Just a few miles from Manhattan, the American Dream Mall is much more than just a shopping mall. It’s an entertainment destination in its own right, redefining the shopping and leisure experience. Nestled in New Jersey, this giant complex offers tourists a captivating alternative to traditional New York attractions. Discover this unique place where shopping and attractions come together in a spectacular setting.
What is the American Dream Mall?
An ambitious megaproject
The American Dream Mall is the result of a colossal project that has taken more than 16 years to bring to fruition. Due to open at the end of 2019, this complex of more than 32 million square feet extends over the site of the former “Xanadu” project in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Its development required an investment of more than 5 billion dollars, making it one of the most ambitious commercial projects in the United States.
An integral part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex
A key element to understand is that the American Dream Mall is an integral part of the prestigious Meadowlands Sports Complex, a collection of sports and entertainment facilities that also includes MetLife Stadium. This iconic stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Giants football teams, is located in the immediate vicinity of the shopping mall.
The two facilities are linked by a pedestrian bridge, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the mall’s attractions and shopping before attending an NFL match. This blend of shopping and professional sports adds a unique dimension to the American Dream Mall experience, making it possible to plan a full day combining entertainment, shopping and a sporting event.
An innovative concept
Unlike traditional shopping malls, American Dream is not primarily about shopping. Its philosophy is radically different: around 55% of its surface area is devoted to entertainment and attractions, compared with 45% for retail. This innovative distribution makes it a true leisure destination where you can also shop, rather than a traditional shopping mall with attractions.
Remarkable architecture
The complex’s exterior architecture is instantly recognizable, with its multicolored facade and bold geometric shapes. Inside, each zone, has its own visual and thematic identity, creating a distinctly immersive world depending on whether you are in the water park, the luxury shopping zone, or one of the many entertainment areas.
American Dream Mall’s star attractions
American Dream Mall stands out for the diversity and scope of its attractions. Here’s a round-up of the must-see experiences awaiting visitors:
DreamWorks Water Park
At 8 acres, the DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in North America. This tropical oasis, maintained at 28°C all year round, is home to more than 40 water slides and attractions, including the highest indoor water slide in the world (138 feet). Characters from DreamWorks films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar grace this playful universe, which is sure to appeal to children and adults alike.
Nickelodeon Universe
Covering 8.5 acres, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the United States. It features more than 35 rides and attractions inspired by the channel’s popular children’s characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dora the Explorer. Among its star attractions is the “Shellraiser,” a roller coaster that holds the record for the steepest incline in North America at 121.5 degrees.
Big Snow
Big Snow is an exceptional achievement: the first and only indoor ski and snowboard slope in North America. The facility maintains a temperature of -5°C and features a 300-metre-long real snow run with a 60-metre vertical drop. Beginners can take lessons while experienced skiers and snowboarders enjoy alpine thrills in the heart of New Jersey. All equipment can be hired on site, making this an accessible activity even for tourists who don’t plan to bring their own winter sports equipment.
The Rink
The Rink is a regulation-sized ice rink offering free skating sessions, beginners’ courses and occasionally hosting hockey and figure skating competitions. It’s the perfect place to cool off in the summer months or enjoy a festive winter vibe in the colder months.
Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet is one of the most original and photogenic attractions in the complex. In this surreal and colorful world where bubbles come to life, visitors wander through eight interactive themed rooms, each offering a different sensory experience, from virtual reality to fantastic landscapes. This adventure is designed to stimulate all five senses and rekindle the childlike spirit in every visitor. The artistic installations and lighting effects make it a favourite spot for fans of selfies and photos on social networks.
SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center
The SEA LIFE Aquarium invites visitors to discover marine life through more than 25 themed pools housing over 3,000 marine creatures. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center, meanwhile, is a paradise for fans of colorful bricks, with its interactive attractions, 4D cinema and construction workshops.
Virtual reality experiences and simulators
For thrill-seekers and new technology enthusiasts, several areas offer state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences. These attractions offer immersive adventures without leaving the shopping mall.
Luxury Wing
The Luxury Wing is the section dedicated to high-end shopping. This elegant area is home to international luxury boutiques and features a sophisticated design that contrasts with the more playful areas of the complex.
Shopping and dining
A diverse range of shops
With over 450 stores, American Dream Mall boasts a remarkably diverse retail selection. You’ll find international brands as well as iconic American names, not to mention exclusive boutiques that you won’t find anywhere else in New York.
The layout of the shops is organized into themed areas, making it easy for visitors to find their way around according to their interests. Fashion lovers will find what they’re looking for in the various stores, ranging from affordable brands to the most prestigious labels.
Varied culinary experiences
Dining options are on a par with the rest of the complex, with over 100 dining options. Visitors can choose from:
- Food courts offering a variety of international cuisine
- Theme restaurants linked to the various attractions
- Fine dining options offering more elaborate cuisine
- Cafés and snack bars strategically located throughout the complex
This variety caters to all tastes and budgets, with options to suit both families and visitors looking for more sophisticated dining experiences.
Tips for making the most of your shopping experience
To make the most of your shopping experience, we recommend that you :
- Plan your visit in advance by consulting the mall map
- Plan to spend a full day (or more) to explore all the shops
- Combine shopping sessions with breaks at attractions
- Take advantage of special events and seasonal promotions
- Find out about additional services such as delivery to your hotel
Practical information
How to get there from Manhattan
The American Dream Mall is easily accessible from Manhattan by several means of transport:
By bus
The most direct way is to take the NJ Transit 160 bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd Street and 8th Avenue). The journey takes around 15-20 minutes (outside rush hour) and the bus drops you off directly at the entrance to the complex. The service is regular, departing every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour at weekends.
Shuttle services
Private shuttle services also operate from some Manhattan hotels. Check with your accommodation to see if they offer this service.
Taxi/Uber/Lyft
This option is more expensive but offers greater flexibility. The journey takes around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs between $50 and $80.
Car rental
If you have a car, the American Dream Mall is accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95). The complex has over 30,000 parking spaces in a number of clearly signposted car parks. Please note that parking is subject to a charge.
The connection with MetLife Stadium
A major advantage for sports fans is the proximity and direct connection between the American Dream Mall and MetLife Stadium. The pedestrian bridge linking the two venues makes it easy to organise a combined day out: shopping and attractions during the day, followed by an American football match in the evening.
For fans of either the New York Jets or the New York Giants, this configuration is ideal. On match days, there’s a special atmosphere in the mall, which gradually fills up with fans wearing their team colours. Some of the mall’s restaurants even offer special deals on match days, with happy hours and themed menus.
Opening times
Opening times for the mall and attractions vary:
- Shopping mall: open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 9pm and Sunday from 11am to 7pm
- Attractions: generally open from 10am to 10pm, with seasonal variations
- Restaurants: many stay open after the shops close, some until midnight
It is strongly recommended that you check the specific opening times on the official website (https://www.americandream.com/) before your visit, as they may be adjusted during special events or holiday seasons.
Prices
Admission to the shopping mall is free, but each attraction has its own ticketing system:
- DreamWorks Water Park: from $69 for a day ticket
- Nickelodeon Universe: from $59 for unlimited access to the attractions
- Big Snow: packages from $69.99 including equipment and 2 hours’ skiing
- Bubble Planet: admission from $36 per person
- SEA LIFE Aquarium: from $25 per adult
Combined packages give access to several attractions at a reduced rate. Annual passes can also be purchased for frequent visitors.
Discounts are available for children, seniors, groups and sometimes for advance online purchases. Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends.
Tips for tourists
Best time to visit
For the best visit to the American Dream Mall, weekdays (especially Tuesday to Thursday) and early mornings are best if you want to avoid the crowds. Times outside of school vacations also offer a more relaxed experience. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere, weekends, holiday periods and especially match days at MetLife Stadium transform the complex into a vibrant place. Given the size of the site, allow at least 6 hours for a quick visit, a full day for 2-3 attractions and shopping, or ideally 2-3 days for an in-depth experience.
Tips for families with children
American Dream Mall is particularly suitable for families. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
- Bring a change of clothes for the water attractions
- Use the mall app to find your way around easily
- Take advantage of the seating areas throughout the complex
- Plan regular breaks between intense activities
- Check height requirements for certain attractions
Are you planning to visit the American Dream Mall?
The American Dream Mall is much more than just a shopping trip during a stay in New York. It’s a destination in its own right and deserves to be included in the itinerary of every tourist visiting the region. Its unique combination of world-class entertainment, diverse shopping options and direct connection to MetLife Stadium make it an authentic and memorable American experience.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a shopping enthusiast, a sports fan or simply looking for family activities, American Dream Mall offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Manhattan attractions. Its proximity to New York City makes it the perfect day trip for discovering another facet of American culture.
Make this exceptional destination part of your next trip to New York. You’ll discover why this complex truly represents the modern ‘American Dream’: a place where entertainment, consumerism and innovation come together to create an experience unlike any other in the world.
Photo credits: featured image – flickr Raymond Clarke; innovative concept – flickr Mike Kalasnik
