You cannot visit Singapore and not go to Universal Studios Singapore. It is a must-visit for both the young and the young-at-heart Juans. This is because Universal Studios Singapore is the first Hollywood-movie theme park in Southeast Asia and will be the only one of its kind in the region for the next 30 years. It opened in 2010 and easily became the most popular theme park in Southeast Asia. By 2017, the park has passed the 25 million visitor mark.
Universal Studios Singapore is 20 hectares in size, occupying the easternmost part of the 49-hectare Resorts World Sentosa. There are more than 25 rides and attractions, of which majority have been specially adapted for the park. Just like other Universal Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios Singapore is divided into themed zones. The seven zones are Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar.
If you're planning a trip to Universal Studios Singapore any time soon, read through to get some important park information that will help you navigate through its exciting movie-based features and attractions.
Hollywood
Hollywood is the first and the last area of the park visitors will see. As a movie theme park, Hollywood zone is the park's homage to what is considered as Tinseltown and the home of the US film industry. The zone is patterned after the real Hollywood Boulevard with its distinct architecture, palm tree-lined road, and a replica of the famous Walk of Fame.
The Pantages Hollywood Theatre is the only attraction in the Hollywood zone. This replica of the actual art deco theatre features live musical shows. As of January 17, 2018, it is home to Elmo's TV Time. Past productions included Monster Rock and Sesame Street's When I Grow Up.
Visitors will mostly see retail shops but character meet and greet regularly occur within Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Look out for the Minions, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Frankenstein, Betty Boop, Woody Woodpecker, and Po of Kung Fu Panda.
New York
New York is arguably the most popular set location in the film and TV world. So New York will definitely have a place in a movie theme park.
The New York zone is themed after the post-modern New York City. It features various landmarks commonly seen in the Big Apple including the New York Public Library, the Rockefeller Center, a subway entrance, a yellow cab, and even the tenements found all over the city.
The ride offered here is the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase. It is a steel suspended ride with animatronics, video footages, light, and sound effects. Young guests can enjoy this ride as they join Elmo and Grover in a mission to chase Macaroni the Merciless across space and save all the world's spaghetti.
However, we think the highlight of the zone is the attraction called Lights, Camera, Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg. This is set inside a sound stage where Steven Spielberg allows guests to see and experience how special effects are made inside movie studios. You will definitely be blown away as the sound stage becomes a setting of a major hurricane hitting New York harbor.
For character appearances, you can count on seeing Sesame Street's Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Count von Count, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie, Grover, and Cookie Monster.
Sci-Fi City
With the increasing proliferation of science fiction films, Universal Studios Singapore has set up a zone dedicated to this movie genre. The zone called Sci-Fi City features a futuristic metropolis with characters, retail stores, and F&B outlets all showcasing the dynamism, energy, and quirkiness of the future.
A lot of people find this zone the most exciting because two of the park's headline rides are located here - Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon, and Transformers: The Ride.
Battlestar Galactica is based on the popular TV series with the same name that aired in the late 1970s. It is a dueling roller-coaster considered as one of the tallest of its kind in the world. The twin coasters are called Human and Cylon. The Human is a sit-down roller coaster modeled after the Colonial Mark II Viper, a fighting vehicle used by the humans in the TV series. The Cylon is an inverted roller coaster designed for a more thrilling experience. It is modeled after the Cylon Heavy Raider, a fighting vehicle used by the sentient machines or Cylons. Bold, adventurous, and fearless guests will surely enjoy the thrill rush from these roller coasters.
Transformers: The Ride is of course based on the hugely popular Transformers film franchise. It is a 4D dark ride motion simulator that puts guests right in the middle of the battle between Autobots and Decepticons. Although not as heart-stopping as the roller coasters, Transformers: The Ride, with its immersive media and technology, will be action-packed, fun, and satisfying. It truly brings to life the park's slogan "Ride the Movies". The ride is so successful that it has become the gate buster attraction for Universal Studios Singapore and has since been replicated in other Universal Studios parks. Two Juanderers highly recommend this ride.
There's actually a third ride in Sci-Fi City but attracts far less attention. The ride is called the Accelerator. It is a spinning teacup style ride that will test your stamina and give you lots of spinning fun.
Regular character meet and greet happen in Sci-Fi City as well. Get up close and personal with either Optimus Prime or Bumble Bee and snap a photo or two.
Ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egypt zone is based on the popular film franchise, The Mummy. It features structures such as an obelisk, gigantic statues, and a pharaoh's mausoleum that will surely make you feel like an archaeologist during the golden age of Egyptian Exploration.
There are two rides that are available in this zone - Treasure Hunters and Revenge of the Mummy.
Treasure Hunters is a mini-car ride that goes around an abandoned Egyptian excavation site. Aside from seeing the ancient ruins, you'll see animatronics of hippos, vultures, snakes, and crocodiles. This ride is ideal for all ages.
Housed inside the pharaoh's mausoleum is another headliner, the Revenge of the Mummy. It is a combination of an enclosed steel roller coaster and a dark ride. The ride offers psychological thrill as you go through the coaster in total darkness and speed past projections of vengeful mummies and deadly curses. It is a surprising and visually compelling ride.
For character meet and greet, prepare to encounter the characters of the Mummy films and Egyptian royalties.
The Lost World
The Lost World can be considered a mini-theme park within a theme park. This is because it is the biggest zone with the most attractions within Universal Studios Singapore. It even has two themed sub-zones, Jurassic Park and WaterWorld.
Jurassic Park is based on the hit films featuring the lost world of the dinosaurs. The area is filled with lush vegetation and recreated structures from the movies such as the huge Jurassic Park Gates, life-sized statues of the T. Rex, Spinosaurus, and Velociraptor eggs. Complementing the unique area are four rides and attractions - Canopy Flyer, Dino Soarin', Amber Rock Climb, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
Canopy Flyer is a glider-style roller coaster. The ride travels above the canopies and gives guests a pterodactyl's eye view of Jurassic Park.
Dino Soarin' is an aerial carousel for young guests. The carriage is shaped after pterodactyls and riders pilot it to go up and down while spinning around.
Amber Rock Climb is a rock climbing attraction. It is themed after a dinosaur excavation site where climbers can explore precious stones and fossils sticking out of the rocks.
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure is a river rafting ride. Guests board a circular raft that go through a white water raft system while avoiding animatronics of dangerous dinosaurs.
The WaterWorld sub-zone is based on the 1995 film WaterWorld. It features a replica of the atolls, a ramshackle floating community found in the movie's post-apocalyptic underwater world. A live show called WaterWorld: A Live Sea War Spectacular is held within the atoll. It is a 16-minute adaptation of the events in the movie. Live stunts, pyrotechnics, water effects, and an explosive crash landing of a seaplane make this a sensational live show.
Far Far Away
Far Far Away zone is inspired by the popular animated film franchise, Shrek. The zone features many recognizable locations from the film series such as Shrek's swamp house, Romeo's Drive, and the Far Far Away Castle, which is the first of its kind in any Universal Studios Park.
The castle hosts several attractions. First of which is the zone's headliner, Shrek 4D Adventure. This is a 4D simulator ride with 3D animation mixed with physical effects including motion seats, water sprayers, air blasters, leg ticklers, and lighting effects. The next attraction is the Magic Potion Spin. It is a miniature Ferris wheel themed as part of a potion assembly line within the Fairy Godmother's Potion Shop. The last attraction housed in the castle is Donkey Live. It is an interactive live show using digital puppetry technology with Donkey as the star.
Outside the castle are two roller coasters - Enchanted Airways and Puss in Boots' Giant Journey. Enchanted Airways is an outdoor steel junior roller coaster. Its train is themed after Donkey's wife, Dragon, which will take you to a flight around Far Far Away. Puss in Boots' Giant Journey is a steel suspended family roller coaster. Its suspended flying machines will take you above the beanstalks into the clouds to join Puss and Kitty's journey to steal the giant's golden eggs.
Character appearances in Far Far Away include Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, Pinocchio, and Prince Charming.
Madagascar
Madagascar zone is based on Dreamworks' animated film franchise, Madagascar. It is the last zone before returning to Hollywood and completing a circuit around Universal Studios Singapore.
Within the zone are a tropical jungle theme and an imposing life-sized cargo ship that was seen in the first Madagascar movie.
There are two rides in this zone - Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round. Madagascar: A Crate Adventure is an indoor water ride with animatronics and digital projection. It will take you through a visual retelling of the story and adventures of the characters in the first movie. King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round is a carousel ride. However, instead of the usual horses, the seats are themed after the characters of Madagascar.
Character appearances in this zone include Alex, Gloria, King Julien, and the Penguins of Madagascar.
Additional Park Information
Read through the following park rules and regulations before your visit.
1. The theme park is open daily with varying operating hours. Check the website for the most accurate timings.
2. Security checks will be conducted on all guests entering the park. All bags shall undergo inspection before entry.
3. Pets are not allowed inside the park.
4. Outside food and beverages except baby food items are not allowed to be brought inside the park.
5. During unfavorable weather conditions, the operation of certain rides may be suspended. No refunds will be provided due to inclement weather.
6. Safety warnings and notices are posted on every ride.
7. Each ride or attraction has associated risks, guests must carefully observe and evaluate if they can safely take it.
To learn more about Universal Studios Singapore, visit the website here.
Have you been to Universal Studios Singapore? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comment box below!
 |
| Universal Studios Entrance Arc |
 |
| If you're planning a visit, read through the post |
Hollywood
Hollywood is the first and the last area of the park visitors will see. As a movie theme park, Hollywood zone is the park's homage to what is considered as Tinseltown and the home of the US film industry. The zone is patterned after the real Hollywood Boulevard with its distinct architecture, palm tree-lined road, and a replica of the famous Walk of Fame.
 |
| Hollywood Boulevard in USS |
Visitors will mostly see retail shops but character meet and greet regularly occur within Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Look out for the Minions, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Frankenstein, Betty Boop, Woody Woodpecker, and Po of Kung Fu Panda.
New York
New York is arguably the most popular set location in the film and TV world. So New York will definitely have a place in a movie theme park.
The New York zone is themed after the post-modern New York City. It features various landmarks commonly seen in the Big Apple including the New York Public Library, the Rockefeller Center, a subway entrance, a yellow cab, and even the tenements found all over the city.
 |
| Characters in the steps of New York Public Library |
 |
| Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase |
For character appearances, you can count on seeing Sesame Street's Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Count von Count, Abby Cadabby, Bert and Ernie, Grover, and Cookie Monster.
Sci-Fi City
With the increasing proliferation of science fiction films, Universal Studios Singapore has set up a zone dedicated to this movie genre. The zone called Sci-Fi City features a futuristic metropolis with characters, retail stores, and F&B outlets all showcasing the dynamism, energy, and quirkiness of the future.
A lot of people find this zone the most exciting because two of the park's headline rides are located here - Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon, and Transformers: The Ride.
 |
| Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon |
 |
| Battlestar Galactica is the flagship roller coaster of USS |
 |
| Transformers: The Ride |
 |
| Meet the Autobots at Sci-Fi City |
Ancient Egypt
The Ancient Egypt zone is based on the popular film franchise, The Mummy. It features structures such as an obelisk, gigantic statues, and a pharaoh's mausoleum that will surely make you feel like an archaeologist during the golden age of Egyptian Exploration.
 |
| Anubis depicted in Ancient Egypt zone |
Treasure Hunters is a mini-car ride that goes around an abandoned Egyptian excavation site. Aside from seeing the ancient ruins, you'll see animatronics of hippos, vultures, snakes, and crocodiles. This ride is ideal for all ages.
 |
| Treasure Hunters mini-car ride |
 |
| Revenge of the Mummy |
The Lost World
 |
| The Lost World zone |
 |
| The iconic Jurassic Park Entrance Gate |
 |
| Canopy Flyer glider-style roller coaster |
 |
| Dino-Soarin' aerial carousel |
 |
| Amber Rock Climb |
 |
| Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure river rafting ride |
 |
| WaterWorld: A Live Sea War Spectacular |
Far Far Away zone is inspired by the popular animated film franchise, Shrek. The zone features many recognizable locations from the film series such as Shrek's swamp house, Romeo's Drive, and the Far Far Away Castle, which is the first of its kind in any Universal Studios Park.
 |
| The Far Far Away Castle |
 |
| Shrek 4D Adventure |
 |
| Puss in Boots Giant Journey |
 |
| Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws show |
Madagascar zone is based on Dreamworks' animated film franchise, Madagascar. It is the last zone before returning to Hollywood and completing a circuit around Universal Studios Singapore.
Within the zone are a tropical jungle theme and an imposing life-sized cargo ship that was seen in the first Madagascar movie.
 |
| Madagascar: A Crate Adventure |
Character appearances in this zone include Alex, Gloria, King Julien, and the Penguins of Madagascar.
 |
| Madagascar characters meet and greet |
Read through the following park rules and regulations before your visit.
1. The theme park is open daily with varying operating hours. Check the website for the most accurate timings.
2. Security checks will be conducted on all guests entering the park. All bags shall undergo inspection before entry.
3. Pets are not allowed inside the park.
4. Outside food and beverages except baby food items are not allowed to be brought inside the park.
5. During unfavorable weather conditions, the operation of certain rides may be suspended. No refunds will be provided due to inclement weather.
6. Safety warnings and notices are posted on every ride.
7. Each ride or attraction has associated risks, guests must carefully observe and evaluate if they can safely take it.
To learn more about Universal Studios Singapore, visit the website here.
Have you been to Universal Studios Singapore? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comment box below!
No comments:
Post a Comment