November 25, 2012 – Hey! Jon here, and we’re back with another update from Universal Studios Singapore – this time, covering “The Lost World”, host to Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Canopy Flyer, Dino-Soarin and WaterWorld.
So, let’s move on to the photos!
Here we are! Welcome to Jurassic Park! (and WaterWorld as well, but that’s another story)
Pathway from Ancient Egypt to Jurassic Park.
They had speakers hidden in some of the molded dinosaur faces. Pretty clever, if you ask me.
The main entrance for Jurassic Park.
But before we head into Jurassic Park, let’s first focus on WaterWorld. Unlike Universal Studios Japan which features its own dedicated “WaterWorld” land, Universal Studios Singapore bunches WaterWorld together with “The Lost World” theme. I have to say, I think it works. Both franchises are kept strictly apart, but the whole area could be placed under that single theme.
…and of course, Universal Studios Singapore chose to follow the plot set in place by Universal Studios Japan. I’m assuming they did this for the sake of efficiency, but the plot differences between Hollywood and Japan/Singapore are distinct. Personally, I’m not a huge fan, but I’m guessing that has more to do with my personal biases than the actual production of the show. I’m sure most Hollywood fans would shrug a bit to see their home show twisted a bit, but it’s nothing too major that would act as a detriment to the quality of the entire performance. Anyway, moving right along…
As you head on a bit further away from the gates of Jurassic Park, you can see the main entrance to WaterWorld.
“WaterWorld, presented by SingTel!” Boy, you would not imagine how that slogan has lingered in my head while I was there. It’s almost like a song you can’t forget. In fact, it’s so distinct, I still have traces of that announcement whenever I watch “our” own show in Hollywood. Thanks SingTel!
They didn’t have too many shows scheduled on that day, but I’m assuming the park was in the midst of its own off-season. If I recall correctly, Japan didn’t have too many shows lined up as well.
“Presented by SingTel!”
Like Japan, Singapore has an entire section devoted to the queue. Of course, because of Halloween Horror Nights (at the time of this photo), half the queue was boarded up. I tried to catch a peak, only to have an employee tell me that the show was located on the other side of the perimeter. I’m sure it was in jest, but I hope he didn’t think I was a dimwit… Oh well. Wouldn’t be the first time.
They have an interesting wetness indicator set in place. Much more specific than the binary wet/dry system set in place in Hollywood.
I’m sure you’ve noticed a trend by now, but Singapore’s theater is also based off the design in Japan. Note how all guests are heading downward towards the front of the bleachers, instead of the scattered and separated seating arrangement set in place at Hollywood. Again, I’m sure it was all done in the sake of efficiency. Guests here don’t have to deal with two narrow exit pathways like they do at Hollywood.
The final dive sequence takes place at the center of the theater instead of the far left…
…while the Mariner enters to the far right of main gates. Again, the design team appears to have placed everything as far from the fuel tank as possible. Smart move, in hindsight.
Seaplane appears to be the same as Hollywood. Of course, the timing of its entrance isn’t. I won’t give the plot away, but let’s just say Singapore/Japan decided to mix the seaplane and the finale together.
And unlike Hollywood which features two live speaking roles, Singapore includes three (like Japan!).
The Mariner’s entrance. Note his entrance to the right of the gate.
Oddly enough, some of Singapore’s explosions weren’t as intense as the ones in Hollywood. Hollywood is really in your face with its fire effects, but Singapore appears to hold back.
Overall, I have to say it was a decent show…
…with the exception of the blisteringly bad audio. This might be a bit too technical and perhaps peevish to point out, but the column speakers Singapore uses are not (according to a friend who works in the trade) designed for live audio. Simply put, column speakers were designed for foreground and recorded audio, not live voice. The recorded soundtrack sounded fine (and dare I say great), but whenever Helen or the Deacon voiced their role, the whole system sounded strained and distorted.
I should also mention that the shows that I’ve seen (four in total) were riddled with technical difficulties. I was assured that the show is normally very reliable, so perhaps it was just a bad week. But it’s something to keep in mind.
“Welcome to Jurassic Park!”
He looks so sad.
I have to say – I love this shot. This whole setting reminds me of something you would actually find in the Jurassic Park movies.
Traditional land-ride. Think One Fish, Two Fish at Islands of Adventure. I’ll have a video of it soon.
Very fascinating prop. They had a live-action dinosaur moving around with its trainer, and the overall effect was pretty realistic. Puppet? Robot? I’m guessing a mixture of the two. Anyway, here’s a video so you get an idea of what I mean.
Video courtesy of dejiki.com.
Again, it’s a very movie-esque scene. You could imagine John Hammond creating something like this for his own real-life Jurassic Park theme park.
It’s interesting to note that Universal Studios Singapore also has its own unique river-rafting ride. It’s sparsely themed, but the finale is simply fascinating. Again, I won’t give away any plot elements, but let’s just say Singapore’s T-Rex is tinier than the one(s) found in Florida, Hollywood and Japan.
Exactly like Pteranodon Flyers over at Islands of Adventure. Personally, I would love to see something like this at our own Hollywood park.
And finally, you have the man with an overextended arm – also seen at Islands of Adventure.
That’s a wrap!
As a whole, The Lost World at Universal Studios Singapore was very nicely done and I was thoroughly impressed throughout my visit. Apart from the audio problems over at WaterWorld, I really have no notable complaints. Fans of Florida and Japan might notice some striking similarities between this land and their own park, but Singapore’s interpretation of the traditional “Jurassic Park” river-rafting ride should add a flavor of something new and unexpected. Hollywood fans, on the other hand, might still be peeved at Singapore’s interpretation of WaterWorld, but Jurassic Park and its theming should definitely make up for any potential feelings of discontent. Just be thankful that the performance is in English.
Anyway, that it for me. Stay tuned for our final Universal Studios Singapore update covering Madagascar and Far Far Away. Videos are forthcoming, so please remain patient for that. For now, please do check out our forums and join the conversation, like our Facebook and follow us on Twitter! See you real soon our final follow up.
– Jon Fu
About the Author: Jon Fu
Jon Fu is the editorial director of Inside Universal and oversees the creative direction of the site’s content.
Jon originally founded InsideUniversal.net in 2006 as a summer hobby aimed at providing families and fans a resource for all things “Universal Studios Hollywood”. Since then, the website has taken him throughout the United States and around the world – including to places like Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore.
Jon currently resides in Santa Cruz, California with his bamboo plant. You can reach him at jon@insideuniversal.net.
