M&M's World: Mall of America and Las Vegas Strip

The last time I visited M&M's World in Vegas was on my first trip there, in 2001. That was long before this blog.

Then, as luck would have it, I got to visit two of them: the familiar one in Las Vegas and a relatively new one in Bloomington, in the spot where the Peep store used to be.

Other locations include New York, London, Berlin, and Disney Springs. If I am ever in any of those locations, I would probably stop by. It is a fun store.

It is not a in any way a factory outlet feel. The souvenirs are expensive, though indeed cute and tasty.

The Las Vegas location does server more as a museum, with timelines and classic ads.

There is also some great memorabilia, and options for interesting photo opportunities.

I did not see any "Rat Pack" M&Ms in Bloomington.

But both stores have plenty of merchandise, and not all of it is edible.

It is all pretty colorful.

Then of course you do have the option of using various colors, printing your own designs, and doing your own mix.

I find this less useful than the similar option at Jelly Belly, because all M&Ms are pretty good, whereas a mix of jelly beans is probably going to have some you can do without. However, if you are looking for a themed match for a party, it could be perfect.

I loved that we visited both when Halloween was out. That led to some fun decor.

But really, how could it not be fun?

Being newer, the Mall of America location had more of a high-tech feel.

That included giant candy faces peeking at you  through portholes when you are outside the shop.

Minnesota is more sleek, but is focused on the shopping experience. Las Vegas has more to look at. I wouldn't say "no" to visiting either.

COVID: You are very indoors. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Accessibility: Aisles are pretty wide, and while the Bloomington location has two stories and Las Vegas has four, there are elevators as well as escalators.

Bloomington was better equipped for places to sit.

It is worth going. After all, all the world loves M&Ms.

They'll keep an eye out for you.

https://www.mms.com/en-us/explore/mms-stores

FlyOver: Mall of America and Las Vegas

There were two attractions that we visited in both the Mall of America and in Las Vegas, so each will be treated together.

The FlyOver rides were inspired by Disneyland's Soarin' Over California, with the first one opening in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2013. The Bloomington Mall of America location was their second opening, and they will be opening a new one on Chicago's Navy Pier on March 1st.

They are not the only company doing this. For example, there is a similar attraction in Seattle, Wings Over Washington, that does not appear to be affiliated.

That may may it harder to keep track, but I don't care because I love these rides.

At the Mall of America -- the first time we rode one not at Disneyland -- I remember thinking that it wasn't edited as well and the photography was not as crisp at Disney. It was still a thrill.

I think it is a well-known concept, but the conceit of the ride is that you are flying over the landscape. With Soarin' Over California, it was similar to a hang glider point of view, but you are sitting as if in a chair. However, that chair is lifted up, and positioned over an IMAX-like screen.

Occasionally mist is sprayed as you break through clouds or fly over water, and there may be smells. The sense of motion I believe mainly comes from the visual stimulation.

Most of these pictures come from the Las Vegas location.

I think that is because to have their storefront no the Las Vegas strip -- very valuable real estate -- but to have their theater be where it needs to be, there is an unusually long walkway. It becomes part of the attraction.

Of course, the Minnesota location is part of the Nickelodeon Universe, so the bathrooms are there, just outside, along with various places to buy food and beverages. The Las Vegas location has a bar (and lockers).

It also has an extensive gift shop.

You cannot take pictures while riding, but Las Vegas had an entry way where you watched an introduction themed to your ride, which was also pretty cool.

I have to say that regardless of what features the greater space allowed, staff at both locations were friendly and helpful, and we appreciated that.

Mall of America had two alternating films and Las Vegas had three. In both cases there was a discount on a second film.

COVID: The attractions are entirely indoors. Ventilation is not bad, but I recommend masking.

Accessibility: The Mall of America had ramps for everything, though assistance could be needed with transferring to the ride.

The Las Vegas location had stairs either exiting or entering (there were two theaters) but they could take you out the other way if there is not an elevator. Again, staff was great, so just ask in advance.

Also, obviously for people with vertigo or motion sickness -- possibly even for agoraphobia -- there could be issues.

One other thing worth noting. We booked Las Vegas in advance, and if you book online for two shows, it will put them farther apart than necessary. One of the staff there let us know and also how to change, which was appreciated, but be aware.

Also, I love these rides!

https://www.mallofamerica.com/directory/flyover-america

https://www.flyoverlasvegas.com/  

https://www.experienceflyover.com/

Updated Mall of America

Well, maybe not that intense.  

I wrote several posts about the Mall of America after our first visit in 2015 (blogged about in 2016):

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2016/09/mall-of-america-overview.html

It is still vast and full of stores, as one would expect. Some of those stores have changed.

One of my favorite new additions was the Beef Jerky Experience, where you can buy (and sample, though the samples are small) all kinds of beef jerky from all kinds of animals.

Their offerings include mix and match options and a monthly club.

https://beefjerkyx.com/

Margaritaville is still there, though we were there shortly after Jimmy Buffett's death, so we thought they might be a bit subdued.

The main food court has been updated. It seems bigger, though I am not sure that is true. There are definitely lots of options.

Many of the options are things that you can easily find without travel to Minnesota, but some are unique and it is a high variety.

One thing I have understood since I first visited Eaton Centre in Toronto was that when you have what seems to be a ridiculously large mall, that may not be so much a sign of consumer culture run amok as it is a sign of severe winters, where entertainment is even more important than shopping.

While the Nickelodeon Universe may be the best known and central hub of that entertainment (and I have previously written about the mini-golf, mirror maze,  and aquarium), there is also a movie theater, a State Fair themed floor and a Crayola Experience.

They had added a ride I will feature next week, as well as an escape room and a climbing wall. That "intense experience" photo at the beginning is from the 5D Extreme Attraction, located at one edge of the Nickelodeon Universe.

Of course, every mall has its regular, non-extreme play area, but I appreciated that there was one with Lego tables by the Lego Store.

I was also interested to see a music store selling instruments and lessons.

No, it does not seem to be affiliated with Prince, but that's still cool.

The other recent addition is an M Health Fairview location. Given the heavy amount of business travel in the area (near the airport and full of hotels), this is surely of good use to them, but also to locals.

This piece of advertising here:

Shopping isn't my favorite activity anyway, but I imagine most people could eventually get tired of it, no matter how many stores there are, how clever their names, or how bold their decorations.

The Mall of America does have more to offer. Lots more, at least for a couple of days.

COVID: Other than myself, the only people I saw masking were custodial staff. I thought I at least saw a mannequin wearing a mask, but it was just Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, and his mouth is really big.

Accessibility: Navigation is good, with wide aisles, smooth floors, and elevators. It is huge, so plan accordingly for energy. Some areas have better seating than others.

Maps are mostly helpful, but as a guide to charging stations they are not. We were never able to match one with its supposed location.

https://www.mallofamerica.com/