originally posted on 9/15/2023
Photo: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.
The ACE New Jersey region hosted its first event at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on August 28. More than 90 attendees enjoyed this inaugural opportunity to “Ride across the Universe” at New Jersey’s newest and largest indoor amusement park. It was convenient for ACE members who had attended the nearby 2023 ACE Preservation Conference the previous weekend.
Nickelodeon Universe is a stunning site constructed within American Dream — a large retail and entertainment center in the Meadowlands of New Jersey. It covers 85 acres and offers more than 30 amusement rides. Guests are treated to a full view of the entire park while entering on an escalator from the mall level above. The abundance of colorful rides and intricately entwined roller coaster track is a unique and impressive sight.
ACE New Jersey Assistant Regional Representative Mark Davidson displays the event’s agenda at the park entrance, featuring several ITOTs.
Photos: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Each attendee received a Nickelodeon Universe T-shirt upon check-in. There were four shirt designs, ranging from “I Am the American Dream” to one featuring SpongeBob SquarePants.
Attendees enjoyed a full two hours of ERT on the park’s five roller coasters plus all-day unlimited rides after the park opened to the public. Add-ons were available for the adjacent DreamWorks Water Park and discounts on other amusements within the mall, such as mini golf.
All rides were open and available, but of course the roller coasters received immediate attention from attendees, who noted there is something to be said about riding a roller coaster and skimming the ceiling rather than the typical skies above. Those roller coasters are as follows:
The park’s largest roller coaster, it is almost impossible to be somewhere within the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and not see TMNT Shellraiser track.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
TMNT Shellraiser is a Gerstlauer Euro-Fighter 1000 that sports both a launch and a vertical lift. It is best known for having the steepest drop in the world at 121.5 degrees. Cars have two rows seating four riders and navigate seven inversions and many twists and turns at speeds up to 62 mph. The vertical lift ends in a surprise hold at the top, where riders can enjoy stunning views of New York City before plunging down the steepest drop in the world.
Following a period of refurbishment, Sandy’s Blasting Bronco was operational and allowed attendees to experience all five of the park’s roller coasters.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Sandy’s Blasting Bronco — a custom Intamin — is arguably the most intense coaster at the park with a launch and four inversions. The first inversion features a mild stall, adding to the intensity of this coaster that achieves speeds of 47 mph along its compact layout. Once the train returns to the station, the station becomes a turntable that results in riders facing backward for the next launch.
Distributing weight unevenly, attendees prepare for a dizzying experience on Shredder.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Shredder is a Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster that seats four riders per car pulled up the lift hill before negotiating a generous 2,247 feet of track at speeds up to 36 mph. Many surprises await riders, especially those seated in cars that are not equally weighted!
Nickelodeon Slime Streak is a rare installation of a Chance Rides Big Dipper and offers an experience more scenic and relaxed than some of the park’s other roller coasters.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Nickelodeon Slime Streak is a Chance Rides Big Dipper with a slime theme. The bright green train traverses thrilling bunny hills as it spans a wide area over the park at speeds up to 37 mph.
Timmy’s Half-Pipe Havoc is a colorful Intamin Surfrider 20m that seats riders in a vehicle shaped like a skateboard. It launches up to 12 riders in two round cars, spinning the riders as they traverse the half-pipe at speeds up to 70 mph. This coaster is for those who truly love to spin.
Nickelodeon Universe boasts over 30 rides, and attendees had the opportunity to try them all. Skyline Scream was a highlight, as it is the tallest indoor drop ride in the world at 125 feet — a Double Shot with strategic seating providing riders a fantastic view of the New York City skyline in the distance.
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park is adjacent to DreamWorks Water Park, boasting a wave pool so large, it’s difficult to fathom it being an indoor attraction.
Photo: Sharon Galitsky. View full-sized image.
Following ERT, attendees received surprise treats of coffee, doughnuts and soft drinks while visiting with park leaders and maintenance staff. David Finkelstein won the ice breaker by having the most coaster credits (more than 1,200) and received four free tickets for the Dream Wheel, the mall’s 300-foot-tall Ferris wheel. American Dream guide and “man of many hats” Bobby Fisher offered attendees a tour of the DreamWorks Water Park. His small group expectation expanded to almost every attendee joining the tour and enjoying the sight of the large wave pool, numerous water slides and water coaster. The tour included a walk through the private hot tub areas and the luxury skyboxes available at the park.
American Dream guide and “man of many hats” Bobby Fischer points out many of the features of the Dreamworks Water Park, with the DreamWorks Dream Runner water coaster above attendees.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
The tour continued with a look at The Rink — the indoor ice-skating area of the mall. While watching a commercial being shot on the ice, everyone enjoyed a close-up view of the custom Zamboni being used. This was followed with a view of the underground area that included the locker rooms and chiller room, where staff were on hand to provide a detailed explanation and answer questions on how The Rink is frozen and maintained.
Davidson presents the American Dream staff with a thank you card signed by event attendees.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Attendees were grateful to ACE New Jersey Assistant Regional Representative Mark Davidson and other ACE volunteers who set up this spectacular day, as well as Fisher and his team at American Dream for treating ACE to a truly VIP experience. ACE New Jersey looks forward to returning for more indoor adventures at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park in the future.
— Sharon Galitsky
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