Mall of America (MOA) is turning 25 this year! Beth Blair, author of The Unofficial Guide to Mall of America, tells us what’s new at the famous shopping mall.
In celebration, Nickelodeon Universe is presenting a nightly nine-minute light show with strobe lights, music, and smoke effects. All year long, MOA will be holding special events, so keep an eye out for birthday celebrations.
We have sad news for the creative people who lovingly design funny dioramas made with PEEPS, the famous marshmallow Easter candy. The PEEPs store that was the gatekeeper for the west entrance of Nickelodeon Universe has closed. The giant yellow PEEP chick that sat atop the store seems to have flown away. We haven’t heard what will be replacing this sweet stop yet.
Speaking of chicks, we noticed there are hints of a Chick-fil-A flying into Culinary on North, the new food court on the north side of the mall. The new food court has slowly been unveiling its offerings, but it’s filling up nicely. Shake Shack opened with a bang last year and always has a line during meal times, but so do the others; therefore, plan to eat early or late to avoid the lines. Other fine offerings range from the classic fast food brands to more recent fast dining experiences: Burger King, Qdoba, Great Steak & Potato, Panda Express, Meatball Spot, A&W, Disco Fries, Naf Naf Grill, Melt Shop, and Piada Italian Street Food.
On the east side of the mall, Tim Hortons (E280), best known as the Canadian fast food joint featuring doughnuts and coffee, opened on level two. Cowboy Jacks (S320) is another new MOA addition. This laid-back sit-down restaurant and saloon offers burgers, sandwiches, and everything in between, including tater tot hot dish.
One of MOA’s most exciting new attractions will be opening up Summer 2017 near Sears. Have you heard of the escape room concept? Something similar is coming, and it’s called The Escape Game. This immersive game will open with four themes: Mission: Mars, Prison Break, Gold Rush, and The Heist.
Here’s the breakdown of the four games:|
Mission: Mars: You’ve made it to Mars, but that was the easy part. Your spacecraft has experienced some major damage and fatal radiation is headed your way. You have exactly 60 minutes to repair your ship and launch.
Gold Rush: You are on the hunt…for gold! Recently, a greedy gold prospector who loved to gamble has gone missing. You’ve been tipped off to where he stashed his gold…but so has the mob. Time’s ticking, so start digging!
Prison Break: You’ve been wrongfully accused of a crime and sentenced to life in prison. Your cell once belonged to an inmate who disappeared without a trace. Can you follow in his footsteps and find a way out?
The Heist: Can you beat an art thief at his own game? Your mission is to infiltrate the thief’s private office and steal back a famous piece of art.
There’s always something new at Mall of America, whether you want to eat, shop, play, or need a place to stay! If you enjoyed this post, sign up for our newsletter here.
