I’ll admit it: I’m a water park enthusiast. The sliding, splashing, floating experience has always been my idea of the perfect “let-loose” outing. So when I first heard about the DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream Mall, my curiosity and expectations both soared. A giant indoor water park infused with DreamWorks characters and located inside one of the largest mall complexes in the country? It sounded like summer fun, every season of the year.
Below is my honest, first-hand account of the pros and cons of this massive indoor water wonderland.
One of the biggest advantages of DreamWorks Water Park is something that still impresses me every time: it’s indoors. No sunburns, no sudden rain showers, no cold air. Whether it’s snowy December or blistering August, the water park stays warm and inviting. Missing out on water park season because of a rainy day is always a bummer. But at DreamWorks, you just pick a date, show up, and immediately feel like you're on vacation. That reliability is a huge plus.
Walking through the entrance the first time, the park feels enormous. There are slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, splash zones, and many lounge chairs to sit in if you need a break or just want to sit back and relax. My personal favorite attraction is the lazy river—something about drifting around for a while, letting life pause, is incredibly satisfying. But for adrenaline junkies, there are steep slides that twist and plunge you into the water with heart-racing speed. The variety means it’s not just for kids or thrill-seekers—it genuinely has something for everyone.
If you love DreamWorks movies like Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls, the themed areas make the park more than just a collection of slides. There’s something joyful about seeing familiar characters woven into the attractions. The theming doesn’t feel cheap or forced—it feels like part of the personality of the place.
Whether you're visiting this water park with kids or adults, everyone can find something enjoyable here. With kids, it’s easy to stay entertained all day because of the different zones designed for different age groups. Teenagers can run off to bigger slides, adults can relax in quieter areas, and younger kids can splash safely in designated spaces. There are tubes for single riders and for pairs. For larger groups, there’s always something to do together or separately. I went with one other adult who wasn't feeling well, so I wound up getting in the lazy river and going on the slides by myself and still had a great time.
I know that sounds strange. A bustling water park relaxing? But after a couple hours of sliding and being in the water, I found that the warm air, the sound of flowing water, and the rhythmic waves in the pool create a weirdly soothing atmosphere. You can find a quieter space by sitting or lying on a lounge chair around the perimeter of the water park. DreamWorks is fun, yes—but it’s also a genuinely enjoyable way to decompress. The changing rooms are spacious and clean. Lockers are large and open with a wristband you receive when you rent one. I felt secure keeping my belongings in there and was able to get changed easily.
Of course, no place is perfect. Read on for the cons.
Let’s be real: indoor water parks aren’t cheap, and DreamWorks Water Park is no exception. We bought tickets for the sunset session which gave us access for the last three hours of operation ($69 a piece!). A full day ticket costs $99. A locker to store your stuff in was $20.
After several visits, I can honestly say that DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream Mall is a unique and highly entertaining destination that’s worth experiencing at least once—and probably more than once if you enjoy water parks.
The benefits are real: year-round access, a variety of rides and attractions, excellent friendly design, and lots of character. It’s a place where you can easily spend an entire day, have fun with a group, and make memories that stick.
At the same time, it’s not perfect. The cost can feel high, but this drawback, in my experience, doesn't outweigh the fun.
For me personally, I now think of DreamWorks Water Park as a special-occasion escape—something to enjoy when I want to switch off the outside world and dive into pure, splashy fun. And honestly? That alone makes it worth talking about.