originally posted on 1/25/2020
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
On Sunday, January 12, 11 ACE members embarked on the journey of becoming a kid again. A full day of scheduled activities awaited at attractions inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The day started with a visit to the Fly Over America attraction where ACEers were invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of this massive flying simulated experience. The flying theater attraction is more than 40 feet tall and puts riders in an open-air, ski-lift-style chair and then "flies" them through a 10-minute movie of some unique landscapes of America (or Canada). Complete with mist for clouds and smells for certain scenes, this attraction has quite a bit going on. Event attendees on the tour saw it all — from the huge pneumatic arms that move these nine-ton swings to the full control room. ACE even experienced the attraction twice, once in United States mode, and once in Canadian mode. This was definitely a highlight of the fun-filled day.
Attendees toured the control room of Fly Over America.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Before attendees could catch their breath, it was time to be whisked away to ERT in Nickelodeon Universe. Fairly Odd Coaster had ACEers spinning and spinning and spinning. With the small group size and the efficient ride ops, rerides were plentiful. Many attendees took the opportunity to try different seat combinations and different partners to get the optimal spin or nonspin desired. Afterward, attendees were able to enjoy all Nickelodeon Universe had to offer while using the all-day wristbands.
ERT on Fairly Odd Coaster.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Sponge Bottom Square Pants Rock Bottom Plunge
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
For the afternoon activity, ACE ventured up to Crayola Experience on the third floor. Enthusiasts let their imaginations roam with activities such as silly selfies, make your own crayon and put yourself in your own coloring page. There were more than 25 activities that kids and adults would both truly enjoy. Lunch was served; hot dogs and chips were on the menu. But the highlight of lunch was the special roller coaster-themed placemats and lunch/crayon carriers that each attendee received. A “how crayons are made show” followed lunch, at which ACEers enjoyed the activities and made some fun artwork. Some stayed at Crayola Experience a little longer while others went back down to ride more rides, ending the day on a high note and a wonderful time for all.
— Tom Nickerson, ACE North Central Regional Representative
The event was the first time ACE members were welcomed by Crayola Experience.
Photo: Courtesy Crayola Experience. View full-sized image.
Photo: Courtesy Crayola Experience. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Attendees received a fun keepsake.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
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