American Dream Mall – CCM Magazine

At CCM Magazine, we’ve all the time been about music that conjures up, encourages, and connects. But currently, Amanda and I’ve been speaking so much about how our readers are additionally households in search of extra than simply interviews and live performance recaps. Many of you might be dad and mom like us, juggling schedules, chasing children, and looking for significant experiences you’ll be able to take pleasure in collectively. That’s why we would like CCM to additionally turn out to be a useful resource for family-oriented leisure and journey.

So, once we had the possibility to spend a weekend at American Dream Mall, simply throughout from MetLife Stadium outdoors of New York City, we jumped at it. This place is an element mall, half theme park, half fever dream, and it was a really unforgettable household journey day.

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Nickelodeon Universe – Indoor Theme Park

First issues first: an enormous thanks to the workforce at American Dream Mall for internet hosting us at Nickelodeon Universe. I labored at Nickelodeon in again in 2003 and 2004 and strolling into Nickelodeon Universe was like being transported straight again to that slime-dripped period.

You know that feeling once you hear an previous theme track and out of the blue, you’re a child once more? That’s what this park does. There are rides themed to Rugrats, Ren & Stimpy, and our good friend Butch Hartman’s The Fairly OddParents. I even caught them taking part in the Chip Skylark hit My Shiny Teeth and Me (IYKYK). An extended with deep cuts your loved ones will love every little thing from pre-school favorites like Paw Patrol and Blue’s Clues to Nickelodeon mainstays of SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

And then there are the photograph ops. Endless. Who doesn’t need a selfie with Olmec from Legends of the Hidden Temple? Though I’ll admit, I used to be completely satisfied to let the children tackle that ropes course whereas I stayed firmly on the bottom.

The Shredder curler coaster ended up being my favourite experience. It’s a spinning coaster that seats you face-to-face along with your family and friends. Half the enjoyable isn’t even the drops and spins; it’s locking eyes along with your children when you’re all being whipped round like rag dolls. Pure chaos, pure pleasure.

If I had one phrase of warning, it’s this: not each experience is tremendous pleasant for taller or bigger adults. Some seats are a squeeze, and you could end up sitting out. But the spotlight as a mum or dad was watching my children be hoisted on a crane inside a Double Dare-themed human claw machine. Yes, it’s an upcharge. And sure, it’s price it for the photographs alone. Seeing them dive for prizes was priceless.

Shopping and Dining Experiences:

The beauty of American Dream Mall is that it’s greater than only one attraction. After a day of rides, we wandered by the retailers—every little thing from customary mall shops to luxurious manufacturers to quirky spots you gained’t discover anyplace else. My children begged for a cease at Pop Mart to see if Labubus have been in inventory, and we additionally made a nostalgic pilgrimage to one of many solely remaining Toys “R” Us areas, reimagined for this mall.

While each traditional and elevated meals courtroom choice was obtainable, we opted for dinner at Little Sheep Hot Pot, and this place is a hidden gem. When you’ve had your fill of cheeseburgers and ICEEs – this was a much-needed contemporary favourite. We’re huge sizzling pot folks, and our server informed us that is the one location outdoors of China. Yes, we ate a China owned and operated restaurant contained in the American Dream Mall and it was so price it. Hands down, it was the perfect sizzling pot we’ve ever had. It was a serious sudden mall eating win.

DreamWorks Water Park

We additionally carved out time for the DreamWorks Water Park, which looks like stepping right into a cartoon sauna with a view of the New York City skyline. My children ran themselves ragged on the slides whereas I snuck off to catch some soccer—it was a Saturday within the fall, in spite of everything—earlier than becoming a member of them for Trolls Rainbow Racers. Pro tip: being a bigger grownup undoubtedly provides you the sting in a water slide race. My victory was decisive.

That mentioned, the water park is sizzling, humid, and loud. Perfect for youths with boundless power, however after just a few hours, I used to be wiped. I retreated, sweaty and completely satisfied again to the mall. I even popped into the one MrBeast Burger for a soda.

Final Thoughts: A Suburban Dream

If you’re visiting New York, it’s simple to stay to Manhattan. But simply throughout the river, American Dream Mall provides one thing completely totally different, it’s a break from town that also delivers huge thrills. It’s suburbia on steroids, and I imply that in the absolute best method.

My recommendation? Don’t attempt to do all of it. Pick one main park for the day—Nickelodeon Universe or DreamWorks Water Park—and go away time to discover the mall itself. Between the rides, the meals, the purchasing, and the sudden little gems, there’s greater than sufficient to fill a day.

For me, it was a visit that checked all of the packing containers: nostalgia for the 90s child in me, thrills for my children, and meals experiences my entire household may take pleasure in collectively. And that’s precisely why CCM Magazine desires to maintain sharing these sorts of tales. Because household leisure isn’t nearly what’s taking part in in your audio system—it’s in regards to the moments you make once you step away, discover, and snigger collectively.