American Dream's water park will stay closed while state investigates. The DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream in East Rutherford will remain closed while the state reviews a Feb. 19 incident in which four people were injured after a decorative helicopter fell from the ceiling and crashed into a pool below.

As of February 24, 2026, DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream is currently open and operating on its standard winter schedule. Historically, the park has faced several temporary closures that led to public confusion. Most notably, it was closed for several days in February 2023 after a decorative helicopter fell from the ceiling into the pool area, and it has occasionally shut down for routine maintenance and inspections during the off-peak winter months. In 2026, the park maintains a high-frequency safety inspection protocol, which sometimes requires specific attractions or the entire facility to close for 24–48 hours without much advance notice. To avoid disappointment, travelers are always advised to check the "Live Operations" calendar on the American Dream website or their official social media channels for any last-minute "maintenance day" closures before visiting.

DreamWorks Water Park, located within the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is permanently closed.

It did not reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, and its closure was made official in 2021. The primary reasons for its permanent closure are:

1. Financial Challenges of the American Dream Mall: The mega-mall itself faced significant financial difficulties, including bankruptcy filings and struggles to attract consistent foot traffic. The water park was a major capital-intensive operation with high overhead costs (heating, water treatment, staffing).
2. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The extended mandatory shutdown during 2020 was a final, insurmountable blow. It halted all revenue while fixed costs remained, exacerbating the existing financial strain.
3. Operational Complexity and Scale: As one of the largest indoor water parks in North America, it was incredibly expensive to maintain and operate year-round, making it particularly vulnerable during a period of zero income.
4. Strategic Shift by the Mall: Following the closure, the mall’s owners have focused on other attractions and tenants that may have lower operating costs or better fit the current retail and entertainment landscape.

Important Note: The separate DreamWorks Animation water park at the Mall of America in Minnesota (formerly “Moose Mountain”) is open and operating. It was rebranded from “Nickelodeon Universe” to “DreamWorks Animation Land” but remains a dry theme park, not a water park.

In summary: The DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream NJ closed due to the combined effects of the mall’s broader financial troubles and the devastating, final impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its already costly operations.