Summary
Overview of the American Dream Complex
New Jersey’s American Dream complex is renowned for its over-the-top attractions, which include a water park, top-notch shopping, and an ice skating rink. Recently, it has added a 300-foot high observation wheel, the Dream Wheel, offering breathtaking views of New York City’s skyline.
The Dream Wheel Experience
“This is the greatest region of the world, and you’re looking over at the views of the magnificent city, which is the financial capital, so that skyline is the classic million-dollar view,” said American Dream Developer Paul Ghermezian during the Dream Wheel’s opening.
The ride features 27 climate-controlled cabins, accommodating up to 16 guests each. It provides a single leisurely rotation lasting approximately 30 minutes. The floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides allow visitors to enjoy stunning views of the New Jersey Meadowlands, Hackensack River, MetLife Stadium, and Manhattan in the distance.
Ticket prices are set at $27.20 for adults and $18.76 for children aged 3 to 9, plus tax. Seniors aged 65 and older, active military personnel, and residents of Hudson and Bergen counties can enjoy special pricing of $24.38 plus tax. Moreover, there are two VIP cabins for up to six individuals available at a price of $55.33 plus tax per person. While there are no age restrictions, children under 52 inches tall must be accompanied by someone at least 52 inches tall, and young kids cannot ride alone.
As the highest observation wheel on the east coast, the experience varies based on the time of day. The Dream Wheel operates from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 8 p.m. on Sundays.
“What you’re going to see at night with the glittering lights is different than what you’ll see during the day, when there’s an opportunity to appreciate more detail,” Ghermezian noted, recalling a stunning sunset ride where he enjoyed a golden hue across the stadium and river.
Additional Attractions
The three-million-square-foot mall, located just minutes from New York City, features a variety of attractions. It houses the DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe, the New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium, Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf Club, The Rink, and Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf. Dining options range from fine dining at Carpaccio to quick bites at The Halal Guys and dessert favorites such as Hui Lau Shan. Retail options include popular names like H&M, Lululemon, Uniqlo, Primark, Zara, as well as luxury brands like Hermès, Saint Laurent, Mulberry, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Future Developments
Moreover, there is potential for further expansion of the American Dream complex, with exciting new features on the horizon. These include a 35,000-square-foot location of the largest Asian grocery store in the country, H Mart, and a 40,000-square-foot go-karting experience at Skip Barber Karting Academy.
“We have so many incredible attractions and we spent so much time and heart into building this entire building,” Ghermezian stated. “However, [the Dream Wheel] is the first expression that is on the outside. It’s iconic, a new landmark for the region, making people from the other side of the Hudson say, ‘Wow, check out that view!'”
The Dream Wheel joins a list of iconic city observation wheels, similar to the London Eye, Ain Dubai, and the St. Louis Wheel, marking a distinctive addition to the New York City area.
“So many people have tried to bring this experience here, whether it was a crossover river or here, and we were finally able to execute it,” Ghermezian concluded. “It’s a testament to the American dream and how we turn dreams into reality.”
