American Dream Megamall Opening Friday: Rockland Day Trip

The American Dream megamall is so close to Rockland County — less than an hour's trip by car and accessible via Metro-North on the Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines.

While its grand opening is set for Friday, shopping, dining and attractions at the $5 billion complex will open in four phases.

So if you head to the Meadowlands megamall later this week, what will you find?

Oct. 25

Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, which is billed as the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, will hold a special three-day preview. The 8.5-acre park will feature more than 35 rides and attractions based on Nickelodeon's iconic characters, like Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer. There will also be games, retail, shows, entertainment and restaurants. While tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are sold out, tickets for dates through Nov. 7 are currently available on American Dream's website.

The Rink, an NHL-regulation size ice rink, will be open. It'll offer open skates, figure skating, hockey tournaments and other special events. On Oct. 31, a spooky skate is scheduled.

NJ Transit will run a bus daily from Secaucus Junction to American Dream every 30 minutes. When you arrive at Secaucus Junction via trains on the Pascack Valley or Port Jervis lines, follow the signs to the bus plaza to transfer to the 356 for American Dream.

NY Waterway will begin ferry-bus service from New York City to American Dream seven days a week.

Parking fees will be waived for opening weekend. After that, mall-goers will need to pay. Click here for the rates.

Special hours for opening weekend (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday). Regular hours will be 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday through Sunday.

Here's what will open later:

Nov. 27

DreamWorks Water Park, an indoor water park that will include the world's largest indoor water coaster, a free fall slide with a 70-foot drop, a lazy river and a 1.5-acre wave pool.

Dec. 5

Big SNOW, the country's only indoor real-snow park, will open. It will offer skiing, snowboarding, introductory lessons, private coaching, children's programs, snow play, corporate team building and private events within its 180,000-square-foot, 16-story, climate controlled facility.

March 2020

• The mall's 350 retail stores
• More than 100 dining destinations – which include three food halls, a food court and nearly two-dozen full-serve restaurants
• SEA LIFE Aquarium
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center
• CMX Luxury Movie Theater
• Kidzania
• The mall's Observation Wheel

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What Venues Can You Look Forward To?

Future tenants that have been revealed so far include:

• Arc'teryx
• Grisini Coffee Shop, Food Hall and Market
• Munchies Food Hall
• ClimbZone
• Mirror Maze
• Angry Birds miniature golf
• A Coca Cola partnership that includes a restaurant, a social media storefront, green rooms and events featuring celebrities.
• The Dining Terrace
• Kosher Food Hall
• H Mart
• Performing Arts Center
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Barneys New York
• Tiffany & Co.
• Dolce Gabbana
• Watches of Switzerland
• Hermès
• Moncler
• Fourpost
• Aland
• Uniqlo
• Zara
• H&M
• Victoria's Secret/Victoria's Secret Pink
• Primark
• Century 21
• Banana Republic
• Aritzia
• MAC Cosmetics
• Sephora
• IT'Sugar
• For The Win