The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota is a retail and entertainment behemoth. While millions flock to its stores and attractions each year, few have the chance to uncover its hidden secrets. That’s where the Mall of America Behind the Scenes Walking Tour comes in. This 90-minute excursion promises to peel back the curtain, granting participants exclusive access to the mall’s lesser-known nooks and crannies. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour weaves together the mall’s storied history and global influence, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience. For those seeking to delve deeper into this retail titan, this tour offers a unique glimpse behind the scenes.
Key Points
- A 90-minute behind-the-scenes walking tour at Mall of America that provides insider access to hidden areas and key attractions.
- Tour includes experiences like exploring Nickelodeon Universe, viewing the Met Stadium homeplate, and visiting the Candy Cane Institute.
- Suitable for adults, youth, and families with infants, with flexible cancellation policy and special arrangements for wheelchair accessibility.
- Tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share insights on the mall’s history and global impact.
- Availability should be checked prior to booking due to limited tour slots, and comfortable shoes and hydration are recommended.
Tour Overview
The Mall of America (MOA) offers a 90-minute behind-the-scenes walking tour that provides visitors with an insider’s glimpse into the iconic shopping and entertainment complex.
Priced from €22.89 per person, the tour includes a live English-speaking guide and is wheelchair accessible. Guests can explore hidden parts of the mall and enjoy private photo opportunities.
The tour highlights key attractions like the legendary Nickelodeon Universe, the Met Stadium homeplate, and the Candy Cane Institute. Visitors can even experience the famous slime chair.
With a flexible cancellation policy and special arrangements available, the MOA walking tour is a unique and immersive way to discover the history and impact of this global destination.
Highlights and Experiences
Offering insider access to hidden parts of the Mall, the tour provides private photo opportunities for guests.
Visitors will explore Nickelodeon Universe, including a chance to experience the legendary Log Chute ride.
The tour also takes guests to view the Met Stadium Homeplate and original 50-yard line marker, providing a unique glimpse into the Mall’s history.
Participants can explore the Candy Cane Institute and even sit in the infamous slime chair for a fun, hands-on experience.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights about the Mall of America’s impact on Minnesota and the world, making this a truly immersive and educational experience.
Tour Details
Typically, the walking tour of the Mall of America lasts for 1.5 hours, and participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes as they’ll exceed their daily steps goal during the experience.
The tour meeting point is the Guest Services desk on Level 1, North in the Atrium of the mall.
Special arrangements, such as accommodations for wheelchair users, can be made if booked at least 3 days in advance.
The tour is suitable for a variety of participants, including adults aged 13 to 99, youth aged 2 to 12, and infants under 1 who don’t require a ticket.
Guests are encouraged to check availability for specific dates and times prior to booking to ensure the tour fits their schedule.
Participant Information
A variety of participants can join the Mall of America walking tour, including adults aged 13 to 99, youth aged 2 to 12, and infants under 1 who don’t require a ticket.
Participants should check availability for specific dates and times prior to booking, as tour spots may be limited.
The tour caters to a diverse audience, allowing visitors to explore the hidden gems of the iconic shopping complex:
- Adults can enjoy the behind-the-scenes experiences, learning about the mall’s rich history and impact.
- Youth can enjoy the thrill of the Nickelodeon Universe rides and the interactive Candy Cane Institute.
- Families with infants can join the tour, with special arrangements made for those with accessibility needs.
- Regardless of age, all participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated for an unforgettable journey through the Mall of America.
Preparation and Additional Information
Visitors embarking on the Mall of America walking tour should bring comfortable shoes and water to stay hydrated throughout the 1.5-hour experience. The tour voucher provides contact details for any inquiries or special requests, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. With an overall customer rating of 4/5 based on 3 reviews, the walking tour promises an insider’s glimpse into the iconic shopping complex.
| Emotions Evoked | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excitement | Wonder | Amazement | Curiosity | Appreciation |
The behind-the-scenes tour allows participants to explore hidden parts of the Mall, including the legendary Nickelodeon Universe and Santa’s private office, offering unique photo opportunities and a fun slime chair experience.
Accessibility and Special Arrangements
The Mall of America walking tour is wheelchair accessible, and special arrangements can be made if booked at least 3 days in advance. This ensures that all participants can fully enjoy the behind-the-scenes experience.
Tour organizers are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible tour for visitors of all abilities. Some of the special arrangements available include:
- Accommodations for wheelchair users or individuals with mobility challenges
- Assistive listening devices for guests with hearing impairments
- Large-print materials or audio descriptions for guests with visual impairments
- Specialized seating or support for participants with specific needs
The Mall of America is dedicated to making its attractions and experiences accessible to everyone, allowing all visitors to enjoy the rich history and unique offerings of this iconic shopping destination.
Customer Reviews
Customers have provided an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 3 reviews for the Mall of America walking tour, indicating a generally positive experience. Reviewers praised the tour’s insider access to hidden parts of the mall, the chance to see iconic landmarks like the Metrodome’s home plate, and the engaging, knowledgeable guide. Some noted the tour exceeded their daily step count, but found the experience worthwhile. A few mentioned the slime chair photo op as a highlight. While most had an enjoyable time, a small number felt the tour was a bit overpriced for the duration. The Mall of America walking tour seems to offer a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse that many customers found worthwhile.
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 2 |
| 4 stars | 0 |
| 3 stars | 1 |
| 2 stars | 0 |
Booking and Availability
One can check the availability of the Mall of America walking tour and book their preferred date and time on the tour operator’s website or through other online booking platforms. Customers are advised to make reservations in advance, as tour slots may fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Individuals can view the tour calendar to select from a range of available dates and times that fit their schedule.
When booking, participants can opt for either adult or youth tickets, or make arrangements for infants who don’t require a separate ticket.
Special accommodations, such as wheelchair accessibility, can be requested at the time of booking, provided the request is submitted at least 3 days prior to the tour date.
Customers have the flexibility to cancel their tour reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour focuses on the insider experiences and highlights of the Mall of America, rather than accommodating personal food and beverage items.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally permitted during the tour, allowing participants to capture insider access and unique photo opportunities. However, some restricted areas may have limitations, so it’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidelines.
Do I Need to Print the Voucher or Can I Show It on My Phone?
You can show the tour voucher on your mobile device. Many tour providers accept digital vouchers to reduce paper waste, making the check-in process more convenient for participants. Printing the voucher is not required unless specifically stated.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for the Mall of America Behind the Scenes Walking Tour. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing and shoes as the tour involves walking through various areas of the large mall complex.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?
According to the tour details, the standard tour duration is 1.5 hours. However, the tour provider may be able to accommodate requests to extend the tour length, subject to availability and additional fees. Guests should inquire about this option when booking their tour.
Recap
The Mall of America’s behind-the-scenes walking tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the heart of this iconic shopping and entertainment complex.
From exclusive access to hidden areas to immersive experiences like the infamous slime chair, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the mall’s rich history and global significance.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned shopper, this accessible and informative adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression.
