Singapore's soontoopen new theme park offers something for all the family
Want to explore Jurassic Park, chat with Shrek's donkey or go deep into Pharaoh's tomb? Well, fun lovers and theme park junkies will be able to do all of that and much, much more at the brand new Universal theme park in Singapore, which is scheduled to open early in June.
Universal Studios Singapore, the second of its kind of Asia and the first in Southeast Asia, is located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, a vast property spanning 49 hectares and also home to six hotels, two museums, an extensive shopping walk, restaurants and the country's first casino.
Featuring many world premiere attractions and technologically advanced rides, the vast theme park has been designed for everyone in the family.
"I think the idea of having a theme park in the same complex as resorts and the casino really gives balance to the whole presentation. We have things for adults, for families and for kids and we offer activities that are exciting and relaxing. That's the key element - something for everyone," says Kevin Barbee, creative director of KB Creative Advisors, and the mastermind behind Universal Studios in Osaka.
"The theme park industry went through a phase in the '80s and the '90s where everything had to be thrilling and intense. That alienated several age groups and those are important segments of the market," Barbee continues. "Now, many theme parks have been redesigned and are offering more shared experiences. Take our Mummy ride, for example. There are seats for four people so the whole family can all experience it at once.
"We have this jeep ride, called the 'Treasure Hunter', that's a very mild attraction, which even the youngest of the young can enjoy with parents and siblings. We've found, with the theme park business, that when an experience can be shared among family members, it tends to be more popular. The line will be longer and kids will clamour to come back and ride the attraction again."
Taking advantage of Asia's effective and conveniently available workforce, Universal Studio Singapore has taken just three years rather than the estimated four to five years to complete. Safety tests are now in the final stages and once they're completed, the park will be ready for the public.
"Universal has the strictest safety standards I've ever seen, and you should be glad they do," says Barbee. "We've gone the extra mile to make sure it's safe."
The park is divided into seven theme lands: New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar.
Older visitors can nurture their nostalgia with the friendly charm of old time New York and Hollywood Boulevard. In the Big Apple, you'll enjoy the energy of the East Coast's biggest city with a stroll along the sidewalks. Then, head west and take in the dynamic architecture and palm trees of Hollywood Boulevard, as well as the Walk of Fame, before dropping into the park's main store and browsing for souvenirs.
SciFi City, which is based on the popular TV series "Battlestar Galactica", is where you'll be mesmerised by technology and space wars. Here too is where you'll find the world's tallest duelling roller coaster. One rail carries Cylons and the other humans - so pick your side and engage in an adrenaline rush battle at 55kph.
"This is my favourite," Barbee enthuses. "I've been on it many, many times and I know what's coming but it still scares the heck out of me every time!"
Travel back to 1930's Egypt and discover the gigantic sphinx, Anubis statues, the Pharaoh's tomb and the nottobemissed Revenge of the Mummy attraction.
After such an exciting few hours, you'll probably want to rest and enjoy some food and drink and that's certainly no problem at Universal, where every theme land is home to one or more restaurants. Here you'll find everything from all American burgers and shakes to Chinese, Mediterranean, Mexican and pizza to European pastries and snacks plus Singaporean favourites.
Spend the afternoon in fantasy land with a visit to a dinosaur's den in The Lost World, which features the newly redesigned Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure based on the popular attraction in other Universal Studios park as well as the region's largest WaterWorld.
The castle in Far Far Away, a land inspired by popular animation series "Shrek", is where you'll discover the world's biggest 4D theatre, which screens what else - but Shrek 4D" daily. You can also get up close and personal with Shrek and Princess Fiona, and of course their buddies Donkey and Puss in Boots.
Another world premiere zone is Madagascar, a lush tropical jungle with an immersive river ride and state of the art animated figures. The attraction will also feature the famous voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett Smith.
With no barriers or walls or neutral zones in between, the nicest thing about Universal Singapore is that you really do get the feeling you're in a movie set. Everything blends in and there's no limit to your vision.
From Sci-Fi to Egypt then to Hollywood, you can wander aimlessly around from morning until dusk, basking in a land of pure imagination and fun.
For more information on operating hours and fees, visit www.RWSentosa.com.
