Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America has opened a brand new family-friendly ride inspired by Nickelodeon's beloved animated series, Dora the Explorer!
Called "Boots' Banana Swing," visitors to the Nickelodeon-branded theme park are invited to "swing along with Boots high up in the rainforest treetops on this a-peeling ride that’ll have you saying, 'Oooh-oooh ahh-ahh!'" "Boots' Banana Swing" is described as a Happy Swing ride.
"Boots' Banana Swing" requires three points to ride, and has a height requirement of 31″–70″. Minimum height is 36″ or 31″ with a chaperone. Guests may not exceed 70″ in height. A chaperone is defined as a person who is qualified to ride and who, in the opinion of the ride operator, is capable of controlling the actions of the unqualified rider. Required chaperone does not pay to ride.
In celebration of the new attraction, guests were invited to a special grand opening event on Saturday, January 13. The first 100 guests got to ride "Boot’s Banana Swing" for free, and, visitors got to enjoy complimentary frozen banana treats and even have their photo taken with Boots!
The new ride comes as Nickelodeon relaunch the iconic Dora the Explorer franchise with a brand-new CG-animated series titled Dora, set to premiere on Paramount+ this Spring.
"Boots' Banana Swing" is one of two new attract8ions launching this year at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America, with the Avatar: The Last Airbender-inspired "Fly with Appa" set to open this Spring.
"Yip Yip!" reads the official description for "Fly with Appa". "Climb aboard a flying sky bison and soar above the treetops. These sky bison use airbending to fly by creating powerful gusts of wind with their tails. Experience unforgettable views as you go up, down, and all around."
When open, "Fly with Appa" will require 6 points to ride, and have a minimum height requirement of 48″, or 36″ with a chaperone. Chaperone policy: A chaperone is defined as a person who is qualified to ride and who, in the opinion of the ride operator, is capable of controlling the actions of the unqualified rider. Required chaperone does not pay to ride.
Like Dora, Avatar: The Last Airbender is also set to make a major comeback, first with a new live-action series on Netflix, followed by a series of Avatar: The Last Airbender projects for both theaters and streaming services.
Construction on the new Dora the Explorer and Avatar: The Last Airbender rides commenced during Fall 2023. To make way for the rides, the Bubble Guppies "Guppy Bubbler" moved to a new section of the park.
“Nickelodeon Universe is a place for fans to let their imagination run wild by seeing their favorite characters come to life, while enjoying thrilling and playful rides,” said Jill Renslow, Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer at Mall of America. “The addition of "Boots’ Banana Swing" and "Fly with Appa" are sure to provide a new element of excitement and special family memories for years to come. Whether you’re young or young at heart, we can’t wait for everyone to experience our newest attractions.”
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