September 18, 2012 – Hey everyone! Today, we’re going to be taking a quick look at Universal Studios Singapore. In the coming days, we’ll focus on each individual themed land at Universal – so stay tuned for that. But for now, let’s take a brief tour of what Universal Studios Singapore has to offer.

Oh, and be sure to check out the video log below for another perspective. Happy reading!


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

So, heading through the gates, we find out that Universal Studios Singapore is actually part of a bigger resort known as Resorts World Sentosa.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

They offer a full fledged casino, shopping mall, independent shows…almost like Las Vegas in a sense.
In fact, there’s a future theme park being built that’s centered around something aquatic. I’m guessing it’ll be similar to SeaWorld.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

In fact, they call it an “integrated resort” for what’s it worth.
Definitely unlike Universal Orlando, since most things aren’t tied to the Universal brand.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

But enough about that…let’s move on to the park.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

The Universal Studios Singapore arch. As you might have noticed, it’s definitely unique to Singapore.
Think of it as a cross between Universal Studios Florida in terms of design, and Universal Studios Hollywood in terms of size.


Universal Studios Singapore - September 8, 2012 Photo Update

Closeup.


Universal Studios Singapore - September 8, 2012 Photo Update

…and of course, the Universal uniglobe. An exact replica of the globes found in Japan and Florida. Oh, and can anyone spot the mistake in this photo?


Universal Studios Singapore - September 8, 2012 Photo Update

Fixed.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

Park entrance. I’ve arrived a bit early.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

Yep. A bit too early. Kind of eerie.


Universal Studios Singapore - Park Entrance

Fast forward an hour or so, and we’re in!


Universal Studios Singapore - Hollywood

…and here’s the first thing you see: Hollywood!


Universal Studios Singapore - September 8, 2012 Photo Update

You better believe it.


Universal Studios Singapore - Hollywood

Universal Studios Singapore - Hollywood

Universal Studios Singapore - Hollywood

A statue at the heart of the park entrance. A very nice touch – including the classic Universal logo. You don’t see that design being used that often.


Universal Studios Singapore - Hollywood

Overview of the Hollywood area…canopy and all. Much like Universal Studios Japan, except smaller.


Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Next up: New York.


Universal Studios Singapore - Hollywood

Where do I sign up? Oh wait, it’ll be on NBC? On second thought…


Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Of course, the only attraction here is Lights, Camera, Action – which is a cross between Backdraft and Twister. More on this later.


Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Universal Studios Singapore - New York

Really excellent theming for their New York area. Small, but very nicely done.


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

Next up: Sci-Fi City – home to Battlestar Galactica (like Dualing Dragons or Dragon Challenge
at Islands of Adventure), Transformers and Accelerator (spinning ground ride).


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

Transformers: plenty of differences to note between the version here and the version in Hollywood.
I’ll try to cover most of them in the next update centered around Sci-Fi City.


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

Battlestar Galactica: biggest difference between this and Dragon Challenge? Two separate entrances.


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

Entrance one: Cylon.


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

Entrance two: Human. Excuse Mr. Grumpy standing next to the entrance staring angrily at the side.


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

It’s odd. It almost seems like Universal treats this as two separate attractions. It definitely seems so on the park map.


Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

Universal Studios Singapore - Sci-Fi City

A shot of the entire canopied section of Sci-Fi City.


Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

Up next: Ancient Egypt – home to Treasure Hunters and Revenge of the Mummy.


Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

A bit of cross-bleeding between lands – just to give you an idea of how close everything is.


Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

Revenge of the Mummy. Note how Hollywood is the only park that tags along “The Ride” in everything they do.


Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

Really excellent theming for Mummy. The best I’ve seen.


Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

Treasure Hunters. Suffice to say, it’s interesting. Haha. I’ll have more to say on this in the future.


Universal Studios Singapore - Ancient Egypt

A final look at Ancient Egypt alongside Sci-Fi City.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Moving right along: The Lost World.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Again, really excellent theming.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Attractions within “Jurassic Park.” Note the similarities between this roster and the roster over at Islands of Adventure.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Excellent detail at the back of the Jurassic Park gate.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Hint hint.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Oddly enough, WaterWorld is in this land as well. I guess it works in the broader sense.


Universal Studios Singapore - The Lost World

Boy oh boy, plenty of differences to note here too. It definitely differs to Hollywood, but nothing all-too surprising when compared to Japan.


Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Heading even further, we have: Far Far Away


Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Can you believe this was built entirely for Shrek 4D?


Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Universal Studios Singapore - Far Far Away

Universal Studios Singapore - Madagascar

Finally: Madagascar.


Universal Studios Singapore - Madagascar

Shrek’s swamp.


Universal Studios Singapore - Madagascar

Far Far Away – Madagascar crossing.


Universal Studios Singapore - Madagascar

Universal Studios Singapore - Madagascar

Another interesting attraction. Think of this as a modern version of It’s a Small World at Disney.


Universal Studios Singapore - Madagascar

Okay, that’s it for this update. Stay tuned for our coverage of each individual land, comparing and contrasting Universal Studios Singapore with other Universal parks around the world – namely Universal Studios Hollywood. Closing thoughts? Well, the park is definitely smaller than I’d imagine, and I’m guessing you could probably do everything in one day – much like Universal Studios Hollywood.

More thoughts in the future, but for now please check out our forums and join the conversation, like our Facebook and follow us on Twitter! Be sure to also check out Nicholas’ blog, which focuses on Universal Studios Singapore. He’s been invaluable during the duration of my trip, so special thanks goes out to him. Of course, comments are welcome below, so feel free to shoot us a line.

– Jon Fu