Lights, camera, action – let’s begin your Universal Studios visit guide!
Immerse yourself in the world of your favourite blockbusters at Universal Studios Singapore. So what can you expect?
How about being transported into the future at Sci-Fi City where your heart will race from the near collisions of the Battlestar Galactica duelling roller coasters or teaming up with the Autobots in a 4D Transformers simulator. Put on your special OgreVision glasses and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Far Far Away.
Whichever land you find yourself in, Universal Studios Singapore will be an unforgettable day of thrilling adventures and movie magic. Read on for Klook’s tips to get the most out of your trip…
Before your trip
What are the different tickets and where can I get them?
Universal Studios Singapore sells one-day pass tickets and express tickets. A regular ticket would cost you $76 when you buy on the day itself. However, it is highly recommended that you book your tickets online, mainly because it’s cheaper and you won’t have to queue!
Do practice caution before you purchase your tickets online as only a few of the websites are licensed as third-party sellers.
When is the best time to visit USS?
The best time to visit USS would definitely have to be on the off-peak days, which are usually the weekdays. Although we can’t guarantee that the crowds are lesser on these days, the chances of shorter queues for the rides are definitely higher. Also, off-peak days mean you have higher chances to take pictures with your favourite characters!
You can also see the USS calendar available on their website. There, it’ll state the off-peak and non-peak days, as well as the timings and blackout dates. Blackout dates mean the dates that the park can expect huge crowds. For e.g. Public holidays!
What are the park’s opening times?
The standard opening hours for USS are as follows:
- 10:00am-7:00pm (during non-peak seasons)
- 10:00am-9:00pm (during peak seasons)
However, do note that the operating hours differ without prior notice so do check the website for current information!
How do I get there?
If you’re travelling from outside of Sentosa, we recommend you to take the train to Harbourfront MRT Station (NE1/CC29).
From there, you have several choices:
By train (Sentosa Express)
Duration: 4-5 minutes
Cost: SGD 4
Location: Level 3, VivoCity (Exit E, Harbourfront Station)
By foot
Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: Free for walk-in guests until December 2016
Location: Boardwalk, Level 1, VivoCity
By cable car (Singapore Cable Car)
Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: SGD 22 for Cable Car SkyPass
Location: Harbourfront Tower II (Exit B, Harbourfront Station)
When you’re there
What are the different zones in USS?
The 7 different zones in the park each vary with their own movie theme and rides. So here’s a complete list of all of them and what to look out for!
Hollywood
Closest to the entrance, Hollywood consists of palm trees, vibrant architecture and of course, the Walk of Fame. You’ll also find several restaurants here including Starbucks, and Mel’s Drive-In.
In terms of attractions, Hollywood is best known for the Hollywood Theatre – where shows like Monster Rock are showcased – and Mel’s Dinettes and The Cruisers, whose performances serve as a perfect start to your USS journey!
Meet your favourite movie personalities like Marilyn Monroe, The Minions, Woody Woodpecker and more as they become the centre of attraction in Hollywood. Timings of appearances are normally displayed around the areas where these personalities commonly make their appearances, so do look out for them!
Madagascar
Inspired by the DreamWorks movie of the same name, this zone is located right next to Hollywood and features decor that relates to lush tropical jungles, just like those from the movie.
Consisting of two rides: Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round, the rides here are mostly catered to the kids but if you’re looking for something to calm you down after the drastic Cylon, then this is the place to be!
Special appearances include the characters from the movie itself – Alex, Gloria, King Julien, and who could forget about the adorable penguins that really made the movie what it is: Skipper, Kowalski, Private and Rico!
Far Far Away
Far Far Away, AKA the place the characters of Shrek has been raving about throughout the whole movie series, is easily recognisable in USS because of the Far Far Away castle. Standing at 40 metres, this castle is undeniably one of the zone’s, or even the park’s highlight!
Besides the castle, a walk in Far Far Away is enough to have you remembering scenes from the movie because of its almost similar design. Don’t miss out on special appearances by characters like Shrek, Donkey, Puss In Boots, Princess Fiona, Pinocchio, and Prince Charming as well!
In terms of attractions, Far Far Away has a fair share of some of the park’s best rides. This include the Shrek 4-D Adventure, and three kid-friendly rides – Enchanted Airways, Puss In Boots‘ Giant Journey and Magic Potion Spin!
Ancient Egypt
Home to the iconic Mummy Ride, Ancient Egypt’s decor is actually an adaptation of 1930’s ancient Egypt. So that’ll explain the enormous Pharaohs’ tombs that are enough to catch your eye from afar.
If you have absolutely no fear of the dark and are into high-speed roller coasters, then take a ride on the Mummy Ride that is inspired by the hit franchise – The Mummy! But if you’re looking for something less dramatic, then head to the Treasure Hunters, which is a calm, mini car ride that consists of Jeep replicas!
The Lost World
The Lost World is divided into two themed areas – Jurassic Park and Waterworld. It is located right next to Ancient Egypt and contains many attractions that you can also find in other Universal Studios in the world such as the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
In fact, there are more exciting attractions here as compared to the other zones in the park. Guests can look forward to Canopy Flyer, Dino-Soarin’ and even a rock-climbing attraction: Amber Rock Climb. Don’t miss out on the exciting live-action performance called Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular, that is definitely one of the must-sees when you’re in USS!
Sci-Fi City
Home to three of the most popular rides in the park, Sci-Fi City is undeniably the most exciting and the most packed zone in USS. Designed with a futuristic concept, every corner of Sci-Fi city is the complete opposite of Ancient Egypt, even down to the food sold here!
With rides such as Battlestar Galactica and Transformers: The Ride, expect long queues, even during the off-peak days! Also, did we mention that USS is the world’s first theme park to debut Transformers: The Ride? So be sure to not miss that out!
New York
Designed after the big apple, the New York zone features replicas of the iconic sidewalks and landmarks of New York City itself! New York is also home to the popular kid-friendly attraction: Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase!
Also, don’t miss out on Lights, Camera, Action!, where Steven Spielberg himself will greet you on a stage that slowly becomes the setting of a major hurricane!
What are the most popular rides?
Battlestar Galactica (Sci-Fi City)
Towering at 42.7 meters, this duelling coaster is the tallest in the world! In a war of Good vs. Evil, choose between the Human or CYLON roller coaster – both the traditional sit-down and inverted coasters will get your adrenaline pumping with high-speed chases, near crashes and quick drops. Definitely not one for the fainthearted, children have to be at least 125cm for the ride.
Enchanted Airways (Far Far Away)
Fear not, there are loads of attractions for the little ones in the park too! This junior coaster will take you through the land of Far Far Away and beyond as you greet familiar characters from The Three Little Pigs to Pinocchio. Say hello as Dragon flies you through the air around many destinations in the World of Shrek.
WaterWorld (The Lost World)
Stay out of the ‘Soaked’ zone if you don’t want to get wet! Based on the film, “Waterworld”, this high-octane stunt show will amaze you with real explosions of fire and water and shocking live stunts. The action-packed show is great fun for audiences of any age.
Showtimes: 12.15pm, 2.30pm and 5.45pm
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure (The Lost World)
This rapid river ride is guaranteed to drench you so come prepared with your raincoat if you’re not up to paying for the “dry pods” or drying off slowly afterwards. Riders sit on a 9-person circular raft as they escape a flooding Jurassic Park – get increasing soaked with water as danger levels begin to rise.
What are the different shows that I can look out for?
If you’re there on a Saturday or special holidays, then we recommend you to stay on until 8pm where you will be treated to a marvellous fireworks display at Lake Hollywood. The dazzling array of colours and lively atmosphere as the day of fun comes to an end is not to be missed.
Another special performance in Hollywood to look out for is the iconic Hollywood Dream Parade where you get to sing and dance with your favourite characters from the Universal Studios world. With elaborate floats and a team of energetic dancers, watch and groove along to the movies you love in the streets of Universal Studios Singapore.
For a full list of the show timings, click here.
What are the different F&B options available?
There is at least one food outlet at every zone so you are spoiled for choice when it comes to food. Wolf down some classic hamburgers with a side of fries and a creamy vanilla milkshake at Mel’s Drive-In in Hollywood or go on an exotic food adventure with Middle Eastern buffet at Oasis Spice Cafe, Ancient Egypt. For a midday treat, don’t forget to try out a unique blend of magical elixirs from Fairy Godmother’s Juice Bar in Far Far Away.
Also, USS has a handful of Halal-certified eateries! Here’s a complete list of them:
- Mel’s Drive-In, Hollywood
- Friar’s, Far Far Away
- Goldilocks, Far Far Away
- Oasis Spice Café, Ancient Egypt
- Marty’s Casa Del Wild, Madagascar
For cheaper options (because theme park food can be a little more on the pricey side), you can head out to the cafes and restaurants outside of USS such as Beaver’s Cafe, located just opposite the park!
What are the available amenities around the park?
Whether it’s ATMs, toilets or even prayer rooms, USS has amazing amenities that are always just a stone’s throw away!
ATMs
There are ATMs located near the entrance of the park, as well as in Jurassic Park. You can also ask any USS staff around for help in locating the ATMs. As long queues are expected, we highly encourage you to prepare some extra cash prior to your journey!
Toilets
There are toilets located in every zone of the park, as well as water coolers. These toilets are usually located near the lockers or ride entrances.
Lockers
There are both paid and free lockers in the park. Lockers are located in The Lost World, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City and Hollywood. For the full list of lockers and their rentals, click here. For guests with bigger items or luggages, you can store your items at USS Rentals, next to the lockers in Hollywood. Rental prices USS Rentals are at S$35 for a day.
Nursing rooms
You can find the nursing room and Baby Centre in the Annual Pass Lobby, just a few steps away from the park’s entrance.
Prayer rooms
There is one prayer room located in the standalone building right next to the lockers near Battlestar Galactica, in Sci-Fi City. There are two prayer rooms for the men and women, and you can conveniently place your shoes on the shoe rack before entering. The air-conditioned rooms also provide prayer mats and places where you can take your ablution water!
Can I go out of the park and re-enter again?
As park admission is valid for the entire day, re-entry is entirely possible! Simply get a handstamp at the exit before you head out as this is required for re-entry.
What are the retail options in the park?
Each zone has their own retail stores selling themed merchandise. Here are the complete list of retail shops that you can find in each zone!
Hollywood
- Universal Studios Store – Largest store in the park selling all things Universal Studios!
- Silver Screen – Selling movie merchandises and souvenirs.
- Minion Mart – Despicable Me-themed merchandises.
- Star Characters – Character merchandises.
- The Brown Derby – Sesame Street-themed merchandises.
- That’s A Wrap – USS souvenirs and character toys and apparels.
New York
- Big Bird’s Emporium – Sesame Street-themed merchandise and also the biggest Sesame Street-themed store in Singapore!
Sci-Fi City
- Galactica PX – Souvenirs and merchandises from the TV show: Battlestar Galactica.Transformers Supply Vault – Transformers-themed toys, collectibles and apparel.
Ancient Egypt
- Carter’s Curiosities – Ancient Egypt-themed memorabilia and merchandises.
The Lost World
- Jurassic Outfitters – Jurassic Park-themed merchandises.
- The Dino Store – Jurassic Park-themed apparel and souvenirs.
Far Far Away
- Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop – Shrek-themed merchandises
Madagascar
- Penguin’s Mercantile – Madagascar-themed merchandises.
