If you’re looking for a fun day out, why not visit DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey?
As the largest indoor water park in the US, this place brings your favorite DreamWorks Animation characters into a whole new light.
Whether you’re planning a family adventure or just a day away from the ordinary, you’ll find lots to enjoy at this New Jersey water park.
So, stick around as we unpack what to see, do, and enjoy, starting with its fascinating journey from concept to opening day.
The Journey to Opening DreamWorks Water Park
The story of DreamWorks Water Park at the American Dream Mall begins long before its doors opened.
The initial concept for the mall, originally named Meadowlands Mills, was proposed back in 1994.
Along the way, the development went through several phases and names, eventually becoming known as Meadowlands Xanadu. By 2009, the construction was nearly complete, but funding issues brought everything to a halt.
It wasn’t until 2011 that the project saw new life. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority struck a deal with the Triple Five Group, which took ownership and reimagined the site as “American Dream.”
DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg confirmed DreamWorks Animation’s involvement in 2012. Envisioning a unique adventure, he saw the water park as a new stage where the studio’s beloved characters and stories could spring to life.
By 2016, Triple Five shifted the amusement park’s theme to Nickelodeon Universe and partnered with DreamWorks Animation to focus on the water park.
Originally slated to open at the end of 2019, the water park faced several delays. It was first pushed to September 2019, then November of the same year, with postponed dates leading up to the official opening.
Even with all the changes, exciting things happened, like surfers trying out the huge 1.5-acre wave pool in October 2019. But, when things seemed ready to go, they hit another bump in the road and had to delay the opening again without saying why.
Finally, after overcoming hurdles, including a last-minute delay due to necessary ride inspections and the unexpected challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, DreamWorks Water Park officially opened its doors on October 1, 2020.
Discover the Fun at New Jersey’s Indoor Water Park
At DreamWorks Water Park, the iconic movies surround you in the form of water slides and attractions. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights!
Let’s kick things off in Shrek’s Soggy Swamp, where you can float along the lazy river, winding through scenes straight out of the Shrek movies.
Little ones will love the squirting fountains and gentle waterfalls along the way. And don’t forget to brave “Shrek’s Sinkhole Slammer”, a massive multi-person raft ride that’ll have you swirling down a giant funnel! It’s a must-try for the whole family.
Next, get ready for a wild adventure in the Madagascar Rain Forest. Here, you can experience the rush of the “Thrillagascar,” the world’s second-tallest indoor body slide, featuring a 14-story drop and a 50-foot free fall.
If that’s not enough excitement, the “Jungle Jammer” also promises a thrilling ride.
For fans of How to Train Your Dragon, head over to the thrilling “DreamWorks Dreamrunner”. This 1,600-foot-long hydro-magnetic water coaster takes you on a wild ride with drops, rises, and plenty of twists and turns.
And don’t forget the “Trolls Rainbow Racers”, parallel slides where you can race your friends and family to the finish line.
And finally, don’t miss the Kung Fu Panda Zone, a haven for younger visitors. The area is filled with gentle slides and playful water features, all perfectly sized for little ones. It’s like stepping into Po’s world, with bright colors and familiar characters everywhere you look.
But wait, there’s more! This New Jersey water park also has a gigantic 1.5-acre wave pool where you can catch some serious waves.
And if you just want to relax, you can rent one of the 31 luxurious cabanas designed by Jonathan Adler.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for your favorite DreamWorks characters! You might just bump into Shrek, Po, Alex the Lion, or even King Julien himself. It goes without saying: These spontaneous meet-and-greets are always a highlight for the kids.
With so much to see and do, DreamWorks Water Park is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family!
Bonus: Craving a bite to eat after all the fun? If so, you could head to a local diner. After all, New Jersey is the diner capital of the USA.
Essential Tips for Visiting DreamWorks Indoor Water Park in New Jersey
Before you jump into the fun at DreamWorks Water Park, there are a few things to keep in mind.
From arriving early to navigating the park, these details will ensure you’re well-prepared and ready for a fantastic time.
1. Before You Head Out
- Arrive Early: The earlier you get to the Water Park, especially on weekends or holidays, the better. This way, you can grab the best chairs and beat the crowds.
The American Dream Mall is enormous and has many attractions, so getting an early start helps you make the most of your day.
2. Getting Here
- Driving: Park in Lot B or C, which costs $4 daily. These lots are closest to the Water Park entrance.
- Rideshare: Use the pickup/drop-off spots at A Hub and C Hub for rideshare services.
- Public Transit: The NJ TRANSIT 355 Bus runs from Gate 305 at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on weekends and holidays. The trip is about 16 minutes.
3. What to Bring
- Lockers: Leave valuables at home. Lockers are available for a charge—$12 for small, $15 for medium, and $20 for large.
- Phone Protection: Either bring a waterproof phone case with a neck strap or buy one at the park to keep your phone safe and handy.
- Swimwear and Towels: Forgot these? You can pick them up at the park; they have various options for purchase.
4. Ride Details
- Height Requirements: Be aware of the height restrictions for rides up to 36″, 36″-42″, 42″-48″, and 48″+. Many rides require life jackets for kids, so plan accordingly.
5. Safety Measures
- Lifeguards: Lifeguards are stationed throughout the park, ensuring safety while you enjoy the attractions.
6. Park Hours and Pricing
- Hours: Typically open 12 PM to 7 PM on weekdays, 11 AM to 8 PM on Saturdays, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. Check the latest hours on the park’s website.
- Tickets:
- All Access Pass: Prices start at $69 for non-peak days and range from $89 on peak days. Kids two and under enter free.
- Turbo Pass: Skip the lines with this pass, which is available for an extra fee.
- Twilight Ticket: For the last two hours of operation on select days, tickets range from $35 to $59.
7. Cabanas and Suites
- Poolside Cabanas:
- Non-Peak: $100
- Peak: $300 (for 4-5 guests)
- Skybox Suites:
- Ocean Suite (650 sq ft): $1200 for both Non-Peak and Peak (for 16 guests)
- Sea Suite (400 sq ft): $600 Non-Peak, $900 Peak (for 10 guests)
- Bay Suite (250 sq ft): $400 Non-Peak, $700 Peak (for 8 guests)
New Jersey Water Park: Your DreamWorks Adventure Awaits
As we can see, DreamWorks Water Park is the ultimate escape for movie fans and anyone who loves water parks, for that matter.
With attractions based on beloved DreamWorks films, this indoor park offers thrills for all ages. From “Thrillagascar” to “Trolls Rainbow Racers”, you can be sure there’s no shortage of exciting slides and rides.
Oh, and remember to plan ahead! Before you go, check the park’s hours, ticket prices, and any height restrictions.
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or looking for a relaxing family day out, this is, by far, one of the best water parks in New Jersey.
We know you’re going to have a blast!
P.S. There are plenty more fun things to do in New Jersey, so check out our guide for more ideas!
