They say you can find fantasy, fashion, food, family, and fun all under one roof at American Dream, and after spending a full day there, I can confirm it’s absolutely true! As visitors from the UK staying in the hustle and bustle of New York, we were looking for a massive, all-weather destination to escape to. American Dream delivered. From the thrilling rollercoasters of Nickelodeon Universe to the epic slides of the DreamWorks Water Park—and even real snow at Big SNOW—the scale of the place is simply mind-blowing.

How We Got There (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Being based in NYC without a car, our first hurdle was transport. After a bit of research, we found a surprisingly easy and affordable option. We took the subway to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where we caught a direct bus straight to the mall’s entrance.

Pro-Tip for UK Visitors: The bus is the NJ Transit #355. It costs about $9 per person each way and gets you there in 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Remember to buy your tickets from the kiosks inside the terminal before you board, as you can’t pay on the bus like we often do back home. This direct service mainly runs on weekends and peak times, so it’s perfect for a weekend trip.

Our Day of Adventure

With most attractions open from morning until 10 p.m. on weekends, we had a full day of excitement. We decided to tackle two of the main parks to see if they lived up to the hype.

To read about our experiences in the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and the DreamWorks Water Park, click on the images below!