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American Dream kicks off the new year by debuting famous New York eateries

Come hungry to the Jersey entertainment hub!

Written by
Danielle Valente
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American Dream is keen on setting records. 

The Jersey activity oasis—home to North America's largest indoor water park and the nation's first indoor snow park, among other facilities—is kicking off the new year with a focus on food. Taking a page from its neighbor's book, American Dream has welcomed Van Leeuwen and Best Pizza, two NYC eateries, to their first locations outside of the Empire State. Polishing off an afternoon of entertainment with a New York slice and a scoop or two of creamy goodness is certainly the way to go, if you ask us.

At Van Leeuwen, visitors can expect classic and vegan flavors, sundaes, shakes and other goodies. Current specials include chocolate key lime pie and royal wedding cake. A menu for Best Pizza isn't available just yet, but if the regular and white pies are anything like their counterparts at the Williamsburg flagship, customers are in for a treat. 

Like its extensive food options, which is expected to grow in the coming weeks, American Dream offers a lot of other things to do on its menu. 

Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf

american dream mini golf
Photograph: Courtesy American Dream

Make your way to the new intergalactic-themed mini golf course. Catch 3-D astronaut sculptures, planet murals and a splash of color at every hole while you work your way toward victory. Oh, did we mention that it's completely glow in the dark?

Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf

american dream mini golf
Photograph: Courtesy American Dream

Kids will love taking a swing amongst familiar friends of the Angry Birds Universe. Guests can expect to encounter a 67-foot Bird Aviation plane, a 20-foot tall model of Bird Island and Avian Academy. Photo ops are available with the likes of Red, Chuck and Bomb, and the attraction is even able for birthday parties.  

Nickelodeon Universe

american dream nickelodeon universe
Photograph: Courtesy Samantha Nandez/BFA.com

The kids' amusement park has over 35 features to enjoy, including: Dora’s Sky Railway, a magic carpet ride titled Shimmer & Shine Jumping Genies, the Rugrats Reptar Go-Round and so much more. Essentially, the best cartoons for kids are being celebrated in this massive fun zone. Naturally, it includes some record-breaking stats, like the world's steepest roller coaster and the world's largest indoor ropes course. 

SEA Life Aquarium (Coming in 2021)

sea life aquarium
Rendering: Courtesy Andrew Franks

Soon you'll be able to visit 3,000 creatures and get an up-close look at 75-100 marine species—no scuba gear required. SEA LIFE Aquarium, the first of its kind in the Northeast, has just announced that it'll open at American Dream in spring 2021, though originally it was slated for an April 2020 debut. 

LEGOLand Discovery Center (Coming in 2021)

Plenty of cool offerings from LEGO are in store: There's Miniland, a teeny version of NYC and New Jersey in brick form—over 1.5 million bricks, actually! The 4D Cinema will entertain with a new video of Emmet, Wyldstyle, Benny, MetalBeard and Unikitty. The Imagination Express will allow visitors to journey through an interactive LEGO world. That's just to name a few options.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Courtesy: LEGOLAND Discovery Center

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