American Dream Announces Delay For Two New Attractions

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ —On its website Thursday, American Dream, the indoor family entertainment complex and mega mall, still listed its two newest attractions, SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center, as "Opening May 2021."

However, that apparently will not be the case. On Wednesday, NorthJersey.com reported the scheduled May 4 opening of both attractions, would be delayed.

"We know this has been a long time in the making, but just as with everything else in the past year, we're adapting as we go," read a statement from a spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments, which owns SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

The statement said the attractions had experienced some delays and would open sometime in the summer, though no specific date was given.

It's just the latest setback for a project beset by issues and delays over the years. According to the New York Times, it took more than 15 years for American Dream to begin opening its doors in October 2019. In March 2020, the mall/amusement park was forced to close because of the coronavirus pandemic. It opened again in October 2020.

Just last month, the mega mall's owners Triple Five reportedly defaulted on a loan, which led to lenders taking stake in the company's other properties.

According to the American Dream website, the SEA LIFE Aquarium will feature over 10 aquatic exhibits, have an underwater tunnel and allow visitors to come face to fin with sharks and rays and touch sticky anemone.

LEGOLAND, meanwhile, will offer a world of color, creativity and fun for children ages 3 to 10. The Discovery Center will feature play zones, an interactive ride and a 4D cinema.