Whether you’re a fan of all things sci-fi or you’re always first in line to grab tickets for a Stephen Spielberg flick, you’ve probably already seen “Disclosure Day.” The film, which marks Spielberg’s long-awaited return to alien narratives, centers on a team of journalists who uncover a government plot to cover up proof of extraterrestrial activity. Since alien conspiracies have become such a hot-button issue in real life in recent years, many fans were more than excited to see the veteran filmmaker put his unique cinematic spin on the topic. With so many eyes drawn up toward the stars, you might have even missed a few tell-tale signs of where the movie was shot. In fact, “Disclosure Day” was captured right here on Earth, in several neighborhoods across New Jersey and New York State.
If you’re interested in checking out a few “Disclosure Day” filming locations for yourself, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline a few key scenes, tell you where to find the main production locations and offer a few local-approved restaurant recommendations along the way. We’ll even throw in a quick guide to fun tourist excursions in the area, so you can go home with a smile, even if you don’t have any close encounters with little green men.
Tips For Exploring New Jersey Filming Locations
Key Scenes: Filming locations for “Disclosure Day” can be found all over the Garden State, with production hubs placed in Morristown, Newark, Jersey City and more. Thanks to a quick guide on Movie-Locations.com, we can confirm a wide array of specific businesses, public buildings and scenic backdrops that were used throughout the production. These include the historic church of St John Baptist in Mendham, a decommissioned fire station on 38 Mercer Street in Jersey City and the New Jersey Institute of Technology located in Newark.
Best Time to Visit: Though New Jersey has plenty to offer visitors year-round, the area is known to get quite frigid during the winter months. As a result, it’s best for fresh-faced visitors explore the region during the spring season, especially around April or May. These months offer some of the best weather, access to more outdoor events and an opportunity to see everything the Garden State has to offer.
Transportation Options: Transportation varies significantly depending on which part of Jersey you choose to visit. If you stay close to the northern portion of the state, just outside of New York, you’ll find that there are plenty of buses, trains and taxis to take advantage of. The further you stray from the Big Apple, however, the more you may need to rely on rental cars or rideshare apps.
The West Virginia farmhouse prominently featured throughout the film was actually shot on location in Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, which is located roughly 30 minutes west of the Newark Liberty International Airport. Fosterfields is a must-visit for first-time travelers, since it serves as both an active farm and an open-air museum, highlighting turn-of-the-century farming tools and techniques.
Though most of the core “Disclosure Day” filming sites are clustered together in northeast Jersey, just over the bridge from NYC, a few brief segments were captured in the southern half of the state. The Cape May Seashore Lines railroad, just south of Tuckahoe, serves as the backdrop for a major stunt during the climax of the movie. During the stunt, our protagonists are attempting to escape from federal agents by car when they are rammed by a moving train outside of Tuckahoe Station. The station is an active hub for real freight trains, so it’s worth checking out if you’re a big fan of classic locomotives.
Things to Do: Depending on where you settle in the Garden State, you can enjoy sites like the Ocean City Boardwalk, Lakota Wolf Preserve, or even take a helicopter tour of Manhattan from across the bridge. If you’re looking to stick close to the most prominent “Disclosure Day” film locations, you can snag a hotel in Newark or Jersey City and check out the nearby Liberty Science Center, Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre or the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford.
Where to Eat: Since New Jersey is such a thriving cultural epicenter, there are tons of cuisine options to explore. From fresh-caught seafood, to Mexican fusion, or even trendy rooftop gastropubs. Some of the most highly-recommended eateries in Jersey City include Edward’s Steak House, the RoofTop at the Exchange Place and the Jane Doe diner. Even if you miss your chance to book a reservation at any of these local favorites, you’ll surely find no difficulty locating a delightful dining experience during your trip.
Where to Stay: Thanks to its proximity to New York City, New Jersey is littered with inexpensive chain hotels which are ideal for travelers looking to make the most out of their dollar. Numerous Holiday Inn Express, Marriott and DoubleTree locations can be found all over the state, making it easy to book your stay and capitalize on rewards points. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale and personalized, Jersey City has options including the Canopy at the Jersey City Arts District and The Holland Hotel. These hotels will cost quite a bit more than your average motor hotel experience, but they offer some fine amenities that allow you to experience the city in style.
Production For ‘Disclosure Day’ Also Took Place In New York
Key Scenes: New York served as another primary filming location for “Disclosure Day,” allowing Spielberg and his team to capture some stunning moments across the Empire State. According to Condé Nast Traveler, the vast majority of interior shots were conducted on soundstages in Steiner Studios, which can be found in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard.
Best Time to Visit: Much like New Jersey, New York State is known for its beautiful springs. The winter months can dip to below freezing temps, while the summer gives way to plenty of humidity, so the best time to visit is usually in April or May. Still, the Big Apple offers plenty of special events during the Christmas season, so it may be worth revisiting once you’ve experienced the city during the warmer months.
Transportation Options: Depending on where you are in New York, you might be within the purview of the United States’ most robust public transit network. The five boroughs of New York City offer premier access to buses, trains, light rails and plenty of taxi cabs, so you’ll never need to worry about getting from point A to point B. Of course, the further you stray from the city, the further you’ll find yourself from some of these amenities. If you’re in the Catskills, for instance, you won’t find many bus routes available. Still, rideshare drivers can be found all across the state, and rental car services are available for those looking to do tons of exploration in a short span of time.
As production designer Adam Stockhausen explained, the soundstages were integral to disguising New York for various midwestern locales. Additional New York production sites include the Greenburgh Public Library in White Plains, Paramount Theater in Long Island, and the Catskill Motor Court Motel just outside of Albany. The Catskills region is also home to Dibbles Quarry in Elka Park, where Daniel and Jane narrowly evade capture from WARDEX by ditching their ride. If you do make it to the Quarry yourself, you’ll find an array of delightful walking trails and some gorgeous natural stone structures, though we wouldn’t advise driving your car over the edge.
Things to Do: First-time visitors should be sure to check out iconic sights like the Ground Zero 9/11 memorial, the Statue of Liberty and the Guggenheim Museum. Depending on your interests, you might be compelled to take in a Broadway show, explore Time Square, and catch a few street performers in Central Park. The city doesn’t offer an official “Disclosure Day” production tour (at least not yet!) but film fanatics are encouraged to sign up for any number of movie and TV show tours available throughout the five boroughs. These include tours for classic projects such as “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” “The Sopranos,” “Sex and the City” and numerous Marvel and DC superhero outings.
Where to Eat:The city is known for its delightful street vendors, bodegas and corner markets, with tons of sit-down restaurants offering tremendous views. Carmine’s Time Square, the Golden Unicorn Restaurant and Sarabeth’s Upper West Side are some of our favorites, but it’s tough to go wrong in the heart of NYC. If you’re really trying to get into the spirit of “Disclosure Day” during your vacation, you could even make the pilgrimage up to Tannersville in the Catskills region. There, you’ll find Selena & Nick’s Diner, which was used as a filming location.
Where to Stay: Like New Jersey, NYC is packed with hotels ranging from a variety of price points. If money isn’t a problem for you, and you’re spending like it’s the end of the world, you could always opt for some opulent accommodations at The Peninsula New York, the EVEN Hotel or 1 Hotel Central Park. If you’re looking to keep your belt tight, you could always snag a hotel right across the bridge and take advantage of New York’s easy-to-navigate public transit system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Disclosure Day” a sequel to “Close Encounters”?
Though “Disclosure Day” carries similar themes to Spielberg’s other works, the film is a fully stand-alone narrative with no ties to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The movies do not share characters, storylines or worlds, even though they both explore UFOs headed to Earth and a government corruption plot.
Where can I watch “Disclosure Day”?
“Disclosure Day” premiered at the box office on June 12 and is expected to land on Peacock in fall 2026.
