Trying to decide if a day at the Dreamworks Indoor Water Park inside American Dream Mall is worth it? While we haven’t personally experienced it, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a lively, family-friendly water adventure just outside New York City.
What makes this water park appealing? First, we love that it’s North America’s largest indoor water park, boasting an incredible variety of rides and attractions that cater to all ages. Next, the record-breaking slides, including the world’s longest hydromagnetic water coaster, promise a thrill for adrenaline junkies and water lovers alike. Lastly, the year-round tropical climate (a cozy 81°F) means no worries about weather spoiling your fun.
Of course, a potential consideration is the cost, which is $69 per person. While that sounds steep for some, reviews highlight the value of unlimited access to a huge range of rides, the size of the park, and the convenience of being indoors. This experience is perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to combine a splashy day with a bit of New York City proximity—just 4 miles away.
Key Points
- Largest indoor water park in North America, inside American Dream Mall.
- Wide variety of rides from kiddie zones to thrill rides, including the world’s tallest trapdoor slides.
- Year-round tropical climate guarantees warm water and comfort regardless of the season.
- Family-friendly attractions like the KungFu Panda Temple and Penguins Frozen Fun Zone.
- Good value for money considering unlimited access and multiple ride options.
- Accessible for children from babies to teens, with clear height restrictions and supervision requirements.
What You Can Expect from Your Visit
The Dreamworks Indoor Water Park is a massive, vibrant space that combines water adventure with beloved DreamWorks characters. Located inside the American Dream Mall—an entertainment and shopping hub spanning 3 million square feet—it’s designed to be a day-long playground. The park’s layout thoughtfully separates attractions into zones for different age groups and thrill levels, making it easy to plan your adventure.
The Environment & Atmosphere
Imagine stepping into a bright, lively environment filled with colorful decor and themed zones, like the KungFu Panda Temple of Awesomeness or Penguins Frozen Fun Zone. Reviewers mention the “fairytale” ambiance, with friendly staff and a climate-controlled environment maintaining the cozy 81°F temperature. The large skylight overhead floods the space with natural light, creating the feeling of an outdoor tropical paradise, minus the sunburn.
The Rides & Attractions
For little ones, there’s plenty to love. The KungFu Panda Temple of Awesomeness features a multi-level play structure with dump cups, geysers, and the largest indoor tipping bucket, which is a big hit with kids. The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone offers six mini slides, perfect for toddlers who are just starting their water park adventures. The Far Far A Bay heated wave pool provides gentle swells suitable for the youngest swimmers or those wanting a relaxing float.
Moderate rides are designed for family fun. The Toothless Trickling Torpedo is the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster, offering a gentle yet exhilarating ride through tunnels and spirals. The Dragon Racers, a racing slide, is a favorite among reviewers who enjoy competitive fun with friends or siblings. Other slides like Tube It and Zany & Zanier Zigzag offer more body-twisting experiences for those seeking a bit more excitement.
Thrill-seekers are not left out. The park’s “total pro” rides include the world’s tallest trapdoor capsule slides like Thrillagascar and Jungle Jammer, and the Skudin Surf, a private surf experience, which you can purchase separately. The Shreks Sinkhole Slammer and Mad Flush are high-speed rides that deliver adrenaline rushes, while the Carnivortex offers a G-force-packed adventure with a horizontal loop.
The Experience & Practical Details
Most reviews highlight the efficient organization of the park, with short wait times and friendly staff. One reviewer mentions, “not much queueing, well organized,” which makes a significant difference when you’re trying to maximize your day. The park offers lockers and lifejacket rentals, so you don’t need to lug around your belongings or worry about safety.
Food and drinks are available for purchase; however, reviewers note that prices can be a bit high. Still, the food options are plentiful, and you won’t have to wait long in lines, which is a rare perk on busy days.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility & Age Restrictions
From reviews, it’s clear that the park caters well to children of various ages. Guests under 36 inches can enjoy the Lazy River, Wave Pool, and the KungFu Panda play area. Those between 36-42 inches can access several mini slides, while children over 48 inches can enjoy most rides, except those designed for the youngest.
Children under 14 must be supervised by an adult, and children under 2 enter free, making it accessible for families with babies and toddlers. The park also emphasizes safety and supervision, with age and height restrictions clearly enforced.
Is It Worth the Price?
At $69 per person, the ticket might seem steep, but considering the unlimited access to a range of attractions, it’s a reasonable value for a full day of entertainment. Some reviews confirm that the park is well worth the cost, especially when compared to other water parks, with one reviewer stating, “by far better than any other waterpark I’ve been to.”
The indoor setting ensures you won’t be caught off guard by weather, and the extensive variety means everyone—from toddlers to thrill-seekers—can find something to enjoy. Plus, being located just outside New York City makes it an easy day trip destination.
Who Will Love This Water Park?
This experience is best suited for families with kids who want a fun, safe environment to splash and play. It’s also great for groups of friends or travelers looking for a relaxing yet exciting day close to NYC. If you’re after thrilling rides and record-breaking slides, this park has plenty to offer.
However, those on a tight budget or seeking outdoor water activities might find the cost a bit high considering other options. For travelers with small children or anyone who values comfort and variety in one indoor location, this is a solid choice.
The Sum Up
The Dreamworks Indoor Water Park inside American Dream Mall offers a fantastic blend of fun, safety, and variety. Its large size and diverse attractions make it a great value for families or groups seeking an all-day adventure. The themed zones, friendly staff, and indoor setting mean you can focus on having fun without weather concerns or long waits.
While the price is on the higher side, reviews suggest that the quality, range of rides, and overall experience justify it. It’s a great option for families with children of all ages, especially those who want a hassle-free, weatherproof splash zone just outside New York City.
If you love water slides, enjoy themed environments, or simply want a memorable day with the kids, this water park is worth considering. Just remember to bring swimwear and a towel, and be ready for a day packed with fun, laughter, and maybe a few competitive races.
FAQ
Is the Dreamworks Water Park open year-round?
Yes, the park is indoors and climate-controlled, so it’s open throughout the year regardless of weather outside.
How much does parking cost?
Parking is $5 per day onsite.
Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?
No, food and drinks are available for purchase inside the park. Prices can be high, so plan accordingly.
Can children under 14 go alone?
No, children under 14 need to be accompanied by a supervising adult.
What should I bring?
Swimwear and a towel are necessary; lockers and lifejackets can be rented on-site.
Is re-entry allowed?
No, re-entry after leaving the park is not permitted.
Are there any height restrictions?
Yes, rides and attractions have different height requirements, generally starting from 36 inches for some kids’ slides up to 48 inches for most adult rides.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the water park is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.
Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family day or a solo adventure seeking some water thrills, the Dreamworks Indoor Water Park at American Dream Mall offers a memorable splash experience just outside NYC.
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