Out for some fun with the whole gang? Take a page out of a traveler’s notebook and create many unforgettable memories inside a theme park!
Universal Studios Singapore or USS is Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. Here, you can embrace your inner thrill-seeker as you scream your heart out in the adrenaline-pumping rides, stroll around and take photos at various themed zones, or be entertained as you watch the interactive shows! As a first-timer in Singapore, I knew I had to tick this off of my list.
It’s a no-brainer that you don’t have to do anything other than enjoy
Our original plan (just like any regular theme park-goer’s) was to be inside the park on the dot so we could maximize our stay (it was open from 10am to 5pm). However, there was a heavy downpour in the morning… and well… we weren’t exactly in the mood to get drenched! Blame it on our tita/tito energies, but we instantly agreed to have light brunch first while waiting for the rain to stop. After all, we were already inside VivoCity! Toast Box was the obvious choice, and we were happy to have our quick energy boost with caffeine, tea, and a kaya toast. Thanks, Food Republic! We didn’t have to burn a hole in our pockets! You already know the mark-up when you’re buying a decent meal inside a theme park. Lol.
OK. To be completely honest, that was my first time trying the quintessential Singaporean breakfast. I wasn’t sure what to order then so I just copied on my friends. Heh…. I’ll save you the time of googling how to prepare this. Aside from the toast, you’ll be served with half-boiled eggs, dark soy sauce, and pepper. Simply crack the eggs into the saucer, then add your soy sauce, and dark pepper. This will be your “dipping sauce” for the kaya toast. Of course, you’re totally welcome to slurp them up too because that’s how some locals do it. This is best partnered with either coffee or tea, so just take your pick!
I’d say we were lucky because it was as if the heavens smiled upon us and switched off the rain as soon as we were done eating.
Now time for the USS Adventure!!
Visibly more excited than the kids at the park entrance, Chay, Kalvs, and I ended up doing some happy jumps as soon as we saw Hollywood Boulevard. It is one of the many themed areas inside the park, and it was beautifully constructed too. After Hollywood Boulevard, there were 5 other zones namely New York (sidewalks of the Big Apple), Sci-Fi City (a futuristic metropolis), Ancient Egypt (it’s like a tour of 1920s Egypt), The Lost World (you’ll see Jurassic Park-themed sets here), and Far Far Away (fairytale kingdom).
I didn’t do major research on the rides or the park map prior, so we had a very natural exploration. We also weren’t able to try all the attractions since we entered the park late, but we knew better than to skip the unmissable ones! Ehem, that meant multiple rounds in the high-speed turbulent roller coaster rides a.k.a. Battlestar Galactica. Haha!
The line was thankfully so short, so it didn’t take up too much of our time. I’d say it was the best ride – tied with Revenge of the Mummy – because the others were a bit cute! We’re all about the steep drops, fast turns, and heart-stopping twists!
The Lights, Camera, Action! movie special effects show is a must-see!
It’s amazing how production teams do it. You’ll see the transformation of a calm day as a hurricane devastates New York City. There’s actual wind and rain too. I remember that some spectators even had water splashed on them because they were too close to the set. Lol.
Anyway, I don’t have a lot of photos inside the USS because we were busy having fun. Still, I think I need to set proper expectations because I don’t like writing fake experiences. Haha. I was honestly a bit bummed to see that USS is smaller than Enchanted Kingdom (I checked haha) and some of the seemingly fun rides were closed at the time of our visit. AGAIN – you can’t go wrong with the themed zones! All the famous characters from your childhood definitely came to life. Just make sure you check the park schedule (with your preferred shows, rides, and all that) before coming for the most memorable experience!
ALSO READ: This Immersive Exhibit of Art Genius Vincent Van Gogh Lets You Live In His Universe
Tips if you plan to go to USS
Wear your comfiest clothes
This one’s already a no-brainer! Opt for shorts, leggings, or soft and flexible pants (joggers, perhaps?) that won’t give you a hard time moving around. If you are trying a water ride, you can go for darker colors for a top so dirt or your undergarment won’t show too easily!
Pack light
There are a few rides that require you to leave your things in a locker. While that’s convenient, just bring only the things you need (that includes a water bottle, sissy!) so it’s easier even as you’re strolling around USS all day long.
Purchase your tickets online
Honestly, purchasing onsite never crossed my mind because I know it’s more expensive. I suggest you do your research to see deals for USS tickets. I originally tried to buy from Klook, but I ended up getting mine from Agoda because it was cheaper. The ticket I got was bundled with a food & beverage voucher (this was a big help because theme park meals are always expensive 贵) and entrance to the Van Gogh Museum!
Note: You’d easily spend an hour queueing up for the good rides, so if you have a budget to spare, there’s a fee for Express Pass that will let you bypass the regular lines.
Prepare poncho and shoe cover
We haven’t had the chance to experience the water rides. I think these were closed at the time of our visit. Prepare a poncho and a shoe cover so you won’t get too soaked. These will also be handy if it rains (you know… Singapore and its erratic weather :D)
Download the Universal Studios mobile app
Save time with the USS mobile app! Guessing how long you need to line up for a ride in Sci-Fi City when you’re on the other side of the park (say, Far Far Away) is no fun! The app updates the queue times in real time and also gives you an idea of the nearby restrooms, merch shops, dining spots, and more. That will be your bestfriend, so make sure to download it.
Just the same, you can check out the park map in advance: https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore/park-map
Don’t forget your bio breaks!
I was the most impatient before the Revenge of the Mummy ride because I wanted to go to the bathroom so badly, but I also didn’t want to lose my way in the queue. Don’t make the same mistake that I did and squeeze in a quick bio break before lining up for a ride, especially if you already know it’ll take long!
Our experience at a glance
Going to USS is easy peasy
Just take the MRT and head towards Harbourfront Station. From there, you need to enter VivoCity and take the monorail train on the third level. Your stop is Waterfront Station. You’ll see so many signs pointing you in the right direction once you alight. The next thing you know, there’s the USS rotating globe surrounded by all the eager tourists with their monopods and happy poses.
You’ve made it to the end of my blog! 😊 This isn’t as comprehensive as I hoped, but that’s because my biggest takeaway is for you to visit during the off-peak season to get the best experience! Try out all the rides, watch all the shows, and enjoy every moment with your family or friends.
Universal Studios Singapore makes for a fun theme park-venture!
THE BDT 
Leave a reply to We Found a Way to Tour the F1 Pits Before the Singapore Grand Prix (And It’s Free!) – THE BDT Cancel reply