American Dream
4.5(43K)google
3.6(594)yelp
KidsYouth-FriendlyIndoorParking AvailableRestrooms AvailableWorld RecordMust-SeeInteractiveThrillingCarnivalSports
Overview
The "American Dream" is a phrase referring to the national ethos of the United States: that every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life. The tenets of the American Dream originate from the Declaration of Independence, which states "all men are created equal", and have an inalienable right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". The Preamble to the Constitution states similarly that the Constitution's purpose is to, in part, "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity".
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeThe perfect year-round climate-controlled indoor mega-resort travel destination, standing as one of North America's largest entertainment complexes. To bypass intense weekend crowds at the DreamWorks Water Park or Nickelodeon Universe roller coasters, visit on a weekday afternoon (Tuesday-Thursday) between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This window gives you unhindered, crowd-free access to luxury shopping and records-breaking rides.
Getting TherePerfectly situated within the Meadowlands Sports Complex at 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford. Driven transit from Manhattan via the Lincoln Tunnel takes only 15 minutes along NJ-3 West straight into the property. The mega-complex operates multiple colossal, high-tech multi-level pay parking garages (Decks A-D) tied directly to major theme park gates.
Travel Tips
- Subject to Bergen County's strict historic Blue Laws; all retail clothing, luxury boutiques, and electronics stores are legally mandated to close on Sundays, leaving only dining and theme parks active.
- On-site parking structures only allow a 30-minute free grace window before flat daily pricing applies; rates spike to extreme surge pricing whenever adjacent MetLife Stadium hosts major stadium events.
- The indoor water park maintains a humid 81°F microclimate and enforces a total ban on outside catering; secure digital lockers require credit card processing as cash payment is not integrated.
Reviews
Positive
- A mind-blowing mega-mall packing an indoor water park, Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, and a year-round indoor ski slope.
- An ultimate indoor paradise for families with kids, entirely immune to bad weather or winters, offering a fully accessible one-stop escape.
- The mall boasts ultra-modern design with lush indoor gardens, luxury car displays, and bright light shows, housing high-end to fast fashion.
- The public restrooms are five-star luxury and sparkling clean; walkways feature abundant benches and smart touchscreen directory maps.
Heads up
- Ticket prices for the individual theme parks and water parks are sky-high; combined with steep mandatory parking fees, the overall value is low.
- The mall's sheer size is overwhelming, requiring exhausting walking distances between attractions with sometimes confusing directional signs.
- Weekend crowds are suffocating; popular rides and trendy restaurants face massive lines, with chaotic noise levels unsuitable for peace-seekers.
- Due to NJ Bergen County Blue Laws, retail and luxury shopping stores are legally closed on Sundays, limiting Sunday visits strictly to entertainment.