New Jersey
Attractions|Shopping Malls

The Massive LEGO Playground In New Jersey That Few People Know About

Published May 25, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

American Dream in East Rutherford definitely had a long road to getting up and running - and a bumpy first few years - but the massive shopping, dining, and entertainment mall is finding its footing as an all-in-one attraction for New Jersey residents and tourists. The last few years have seen several major attractions open, including the biggest Lego playground in NJ! The Legoland Discovery Center is a smaller, indoor LEGO theme park featuring stunning displays of brick-building and interactive activities that the whole family will love. You can even watch a 4-D LEGO adventure in a theater, or board a train ride for an enchanting and interactive LEGO mission. You'll be sure to come home with an amazing collection of memories - and maybe some new LEGO sets!

Located in the back of the American Dream mega-mall, the Legoland Discovery Center beckons you into a world of brick-based fun.

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Legoland Discovery Center/Google Local

Equal parts museum and amusement park, it's a great activity for both young kids and older LEGO buffs visiting the mall.

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Fan S/Google Local

The exhibit is filled with stunning brick displays crafted by master builders, some with additional features like lights to bring them to life.

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Dmitry Fisenko/Google Local

Many of the displays are inspired by the state and local attractions, including a recreation of the massive football stadium right next door!

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GJ/Google Local

Looking at the LEGO displays is fun, but you'll definitely want to head on over to some of the interactive features.

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Legoland Discovery Center/Google Local

A 4-D theater with an original story is a great adventure for all the younger LEGO fans, who will marvel as the realistic effects.

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Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey/Facebook

The attraction even has a dark ride-style train ride, where riders will be able to help save the day with their interactive "magic wands".

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Legoland Discovery Center New Jersey/Facebook

Of course, no day at a Legoland Discovery Center would be complete without a visit to the gift shop, where you can find a LEGO set of your own to bring the fun home.

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Have you visited the Legoland Discovery Center in East Rutherford's American Dream? Let us know about your visit to this huge LEGO playground in NJ in the comments section! You can visit the official Legoland website and Facebook page for more information, and check out the American Dream website for all you can enjoy while you're in the vicinity. While you're in American Dream, consider spending some time on this epic indoor ski slope.

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Attractions|Shopping Malls

New Jersey’s American Dream Mall Is In Limbo After Recent Setbacks

American Dream Mall in New Jersey faced delays and changes due to the pandemic but plans to reopen with a new tenant strategy.

Published Jul 25, 2020

Written by 

Kristen

New Jersey's much anticipated American Dream Mall was set to open on March 19th. The opening was delayed due to the pandemic and by March 21st, the Garden State was on lockdown. Nonessential businesses were shuttered indefinitely to help stop the spread of Covid-19. The fate of the mall was once again up in the air. Here's what has happened since then:

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Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, 07073

Americans across the country, New Jerseyans especially, mocked Xanadu, calling it an eyesore that would never open.

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Millertime83/Wikipedia

But then it evolved into the beautiful American Dream mall and entertainment complex. And it opened...in phases.

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American Dream/Facebook

The first three of four phases opened prior to the pandemic. Crowds flocked to enjoy the Nickelodeon Theme Park, The Rink At American Dream, DreamWorks Water Park, Big SNOW, and more.

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Things were looking promising. The mall was all set and ready to go with retailers including Zara, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermes, Dulce & Gabbana, Uniqlo, Forever 21, Ulta, Sephora, Mulberry, H&M, Moncler, Primark, Scotch & Soda, and over 300 other shops. From high end to bargain friendly, this mall was made for everyone to enjoy. When it came to dining, visitors were also covered with a Coca Cola food court, H Mart, a Kosher food hall, and dozens of fast-casual and dine-in eateries. The American Dream would be an international destination, buzzing with shoppers, diners, and entertainment seekers...unfortunately, the dream was deferred.

    Several tenants have since filed for bankruptcy including Barneys New York, CMX Cinemas, and GNC. The mall's owners, Triple Five Group, are reported to have missed payments on another prominent property - The Mall of America in Minnesota. American Dream, set to create over 22,000 jobs, temporarily furloughed or permanently laid off many existing employees - around 7 percent of the mall’s previously filled positions were eliminated.

However, there's still a possibility that the mall will one day reopen. According to an article by CNBC, Triple Five Group is shifting its strategy. Prior to the pandemic, American Dream was slated to be a mix of 55% entertainment-related tenants and 45% retail tenants. Now, the ratio will be closer to 70/30, with 30% retail. No reopening date has been set but just days ago, the official American Dream Facebook page announced that they were thrilled to be hosting the 2021 Transplant Games of America from July 16-21. What do you think?

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Attractions|Shopping Malls

New Jersey’s American Dream Mall Will Soon Be A Reality, Here Are The Grand Opening Details

American Dream Mall in New Jersey offers a unique blend of retail, dining, and entertainment experiences, including the largest indoor theme park and waterpark in North America.

Published Sep 22, 2019

Written by 

Kristen

The American Dream Mall has come a long way since the project was first conceived in 2003. Originally known as Xanadu, it's had several iterations over the past decade, including a brief stint as "one of America's ugliest buildings." That's what critics called it, but it has since evolved into a striking white structure worthy of its name. While there are many concerns surrounding the project (traffic, for example), it will bring thousands of jobs to the area and likely tourists from the world over. So what will it offer?

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New Jersey may be the mall capital of America, but the American Dream complex isn't simply a mall - it's a retail, dining, and entertainment experience.

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American Dream

It's a one-stop-shop for foodies, fashion lovers, families, and adventure seekers.

American Dream will be 55% entertainment and 45% retail.

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American Dream

Visitors can expect frequent events in addition to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, NHL-regulation size ice rink, DreamWorks Water Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, CMX Luxury Movie Theater, mini-golf, Kidzania, and Big SNOW indoor ski and snowboard park. Nickelodeon Universe features over 35 rides, rollercoasters, and attractions, making it the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. DreamWorks is North America's largest indoor waterpark. It offers over 40 water slides and 15 amazing attractions including the world's largest wave pool and the world’s tallest indoor body slide. Big SNOW offers lessons and experiences for all skill levels.

The globally-inspired shopping district will feature the world's finest retailers and over 350 unique shops.

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American Dream

The world’s leading brands have chosen American Dream for their largest, flagship and specialty locations. You can expect to find Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, Saint Laurent, Moncler, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Zara, H&M, Uniqlo,

Primark, and many others.

You'll find a dining experience like no other.

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American Dream

There will be over 100 carefully curated dining options, ranging from casual eats to upscale restaurants. The Dining Terrace offers NYC views and 20 full-service eateries. Munchies Food Hall, curated by Vice, includes 18 local and regional favorites, a cooking studio, two revolving kitchens, and more. Coca-Cola Eats will feature Coca-Cola products along with local and international cuisines. Last, but not least, there will be a strictly kosher food market.

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The first phase of American Dream will open on October 25th, 2019. This includes the Nickelodeon Theme Park and The Rink At American Dream. A spooky skate is planned for October 31st including pumpkin pick-and-paint, farm favorites, face painting, and other autumn activities.

The second phase of American Dream will open on November 27th, 2019. This includes the DreamWorks Water Park.

The third phase of American Dream will open on December 5, 2019. This includes Big SNOW.

The fourth phase of American Dream will open in March, 2020. This includes shopping, dining, and other entertainment destinations.

Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

For more shopping in New Jersey, check out this list of antiquing destinations.

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