller than the Worlds of Adventure, it still sounds impressive, though there are those who are skeptical if the new part will ever be built.

According NJ.com, the American Dream project has been in development hell for 14 years. Originally called Xanadu, the center was originally supposed to open in 2006; it is now slated for 2018. However, with the new theme park partner at hand, finishing the construction appears to be more realistic.

Not surprisingly, Nickelodeon Universe will hold different sections based on Nickelodeon shows and characters, including SpongeBob Squarepants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Blaze and the Monster Machines. The theme park is a good fit, as they have worked with Triple Five before at the Mall of America in Minnesota.

“Based on the success we have seen with Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America we are excited to bring the number one entertainment brand for kids to American Dream,” Don Ghermezian, president of Triple Five, said.

If all goes to plan, Nickelodeon Universe would complement the previously announced DreamWorks indoor water park that would feature characters from animated movies like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and Kung Fu Panda.

Triple Five hopes to secure $2.7 billion in financing by the end of September so that construction work on the facility can resume. No work has been done on American Dream since April of this year when funding for the project fell through. Since 2002, Triple Five, New Jersey, and other developers have spent billions on the American Dream project.

In April, it was announced that SNOW Operating would open the first indoor ski and snowboard park in the U.S., dubbed Big SNOW America. The snow park will stretch 180,000 square-feet and stand 12 stories tall. Inside, visitors will be able to experience all of the fun of winter all year round skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and more.

“American Dream is the biggest and most exciting opportunity in the snow business and we are really proud to be part of it. Big SNOW America will redefine what is possible in terms of the skiing and snowboarding guest experience. It is a dream come true to have the SNOW Operating team manage Big SNOW America. I have no doubt that American Dream will instantly become an iconic destination for the NY Metropolitan area and beyond,” Joe Hession, CEO of SNOW Operating.

Earlier this year, it was reported that 75 percent of the property had been leased, which would include more than 500 different retailers, restaurants,and other services to the mall. These tenants include:

  • The Legoland Discovery Center was announced way back in 2008 but still intends to come with rides, classes, party room and 4-D Cinema
  • Lucky Strike Entertainment which plans to open a 22,000 square food arcade-style gastropub called “For The Win.”
  • Cinemex will bring in a 1,400-seat dine-in theater complex with over 12 movie screens.
  • Merlin Entertainment will bring in a Sea Life Aquarium with an underwater tunnel to walk through tropical fish.
  • Toys ‘R’ Us 55,000 square foot store.
  • NHL-sized ice skating rink.
  • Giant observation wheel standing 285 feet tall that would feature views of New York City.

[Featured Image by Jim Mone/AP Images]

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