NickALive!: Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opens to the Public

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opens to the Public

Originally published: Friday, October 25, 2019

AMERICAN DREAM UNVEILS NICKELODEON UNIVERSE AND THE RINK

A Fall Festival will also take place throughout the property until November 3

Photographer: Samantha Nandez/BFA.com

East Rutherford, New Jersey, Oct. 25, 2019 -- Today marks the official opening of American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, and The Rink – an NHL-size ice skating and hockey facility, opened to guests, marking the first chapter in the revolutionary destination’s opening.

Don Ghermezian, CEO of American Dream and President of Triple Five, and Ken Downing, Chief Creative Officer of Triple Five greeted guests as they descended the stairs into Nickelodeon Universe. They were joined by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The crowd of over 2500 was entertained by a host of Nickelodeon characters including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dora the Explorer and the Clifton Mustang Marching Band surprised and delighted guests in a parade through the park led by SpongeBob Square Pants.

Inside, guests enjoyed 35+ rides, rollercoasters and attractions. Between the shrieks of guests plunging down the world’s steepest roller coaster, the Shellraiser, and the nervous laughter of children meeting their Nickelodeon BFFs for the first time, the park was full of excitement and joy.

Nickelodeon Universe tickets are sold out through opening weekend. Special preview tickets are available at www.americandream.com from October 28 – November 7, 2019. Ticket prices are $39.99 for General Access and $49.99 for All Access. Children 2 and under enter the park for free.

Steps away from Nickelodeon Universe, guests enjoyed indoor ice skating at The Rink – one of the few NHL-size skating and hockey rinks in the region. Adjacent to The Rink, is a window into DreamWorks Water Park, allowing guests a sneak peek at the progress of the second chapter of American Dream’s opening.

In addition to Nickelodeon Universe and The Rink, there is an interactive Fall Festival happening throughout the property, bringing together some of the region’s most unique and exciting seasonal offerings, including a hay maze, pumpkin patch and more autumn fun. The Fall Festival will run through November 3 and is open to the public.

For more information about ticket pricing and hours, please visit www.americandream.com

Complete list of Nickelodeon Universe rides and attractions:

Aang’s Air Gliders - Hold on tight as you soar and spin like an Airbender! After your flight you can snap a photo with Appa, Aang’s sky bison.
Blaze’s Monster Truck Rally - Rev up and roll out with Blaze and his friends for an epic race in the Monster Dome.
Blue’s Skidoo - Blue Skidoo, you can too! Make Blue and Magenta soar up, down, and all around! Then, sit down in the Thinking Chair to think… think… think with a little help from your good friend Blue.
Dora’s Sky Railway - ¡Todos a bordo! Join Dora for a trip aboard her little blue train friend, Azul. First, a hot air balloon floats you up to the rail station in the clouds. Then you’ll board Azul for a sky-high journey featuring scenic views of the park from the elevated tracks.
Timmy’s Half Pipe Havoc - Take a not-so-ordinary spin on the halfpipe with Timmy, Cosmo and Wanda. This giant skateboard ride provides the ultimate in airtime!
Fairly OddAirways - When Timmy wishes to become a pilot, you get to go along for the ride! With the wave of a wand, you’re ready for takeoff. This thrilling flight through the clouds is a wish come true for the whole family.
Invader Zim’s Flip & Spin... OF DOOM! - You’ve been recruited to battle aboard planet Irk’s latest militarized spacecraft. Aid in Zim’s invasion as you flip, spin, and bump into unsuspecting humans.
Jimmy Neutron’s Atom Smasher - Jimmy Neutron needs your help to supercharge his latest invention. You control the level of thrill from gentle cruise to a topsy-turvy tumble … all in the name of science!
Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge - Olmec challenges all to scale to breathtaking heights in the world’s tallest adventure ropes course. How high will you climb to reach the Shrine of the Silver Monkey? The choices are yours and yours alone!
Nickelodeon Skyline Scream - The spectacular Skyline Scream is the world’s tallest indoor spinning drop tower. It’s a scenic, scream-filled thrill ride with mesmerizing views of Nickelodeon Universe and the dazzling cityscape of Manhattan!
Nickelodeon Slime Streak - As this coaster streaks along a twisting, turning track through Nickelodeon Universe, it leaves nothing but a Slime streak of screams in its wake.
PAW Patrol Adventure Bay - Get on a roll with the PAW Patrol! The slides, climb structures and rescue-play activities in Adventure Bay are specially designed for the younger pups.
Pup Pup & Away - Join Marshall and the gang on a PAWsome Ferris wheel that’s an adventure for the whole family.
Ren & Stimpy’s Space Madness - Join Commander Hoëk and Cadet Stimpy on a 36-year mission to the Crab Nebula. Strap in, hold on and prepare for launch… but try to avoid the dreaded SPACE MADNESS!
Rugrats Reptar Go-Round - Hop on Reptar’s back or take a spin in a giant sippy cup on this double-decker, all-ages merry-go-round.
Shimmer & Shine Jumping Genies - Climb onto your very own magic carpet as you take a genie-rific ride through the skies of Zahramay Falls.
SpongeBob’s Jellyfish Jam - Whirl and swirl through Jellyfish Fields in this thrilling family swing ride.
Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express - Board the Crosstown Express Bus to go spinning and reeling through the streets of Bikini Bottom.
Sandy’s Blasting Bronco - Yeehaw! Sandy, our favorite Texan squirrel, and mechanic Patrick have built an out-of-control coaster contraption. Saddle up as it blasts you forward, backwards, up, down and even upside-down!
The Shellraiser (world’s steepest roller coaster) - Help the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles battle the villainous Shredder. First snap a pic with the Turtles in the Shellraiser, then prepare to LAUNCH onto the streets of New York City. This coaster holds the record for the world’s steepest drop. Booyakasha!
Kraang Prime Pandemonium! - Kraang Prime has the innocent citizens of New York in her clutches. Can you endure swinging back and forth in her giant, slimy tentacles?
The Shredder (world’s tallest and longest spinning coaster) - Join the Foot Clan as Shredder leads a massive attack against the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. You’ll hang on for dear life aboard the world’s tallest and longest free-spinning coaster traversing hairpin turns, plummeting spirals and speeding spins.

Be on the lookout for future announcements around American Dream’s next chapters during the holiday season and into Spring 2020:

November 27, 2019 – Make a Splash: DreamWorks Water Park Opens
December 5, 2019 – Every Day is a Snow Day: Big SNOW American Dream Opens
March 2020 – In Grand Style: Over 450+ retail, food, and entertainment offerings join the property

Update - 10/28: Although it's just opened, it seems that the cost of tickets to access the park will be increasing soon.

The current rate (for five hours access to the park) is a special preview admission price that was originally supposed to end November 7, but according to American Dream’s website it will last until November 15. Then, the price you will pay will get you into the park for the full day.

The price for All Access — recommended for individuals over 48 inches who want to ride the most thrilling rides — will be $79.99. General access for individuals under 48 inches or who will skip the most thrilling rides will be $59.99.

That’s a $30 jump from the current rates of $49.99 for All Access and $39.99 for General Access. But the admissions now are sold for specific blocks of time, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The prices don't include parking charges.

Admission for Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream is now available to purchase online at americandream.com through December 30.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream also had its first celebrity guest: Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill posted videos of himself taking in the mall for the first time to his Instagram story Sunday. It’s fitting considering Meek Mill’s best known projects incorporate the word “dream” in some way (Dreams And Nightmares, Dreamchasers and Dreams Worth More Than Money).

In some of the video clips, which usually expire after 24 hours, the “Going Bad" rapper shows off some of the new rides at the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park.

It looks like he even got a tour of the indoor ski park — which isn’t open to the public yet.

When asked by someone off-camera what he thinks of American Dream, Meek Mill responds: “It’s a dream. It’s fire.”

A blogger named OooLala Blog posted Meek Mill’s Instagram story on YouTube.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day Photo Gallery:

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com.

Don Ghermezian, Patrick Star and SpongeBob SquarePants at Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com.

Don Ghermezian at Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com.

Ken Downing at Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day; Photographer: Samantha Nandez/BFA.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN DREAM

American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, will provide customers with an entirely unique experience. The property offers a curated mix of unparalleled entertainment, retail and dining options - all in one location. For more information, visit www.americandream.com or follow us on Instagram @americandream.

@americandream #wearetheamericandream

Update (11/5) - From nj.com:

Prices are going up at the new Nickelodeon Universe, but there’s some good news

Prices at Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream are scheduled to increase next week, jumping $20 to $30 to $79.99 and $59.99 at its peak for a day’s worth of fun with Sponge Bob and the Ninja Turtles.

We actually reported this last week. But we just learned something else. And it’s good news!

Hidden in the Help Center on American Dream’s website is an article about Nickelodeon Universe pricing and it says the park will have different weekday and weekend rates.

Rejoice, bargain hunters. According to American Dream’s website the rates will be:

WEEKDAYS:

All Access: $59.99 - recommended for those 48”+ who want to ride everything

General Access: $49.99 - recommended for individuals under 48” who don’t want access to the biggest rides

Free Access: Children 2 years and younger

WEEKENDS:

All Access: $79.99

General Access: $59.99

Free Access: Children 2 years and younger

NJ Advance Media reached out to a spokesperson for American Dream who confirmed these rates.

The weekend/weekday rates start Friday, November 15. And weekend rates run Friday through Sunday, according to the Nickelodeon Universe ticket calendar on American Dream’s website.

Until next Friday, special preview pricing is still in effect. Every day of the week All Access tickets are $49.99 and General Access tickets are $39.99 and they’re good for the whole day.

Nickelodeon Universe is currently open Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Now the question is, when will all 22 rides at the park finally be open?

The Shredder -- the world’s tallest and longest free-spinning roller coaster -- and SpongeBob’s Jellyfish Jam, a family-friendly swing ride, opened last weekend.

“All but one of our rides will be operating this weekend and we anticipate the remaining ride to be fully operational very soon,” said Dana McHugh, public relations director for American Dream.

Five rides were closed Tuesday, according to the park alerts section on the Nickelodeon Universe webpage. They are Sandy’s Blasting Bronco, Timmy’s Halfpipe Havoc, Skyline Scream, The Shellraiser and Invader Zim Flip-And-Spin.

Sandy’s Blasting Bronco, Timmy’s Halfpipe Havoc and Skyline Scream have not been working since the park opened Oct. 25.

Two of the park’s three record-setting rides remain closed. They are, Skyline Scream the world’s tallest indoor spinning drop tower, offering views of Manhattan; and the Shellraiser, which holds the record as the steepest plunge on a rollercoaster in the world. It pauses for 20 seconds at the top of a 122-foot drop, giving riders a glimpse across the Hudson River. (Governor Murphy rode this one on opening day).

Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor amusement park in the country. It was designed to be one-third for little kids, one-third for families and one-third for teens and adults.

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From InterGame: iGaming, Casino & Coin-Op News:

RCI hits the heights at Nickelodeon Universe

The “world’s tallest” aerial attraction, manufactured by RCI Adventure Products, is being enjoyed by guests at American Dream.

October saw the long-awaited opening of the first phase of the huge entertainment complex at the mega-mall in New Jersey, US, and as part of this initial unveiling, the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park opened its doors.

Inside is RCI’s 92ft tall Sky Trail installation, a project years in the making and involving collaboration between RCI, its licensed distributor Ride Entertainment and the developer of American Dream, Triple Five Group.

Creatively paying homage to the kid-centric world built around it, the custom six-pole, five-level Sky Trail Explorer and an integrated four-pole, three-level Sky Trail Seeker has a look centred around the 90s television game show that aired on Nickelodeon, Legends of the Hidden Temple.

“Like the classic show, adventurers suit up to climb through history and explore ancient mysteries,” said Adam Sandy, president of business development for Ride Entertainment. “As the tallest aerial attraction in the world, it makes a statement with its impressive collection of different elements.”

RCI explained that the attraction is unique in its design in that the lower portion is for explorers who are between 36-64ins tall to climb alone, while the upper section is for those 48ins and above to search without the need for parental supervision. Up to 90 participants at a time can traverse more than 50 interactive elements at their own pace and even when they reach the summit, there’s more fun to be had.

“Once at the top, participants are then able to free-fall down with a controlled descent or touch the treasure on a precarious platform,” added Sandy.

“To finally see the Sky Trail be fully realised and open to the public is highly rewarding and signifies a job well done by everyone involved,” said Jon Weston, chief sales officer for RCI. “We couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out.”

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From blooloop:

RCI Adventure Products provides 92 ft. tall Sky Trail for Nickelodeon Universe

RCI Adventure Products, a leading adventure attractions company, has provided a 92 ft. tall Sky Trail for the newly opened Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park at the American Dream mall.

RCI Adventure Products is pleased to announce that the eagerly-awaited Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park at American Dream features a huge new Sky Trail installation. The project involved collaboration between RCI Adventure Products and long-term partner Ride Entertainment, as well as American Dream developer Triple Five Group.

Designed to fit seamlessly with the kid-centric theme of the new theme park, this custom installation features a six-pole, five-level Sky Trail Explorer, and an integrated four-pole, three-level Sky Trail Seeker. The theme is the cult classic TV show Legends of the Hidden Temple which aired on Nickelodeon in the 90s.

Tallest aerial attraction in the world

“Like the classic show, adventurers suit up to climb through history and explore ancient mysteries. As the tallest aerial attraction in the world it makes a statement with its impressive collection of different elements,” says Adam Sandy, president of business development for RIDE Entertainment.

This unique attraction is designed to cater for guests of differing ages and abilities. The lower level is perfect for players between 36 and 64 inches tall to climb alone. Then, the upper levels allow those who are 48 inches tall and above to explore without parental supervision.

RCI Adventure Products

There are over 50 interactive elements inside the attraction, and it can be enjoyed by up to 90 participants. When they reach the top, players can find the treasure located on a precarious platform, before free-falling down with a controlled descent.

Long-term collaborators

“It is only fitting that American Dream opens one decade after Entertainment and RCI Adventure Products team up for their first project,” says Sandy. “In 2009, we opened a Sky Trail in the Mall of America, another Triple Five property. Ten years later, we are so excited that the world’s tallest adventure course has opened at American Dream. From the jaw-dropping height to the ability to freefall down to the ground to the beautiful views of the New York skyline, this course has it all.”

“To finally see the Sky Trail be fully realized and open to the public is highly rewarding and signifies a job well done by everyone involved,” says Jon Weston, chief sales officer for RCI. “We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

Ride Entertainment also installed two new coasters at Nickelodeon Universe, Shellraiser and Shredder. The recently rebranded RCI Adventure Products will unveil its new brand identity as well as new products at IAAPA Expo 2019.

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From https://rciadventure.com:

Sky Trail® Now Open For Guests Inside American Dream Nickelodeon Universe
Nov 06
2019
The 92 ft. tall Sky Trail® inside of the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park, a part of the larger American Dream mall and entertainment complex, at last opened to the public on October 25, 2019. The project itself was years in the making and involved
collaboration between RCI Adventure Products, RCI licensed distributor RIDE Entertainment and developer of American Dream, Triple Five Group.

Creatively paying homage to the kid-centric world built around it, the custom 6 pole, 5 level Sky Trail® Explorer and an integrated 4 pole, 3 level Sky Trail® Seeker has a look centered around the beloved 90s television game show aired on Nickelodeon, Legends of the Hidden Temple.

“Like the classic show, adventurers suit up to climb through history and explore ancient mysteries. As the tallest aerial attraction in the world it makes a statement with its impressive collection of different elements,” says Adam Sandy, president of business development for RIDE Entertainment.

The attraction is unique in its design in that the lower portion is for explorers who are between 36-64 inches tall to climb alone while the upper section is for those 48 inches and above to search without the need for parental supervision. Up to 90 participants at a time can traverse more than 50 interactive elements at their own pace and the fun continues even when they’ve reached the summit.

“Once at the top participants are then able to free-fall down with a controlled descent or touch the treasure on a precarious platform,” adds Sandy.

“To finally see the Sky Trail® be fully realized and open to the public is highly rewarding and signifies a job well done by everyone involved,” commented Jon Weston, chief sales officer for RCI. “We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

Photos of the Sky Trail® can be seen on the RCI Flickr page!

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From Patch.com:

American Dream Reduces Nickelodeon Park Price Increase

Admission to the indoor theme park will only go up $5 to $10, instead of $20 to $30.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – American Dream reduced a price increase that was set to go into effect for tickets to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park.

When the park opened during the Meadowlands mega-mall's big reveal last month, theme park admission prices were just a special preview rate.

Come Nov. 15, the cost of admission was scheduled to goup $30 to $79.99 for all access passes and increase $20 to $59.99 for general access passes.

But on Wednesday afternoon, a mall spokesman confirmed the new ticket rates, which will be in effect seven days a week through Dec. 30. A reason for the change was not given.

An all-access pass – which is recommended for people taller than 48 inches who ant to go on thrill rides – will cost $59.99 and general access passes will cost $44.99.

The 8.5-acre park features more than 35 rides and attractions based on Nickelodeon's iconic characters, like Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer.

NJ.com recently reported that not all rides at the park are operational yet, with five closed due to mechanical or permitting reasons.

American Dream opened last month, unveiling Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and an NHL-size ice rink. Other attractions, shopping and dining will follow over the next several months.

On 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 is set to open.

Big SNOW, the country's only indoor real-snow park, will open Dec. 5. 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.

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From Digital Signage Connection:

SNA Displays to Provide More Than 40,000 Square Feet of LED for American Dream Development

NEW YORK CITY — SNA Displays has been selected as the primary LED display provider for American Dream Meadowlands, the biggest mall in the United States and one of the largest indoor/outdoor retail and entertainment venues in the world.

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, American Dream will feature a number of attractions including more than 500 retail stores and restaurants, an ice-skating rink, DreamWorks Water Park, a large movie theater, Big SNOW America—first indoor ski slope in the U.S., an indoor climbing center, SEA LIFE® Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, and a Nickelodeon Universe® theme park.

The massive site is spread out over three million square feet, and some venues are already open for business.

SNA Displays will supply more than 40,000 square feet of LED display technology throughout the American Dream campus and will continue rolling out dozens of indoor and outdoor digital displays into the Spring of 2020.

Sansi Development Group (SDG), an integral partner in financing American Dream’s state-of-the-art digital media network, is responsible for the development and deployment of advertising and sponsorship opportunities campus-wide.

The huge retail and entertainment project will feature 39 dynamic LED displays manufactured by SNA Displays throughout the property, including one at the Nickelodeon Universe® theme park, another in the family entertainment center KidZania, as well as multiple large-format exterior displays visible to the heavy traffic on I-95, Route 120, and Route 3.

“American Dream is without a doubt one of the most rewarding projects for us due to its unparalleled visibility in the New York and New Jersey markets,” said Jason Helton, executive vice president for SNA Displays. “With dozens of displays totaling more than 40,000 square feet, the coordination and management of this project is challenging but extremely rewarding. We’re humbled to be part of such a historic opportunity in our industry.”

Additionally, American Dream is splashed with dozens of LCD kiosks, also provided by SNA Displays, spread throughout the property with more slated for 2020. All kiosks and LED displays will be managed by SNAPros, a team of service and technical experts at SNA Displays.

All media sales are managed by BOLDSITE Media.

“From entry to exit, the integrated network of digital displays being developed at American Dream will deliver an immersive media experience to audiences at this unique destination,” said Bob Johns, president of BOLDSITE. “We’re thrilled to be working with SNA Displays on this one-of-a-kind development.”

SNA Displays partnered with industry-leading technology solutions provider Diversified for one of the venue’s most notable LED displays. The flagship digital in the Nickelodeon Universe® theme park is a curved LED column that welcomes visitors to the indoor park. Standing 26’7” high, the display features a 4 mm pixel pitch and more than 3.2 million pixels.

Diversified and SNA Displays are also teaming up to provide two large-format displays for the DreamWorks Water Park.

The largest LED screen at American Dream will be an exterior MEGA-SPECTACULAR display on the exterior of Nickelodean Universe®, featuring more than 11 million pixels. All exterior LED displays will vary in pixel pitch from 6.67 mm to 16 mm.

For more information on the digital display assets at American Dream Meadowlands, contact SNA Displays or visit www.snadisplays.com/projects/american-dream-meadowlands.

About SNA Displays

SNA Displays is focused on bringing its clients’ creative visions to life. Established in 1993, Sansi is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of LED products, utilizing more than 2 million square feet of manufacturing space and owning more than 250 patents.

In North America, SNA Displays is headquartered in New York City’s historic Times Square and has worked with clients to create and build some of the largest and most recognizable outdoor and indoor digital spectaculars in the industry. Discover how Dreams Live Digitally® at snadisplays.com.

About Sansi Development Group (SDG)

Sansi Development Group (SDG), the first of its kind in the industry, is changing the way media assets and advertising network buildouts are developed for large-scale retail, entertainment and mixed-used venues. Utilizing decades of know-how in construction, digital OOH, brand partnerships, and manufacturing, SDG and its partners are uniquely equipped to deliver game-changing, revenue-rich media experiences.

About BOLDSITE Media

Based in New York City, BOLDSITE Media is a destination media company that creates boundless brand environments in high-traffic public places. BOLDSITE partners with real estate developers, agencies and marketers to custom-design unique media experiences that tell highly immersive and integrated brand stories. BOLDSITE assets are located in some of the most exciting lifestyle, mixed-use, entertainment, sports and retail destinations in the U.S. BOLDSITE Media is part of the BIG Outdoor family of companies. Visit BOLDSITE Media at boldsite.com.

About Diversified

Diversified has more than 30 offices serving Fortune 500 clients around the world and is widely recognized for thought leadership and strategic enterprise implementation. From initial design consultation to deployment to managed services, Diversified is a trusted technology partner. For more information, visit diversifiedus.com.

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From blooloop.:

Living the American Dream: retailtainment on a whole new scale

American Dream is a retail and entertainment complex in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This new venue is retailtainment on a massive scale.
Gary Hanson Triple FiveDeveloped by Triple Five and owned by the Ghermezian family, American Dream Meadowlands will create thousands of jobs and enrich the local economy. In addition to this, the complex provides an unparalleled entertainment and retail experience destination. It comprises ‘Fantasy, fashion, food, family, and fun’.

Blooloop spoke with Gary Hanson, VP of Development (Attractions) for Triple Five. He is responsible for the design and construction of the attractions at the American Dream project. We also spoke with Natasha Betts, Director of Attractions at American Dream.

The Ghermezian family

“I’ve been working with the Ghermezian family since 1975,” says Gary Hanson. “I started as a security guard at one of their hotels. They saw some potential in me, put me through university, and I’ve had many positions since that time within the company.”

“I’d like to express how privileged I feel to be able to make the Ghermezian family’s vision for American Dream attractions a reality. Specifically, the man with the vision was Eskandar Ghermezian. He is the chairman of the company. I would sit down with him and say: here are some thoughts. And he would say: ‘Yes, but I want it bigger, faster, taller, better.’

“It is the Ghermezian vision that you see. The goal was to create true world-class facilities. Both at the theme park, with the Nickelodeon IP, and at the waterpark with the DreamWorks IP, and I’m happy to say that we succeeded, either indoors or outdoors.”

“Universal’s waterpark at Volcano Bay in Florida is outdoors. Every slide they have in their facility, we also have in our indoor waterpark. The company, ProSlide, provided the slides for both. WTI designed the water systems for both parks also.”

The importance of IP at American Dream

IP is crucial in terms of establishing an emotional connection for guests, says Hanson.

“It is generally the mother and the children who dictate where a family goes. If you create something that is a draw for children and supported by the mothers, then you’ll be very successful. And that’s what IPs do for you. A child will watch Nickelodeon on TV and they go, Oh, there’s a Nickelodeon park! I want to go see SpongeBob, or Dora, or the Ninja turtles.

“It’s a real extra draw. The same goes for DreamWorks. You’ve got Shrek, you got Madagascar, the penguins, Kung Fu Panda. Children feel they know these characters, and they want to meet them, have their picture taken with them, ride the themed rides.

“That is the positive with an IP.”

A successful start

Triple Five announced that American Dream would open in four stages. The first two, Nickelodeon Universe and Ice Rink opened in October 2019. Then Big Snow opened on 5 December 2019. The final stage is the 8.5-acre indoor water park, which comprises 40 water slides and 15 attractions. That is set to open in March 2020.

Since opening, Nickelodeon Universe and Big Snow have been an unqualified success.

Big SNOW: American Dream Opening Celebration

“The weekends, especially, are just packed. And all the comments have been positive,” says Hanson. “When you create something like this indoors, it’s guaranteed great weather. It doesn’t matter whether it’s summer or winter or fall.

“Our customers realize that when they come to our centre, they can shed their jackets and just enjoy themselves. There is no need to worry about the weather outside.”

What makes American Dream unique?

American Dream logoCommenting on what makes American Dream unique in a rapidly emerging retailtainment landscape, Hanson says:

“It’s the commitment that the Ghermezian family has made to entertainment. They’re not putting a little carousel in a centre and calling it entertainment. They are fully invested in providing funds to create world-class facilities. No other company in the world is doing what we’re doing with entertainment and retail, on the scale that we are doing it. That is the difference.”

American Dream will, he says, attract tourists from far and wide. It will also benefit from repeat visitors by local customers.

“Typically, the visitorship is made up of younger families. But the difference here is that in our theme park and waterpark, we have put in world-class rides. In the theme park, for example, we have four world-class coasters; one is the steepest coaster in the world. So we are attracting teenagers and those in their twenties and thirties as well. We accommodate every aspect of a family, from the small kids to the grandparents.”

Record-breaking attractions

“The direction I had from the Ghermezian family was: ‘We want rides and slides that are world-record breakers.’ So we have five world records in the amusement park. The steepest coaster, the tallest and longest spinning coaster, and the tallest indoor drop ride, for example.”

The waterpark has a lazy river and 31 luxury cabanas. It is also home to the dual FreeFALL speed slide. This is the world’s tallest body slide, with a 142-foot 70-degree drop in addition to two SuperLOOPs slides with and a near-vertical drop.

“We also have an American Wave Machine wave pool that generates eight-foot waves for surfing,” says Hanson. “I’ve been working with those guys for many years on this project.”

Nickelodeon Universe also features a Sky Trail ropes course by RCI Adventure Products, installed by Ride Entertainment.

Retailtainment on a new scale
Hanson’s flair for selecting the best attractions makes American Dream Meadowlands a captivating destination.

He says: ”We think of ‘retailtainment’ as a new concept, a 21st-century phenomenon. But in fact, the Ghermezian family was the first to introduce entertainment and retail back in 1983. In Phase Two of West Edmonton Mall, we added an indoor amusement park and an NHL size hockey rink.”

Nickelodeon Universe

“We also have a team that has been working with entertainment and retail for a long, long time. We have approximately 2000 employees, and we were able to go to them and say, ‘What did we do right? What did we do wrong? How can we improve this design for American Dream?

“Over the years there has been a lot of input from our entertainment team, besides the vision that the Ghermezians had. And to support all that, we have all of these staff members that step up to the plate and provide their insight.

“As the person whose job is to be responsible for the design and construction of the attractions, I’m just a conduit to get it done.”

Indoor entertainment

Natasha Betts, director of attractions at American DreamNatasha Betts, Director of Attractions for the Theme Park at American Dream, also spoke with Blooloop. She refers to Gary Hanson as ‘the wizard behind the curtain, making it all happen.’

Betts started at Mall of America in Minnesota as a teenager. She worked there in the amusement park in several roles for fourteen years.

“I found my home in rides,” she says. “I was the rides manager for the last six years. And then I came to New Jersey for American Dream in 2018, and have been on the project since then.”

American Dream Meadowlands, Betts says, is unique:

“There’s nothing like this anywhere. There’s so much more entertainment here than anywhere else.

“Everything is indoors, so no matter the time of year, you can always enjoy some entertainment. Whether it’s going swimming in the water park or going on roller coasters. The environments, though, are designed so you feel as if you’re outside. There are living plants, so it feels very warm and welcoming.”

Attractions at American Dream

She describes some of the attractions that make American Dream the pinnacle of the retailtainment phenomenon:

“For the amusement park, we partnered with Nickelodeon. We have 22 rides and attractions with the plan to add 8 additional rides, all indoors in an eight-acre plus park. There are four roller coasters. One, an Intamin Short-Loop launch coaster, is actually a prototype. In launches you on a pretzel shape track one way. And then you go on a turntable and are launched to do the whole thing backwards. It’s one of a kind, right now.”

Two intertwined, record-breaking roller coasters confirmed for Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream

There is also the world’s steepest rollercoaster:

“You go up 142 feet in the air, over a crest, you drop down at 122 degrees, and it goes upside down. There’s a launch portion to it. It’s a really exciting coaster. When you’re at the top of that 142 feet mark, you stop for a few seconds and can see the skyline of New York City through the glass, before it drops you down.

“It’s one of my favourite rides in the park for sure. There’s a surprise at the very beginning that catches everyone off guard, and really sets the whole ride in motion.”

The TMNT Shellraiser (Launched Euro-Fighter) and Shredder (Spinning Coaster) were installed by Ride Entertainment.

[Click here to read the article in full]

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More Nick: Nickelodeon Embarks on New Direction with its Biggest, Most Wide-Ranging Content Slate Ever | Nick Upfront 2019!

Original source: American Dream press release via Globe Newswire.

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Thursday, March 12, 2020

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opens to the Public

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