By The Way - Need To Know About Universal Studios Singapore

Everyone’s talking about Resort’s World these days, and anyone who’s anyone has gone for a preview. Okay, so Madam here missed the media peek ‘cos the invite went out one day before the do (I’m a busy woman, you know!) but at least I have some bits of info to share. The first Universal Studios in SE Asia, the theme park set to open soon in Sentosa, promises 24 attractions, of which 18 of them are new or adapted for Singapore. Potter through in seven thematic worlds, 30 theme restaurants and food carts. If you want a Shrek oven mit or a pair of lemur ears, I am sure you can satiate your desire for movie merchandise at its 20 theme retail stores and kiosks.

There are a few ‘world firsts’ here, including the world’s biggest single collection of DreamWorks Animation attractions; the world’s first Far Far Away Castle from the movie ‘Shrek’; the world’s first Madagascar theme park ride; the world’s tallest dueling roller coaster Battlestar Galactica (ooooh – scared!) and the world’s first Sci-Fi zone.

Among the rides, look out for the Madagascar: A Crate Adventure, an immersive ride with state-of-the-art animated figures, digital projection, evocative sound, and moving show-action effects; the Revenge of the Mummy, Shrek 4-D where you tag along with the green princess, Shrek and Donkey on a 3D adventure with jumps, bumps, air blasts, water spray and “an extra dimension of special effects" through Ogre Vision. For those with cast iron stomachs, the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster propels you on several inversions, a zero-g roll, a Cobra roll, corkscrews, vertical loops and near collisions mere inches apart.

Tickets start from S$32 for a senior-citizen day pass, $88 for a child two-day pass to S$118 for a two-day adult pass. Weekday rates at S$66 for an adult and S$48 for a child. A limited number of express passes, which help you get straight to the front of the queue, are sold each day and are priced at $30 on weekdays, $68 on weekends and $48 during school hols.

- Ee Waun