Universal Studios Singapore is a new theme park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore. It was a key component of Genting's bid for the right to build Singapore's second integrated resort. It was announced on 8 December 2006 by the Singapore government that the consortium had won the bid and construction of the theme park and the rest of the resort then started on 19 April 2007. It's the second Universal Studios to open in Asia and the first in Southeast Asia.
The official plans for the park were unveiled to the public when
Universal Studios Singapore released a map of the park to the
public on 20 October 2009.
Universal Studios Singapore was opened for sneak peek week in
view of the Chinese New Year Celebrations, from 5pm to 9pm every
night between 14 to 21 February, 2010. The whole park was opened
but none of the rides were operational. Visitors had to pay SGD10
to get into the park. Park tickets for the week were sold out in 2
days. On 05 March 2010, it was announced that the park will start
opening on 8:28am (UTC+8) 18 March, 2010, for a soft-opening phase.
From 13 March, 2010 the team members of Resorts World Sentosa and
their families can start visiting the park before the public has a
chance to do so.
Park
design
The park is 20 hectares (49 acres) in size, occupying the
easternmost part of the 49 hectares (120 acres) Resorts World
Sentosa. There are a total of 24 attractions, of which 18 are
original or specially adapted for the park. It consists of seven
uniquely themed zones which surround a lagoon. Each zone
is based on a blockbuster movie or television show, featuring their
own unique attractions, character appearances, dining and shopping
areas. The park will feature the world's tallest Dueling roller
coaster based on the hit television show Battlestar Galactica, a
castle from the world of Shrek and Monster Rock, a live musical
show by the infamous Universal Monsters as well as celebrity
Look-alikes. The park also includes about 30 restaurants and food
carts together with 20 unique retail stores and carts located
around the park.
The park is home to the world’s biggest single collection of
DreamWorks Animation theme park attractions, occupying 2 of the 7
themed zones, namely based on "Far Far Away" from Shrek and the
island of "Madagascar" from
the computer-animated movie Madagascar.
A total of 18 attractions opened on the Opening Day of the park,
along with multiple shopping and dining outlets. Universal Parks &
Resorts is marketing the park as a "one-of-its-kind theme park in
Asia" as they promised that the park will be the only one of its
kind in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years.
During the soft opening of Universal Studios Singapore on 18
March 2010, the Genting Group chairman mentioned that the park
would bring in more rides over the next three years to keep the
experience "fresh" for visitors.
Outside the
Park
There are some retail outlets at the Park Entrance.
- That's a Wrap - A retail outlet by the theme park entrance.
Visitors can pick up apparel, toys, novelty hats and other last
minute souvenirs.
- HERSHEY®'S Chocolate Store - A retail outlet selling HERSHEY®'s
chocolates, sweets, as well as plush-toys.
Themed
Zones
Seven themed zones make up Universal Studios Singapore.
Attractions premiering are marked "Premiere". Dining Outlets that
are Halal certified are marked with "Halal".
Hollywood
The Hollywood zone is based on the real life Hollywood
Boulevard, it is the main zone of the park as it is the first zone
that visitors enter upon arrival the park. Hollywood is hosting the
Pantages Hollywood Theater which is a Broadway-style theater to
host plays, musicals and performances. Visitors will also be able
to experience the dynamic architecture, palm trees and the famous
Walk of Fame which are all iconic of Hollywood Boulevard. Hollywood
hosts a variety of flagship stores and will be the primary shopping
area of the park.
Attractions
- Pantages Hollywood Theatre - (Premiere) Set in a 1,500-seat
indoor theater, featuring the infamous Universal Monsters in a
rock-n-roll musical.
Merchandise
- Universal Studios Store - The flagship store of the entire
park, it offers a wide variety of themed collectibles, toys and
apparel from all 7 zones.
- The Dark Room - A store selling a wide variety of camera
accessories for visitors' photography needs.
- Superstar Candies - A candy store focusing on selling sweets to
visitors such as candy floss and homemade fudge.
- Silver Screen Collectibles - A retail outlet offering celebrity
photos and posters, collectibles, books, as well as Betty Boop
themed souvenirs and apparel.
- Star Characters - A retail outlet selling exclusive merchandise
of DreamWorks Animation characters like Alex the Lion, Gloria the
Hippo, Marty the Zebra and Melman the Giraffe and don't forget
those crazy penguins.
- The Brown Derby - At Hollywood's famed hat-shaped landmark,
guests can shop for headwear of all types including visors,
character and novelty hats and wigs, Universal Studios logo caps
and other stylish lids.
Food and
Beverage
- Mel's Drive-In - (Halal)From the hit movie American Graffiti,
this '50s drive-in serves up burgers and cokes the old-fashioned
way and features golden oldies on the jukebox and delicious
Burgers, Fries, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Fingers, Onion Rings,
Root Bear Floats and Frosty Milk Shakes.
- Hollywood China Bistro - Guests can feast on traditional
Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist in an art deco Chinese
restaurant setting straight out of a Hollywood movie set.
- Celebrity Café and Bakery - (Halal)Guests can dine with stars
over freshly-made sandwiches, puff pastry pies and classic
desserts.
Character
appearances
-
PO - Kung Fu Panda - Po's
main interest lies in the martial arts, of which he has developed
an encyclopedic knowledge. He is able to recall the lore of
warriors, famous combat moves, dates and historic artifacts. When
upset, he usually gorges on food to dull the pain.
- Frankenstein's Monster - One of the most famous movie
characters in history, the creature is a sensitive, emotional
being, which is depicted as mute. The creature discovers feelings
through childlike interactions. The Monster is a symbol of a
lumbering brute, with arms outstretched.
- Woody Woodpecker - He's crazy, colorful and more than just a
little off the wall. He's Woody Woodpecker, the lovable bird with a
heart of gold and a one-in-a-million laugh.
- Winnie Woodpecker - Woody Woodpecker's girlfriend and female
counterpart.
- Marilyn Monroe - The subtle, sexy American icon.
- Charlie Chaplin The Oscar winning Silent Screen icon during The
Tramp period of his career.
- Beetlejuice - The “ghost with the most” possesses minds, bodies
and souls — making him the ultimate puppet master. This
obnoxious and slightly perverted "bio-exorcist” revels in his
grotesque appearance. The character's history is a mystery; his age
and even how he came to die remain unknown.
- Betty Boop - With her sex symbol appeal, combined with
girl-like persona, this vibrant young woman (with a childlike
voice) has more heart than brains.
- Scorpion King - The last true warrior who made a deal with
Anubis in a bid for revenge.
- Anck Su Namun - A beautiful mistress with an agenda, who will
go to any lengths to get what she wants.
New York
The New York zone is based on the original New
York City, its features are the trademark city skyline, neon
lights, façades and sidewalks as well as the romantic atmosphere of
the Big Apple, as commonly portrayed in movies. New York also hosts
the attraction, 'Lights! Camera! Action!'. Hosted by renowned
director and producer, Steven Spielberg, this attraction features a
special effects stage giving visitors a behind the scenes look on
movie sets. This zone also boasts none other than the city's world
famous cuisine, barbecue grills served in pizza parlors, to name a
few.
Attractions
- Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg -
(Premiere)Hosted by Steven Spielberg, guests can be blown away by
the filmmakers' incredible special effects as an empty sound stage
becomes the setting for a major hurricane about to hit New York
City.
- Stage 28 - (Premiere)Guests can unravel the secrets of film
production at this fully-outfitted state-of-the-art sound stage for
motion picture and television production. Guests can see some of
Universal feature films and props and get behind the scenes and see
real film production right before their very own eyes.
Food and
Beverage
- KT's Grill - A full service restaurant serving Authentic New
York Grill cuisine, with a rich woodwork interior reminiscent of a
1940's NY dinner house. Menu includes classic New York grill
entrées, sandwiches, soups and salads; along with a fresh oyster
bar and Pacific Rim influenced "East meets West" dishes.
- Loui's NY Pizza Parlor - A Pizza Parlor unique to Singapore
selling a wide variety of traditional Italian pizzas as well as
some local Singapore favourites including Hawaiian pizza, tandoori
chicken pizza, vegetarian pizza and more.
Sci-Fi
City
The Sci-Fi City is a real-life imagination of how a common
metropolis of the
future would look like containing the many modern conveniences of
life as well as the remnants of past inhabitants and cultures which
were once part of the city as well as international visitors from
all over the world and other planets. The city is based on the
popular television series, Battlestar Galactica, and features the
world's tallest Dueling roller coaster.
Attractions
- - (Premiere) A suspended track including several inversions,
intense corkscrews and a cobra roll.
- - (Premiere) A sit down track with no inversions. It zooms at a
speed of 90km/h and narrowly avoids collisions as it twists, turns
and propels you over 14 storeys in the air.
- Transformers - (Premiere)Opening in 2011. It will be the 20th
attraction in Universal
Studios Singapore and the ride is set to premiere in Singapore,
then in Universal
Studios Hollywood
- Accelerator - (Premiere)A whirling twirling attraction spinning
guests around. Similar to the ride, Storm Force Accelatron, found
in Islands of
Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.
Merchandise
- Galactica PX - A retail outlet selling Sci-Fi collectible
merchandise.
Ancient
Egypt
Ancient Egypt is based on the historical adaptation of Ancient
Egypt during the 1930s Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration, it
features obelisks and pyramids which are typical of Ancient Egypt.
Also featured are Pharaoh's tombs which were commonly
discovered during that era, visitors would take the role of a
daring archaeologist who aims to unravel the riddles of the
Sphinx in this
sand-swept lands. The Revenge of the Mummy attraction which is an
extremely popular attraction at other Universal Studios around the
world is also located and is based on the popular film franchise,
The Mummy, starring Brendan Fraser.
Attractions
- Revenge of the Mummy - A high-speed psychological thrill ride
through sharp turns and fast reverse, as it pits guests against
fireballs, scarab beetles and robotic warrior mummies — all in
total darkness.
- Treasure Hunters - (Premiere)A car ride where guests can drive
their own vintage desert jeep through an abandoned Egyptian
excavation site.
Merchandise
- Carter’s Curiosities - A retail outlet selling Egyptian
treasures, such as replicas of historical artifacts or fossils
discovered from ancient Egyptian ruins.
Food and
Beverage
- Oasis Spice Café - (Premiere)An Egyptian-themed buffeteria
serving specialties flavored with Mediterranean, Turkish, Lebanese
and Indian Spices.
The Lost
World
Divided into two themed areas: Jurassic Park and WaterWorld,
this zone contains many traditional attractions present in most
Universal Studios parks around the world. Jurassic Park is based on
the popular film franchise by Steven Spielberg based on the novels
by Michael Crichton. The zone features the newly redesigned
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure which is based on the popular
Jurassic Park River Adventure attraction in other Universal Studios
parks. Waterworld contains mainly water-based attractions and is
based on the film Waterworld starring Kevin Costner.
Attractions
- Canopy Flyer - (Premiere)Guests are tucked safely under the
wings of a flying Pteranodon, soaring over the lush foliage of
Jurassic Park and will get a prehistoric bird's eye view as the
coaster gently glides over the tree-tops.
- Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure - (Premiere)A river rapids
version of the attraction, Jurassic Park River Adventure, it
features a white water raft system and thrill seekers on circular
rafts will be tossed on waterways within the Jurassic Park
compound, where prehistoric creatures roam free and guests will
plunge down from the Hydroelectric Generator compound at the
finale.
- - Based on the 1995 blockbuster film Waterworld, guests can
witness a tidal wave of death-defying stunts, awesome explosions
and thrills at this sensational live water show.
- Amber Rock Climb - (Premiere)Guests can scale the walls of The
Lost World to explore precious stones and fossilised insects. A
treasure awaits those agile enough to climb their way to the top.
Visitors must pay an additional SGD10 for 1 climb.
- Dino-Soarin' - (Premiere)Children can ride and pilot their
pterodactyl, either soaring up into the sky or plunging down into
the shadows.
Merchandise
- Jurassic Outfitters - Guests can equip themselves for the
jungles of Isla Nublar with official Jurassic Park apparel, hats,
toys, adventure gear and more. The beach towels will also come in
handy after the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure's splashdown.
- The Dino-Store - A dino-mite store full of innovative Jurassic
Park souvenirs to be discovered.
Food and
Beverage
- Fossil Fuels - Guests can refuel their energy here by chomping
on a light snack, quick meal or a couple of refreshing frozen
drinks at this tropical jungle store.
- Discovery Food Court - Guests can savour Singapore's best
selection of Laksa, chicken rice and other local delights in this
Discovery Center building that was featured in the original
Jurassic Park movie.
Far Far
Away
Far Far Away is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s hit Shrek
franchise which how the rich fairy-tale characters lived in daily
life. The zone consists of many recognizable locations from the
film series such as Shrek's swamp house as well as Far Far Away's
glamorous Romeo Drive which contains the nightspots of the town
such as Hook's Knight Club. The highlight of the zone is the Far
Far Away Castle which is a world's first, it hosts attractions such
as Shrek 4-D and Donkey Live featuring the voice talents of Mike
Myers, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and Cameron Diaz.
Attractions
- Shrek 4-D Adventure - Help save Princess Fiona in a totally
in-your-face fairy tale adventure. Through the miracle of
OgreVision you’ll see, hear, and actually FEEL the action right
from your seat! (Ride Duration: 17 minutes)
- Donkey Live - (Premiere)Shrek’s fairy tale sidekick Donkey will
entertain the guests in this all-new interactive live show, where
guests sing along and even talk with Donkey in an intimate theatre
setting. Located at Hook's Night Club and hosted by Hook.
- Enchanted Airways - (Premiere)Climb aboard Donkey’s beloved
Dragon for a flight over Far Far Away and beyond in the form of a
junior roller-coaster ride serving destinations throughout the
world of Shrek.
- Magic Potion Spin - (Premiere)A miniature ferris wheel for the
children, it drives a clinking, clanking potion assembly line that
circles the room, bottling magical elixirs from a giant wooden vat.
Located in the Fairy Godmother's Potion Shop. (Ride Duration: 1
minute and 30 seconds)
Merchandise
- Fairy Godmother's Potion Shop - A large retail outlet where
visitors can buy Shrek memorabilia, fantasy candies, drinks,
colorful elixirs and gifts, such as exciting toys and games from
the wonderful world of Shrek to bring away. The miniature Ferris
Wheel Magic Potion Spin is located right at the back of this retail
outlet. Interactive stations will also be set up for kids.
Food and
Beverages
- Fairy Godmother’s Juice Bar - A shop selling magical
concoctions.
- Goldilocks - (Halal)Located at Romeo Drive, Goldilocks is a
dining outlet serving up buckets of homemade special 7-spice
"chicken done just right!" as well as the most delicious fish and
chips and chicken sandwiches in all of Far Far Away, together with
tasty sides like fresh mash potatoes with gravy, coleslaw and
French fries.
- Friar’s - Located at Romeo Drive, Friar's is a dining outlet
offering fast and delicious food on the go where guests can select
from a unique variety of hot and cold specialty sandwich wraps
including Thai peanut chicken wrap, tandoori chicken wrap, turkey
wrap, veggie wrap, accompanied with freshly made "season it
yourself" potato chips.
Character appearances
- Shrek - Shrek is a large, green, physically intimidating
ogre. Despite him being
an ogre, his personality is the opposite of typical ogres as he is
a peace-loving creature who lives in a swamp in solitude.
- Donkey - Donkey is the loud, obnoxious and straightforward
sidekick of Shrek. He is the host of his own attraction, Donkey
Live, where he entertains visitors with his quick-witted
improvisational skills.
- Puss In Boots - Puss in Boots is a swashbuckler who speaks with
a Spanish accent, he likes to use his cute cat eyes to charm his
enemies before attacking them.
- Princess Fiona - Princess Fiona is a human princess who was
cursed to become an ogre every day after sunset, she fell in love
with Shrek after being rescued by him in the first film.
Madagascar
Journey to Madagascar is inspired by the hit DreamWorks
Animation franchise, Madagascar which featured four zoo animals
escaping from the New York Zoo and unfortunately crashing onto the
island of Madagascar. The
zone features lush tropical jungles as well as an
immersive river ride together with
state of the art animated figures, digital projection as part of
the attraction, Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. The attraction will
feature the famous voice talents of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David
Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith.
Attractions
- - (Premiere)Opening in Mid-2010.</br>Join our four heroes
Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria on a river boat adventure complete
with state-of-the-art animated figures, digital projection,
evocative sound, and moving show-action effects that create a
one-of-a-kind, immersive ride experience. (Ride duration: 9 minutes
and 30 seconds)
- King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round - (Premiere)Be a part of
King Julien’s Party crazy carousel with crazy lemurs and pesky
foosas as you go up and down and round and round enjoying all the
Madagascar characters. (Ride duration: 2 minutes)
Merchandise
- Penguin Mercantile - A retail outlet located at the exit of for
visitors to grab some silly keepsakes inspired by the many
characters of Madagascar, such
as plush hats, key fobs, T-shirts and other assorted keepsakes
inspired by the many characters of Madagascar, as
well as photos of visitors during the adventure on their way back
out.
Food and
Beverages
- Marty's Casa Del Wild - A café hosted by Marty the Zebra
serving a variety of lip-smacking South East Asian specialties such
as Nasi Padang, Pad Thai, Chicken Rice, Thai Green Chicken Curry,
Tom Yum Soup and Asian Rotisserie Chicken.
- Gloria’s Snack Shack - A food store hosted by Gloria offering
Japanese-inspired quick bites such as yakitori, rice bowls and
invigorating thirst-quenchers.
References
External
links
