http://wcco.com/local/Nickelodeon.Universe.moa.2.614583.html

Its amazing the similarities with the ride names and even the Nickelodeon Universe logos between the Mall of America and Kings Island. Not sure though how a fairly large thrill ride like Avatar Air Bender (the new coaster) really ties in to the Nickelodeon franchise. The ride seems a little intense for the age group that the show is geared to.

Also, that piece is somewhat misleading, saying that the new ride additions to Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America hope to bring in 2 million more visitors. I believe that 2 million additional visitors to the Mall of America includes the added draw of even more retail space and shops as well, and not just the revamped indoor amusement park.

And all this so close to Valleyfair...I still think Viacom is sending a message here . . .

And all this so close to Valleyfair...I still think Viacom is sending a message here . . .

And not a bright one at that.

I'd venture to say that it's a mutually beneficial arrangement that CF and Viacom have.

Does Viacom really want to **** off such a lucrative venture as they would have with CF?

That arrangement was inherited from Paramount Parks, a sister company at the time to Viacom. Cedar Fair finds itself in a position of dealing with Viacom from more of an arm's length perspective.

That arrangement was inherited from Paramount Parks, a sister company at the time to Viacom. Cedar Fair finds itself in a position of dealing with Viacom from more of an arm's length perspective.

And if Viacom becomes too adversarial or does business with competition, they could see themselves becoming Exclusive to MOA ...... and at the loss of mucho advertising for Nick Shows.

There are other companies that might be VERY interested in picking up the Nick franchise for their amusement venues, as both Cedar Fair and Viacom are aware . . .

There are other companies that might be VERY interested in picking up the Nick franchise for their amusement venues, as both Cedar Fair and Viacom are aware . . .

Can't see any other major park going in that direction.

Six Flags has gone a completely different direction in marketing towards the children's area. Not like Disney, Universal or Busch is going to move towards Viacom.

Viacom best be very careful in being heavy handed in their negotiations.

They could very much end up in a world of hurt.

Think more broadly. Think of amusement venues, not just park chains. There has been intense interest...and continues to be.

Think more broadly. Think of amusement venues, not just park chains. There has been intense interest...and continues to be.

You honestly believe that it would be an intelligent move for Viacom to risk being yanked from major amusement parks?

Come On. It's a no brainer.

If Viacom wants to become known as Shopping Center Entertainment, more power to them.

I'll just sit back and watch while they hand their position in children's entertainment back to Cartoon Network.

funny I thought Cartoon Network was more for adult entertainment than it was for children

funny I thought Cartoon Network was more for adult entertainment than it was for children

Yeah, but I have friends that are working in their higher regions.

Apparently they are going to start producing even more live action shows to compete with Nick.

I don't think it's a wise idea, but apparently someone with the company does.

Maybe MOA could add some sort of Nick-themed "attraction" based on Britney Spear's pregnant little sister (And, how sad is it that was a major story in yesteday's news cycle...)

Since CF hasn't introduced the Nick characters at Valleyfair (or, any of the legacy parks), licensing the Nick franchise to MOA doesn't seem to be an immediate conflict of interest.

According the publicity material from MOA, the mall brings in an attendance of roughly 40 million people a year, which is basically twice the annual attendance of all the CF parks combined. So, if it would come down to a choice Viacom would have to make between CF and MOA (which, BTW, I don't think it would), that would seem like a no-brainer. Putting your media licenses in front of 40 million people is going to beat 12 million (for the Paramount Parks) or 20 million (for all CF parks) on any spreadsheet.

Plus, if CF would decide to dump Nick, I'm sure Mark Shapiro will be right there waiting. He was excited about getting the Wiggles (or Wuggles, or whatever the heck they're called <g>), imagine how he'd feel about landing the #2 (or #1, depending on the age group and whose press releases you believe) childrens' brand in the world?

Maybe MOA could add some sort of Nick-themed "attraction" based on Britney Spear's pregnant little sister (And, how sad is it that was a major story in yesteday's news cycle...)

Since CF hasn't introduced the Nick characters at Valleyfair (or, any of the legacy parks), licensing the Nick franchise to MOA doesn't seem to be an immediate conflict of interest.

According the publicity material from MOA, the mall brings in an attendance of roughly 40 million people a year, which is basically twice the annual attendance of all the CF parks combined. So, if it would come down to a choice Viacom would have to make between CF and MOA (which, BTW, I don't think it would), that would seem like a no-brainer. Putting your media licenses in front of 40 million people is going to beat 12 million (for the Paramount Parks) or 20 million (for all CF parks) on any spreadsheet.

Plus, if CF would decide to dump Nick, I'm sure Mark Shapiro will be right there waiting. He was excited about getting the Wiggles (or Wuggles, or whatever the heck they're called <g>), imagine how he'd feel about landing the #2 (or #1, depending on the age group and whose press releases you believe) childrens' brand in the world?

And if they toss in Britney's Pregnant Sister it's just a bonus!

And if they toss in Britney's Pregnant Sister it's just a bonus!

What's funny is that I didn't even know Britney had a little sister until it was on the news about her getting pregnant!

I guess their mom was planning on publishing a book on sucessful child rearing, but the publisher has now put it "on hold."

And if they toss in Britney's Pregnant Sister it's just a bonus!

What's funny is that I didn't even know Britney had a little sister until it was on the news about her getting pregnant!

I guess their mom was planning on publishing a book on sucessful child rearing, but the publisher has now put it "on hold."

Yeah, them are two fine children.

One a Product of Disney's Wholesome Image and the Other of Nickelodeon.