Miles of smiles and fun at Universal Studios Singapore
By Susan Ferroa, channelnewsasia.com Posted: 16 March 2010 2034 hrs
Singapore: Universal Studios Singapore throws opens its doors open to the public on Thursday 18 March and no one is more excited than the crew at the theme-park. Even the overcast sky couldn't blot out the smiles galore during the sneak peek for the media and other invited guests which ranged from families with prams and grandmas shuffling along. The best part was each smile radiated with a warmth that seemed to come from the heart with no dead-pan "Hi", "How are you" or "Have a nice day" recited from rote.
Enter the theme-park from the turn-stiles behind the giant spinning Universal Studios globe where ushers in smart red uniforms will greet you while checking your ticket. First impression, the Singapore theme-park is very reminiscent of other Universal Studios theme-parks such as the one in Australia's Gold Coast, from the broad streets to the stylised buildings in the different worlds and the live shows. Just a short stroll from the main entrance which is part of the Hollywood zone, will bring you to the Pantages Hollywood Theater where you can catch a lively musical presentation of "Monster Rock".
The show that runs just under 30 minutes at regular intervals, may not be for the little ones with 'stars' that include Frankenstein, the Mummy and Dracula. However, once the talented and energy-charged cast start their song and dance routines, the children may forget their nerves to dance and clap along. And clap, scream, whistle you must if you are to enjoy the rock revue where older 'kids' will surely appreciate with a musical line-up that includes a finale of Bon Jovi hits amid fireworks on stage. Stumbling out of the cool auditorium to the warm and humid streets, don't be surprised to be dragged into being part of a street performance or two. If it rains, not to worry, the streets are covered with a clear canopy that lets the daylight in while keeping visitors relatively dry.
The theme-park will have 24 rides but not all will be open come March 18, and some may need slight tweaking so visitors during the soft launch will need to be patient and maybe take time to chat to the very friendly staff. Most of the hosts at the theme-park are Singaporeans, either young and fresh from school or mid-career old hands, who would share insights of the rides and theme-park with ease and exuberance. This makes it a pleasant wait for rides which includes the gravity-defying Humans versus Cylons dueling roller-coasters,the tallest of its kind in the world.
This ride is part of Sci-Fi city which leads to Ancient Egypt where sombre chants reverberate from hidden speakers while 'sandstone statues' from the past tower over visitors. Here,another roller-coaster ride awaits in the Revenge of the Mummy, while the faint-hearted and family with young children, can opt for the Treasure Hunters ride. Circle round to the Lost World zone where dinosaurs lurk, and Madagascar where music and mayhem rule. Each zone comes complete with its own dining options, so in Egypt be ready to feast on spicy fare in a food hall with finishes from wood work to lamps, that will transport visitors to a Middle Eastern bazaar.
It would be a waste to miss a burger and malt at Mel's Diner located at the cross-roads of the American-themed zones of Hollywood and New York, but if grandparents aren't too adventurous, there's a Chinese restaurant a stone's throw away. Be prepared to pay about S$10 for simple fare like a sandwich and soft drink, which can be redeemed with a food voucher that comes with the ticket during the soft launch. Like all theme-parks there will be gift shops galore where it seemed the going rate was S$4.90 if you're on a budget. You will leave tired, but happy. That means the theme-park has worked it magic. It also helps that the team on the ground make it a happy time for you, and for the sneak peek that includes the send-off by the cheerful, colourful staff which should become a permanent feature. That's because people make a difference and at Universal Studios Singapore, they sure do. - CNA/sf
