Welcome back to the blog! As a proud Minnesota resident, I understand the appeal of the Mall of America. However, up until this year, I’d only gone six times in 25 years. Having gone twice in one year now, here are a few tips for navigating the Minnesota institution. 🙂

I’ve been to the Mall of America five times in my life: for my third birthday, my fourteenth birthday, a family outing, a college party night, and this past trip. My main focus is usually Nickelodeon Universe (formerly Camp Snoopy). I’ve always been an adrenaline junkie, but my tastes have mellowed with age. This trip, we checked out a few select rides, wandered through some stores, and enjoyed a tasty and affordable(ish) lunch.

General Prep

My first tip for making the most of a mall day is to GO EARLY!!! The Mall of America opens at 10am, and I tend to get there at 10:30. There were already a few people in Nickelodeon Universe, but not more than ten in line at a time. When we went back at 3pm, there were at least 50 people in multiple ride lines.

Another tip is to get shared point passes instead of individual wristbands. One shared point pass is pretty much the same price as two wristbands of unlimited rides. On my most recent trip, we split an 80-point pass and still had about 12 points leftover after 6 rides each. The ticket page on the website has more information.

My strategy is usually to explore the rides first, take a lunch break, and then window shop a little. This worked well with my energy levels, to do the most intense things first. Others might have more energy in the afternoon or evenings, but make sure you’re doing the most intense things when you have the most energy.

Another small tip is to bring the smallest bag possible. I brought a pink crossbody and it worked well, but I wish I had brought my even smaller fanny pack.

Nickelodeon Universe

I’ve been a fan of Nickelodeon Universe since it was called Camp Snoopy. These days I love the Splat-O-Sphere, Pepsi Orange Streak, and the Log Chute, among others.

I’ve gone on Rock Bottom Plunge, Brain Surge, and the Airbender rides on other trips, but I wasn’t in the mood this time. Those are the highest-adrenaline rides in the park, best suited to fearless tweens and teens with endless energy.

My Ratings of the Rides

• Log Chute: 10/10. This ride is an absolute classic
• Rock Bottom Plunge: 9/10. There have been a few time I’ve been scared to go in this one, but I went back on it after THIRTEEN years, and it’s not as scary as I remember it
• Mutant Masher: 9/10. This was our first ride of the morning in y most recent trip and definitely the most intense!
• Ferris Wheel: 8/10. Pretty to look at and a nice “palate cleanser” between more intense rides, bit could be boring to some
• Brain Surge: 9/10. The ability to control each rider pod means pairs can control the intensity, from chill to extreme.
• ALTA Skateboard: 8.5/10. I like it, but the spinning might not agree with everyone
• Pepsi Orange Streak: 10/10. Also a classic, more relaxed than Rock Bottom Plunge, but more adventurous than Log Chute

The top of the Ferris Wheel is a great spot to get some photos of the whole park

Stores and Restaurants

Of the few times I’ve eaten at the MOA, Qdoba and Cowboy Jack’s are my favorites. Qdoba is basically Chipotle under another name, and Cowboy Jack’s is a classic Twin Cities burger joint.

I’ve been to a handful of the stores in the mall, but there are SO many that it would take me another decade to get to all of them. 🙂

My Ratings of the Stores and Restaurants

• GameStop: 7/10 – It’s a nerd store, nerds like it. It doesn’t really appeal to me, but it’s a cool store
• LEGO: 9/10 – You wouldn’t think LEGO would appeal to me, but the “make your own LEGO” display was super fun!
• Chanel: 9/10 – Beautiful store, excellent service, but they focus on makeup and don’t really have bags for me to ogle. Maybe next time I’ll check out the selection at Nordstrom.
• Capital One/Verve Cafe: 7/10 – Nice little coffee bar, but not super interesting. I don’t have Capital One, so it doesn’t make as much impact for me. Might go back in the morning to try a coffee, might not
• Spencer’s: 6/10 – If you know, you know. It’s got some cute little knickknacks, but overall a dark and creepy vibe.

Making my own mini LEGO figure was a fun and unexpected treat! For $12 and 30 minutes, I got this cute little knickknack to display on my desk, or perhaps as a new profile picture. 🙂

I expected the Kate Spade store to be the highlight of the day, but I was surprisingly disappointed. I’ve previously checked out the Eagan outlet, and I’ve loved their colors (purple, pastel pink, red, white) and styles. The MOA store featured fewer styles of bags and wallets, and in colors like blue, yellow, beige, and green. If those colors work for you, you’ll probably find something worth investing in. For me, I think I’ll stick to the Eagan store.

It was great to revisit the mall after so long away! I had just as much fun at Nick U as I used to, and I got a good sense of some new stores. Going earlier in the day made it exponentially more enjoyable, and I might go back as soon as next month for my birthday! That’s all from me for now, and I’ll catch you on the flip side