From Battlestar Galactica to Jurassic Park River Rapid, here's our rides guide review of the attractions and why they are definitely worth your visit!
While I love all things Disney, Universal Studios is one of my favourite theme parks. There are two in the US (California and Orlando – no doubt the best) and two in Asia (Japan and Singapore).
Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is the smallest of all Universal Studios’ theme parks.
If you have been to the rest of Universal's parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Island of Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, or Universal Studios Japan, you will find that most of USS’s rides can be found in the other 4 theme parks.
So, is USS still worth visiting considering the cost of the park ticket at S$79/adult? Being a theme park fanatic who have visited almost all Disney and Universal Studios’ theme parks around the world, I would say, YES, DEFINITELY.
Even if you have been to the rest of Universal Studios’ theme parks, the below 7 rides unique to USS will make your visit here all worthwhile! And, for those who have not been to any Universal parks before, you definitely should not miss USS.
1. Lights, Camera, Action! ™ Hosted by Steven Spielberg
If you like the studio tour in Universal Studios Hollywood or if you missed the Production Tour that ended in 1995 in Universal Studios Florida, you would like this indoor movie special effects show that is quite similar to Backdraft in Universal Studios Japan.
Located at the New York zone in USS, this attraction brings you the incredible special effects of a Category 5 major hurricane that hits the New York City.
As you stand in this soundstage of a boathouse by the harbour, you will experience how a calm day turns stormy as you brace yourself to a stimulated hurricane-force wind that sweeps in from the sea driving a cargo ship, debris and fire towards the boathouse. You will also get to see the studio magic of how the soundstage resets within seconds to prepare for the next wave of guests.
I certainly hope that Universal Studios/Disney will build more or retain their soundstage attractions - it is a piece of nostalgic history of the theme parks in our childhood memories. It is sad to see that in recent years, these attractions were removed (such as Twister...Ride it Out in 2015, The Great Movie Ride in 2017) to give way to 4D simulator rides (which pretty much feel the same after riding a few times).
Themed after the hit television series Battlestar Galactica, these intertwined duelling roller coasters are the tallest dueling coasters in the world at 42.5 metres.
In your battle journey racing towards each other on your coaster, you will experience several near collisions mere inches apart.
On the Cylon inverted roller coaster, there is a plunge into a 5-metre deep pit filled with artificial fog, giving you the thrill sensation of a near miss with the ground. You will also experience sudden turns close to buildings giving you the same near miss sensation.
On the other hand, on the traditional seated Human roller coaster, you will experience more G-forces than those on the Cylon track.
So, choose your side between good or evil in this ultimate intergalactic battle.
This is the only Jurassic Park themed attraction that is not a flume ride.
Although the ride experience is quite similar to that of Jurassic Park River Adventure in Universal Studios Florida and Jurassic Park – The Ride in Universal Studio Japan, the added trill is that, while you are struggling to keep a close look out for the iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex roaming free in the dark, the 9-person circular raft you are on, tosses and turns, drenching you with wave of fun splashes throughout the waterways.
If that did not get you drenched, the white water drop nearing the end of the ride will. And, if all else does not, the two Dilophosaurus at the end of the ride will target the riders who got the least drenching.
Tip: Buy a poncho if you do not wish to get wet, or go to the"drying pods" to dry off after getting soaked!
The Canopy Flyer™ is one of my favourite rides. It is not as thrilling and fast as the Flying Dinosaur in Universal Studios Japan; hence, it provides an amazing prehistoric bird’s eye view of Jurassic Park™ as you glide from the suspended track.
It is quite similar to the Pteranodon Flyers™ in Universal Studios Florida. The good news is, unlike Pteranodon Flyers™, adults can ride this attraction without a kid. I was quite disappointing when I was at Universal Studios Florida as I was not allowed on the ride without a kid. Hence, Canopy Flyer™ let those young-at-hearts, like me, to soar through the Jurassic sky as well.
This is the only ride with a full theming Madagascar zone in all of Universal parks around the world. If you love this movie, do catch this attraction soonest as there are news that the new Super Nintendo World will be taking over the location of this attraction.
Your kids will enjoy singing to the tune of “I like to move it, move it” while cruising slowly on an unforgettable river ride adventure with their favourite DreamWorks Animation’s characters, Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria.
If your kids love the concept of the Peter Pan suspended track ride in Disney, they will enjoy this ride as they fly and zip through the space with Elmo and Super Grover 2.0 in the world’s first Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase - a mission to stop Macaroni the Merciless and his minions, to return the stolen spaghetti to our planet.
Well the story is for kids, but the storyboard flow and theming are great; and your kids will get to meet all their favourite Sesame Street characters.
This is a fun family or rather kids’ coaster themed around the character Puss in Boots from the Shrek film series. This slow coaster ride with moderate sudden turns and small drops takes you on a wild goose chase on a beanstalk through the giant’s castle in search of the precious golden eggs.
While the ride is not as trilling, the pre-show is rather interesting, I really like that the walls are covered with cheeky recipes, quotes, and posters for chuckles while waiting for the ride.
Getting Here
The best way to get to USS is by the Sentosa Express. From HarbourFront station (MRT),take Exit E to VivoCity. Proceed to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. Alight 1 stop later at Resorts World Station. Walk straight ahead and you will see the iconic Universal Studios Globe.
My Travel Kakis Singapore Travel Blog - Universal Studios Singapore Rides Guide