Universe of Light is a 9-minute interactive light show that takes place every night at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of America. It has music and smoke effects and can be seen from all four levels at the south entrance of Nickelodeon Universe.
We took our kids to the Mall of America last night – a cold Sunday evening in January – and stayed to see the Universe of Light show. The mall wasn’t crowded at all and we had our choice of a viewing place for the light show.
We chose to view it from the 2nd level which I had heard is ideal. (Of course, the kids wanted to pose for a picture with a statue of Dora at the entrance.)
After a couple of announcements throughout Nickelodeon Universe reminding people that the show is starting, at 7:30 p.m. we saw mist appearing on both sides of the viewing area. Then the lights and music started to appear and built up to an impressive beginning with pulsating rhythms and lights that were timed creatively to the music.
The music changed from mysterious, movie theme-like techno at the beginning (which I LOVED) to funky, playful music with vocals to a high-energy dance conclusion. The various styles and moods are inspired by the many characteristics of the Mall of America.
Below, on the 1st level floor, we saw kids filling up the space as spotlights danced around them.
The lights changed constantly, from circles that moved with the music transitions, to swirly flower-like wheels of color that the kids chased and jumped into.
We realized that with kids we should have been on the first floor – our kids would have LOVED dancing with the lights with all the other kids. We’ll do that next time – but it actually worked out nicely to have them see the whole thing from a higher level for the first time.
Universe of Light is a GREAT show to take your kids to. It appeals especially to younger crowds and our kids loved it. Though the music was loud and there was smoke, our kids weren’t scared and I didn’t see any other kids that were. I did film the whole show with my camcorder – unfortunately, it didn’t turn out well because the DVD skips. But as soon as we left the show, Heidi was asking “Can we come back to the light show tomorrow?” She wants to bring her friends to the show. I know we’ll come back again soon.
Check it out! Universe of Light is a permanent fixture at the Mall of America and you don’t want to miss it.