American Dream Megamall Will Open Its Doors, after 17 Years of Construction

The New Jersey-based megamall plans were hatched in 1996, changed ownership multiple times over its 17 years of construction, cost a whopping estimated cost of $5 billion, but it's now ready to open its doors. 

What the American Dream megamall will offer is much more than just another mall.

The plan is to open in four stages, with the first phase starting as early as Friday 25 October 2019. 

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Four opening stages

It's time to reassess what you know about malls, as the American Dream is going to be 55% entertainment and 45% retail. There's something for everyone, whether you need your dose of retail shopping or an adrenaline rush. 

Friday 25 October marks the first opening stage of the megamall. On this day, the public will be able to enjoy an overwhelming choice of over 35 rides and rollercoasters at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park — an indoor theme park. 

In time for the winter season, on the same day, the mall's ice rink will also be ready for people to glide upon. 

At the end of November, the second stage will welcome visitors to the DreamWorks Water Park. The park boasts over 40 water slides and 15 attractions.

Just one week later in December, Big SNOW opens its 365 days of snow in the form of an indoor real-snow park — the first of its kind in the U.S. 

And finally, all 350 shops will be ready to open their doors in March 2020, during the fourth and last opening phase. 

Visitors and transport

American Dream was developed by the Triple Five Group, who took over its development from 2011 onwards. The family-run real estate conglomerate group has run the massive Mall of America, which according to The Times is the most popular attraction in the U.S.

The Triple Five Group expects the American Dream mall to welcome 40 million visitors a year, similar to the Mall of America. However, as the new mall is based in New Jersey, some people have voiced concerns as to how easily accessible it will be. 

Triple Five Group has this covered. 

A partnership with the ride-sharing company, Lyft, has been signed, giving the company designated pick-up and drop-off locations to and from the mall. The focus is on the customers' seamless travel experience.

"American Dream will offer elite service experiences throughout our property," said Don Ghermezian, CEO of American Dream and Triple Five Group. "From American Dream exclusives to pre-booking capabilities, our partnership with Lyft will offer convenient, comprehensive on-demand transit for guests and employees."

Additionally, the American Dream has also partnered up with New York Waterways and the New Jersey Transit. The former will offer exclusive ferry-bus transfers between the megamall and Manhattan and the latter will add a new route between the mall and New York's Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Triple Five Group seems to have it all covered.