AUGUST 2017 UPDATE:

We know, we know. It seems like this attraction is NEVER going to open, but there’s some hope on the horizon. The project received a major financial influx earlier this summer and now has a target date of March 2019 for its retail stores and October 2019 for the entertainment aspects.

Even more promising, northjersey.com reports that there’s also a plan under consideration that would add 109 acres to the area surrounding the attraction for more retail, warehouse and commercial ventures like hotels and restaurants intended to help boost an area that was majorly flooded during Hurricane Sandy.

You’ve probably heard the chatter about plans to break ground for a gigantic attraction (possibly the biggest in the US) at the Meadowlands since around 2004 (back then it was known as Xanadu). It hit some financial stumbling blocks last winter, but a new plan says they could have it open by summer 2018. Yes, really!

“American Dream,” a three million-square-foot mega complex will be home to over 400 retail stores and 15 restaurants (complete with swanky patio setting) and a ton of other out of the ordinary activities. So far 14 retailers have been announced, including Saks Fifth Avenue, GAP, Lord & Taylor, MAC, Microsoft and Zara.

The most unusual attraction though has got to be Big Snow America, the 180,000-square-foot indoor ski slope that will stand 12 stories high, where you can ski, snowboard and even snow tube year-round. This awesome attraction will be the first of its kind in the Western hemisphere.

American Dream also just added some brand new tenants to its seemingly never-ending list that are geared toward your mini me’s. Kidzania, a role-playing theme park lets kids try their hands at different professions from firefighters to vets, has agreed to put down roots on the project. Added bonus: kids learn the value of a dollar for the “work” they complete.

And Lucky’s Strike’s For the Win complex, a 22,000 square-foot space that has bowling, a live music venue and amazing food options, like a dim sum-style cart for high-end small bites.

The most unusual attraction though has got to be Big Snow America, the 180,000-square-foot indoor ski slope that will stand 12 stories high, where you can ski, snowboard and even snow tube year-round. This awesome attraction will be the first of its kind in the Western hemisphere.

Plus, Nickelodeon Universe (yes, just like the one at the Mall of America) is going to be a tenant. Your kiddos can get up close and personal with some of their favorite characters like Spongebob Squarepants, the Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Fairly Odd Parents at the amusement park that’ll sit on 8.5 acres of real estate.

In addition, there will be a 1,400-seat Cinemex movie theater complex, complete with dine-in theaters, private viewing rooms and Cinemex X4-D (who knew there was more than 3-D?). There’s also a mega interactive aquarium, with an underwater tunnel; an indoor amusement park and a water park. That’s sure to keep EVERY kid happy when they are stuck indoors.

Not enough? There’s also a Legoland Discovery Center in the works, that will include rides, play area and even LEGO-building classes.

Though work seems to have stalled since last summer, American Dream is still slated to open in mid-2018.

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