American Dream mall’s waterpark opened for a sneak peek. Here’s a first look inside.

(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

The DreamWorks Waterpark at American Dream turned on its slides and opened its doors Saturday for a sneak peek -- 11 days before it opens.

Tickets went on sale to the public Friday on American Dream's website for the two-day event, which runs Saturday and Sunday.

The park was selling one-day tickets for $79 for those over 10 years old and $69 for those ages 3 to 9. (That's $20 less than they'll cost when the park opens).

Here's what we saw:

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

The opening of the waterpark, which features rides and slides that are themed with DreamWorks characters like Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, was originally scheduled for November 27, during phase two of American Dream's four-chapter opening announced in September. A week before the designated date, the developer said it would need more time.

It still won’t be completely finished when it opens. Luxury cabanas, designed by Jonathan Adler, party rooms “and more” will open “later this year,” according to an announcement.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

The 8.5-acre DreamWorks Waterpark is the largest indoor waterpark in the country. It is roughly 370,260 square feet and has more than 40 water slides and 15 attractions.

Its signature attractions include the world’s tallest indoor body slide with a 142-foot drop and the largest indoor wave pool, which is 1.5 acres.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

The park will be open for the preview from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available on the American Dream website. On Saturday morning, at least four waterslides, the hot tubs, and a water coaster were not yet operating. It's not clear if they will be ready on the official opening day.

Prices during the preview are reduced, to $79 for those over 10 years old and $69 for those 3 to 9 years old.

Regular tickets for admission to the waterpark after the official opening are now also on sale on American Dream's website. Prices listed are $99 for those over 10 years old and $89 for those ages 3 to 9. Twilight admission -- two hours before the park closes -- is $74.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

During the sneak peek, the Soakin Surfari indoor surfing attraction is free with admission. Eventually, it will cost extra. Visitors will need to pay an unspecified amount for a block of time, between 30 and 60 minutes, that will be shared with about 10 people.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

The mega-mall in the Meadowlands last week announced the opening date of the waterpark, along with some stores -- although it wouldn't say how many or which ones.

Some dining will open then too, but it will be sparse. Cinnabon, Dunkin Donuts, Haagen Dazs, Panda Bubble Tea, “and more” will open March 19, an American Dream representative said. As for getting a full meal, food will also be available at Coca-Cola Eats, an area that will include Charley’s Philly Steaks, Kelly’s Cajun Grill, Wendy’s, and more, the spokesperson said.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

At Saturday's preview, a few "grab and go" foods, snacks, and drinks were available for purchase inside the waterpark.

For example, sandwiches ($12), wraps ($10), salads ($11), hot dogs and soft pretzels ($7) and bottled beverages ($3-$4).

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Some attractions at the waterpark include:

The Bubbly Lazy River, which is 3 feet deep.
The Far Far a Bay Wavepool that ranges from zero to 8 feet deep and has waves up to 6 feet tall.
Five hot tubs
King Julien's Pineapple Jam swim up bar
A Kung Fu Panda-themed water play structure has six slides, dump cups, geysers and a giant tipping bucket
Six child-friendly body slides
Soakin' Surfari lets you body board or stand-up surf in jet-propelled water that simulates waves
Dragon & Donkey's Flight is a high-speed, four-person tube ride with sudden drops, high-banking swings, zero gravity moments and a giant spiral bowl.
Dragon Racers has riders diving head-first through dark tunnels and sudden drops while laying on a mat.
Lemur Leap is a high-speed, two-person tube ride with a sudden drop and large spiral bowl.
Swamp and Splash is a Shrek-themed, four-person tube ride with sudden drops, high banking swings and zero gravity moments.
Tube It! is an enclosed flume where a two-person tube travels through twists, turns and drops.
Mad Flush is a high-speed body slide that finishes with a 3 foot drop into a 6.5 foot deep pool.
Penguins Plummet & Majunga Jump is a high-speed slide that drops you 5 feet into a 10 foot deep pool.
Shrek's Sinkhole Slammer is a high-speed, four-person tube slide that plunges into a 60-foot funnel with intense drops.
Zany Zigzag & Zanier Zigzag is a high-speed, four-person tube ride with sudden drops, high banking swings and zero gravity moments.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

American Dream debuted on Oct. 25 with what it called "Thrills & Chills" -- the first phase of the opening that brought guests into the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and The Rink, an NHL regulation-sized ice rink.

That was supposed to be followed by, "Make a Splash," the opening of the waterpark, which was stalled. But the third chapter, "Everyday is a Snow Day," occurred as planned on Dec. 5 with the opening of Big SNOW American Dream, the indoor ski and snowboard park.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Mall developer Triple Five said last year the final chapter would be in March 2020, “In Grand Style,” when 350 shops and more than 100 restaurants would open.

That has been scaled back, as spokespeople for the developer now say store openings will stretch throughout the year and not be all at once as promised last fall.

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(Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

When it all eventually opens, the 3 million square foot complex will be 55% entertainment and 45% retail. It has reported higher-than-expected attendance at the small number of attractions that are open so far.

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