Universal Studios

Universal Studios Singapore (simplified Chinese: 新加坡环球影城; traditional Chinese: 新加坡環球影城; pinyin: Xīnjiāpō Huánqíu Yǐngchéng; Tamil: யுனிவர்சல் ஸ்டுடியோஸ், சிங்கப்பூர்) is a 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. On 8 December 2006, the Singapore government announced that the consortium had won the bid. Construction of the theme park and the rest of the resort started on 19 April 2007. It is the second Universal Studios theme park to open in Asia (Japan being the first), and the first in Southeast Asia. The official plans for the park were unveiled to the public when Universal Studios Singapore released a park map to the public on 20 October 2009. Universal Studios Singapore has since attracted more than 2 million visitors in the 9 months from its opening.

Universal Parks & Resorts markets the park as a "one-of-its-kind theme park in Asia" and promises that the park will be the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years.

History

Park history

The construction of Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore began on 19 April 2008. After almost two years of construction, the park opened on 18 March 2010.

Universal Studios Singapore was opened for sneak peek week in view of the Chinese New Year Celebrations, from 5 pm to 9 pm every night between 14 and 21 February 2010. Though visitors had to pay SGD$10 to enter the park even-though rides were not operating, tickets for the week were sold out in 2 days. On 5 March 2010, it was announced that the park will open its doors at 8:28 am (UTC+8) on 18 March 2010, for a soft-opening phase. From 13 March 2010, the team members of Resorts World Sentosa and their families had a chance to visit the park before the public has a chance to do so. The park had its soft opening period from 18 March 2010 to 26 October 2010.

The official grand opening of the park was held on 28 May 2011, along with the grand opening gala being held on 27 May 2011 evening. It was a star-studded event with Asian superstars Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Zhao Wei, and former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul making an appearance at the gala event, along with some 1,600 guests.

In October 2011, Universal Studios Singapore began their Halloween Horror Nights events.

Park layout

Universal Studios Singapore is 20 hectares (49 acres) in size, occupying the easternmost part of the 49-hectare (120-acre) Resorts World Sentosa. There are a total of 24 attractions, of which 18 are original or specially adapted for the park. The park consists of seven themed zones which surround a lagoon. Each zone is based on a blockbuster movie or a television show, featuring their own unique attractions, character appearances, dining and shopping areas. The park features the world's tallest pair of dueling roller coasters that are based on the popular television series, Battlestar Galactica; a castle from the world of Shrek and Monster Rock, a live musical show featuring the Universal Monsters. Universal Studios Singapore has over 30 restaurants and food carts, together with 20 unique retail stores and carts located around the park. Attractions premiering are marked "Premiere" and dining outlets that are certified Halal are marked with "Halal".

Hollywood

Hollywood is the main entrance area of the park. Its only attraction, a broadway-style theatre, is accompanied by several restaurants and a variety of flagship shops. Being a replica of the Hollywood Boulevard, this zone is flanked by dynamic architecture and palm trees. It also features a replica of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Special character appearances include: Po from Kung Fu Panda, Frankenstein's Monster, Woody Woodpecker, Winnie Woodpecker, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Beetlejuice, Betty Boop and the Minions from Despicable Me.

New York

New York is based on the original New York City, during the era of post-modernisation. This zone features various icons commonly portrayed in movies including the city skyline, neon lights, facades, and sidewalks. This zone also has a replica of the famous New York Public Library with two lion statues at its entrance. Special Sesame Street character appearances include: Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Bert, Ernie, Grover, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch.

Sci-Fi City

Sci-Fi City is an imagined metropolis of the future that contains many modern conveniences of life, but with little or no remnants of past inhabitants and cultures that are able to stand the course of time. It is the home of the world's tallest pair of dueling roller coasters, at a height of 42.7 meters (140 ft).

The pair of dueling roller coasters, Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon, are based on the hit television series, Battlestar Galactica.

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 Pharaohs' tombs which were commonly discovered during that era. This zone relies on the depictions made in the popular film franchise, The Mummy, starring Brendan Fraser.

The Lost World

The Lost World contains many traditional attractions present in most Universal Studios parks around the world and is divided into two sub areas: Jurassic Park and Waterworld. Jurassic Park, based on the popular film franchise by Steven Spielberg and novels by Michael Crichton, features the newly redesigned Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure which is based on the popular water rides in other Universal Studios parks. Waterworld, based on the film Waterworld starring Kevin Costner, is a stadium that features a live show performance.

Far Far Away

Far Far Away is inspired by DreamWorks Animation's hit Shrek franchise which depicted how the fairy-tale characters lived in daily life. The zone consists of many recognisable locations from the film series, and the main highlight of the zone is the 40-metre tall Far Far Away Castle Special character appearances include: Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Princess Fiona, Fairy Godmother, and Prince Charming.

Madagascar

Madagascar is inspired by the hit DreamWorks Animation franchise of the same name which features four zoo animals, Alex, Gloria, Marty and Melman escaping from the Central Park Zoo and unfortunately crashing onto the island of Madagascar. The zone features lush tropical jungles as well as two rides. Special character appearances include: Alex, Gloria, King Julien, Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico.

Universal Party Parade

Universal Studios Singapore Hollywood Dreams Parade is the parks' first full-scale regular theme parade which takes place every Saturday and Sunday, and on public holidays at 5 pm. Running through five out of the seven parks across all zones, the parade consists of fourteen intricately detailed floats, special effects, over one hundred performers, custom musical score and a new parade soundtrack titled 'Universal Party'.

VIP tour

Universal Studios Singapore VIP Tour offers merchandise discounts, complimentary dining, and golden photo opportunities with celebrity lookalikes as well as VIP access on rides, attractions and performances. Each tour accommodates between two and twelve guests per Guide. Each tour lasts approximately five hours around Universal Studios Singapore. The tour covers eight or more attractions. Universal Express access would be made available to all attractions before or after the guide tour.

Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Studios_Singapore