Exclusive: Shrek and Kung Fu Panda to star at DreamWorks waterpark in American Dream mega mall
by Alice Davis | 13 Oct 2015
Shrek is set to star at a waterpark themed around DreamWorks IPs. It will be part of New Jersey's American Dream mall complex
Canadian water ride specialist ProSlide is working with the Triple Five real estate company on the multi-million-dollar waterpark section of the upcoming American Dream project in New Jersey.
American Dream New Jersey will consist of a super-sized mall, a theme park and a 20,000sq m (215,000sq ft) indoor waterpark based on famous DreamWorks IPs.
“The entire waterpark will be themed around characters from the DreamWorks movies,” said Jeff Janovich, ProSlide’s vice president, business development and strategic accounts.
“It’s a total immersion experience. Visitors will be immersed in a world full of DreamWorks characters. The focus is on theming the whole environment, not just the rides.”
Characters from the movie franchises Madagascar, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda are set to feature heavily.
Hettema Group is working on the design for the attraction, which is due to open in 2017. It’s expected that there will be different areas within the waterpark itself, including a Kung Fu Panda play structure and a 42m (138ft) jungle-themed tower slide – which would be among the tallest in the world.
It’s thought the design team and owners want to incorporate lots of humour into the waterpark, including, possibly, a ProSlide bowl ride themed as Shrek’s toilet, or a “bubbling” hot tub for Madagascar's Gloria.
ProSlide is working exclusively on the waterpark elements, including water rides and play structures, Janovich said.
ProSlide, which celebrates its 30th birthday next year, has collaborated with many leading brands, including Disney, Six Flags, Great Wolf and Center Parcs.
The New Jersey mall is being developed by Triple Five Group, run by Canada’s Ghermezian family, who also own and operate West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Canada. That mall, which opened in 1985, is one of the largest ever built, and boasts the world’s second-largest indoor waterpark. The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, rounds out the Ghermezians’ portfolio.
Triple Five is thought to be exploring the idea of developing similar high-end malls and theme parks in other locations, including Miami.
Merlin Entertainments has just announced its own involvement in American Dream, with Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Centre coming to the retail and entertainment super-complex.
06 Oct 2015
Legoland Discovery Centre and Sea Life Aquarium heading to New Jersey mega mall in 2017
08 Mar 2015
Triple Five plans American Dream Miami, the biggest mall in the US
30 Apr 2014
American Dream attractions hub edges closer to reality
Canadian water ride specialist ProSlide is working with the Triple Five real estate company on the multi-million-dollar waterpark section of the upcoming American Dream project in New Jersey. American Dream New Jersey will consist of a super-sized mall, a theme park and a 20,000sq m (215,000sq ft) indoor waterpark based on famous DreamWorks IPs. “The entire waterpark will be themed around characters from the DreamWorks movies,” said Jeff Janovich, ProSlide’s
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