The American Dream Epicenter Will Be a Massive All-in-one Theme Park, Water Park, and Shopping Center Just Outside of NYC

Deanne Kaczerski

Don’t call it a mall. The new American Dream epicenter, opening Oct. 25 in East Rutherford, NJ, is more than what many have dubbed a “mega-mall.” It’s a destination of style, entertainment, and gastronomy just seven miles from NYC and a short ride from Teterboro Airport.

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The 3-million-square-foot complex is sizeable enough to hold a full 16 acres of rides, amusement, and adrenaline, including the new Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park (think: roller coasters and rides for ages 1 and up) and the DreamWorks Water Park — where you can rent a cabana, enjoy poolside drinks, and even cool off on one of many water slides. The new water park features a glass roof so you can still tan while splashing around... or burn, so be sure to apply sunscreen.

The complex boasts the world’s first indoor Big Snow ski and snowboard center, including a chalet for all your après ski needs. It also offers a slope-facing glass window perfect for people-watching. Don’t have skis, a board, or any winter-ready apparel? No worries — they have you covered with a full-service rental station. American Dream's Big Snow will be adorned with a 60,000 square foot hand-painted mural covering its exterior thanks to a recently announced collaboration with multi-artist group, En Masse.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the NHL-sized ice rink, an Angry Birds-themed, 18-hole miniature golf course, a bunny ranch, and an aviary. If that’s not enough, the new American Dream space will also be home to an aquarium, luxury movie theater, and Legoland.

But that’s not all. Not even close.

Courtesy of American Dream
Courtesy of American Dream

Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney’s New York, shoppers can find delight in even more luxury offerings, like Hermès, Moncler, and Tiffany & Company. For the discerning few, there are also valet and concierge services and suites in the luxury retail wing available at an additional cost. Having toured the ultimate retail space myself, I can assure you it will be a shopper’s paradise (spoken as a profound shopaholic).

Should you get hungry, there are meal options centrally and strategically located all over the complex. Visitors have an array of over 100 dining options, including 20 full-service restaurants, a Kosher dining hall, a Coca-Cola Eats food hall, and a Munchies food space for when you just need a snack.

The massive complex also announced a collaboration with American Dream, the unrivalled destination for style and play, today announced a community-centric art project with En Masse, a global urban arts initiative led by Denver-born Jason Botkin.

Given that I live just one mile from the construction of this megaplex, my initial worry was that traffic will be disastrous. Thankfully, they’ve thought of that, too. American Dream is working with NJ Transit on several bus options to bring the masses to the soon-to-open global destination. You can try to fight for one of the 30,000 parking spaces, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy mass transit. There will be a dedicated space for rideshare pick up and drop off, as well.