Brett Williams
Brett Williams
When I found out about the American Dream mall in New Jersey, my first response was “no way” then “why.”
It’s more than just a shopping destination, it’s an all-encompassing entertainment experience. Spanning over three million square feet, this colossal complex blends retail, dining, and attractions to create a one-of-a-kind outing.
Entertainment highlights include:
DreamWorks Water Park: The largest indoor water park in North America, featuring thrilling slides and kid-friendly play areas.
An indoor amusement park packed with roller coasters and attractions based on beloved Nickelodeon characters.
North America’s only indoor, real-snow ski and snowboard park. People skied while I got a coffee and gawked through the window.
Sea Life Aquarium: A mesmerizing underwater world perfect for family outings. I didn’t see this one, but the website looks pretty jazzy.
Ice rink: A full sized ice rink, opposite the water park. Only in America.
Ferris Wheel: A large enclosed London eye style ferris wheel. This I don’t understand, given you’re looking out over the wasteland that surrounds the mall. It’s in the middle of nowhere, so don’t expect to explore locally, which I suspect is the point.
All the theme parks are in the name of entertainment. The mall has teamed up with big ticket operators including Nickelodeon and Dream Works as part of the big ticket drawcards to the mall. Can’t afford the dollars or time off to swim in Florida? Come here. And so it goes.
My View
It’s a big mall, wide spaces, maybe too wide. There were numerous centerpieces like this ‘Christmas something’ garden, in other places where there was less foot traffic, just space.
It has a 1990’s dying mall vibe, but maybe it was because I visited first thing at 11.00am early in the week. There were quite a number of vacant shops. I think for families you would want to set a budget here, it’s a place you can easily spend ‘00’s in the blink of an eye. It looks like there may be surge pricing in place, so during peak times, you pay more.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something unique as part of your trip to New York, this is it. It’s a mall that is quintessentially American, big is right.
It’s a short distance from Manhattan. The public transport is terrible. At a minimum you’re looking at one hour on a bus that drops you in the middle of nowhere, then a casual stroll in the desolate wasteland of the Meadowlands for about 20 minutes. No thanks.
My recommendation is to ride share or drive out, or find a friend to drive your out. There is plenty of parking, albeit it is paid. It’s a place you have to see to believe.
Happy travels
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