Universal Studios Singapore

If someone asks me about the most memorable thing about my visit to Singapore; then it has to be my day at Universal Studio, hands down! As evident from its name, Universal Studios is a movie theme park with characters from movies like Shrek, Jurassic Park, Madagascar, Mummy Returns,… etc bringing forth a thrilling experience translating the silver screen to life.

Since we were a bunch of us and not in any mood to stand in queues we opted for VIP tour option, which did cost 3 times the normal ticket but was still worth its cost. With our bookings done (you can book online directly or through tour desk in most hotels), we had guides waiting to receive us at the VIP lounge with our passes, chilled mineral water bottles, prams for infants and sunscreen lotions!After all we had the whole day of fun planned outdoors! We were personally escorted by two guides around Universal studios theme park and received top priority access to the rides and shows. VIP tour pass includes a guaranteed 8 rides in the duration of the day, with the option that you can go any ride as many times as you want!!Had we all stood in the queue as normal ticket holders have to, then 3-4 rides at the max is all what we would have accomplished! And to add to all this, you must be lucky to get on any ride within 30 minutes of standing in the queue, as the lines are always that long!!The VIP pass also includes a $25 (Singapore dollars) worth food voucher redeemable at any of the restaurants within the Universal Studios on the same day.

The main attractions are the rides. There are rides for all age groups…almost! From simple un complicated ones to nerve chilling ones, Universal Studios has many options for you to pick. One thing is for sure that it is almost impossible to cover all rides in one visit. So choose your rides thoughtfully based on interest levels of each family member. Also do note that there are height restrictions for the kids at all rides and health warnings for the adults.

The Madagascar merry-go-round was a family favorite. The colorful carousel comprising of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo and Melman the Giraffe went round and round on energetic music  with kids, mama and papa riding on their favorite character with a big smile on their face. 🙂

The adrenaline rush is slightly pushed up higher when you take the roller coaster ride based on Ancient Egypt theme, inside the Mummy Returns cavern. The highlight of this ride is that its operated in complete darkness!! Yes, once the ride starts, there is absolutely no light except for the occasional flashes, all that you will hear are the screams of fellow riders. And at the end when you get off, relieved that its all over & go out to boast to your friends, how you were very cool through the journey & all the others were screaming away, you find that all the flashes you saw were photos taken with your eyes almost popping off and that they are all on the display board outside the ride station!!..:)

The grand finale in terms of rides are the two hair rising roller coaster sky rides – red and blue. Ideally, if you have the time take the Red ride first and then the Blue ride as the Blue ride is considered a grade higher as compared to Red one in terms of thrill and the overall experience. I found both rides to be hair raising and screamed out my lungs!! The surprising thing about the rides are they manage to start and run the two rides simultaneously crisscrossing each other, something that’s breathtaking.The Red ride is more of an open ride without any shoulder braces, whereas the Blue ride goes upside down atleast 5 times!! (I stopped counting after the second one..:))The maximum speed they barrel along is around 90km/hr!!The paranoid ones within our group even had a quick discussion about a scenario if a technical snag happens and other such many adversities :).  A word of caution, the Blue ride is not for the fainthearted.

On all the rides pictures are taken of you, while on the ride. So, if you planning to put up a brave face post the ride wait till you watch your true expressions in the photograph outside 🙂 The pictures can be bought for about $30 (Singapore dollars) per snap. Imagine paying that money just to watch yourself screaming away!!( Most groups do buy these snaps. Ours too did!!)

For the not so action oriented, there is the 4D experience to be had. Watching “Shrek” was absolutely delightful. To see, hear and also feel the action along the movie story line was exhilarating. And to get to watch my friends with their feet up to avoid the heebiejeebies they felt with spider crawling or fishes swimming past your feet affect….priceless! 🙂 The 4D movie is a must watch. It has a special story line shot just for this version.

For those who want an experience of how a special effects movie shot is done, Lights, Camera, Action is the place to be. Hosted by the legend Steven Spielberg, this set piece action takes you to a life like Hurricane scenario off New York harbor. The way the stage set up changes with light and sound affect was simply astounding. At the end of the 15 minutes, one almost feels as if we have been lucky to get of the Hurricane!

Then there is the live water show at the Waterworld, which had artists displaying various stunts along a story line. The seats in the theatre are color coded based on your preference of getting drenched. The artists carry water guns and catch people unaware to the joy of onlookers’ of course! Talented singers and dancers perform out in the open from a raised platform and provide further entertainment. There are a variety of stores / movie related branded storesspread across the area for the shopaholics. A must check out for the families with kids is the shop ‘Star characters’ that has for sale, merchandise of DreamWorks animation characters.

The funny hat corner seemed to be an instant hit with everyone including us; for we donned many a hats that evening. A must do no matter how silly it looks 🙂

By 6pm, our day as VIP’s came to the end and all that I could do was stumble across to the nearest restaurant and crash out. Am sure that there are some rides & excitement that we had missed, but then that I left it for another trip when my daughter would be old enough to enjoy the rides!..:)

Besides Universal Studios, Resorts World Sentosa Singapore comprises of other attractions like Marine Life Park, Maritime Xperential Museum and Festivewalk. There are holiday packages available that includes stay at one of the resorts within the Resorts World Sentosa complex however there are only limited number of packages available. Online booking through email to reservations@rwsentosa.com or a call to their reservation hotline: Tel: (+65) 6577 8899 can be done.