American Dream Mall: Nickelodeon Universe & The Rink Are Now Open, DreamWorks Water Park & Big SNOW Are Coming Soon

               

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day, Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com

On October 25, 2019 American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey opened for business. This mega-mall was 23 years in the making and has made it it's mission to be the biggest and the best at everything it does. Unlike most malls we grew up with, American Dream is experiential and entertainment focused. Think theme parks versus traditional department stores. In fact, the retails stores aren't even open yet.

Totaling approximately 3 million square feet, American Dream will house hundreds of diverse retail, dining, entertainment and fashion experiences when it is completed in March 2020.  

Just about 20 or so miles from Westchester County, American Dream is just around the corner. With the colder weather approaching, we're fortunate to now have a new indoor adventure destination (many under one roof) to take our energetic children and keep them active for hours...  without spending the night. 

American Dream is opening it's attractions and stores in phases. The mall's grand opening last month featured Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, and The Rink, an NHL-size ice skating and hockey facility. Up next is the DreamWorks Water Park opening on November 27th (UPDATE:The opening of the DreamWorks Waterpark at American Dream in East Rutherford has been delayed, according to a spokesperson for the mega mall. Representatives for the mega mall haven't given a new date, or a reason for the delay.) followed by ​Big SNOW American Dream on December 5th. By March 2020 there will be a total of over 450 retail, food, and entertainment offerings. Read on for the details.

Nickelodeon Universe
americandream.com/venue/nickelodeon-universe

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day, Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day, Photographer: Samantha Nandez/BFA.com

Nickelodeon Universe is a family theme park featuring Nickelodeon characters, some in the flesh, and dozens of rides. Massive in size, it occupies 16 enclosed acres. Regardless of age or threshold for thrills, this park has rides to please. Try the world’s steepest roller coaster, the Shellraiser, or take it slow on Pup Pup & Away, a PAWsome Ferris wheel.

​Youngsters will be delighted to meet their Nickelodeon pals up close, like SpongeBob, Dora, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Here's the full list of attractions!

• Aang’s Air Gliders - Hold on tight as you soar and spin like an Airbender! After your flight you can snap a photo with Appa, Aang’s sky bison.
• Blaze’s Monster Truck Rally - Rev up and roll out with Blaze and his friends for an epic race in the Monster Dome.
• Blue’s Skidoo - Blue Skidoo, you can too! Make Blue and Magenta soar up, down, and all around! Then, sit down in the Thinking Chair to think… think… think with a little help from your good friend Blue.
• Dora’s Sky Railway - ¡Todos a bordo! Join Dora for a trip aboard her little blue train friend, Azul. First, a hot air balloon floats you up to the rail station in the clouds. Then you’ll board Azul for a sky-high journey featuring scenic views of the park from the elevated tracks.
• Timmy’s Half Pipe Havoc - Take a not-so-ordinary spin on the halfpipe with Timmy, Cosmo and Wanda. This giant skateboard ride provides the ultimate in airtime!
• Fairly OddAirways - When Timmy wishes to become a pilot, you get to go along for the ride! With the wave of a wand, you’re ready for takeoff. This thrilling flight through the clouds is a wish come true for the whole family.
• Invader Zim’s Flip & Spin... OF DOOM! - You’ve been recruited to battle aboard planet Irk’s latest militarized spacecraft. Aid in Zim’s invasion as you flip, spin, and bump into unsuspecting humans.
• Jimmy Neutron’s Atom Smasher - Jimmy Neutron needs your help to supercharge his latest invention. You control the level of thrill from gentle cruise to a topsy-turvy tumble … all in the name of science!
• Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge - Olmec challenges all to scale to breathtaking heights in the world’s tallest adventure ropes course. How high will you climb to reach the Shrine of the Silver Monkey? The choices are yours and yours alone!
• Nickelodeon Skyline Scream - The spectacular Skyline Scream is the world’s tallest indoor spinning drop tower. It’s a scenic, scream-filled thrill ride with mesmerizing views of Nickelodeon Universe and the dazzling cityscape of Manhattan!
• Nickelodeon Slime Streak - As this coaster streaks along a twisting, turning track through Nickelodeon Universe, it leaves nothing but a Slime streak of screams in its wake.
• PAW Patrol Adventure Bay - Get on a roll with the PAW Patrol! The slides, climb structures and rescue-play activities in Adventure Bay are specially designed for the younger pups.
• Pup Pup & Away - Join Marshall and the gang on a PAWsome Ferris wheel that’s an adventure for the whole family.
• Ren & Stimpy’s Space Madness - Join Commander Hoëk and Cadet Stimpy on a 36-year mission to the Crab Nebula. Strap in, hold on and prepare for launch… but try to avoid the dreaded SPACE MADNESS!
• Rugrats Reptar Go-Round - Hop on Reptar’s back or take a spin in a giant sippy cup on this double-decker, all-ages merry-go-round.
• Shimmer & Shine Jumping Genies - Climb onto your very own magic carpet as you take a genie-rific ride through the skies of Zahramay Falls.
• SpongeBob’s Jellyfish Jam - Whirl and swirl through Jellyfish Fields in this thrilling family swing ride.
• Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express - Board the Crosstown Express Bus to go spinning and reeling through the streets of Bikini Bottom.
• Sandy’s Blasting Bronco - Yeehaw! Sandy, our favorite Texan squirrel, and mechanic Patrick have built an out-of-control coaster contraption. Saddle up as it blasts you forward, backwards, up, down and even upside-down!
• The Shellraiser (world’s steepest roller coaster) - Help the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles battle the villainous Shredder. First snap a pic with the Turtles in the Shellraiser, then prepare to LAUNCH onto the streets of New York City. This coaster holds the record for the world’s steepest drop. Booyakasha!
• Kraang Prime Pandemonium! - Kraang Prime has the innocent citizens of New York in her clutches. Can you endure swinging back and forth in her giant, slimy tentacles?
• The Shredder (world’s tallest and longest spinning coaster) - Join the Foot Clan as Shredder leads a massive attack against the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You’ll hang on for dear life aboard the world’s tallest and longest free-spinning coaster traversing hairpin turns, plummeting spirals and speeding spins.

You can purchase tickets in advance on the American Dream website. Special preview admission pricing is as follows:

• All Access: $49.99 - recommended for individuals 48”+ who are seeking the most thrilling experiences
• General Access: $39.99 - recommended for individuals under 48”, and those who choose not to ride our most thrilling rides
• Free Access - Children 2 years and younger

Hours of operation are:

• Monday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
• Friday 11am - 10pm
• Saturday 10am - 10pm
• Sunday 10am – 9pm

The Rink
americandream.com/venue/the-rink

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day, Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com

Calling all ice skating and hockey fans. The Rink is a NHL-size ice skating and hockey facility, located inside the mall. It has three viewable tiers and can hold thousands of spectators. Activities include open skating, figure skating, hockey tournaments, events and more. Open skate tickets can be purchased in person at the rink and cost:

• 1-day – $19
• Ages 3-10 – $12
• Ages 2 and under – free
• Skate rentals – $6
• Helmets – free
• Skate sharpening –$6

Hours of operation are:

• Monday – Thursday 11am – 9pm
• Friday 11am - 10pm
• Saturday 10am - 10pm
• Sunday 10am – 9pm

​Coming Soon

DreamWorks Water Park

Source: Instagram Four local surfers testing the wave pool arranged by American Wave Machines, the manufacturer of the PerfectSwell wave pool system at American Dream

American Dream is just getting started. Later this month, on November 27th, DreamWorks Water Park opens. It will be the largest indoor water park in North America, complete with a VIP lounge and cabanas. The tremendous park will have over 40 water slides and 15 attractions. These include: SurfRiders, Madagascar’s Rain Forest, Shrek’s Swamp, Kung Fu Panda Zone, a lazy river, a 1.5-acre wave pool (the largest in the world) and last but not least, the world’s tallest indoor body slide (with a 142 foot drop). Check out the surfers testing the waters on Instagram.

​No more driving to Pennsylvania for overnights to get your fill of waterslides mid-winter.

UPDATE:The opening of the DreamWorks Waterpark at American Dream in East Rutherford has been delayed, according to a spokesperson for the mega mall. Representatives for the mega mall haven't given a new date, or a reason for the delay.

Big SNOW

Ski chalet rendering at American Dream, Photo Credit: American Dream

Source: Instagram, Move In Day For The Snow Groomers Oct 25

On December 5th Big SNOW American Dream Opens. It will be North America’s first year-round, indoor, real-snow ski and snowboard center. Will you be craving snow in August? Could be a great way to beat the heat.

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, introductory lessons, private coaching, children’s programs, kids' camps, snow play and more in a climate controlled, 28 degree, 80,000 square foot, 16 story ski slope.

SNOW Day Packages will provide guests with everything needed to enjoy the slopes including: equipment rentals, helmets, winter outerwear (pants and jackets), slope access tickets and a complimentary introductory lesson, starting at $49.99. For those who may already own their equipment, slope access tickets for guests ages 7 & up will be available at just $34.99 for two hours or $49.99 for four hours. Tickets purchased online will also be available at a reduced rate.

Check out moving day for the snow groomers on Instagram. Coming for the holiday season: Santa.
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​More Attractions Are On The Way

As if that wasn't enough, other family-friendly attractions coming in early 2020 include Merlin Entertainments’ SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, CMX Luxury Movie Theater, Kidzania (world‐renowned role‐playing experience for kids), a 300’ Observation Wheel,  Angry Birds 18‐hole Miniature Golf experience and a Performing Art Center. 

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Shopping & Dining

In March 2020, the final touches will be complete. Over 450+ retail, food, and entertainment offerings will open their doors. Some of the stores that have been identified are: Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Barneys New York, including the iconic Freds at Barneys New York restaurant, Tiffany & Co., Watches of Switzerland, Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler, Zara, H&M, Uniqlo and Primark.  

Come hungry. Over 100 diverse dining and specialty food experiences are also in the works and will range from fine to grab-n-go, local to global cuisines, from the world’s most celebrated chefs.  There will be 20 full‐service restaurants, Coca‐Cola “Eats” Food Hall, Munchies Food Hall and Kosher Food Hall.

In addition, Coca-Cola will have it's own store, The Social Bubble, featuring an interactive space to engage in live social media, which will include a podcast studio, and media wall. They will also host events, provide VIP Green Rooms.

​That opening will mark the completion of the mall. Incredible, right? Stay tuned, we'll share more details about the new attractions, stores and restaurants when they become available.

Have you been to American Dream? Share your experiences in the comments.
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American Dream Mall
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
americandream.com

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