The New York metropolitan area now has one of the country’s largest malls, the American Dream mall. The tremendous entertainment and shopping complex is now open after several years of having to wait and constant delays.
55% Entertainment, 45% Retail: The American Dream
Sixteen years after the project was first announced, three developers and $5 billion later, they’ve almost made it. The American Dream is the latest mega-mall project by Triple Five Group, the same developers behind Minnesota’s Famous Mall of America. A mall would be an understatement when you describe the American Dream.
There is much more to the American Dream complex than a shopping mall. Aside from hundreds of shops, there are many entertainment facilities. The complex is almost equally divided between entertainment and shopping.
Major Attractions In American Dream
The giant complex dedicates more than half of its space to entertainment. Regardless of whether you enjoy shopping, you will find plenty to entertain yourself there. Popular attractions at the American Dream Mall include theme parks. It is therefore advisable to purchase your tickets in advance.
Here is a list of entertainment facilities that you can find in the American Dream Mall.
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
A thrill-seeker’s dream has come true: Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park will be the biggest indoor theme park in North America. More than 35 rides and attractions are available. You will find your favorite characters here, like Spongebob or Dora.
The Rink at the American Dream
An NHL-regulation size Rink will be available for skating, tournaments, and fun events at the American Dream Mall.
DreamWorks Water Park
DreamWorks Water Park will become the biggest indoor water park in North America, while Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park will become the biggest indoor theme park in North America. It has more than 40 slides and attractions, including the tallest indoor body slide. If that’s too much for you, you can relax in one of several Cabana lounges.
Big Snow
At American Dream, the record-breaking adventures don’t end with the water park. America’s only indoor real-snow park, Big Snow, will be open 365 days a year. Whether you decide to play by yourself or benefit from lessons and coaching, you’re sure to have fun.
More Attractions
In addition to these four major attractions, you will also discover a luxury movie theater, a Sea Life Aquarium, an observation wheel that stands 300 feet high, and an interactive Legoland Discovery Center inside the American Dream.
Shops at American Dream
You can find over 500 stores at the American Dream Mall, one of the best malls in NJ. It has all the variety from high-end brands to popular stores. There is a high likelihood of finding what you are looking for in this mall. Many dining options are available at the mall to help you relax after a tiring shopping spree.
Keep in mind to not come here to shop on a Sunday. One of the few county governments still abiding by the blue law in Bergen County, where the American Dream Mall is located. The blue law prohibits shopping on Sundays, which means that retail stores will be closed on that day. All other entertainment venues will be open as normal.
Getting to the American Dream in East Rutherford
There is certainly not enough space for a mall of this size in New York City. Therefore, it’s located about five miles outside New York City, across the Hudson in New Jersey. It is one of the best malls in NJ, near Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford. If you’ve visited Metlife Stadium or the nearby Garden State Plaza Mall, then you know that the area is fairly easily accessible from Manhattan. Nevertheless, since the mall is expecting such a huge crowd of visitors, it does organize additional shuttle transportation for its visitors.
By Public Transportation
You can easily access NJ Transit bus stops and train stations at American Dream, making transportation easy. You can also take a shuttle to the mall from the NY Waterway ferry in Weehawken. It costs $16 for a combination ticket that includes the ferry and shuttle to American Dream. You can purchase the tickets in advance.
It includes:
- Free shuttle service from Manhattan to St. Ferry Terminal
- An eight-minute ferry ride from Midtown Manhattan to Port Imperial in Weehawken
- Port Imperial shuttle service to American Dream in 20 minutes.
By Car
You can find American Dream Mall near Route 3, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 120. On busy days, the mall is expected to bring 150,000 visitors to an area that already experiences heavy traffic during rush hours and on days when Metlife Stadium holds sports events. Driving there may not be the preferred option in light of these concerns.
If you decide to drive, keep in mind that parking is currently free. However, it is recommended that you take public transportation.
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