Universal Studios Singapore : Where in the Park Will Be Built Minion Park and Super Nintendo World ?

Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa  announced this week that a Minion Park and a Super Nintendo World will come to USS in the next years - see D&M article HERE. The announcement of two new lands for a park which has a such limited space is an important one, so where in the park will they build them?




For the first land - Minion Park - it was revealed that it "will replace the current Madagascar area". For those of you who are not familiar with Universal Studios Singapore you have the current park map above and i did some Google Earth screen captures as well. At the top you have one showing the whole park and the one below is showing the Madagascar land.



As you can see the Madagascar land - including the huge show building for the Madagascar flume ride is not small at all. Personally i will regret it for its lush tropical theming, its giant baobab, and even the flume ride, which was not perfect i agree - the ride was originally supposed to have some falls but from what i've been told they had huge problem of water leaking and had to redesign the ride and cancel the falls.

I'm not really enthusiastic to have the Minion park as the first land that USS guests will enter when they'll turn on the left at the end of the entrance Hollywood street, but i'm afraid we don't have the choice...

The other land coming to Universal Studios Singapore is of course the big Super Nintendo World and this one they didn't revealed where they'll put it. My guess is that it will be built where the  Waterworld area with the stunt show arena currently is. They certainly won't delete the Jurassic Park "Lost World" land, neither the Ancient Egypt land with the popular Mummy coaster and also Sci-Fi City because of the highly popular Transformers ride and Battlestar Galactica coaster. They won't touch also to the New York area and neither the Schrek - Far Far Away land where they built recently the new Puss the Boots Giant Journey family coaster. This leave as the best option to find room for the Super Nintendo World the Waterworld area.



As you can see on the above screen capture, the size of the area is surprisingly big, much bigger than it shows on the park map, almost 80% of the Jurassic Park land nearby, the main reason is that the stunt show and its arena are taking a huge space. So, i put my bets - an easy bet, i agree - that the Super Nintendo World will be built there. The Waterworld stunt show is still quite popular for a movie not really known in Asia, but it won't stop it to get the axe anyway.

Pictures: copyright Universal Studios, Google Earth

BREAKING: Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa Announced S$ 4.5 Billion Expansion Plan With Super Nintendo World and Minion Park, More...

Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa announced today a major S$ 4.5 Billion expansion plan with Super Nintendo World and Minion Park coming to Universal Studios Singapore, and much more for Sentosa Island! Full press release and renderings below!

Resorts World Sentosa Embarks on Mega Expansion Plans

History-making investment of S$4.5 billion will see RWS expanding by about 50%, cementing RWS as the region’s most exciting and iconic leisure and lifestyle destination SINGAPORE, 3 April 2019 – Bigger, bolder and more engaging will define a new era of fun and experiences at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) as it announces major plans for a history-making expansion and transformation to create a new wave of tourism growth for the next decade. At a total development investment of S$4.5 billion, RWS 2.0 will see an expansion of about 50% new Gross Floor Area (GFA), adding over 164,000 square metres of new and exciting attractions, entertainment and lifestyle offerings. This major expansion will be delivered in phases with new experiences opening every year from 2020 to a projected completion around 2025. RWS 2.0 represents a vote of confidence in Singapore as RWS embarks on the next exciting decade of its journey that will unlock the full potential of the Sentosa waterfront.

Both RWS major attractions, Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium, will see substantial increase in size. The expansion of Universal Studios Singapore will unveil two new, highly themed and immersive environments based on hugely popular entertainment concepts – Minion Park and Super Nintendo World. These new and expansive areas will feature all-audience and family-friendly attractions as well as themed shops and restaurants. The award winning S.E.A. Aquarium will be expanded to more than three times its present size, and proposed to be rebranded as Singapore Oceanarium. The expansion will see its transformation to an exciting blend of specially curated marine life and additional exhibits of prehistoric marine life and deep sea creatures that will be part of the story of the history of evolution, exploration and how mankind has to embrace conservation.

A new Waterfront Lifestyle Complex helmed by two new destination hotels, together with the expansion of Central Zone, will add up to 1,100 more keys. The additional keys will encourage international visitors to our attractions to stay longer and enjoy more of our night activities. Together with the significant expansion of our MICE capacity, the extra room capacity will allow RWS to garner more top tier events. The entire waterfront promenade will be completely renewed, anchored by a spectacular public attraction that will set the scene for vibrant seafront activities that include eclectic dining and lifestyle activities. Replacing the Resorts World Theatre will be a new Adventure Dining Playhouse where fun dining will never be the same again. A new Driverless Transport System will provide last-mile connectivity between the mainland and Sentosa with better efficiency and capacity, hence encouraging more visitors to RWS and the rest of Sentosa Island. The expansion plans, when completed, will integrate with the transformation of the future Greater Southern Waterfront and continue to be the tourism leader in this region.

Since opening in 2010, RWS has played an instrumental role in driving the transformation of Singapore’s tourism sector. RWS has been welcoming more than 20 million international and local visitors annually, accounting for more than one-third of all international visitor arrivals into Singapore and thereby contributing greatly to the GDP of Singapore. This has propelled the growth of Singapore’s international visitor arrivals by nearly two times to 18.5 million in 2018, enabling it to surpass its 2015 goal of 17 million visitors.

The mega investment and expansion of RWS is expected to have significant impact on the Singapore economy. Today, RWS is one of Singapore’s largest private sector employers and home to over 13,000 employees. The expanded RWS will result in approximately 2,800 new employment created across a wide diversity of trades, professions and career opportunities. Through the adoption of technology and innovation, higher-value roles will be created for the PME segment. RWS will nurture and mentor team members to provide them with multi business unit cross-training that generates meaningful jobs and careers.

Mr Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of RWS said: “RWS has been a major game-changer and growth engine in the last ten years in transforming Singapore’s tourism landscape. This major re- investment and expansion here in Singapore underlines our belief in the business model and the future opportunities that lie ahead when we complete the development. An even brighter future will lie ahead when RWS will form an integral part of the future Greater Southern Waterfront and become a centrepiece of the transformative journey to enliven the southern corridor. In the year of Singapore’s Bicentennial celebrations, RWS is excited to be embarking on this makeover to ensure that we continue to be the top Integrated Resort in this region. The journey has been fulfilling with RWS providing strong leadership in the Singapore tourism industry. Our achievements are the fruits of the dedication and passion of all our talented team members, happy customers and all stakeholders from both the private and public sectors who have contributed their resources to make RWS a success. We are confident that all these valued people will continue to support us to make RWS 2.0 a resounding success.”

Expansion of Universal Studios Singapore

As Universal Studios Singapore gears up to embrace the next generation of theme park entertainment, it will welcome two highly themed and immersive environments – Minion Park and Super Nintendo World – marking its first expansion since its opening in 2010. The two new environments, one inspired by Illumination’s blockbuster Despicable Me franchise and its sweet but subversive Minions, who have become a worldwide phenomenon, and the other by Nintendo’s globally popular games, beloved characters and adventures, will feature new rides and attractions for all audiences.



Universal Studios Singapore: Minion Park Concept Rendering of Minion Park at Universal Studios Singapore Credit: Universal Parks & Resorts


Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Singapore Credit: Universal Parks & Resorts

The area’s main attraction will be Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, an award-winning, immersive motion-simulator thrill ride. Join Gru, his daughters, and the mischievous Minions on an unpredictable 3-D ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Join the ranks of the Minions, literally, as part of Gru's latest scheme. But when things don’t go as planned, you’re launched into an unforgettable journey through his super-villain laboratory. It's heartwarming and humorous family fun for everyone! There will be other attractions as well as themed dining and merchandise shops. The new Minion Park area will replace the current Madagascar area.

Universal Studios Singapore: Super Nintendo World




Super Nintendo World will bring the fun, characters, action and adventure of Nintendo games to life within a highly themed environment. Guests will enter an exciting world filled with highly themed attractions, shops and restaurants where they will feel as if they have stepped into a larger- than-life Nintendo adventure. More details will be announced later.

Singapore Oceanarium




Artist’s impression of Evolution & Extinction zone at Singapore Oceanarium Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

RWS will expand its popular S.E.A. Aquarium, taking over the adjacent Maritime Experiential Museum, and elevate the aquarium to the next level by creating a three times larger Singapore Oceanarium. The Oceanarium will be the first of its kind in the world, commanding a larger scale and depth of content than before, and featuring a seamless and exciting blend of marine life collection and history about the ocean and evolution of its inhabitants – brought to life using state- of-the-art digital innovation and interactive technology. Offering an immersive experience designed for the 21st century audience, the Oceanarium will demonstrate its thought leadership in marine education, conservation and research efforts. Ocean history and marine biology will meet in a fresh and exciting way in three zones: (1) Evolution & Extinction, (2) Exploration & Deep Ocean, and (3) Conservation.


Artist’s impression of Exploration & Deep Ocean zone at Singapore Oceanarium Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Guests begin the journey in ‘Evolution & Extinction’ by walking on a simulated ocean floor and experiencing prehistoric marine life from cradle to grave, before proceeding to ‘Exploration & Deep Ocean’ where they meet famous Asian ocean navigators, embark on deep sea exploration and view life-like holographic images of rare ocean creatures, get up close and personal with live marine creatures at a borderless discovery pool and interact with the local intertidal ecosystem through digital mapping. Completing their visit at ‘Conservation’, guests will be inspired to take actions to protect the majestic yet fragile oceans through special installations highlighting the threats to marine biodiversity such as climate change, over-fishing and pollution.

New Adventure Dining Playhouse


Artist’s impression of the stage designed like a pirate ship (top) and pre-show experience through a ‘secret passage’ (below) Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Building on its strong capabilities in creating and delivering live entertainment and original production, RWS will introduce a new immersive Adventure Dining Playhouse, a concept that is quickly gaining huge popularity worldwide. The first-of-its-kind immersive dining and performance concept in the region on the adventures of Asian pirates, guests will be actively engaged and drawn into the performance that features an original storyline about these courageous seafarers overcoming turbulent thunderstorms and treacherous sea creatures to conquer a giant octopus sea monster.

The new entertainment sensation, comprising pre-show, multi-course meal and lots of audience participation, will keep guests at the edge of their seats with exhilarating live stunts, thrilling acrobatic acts, special effects, project mapping technology and spectacular mechanical effects. Guests will brave stormy seas, audacious pirates and lots of swashbuckling action at this all-in-one entertainment sensation.

Waterfront Lifestyle Complex


Artist’s impression of promenade along Waterfront Lifestyle Complex

The new Waterfront Lifestyle Complex with iconic design and architecture will house two destination hotels, retail and F&B choices, and a new public attraction, giving the existing promenade a complete makeover and transforming the RWS waterfront into an exciting all-day, all- night premium lifestyle venue for both tourists and locals.

Two new destination hotels, one luxury and the other upscale, will be built as part of the complex. They are envisaged to continue the signature RWS hospitality of premium accommodation, personalised gold standard service and lifestyle pampering such as spa facilities, with each hotel owning its unique character and concept differentiated from existing RWS hotels. Together with the expansion of Central Zone, they will add up to 1,100 more keys and grow in-resort accommodation by more than 70%.

A new public attraction will replace the current Crane Dance in the form of a multi-functional event zone that can be decked out for different festivals and events. An iconic structure will function as a meeting point by day and the focus of an evening show by night. Commanding high visibility within RWS and as far as across the waters from the promenade at Harbourfront and VivoCity, the attraction comes alive at dusk with a spectacular nightly show.

The complex incorporates lush greenery and beautiful landscaping, paying homage to the natural terrain of Sentosa and the island’s green tropical features. A network of pedestrian thoroughfares, generous open green spaces and public meeting spaces across three levels of walkway from the Sentosa Boardwalk will provide fresh visual and physical porosity to the new waterfront.

Driverless Transport System

Finally, RWS will introduce a seamless, efficient and accessible ‘last mile’ connectivity in the form of a Driverless Transport System (DTS) running in both directions along the Sentosa Boardwalk, offering commuters the fastest, shortest and most comfortable route to reach the new RWS waterfront and other parts of Sentosa.

A strategic initiative by RWS in support of the future Greater Southern Waterfront and to enhance ‘first-impression’ visitor experience for guests travelling to Sentosa, the new system will contribute additional commuter capacity with a peak ridership of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction for visitors to Sentosa and RWS. It is also an energy efficient solution with low environmental footprint to significantly improve the accessibility of Sentosa.

Occupying a dedicated track of about 600 metres lining the Sentosa boardwalk, the DTS will shuttle between a station at the start of the boardwalk outside VivoCity and another at the new RWS waterfront. It will run alongside the existing travellator, and adjacent to the pedestrian stretch of the boardwalk.

Pictures: copyrigth Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa

Universal Studios Singapore "Jurassic World ROAR!” Show

Universal Studios Singapore has a new small show called "Jurassic World ROAR!” for the release of the new Jurassic World movie. It is apparently located at the end of the Hollywood Blvd on the plaza near the lake and at the left of Mel’s Drive-In restaurant, and not in the Jurassic Park land. Watch the video below!




Video: copyright Wilson Ng

Is Universal Studios Singapore Planning to Add a Wizarding World of Harry Potter ?

According to some Screamscape sources a Wizarding World of Harry Potter may be under consideration for Universal Studios Singapore. The problem is that Wizarding World take up a considerable amount of space, and Universal Studios Singapore is a small park which don't have space. And no possibility too to add more land on Sentosa Island as the park is stuck between two roads. And as you'll see on the screen capture below you also can't go on the other side of the road because there is a golf course on the other side.

As Lance said - in his post HERE that i just saw but which was posted last June - where would they put a Harry Potter land? "If they opt to move ahead with it, I'm hearing that the land of Far Far Away ( circled in orange on the picture ) would be removed to make way for Hogwarts Castle. It currently takes up a large section of the park but offers little in the way of major attractions, featuring only a kiddie coaster, the Magic Potion Spin kiddie wheel, a couple of small theater shows (Donkey Live & Shrek 4D). It is interesting that it does also feature the park's newest attraction, Puss in Boots' Giant Journey, but that could be given a Potter themed makeover perhaps, along with converting the Enchanted Airways kiddie coaster into another Flight of the Hippogriff coaster."



That said, the Far Far Away land serves as the "Fantasyland" land of USS and in my opinion there is another area which they could use to build a Harry Potter land which is the one where is the Waterworld show ( circled in blue on the picture ). It's a bit smaller than Far Far Away, not that much actually, but may be there is not enough room. Eventually they could incorporate the Puss in Boots Giant Journey coaster and, as Lance says, rethemed it with a Potter theme. But it also would mean to delete the main big live show of the park which is also very popular...

And of course there is another major problem, which is that USS is now the only Universal Studios park that Comcast don't own. Meaning that Comcast probably would like to do like the did in Japan, i.e to become the full owner of the park before building a Wizarding World of Harry Potter. All this to say that, if it happen, it will take probably many years, and so far take this only as a rumor.

Picture: copyright Google Maps

Universal Studios Singapore "Lights, Camera, Action!" Special Effects Show

Universal Studios Singapore is really a lovely park, some think it's a bit small but it's not that small, it's mainly the lake at the center which is smaller than usual which gives this feeling. Anyway, they also have a great special effects show called "Lights, Camera, Action!" and, after a pre-show movie presented by Steven Spielberg, the show itself shows effects simulating a force 5 Hurricane in New York. Here is the video of it, filmed not so long ago, so enjoy the show!




Video: copyright Disney and more

Kung Fu Panda Ride Coming at Universal Studios Singapore ?

According to Stefan Zwanzger's excellent Themeparx site the new "family ride" coming to Universal Studios Singapore will be a Kung Fu Panda ride, and, as the infos of Themeparx are generally pretty reliable, it might be the real thing.

Although they didn't say what it will be it has been announced officially by Universal Singapore and Luke, from Luke and the temple of fun site has posted pictures of the announcement HERE.

The ride will be built on the piece of land between the Shrek Far Far Away land and the Waterworld stunt show - close to Jurassic Park " Lost World " land - and Themeparx has posted some pictures of the land and early works that you can see HERE.

Good idea to have chosen a Kung Fu Panda theme for a park located in Asia though i'm still wondering how will fit a Kung Fu Panda theming between Shrek castle and Jurassic Park...

Pictures: copyright Dreamworks, Luke and the temple of fun

Universal Studios Singapore Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase Video ! Updated with a longer video!

The brand new Universal Studios Singapore Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase had its pass holder sneak preview today and i have for you the first video put online on Youtube!

As expected it's a soft family dark ride based on the Sesame Street characters and the ride vehicle system is similar to the one used in E.T or Peter Pan's Flight, i.e that the ride vehicle can "fly" over the scenes. As you will see there is also additional video screens in the vehicle. One more thing: this first video has a length of 2 minutes which seems to me a bit short for this kind of ride. I'm not totally sure that some scenes are not missing and we will have the answer as soon as others videos will be uploaded on Youtube, i.e very soon! The ride looks cool and well done for a family ride so go ahead, watch it!

Edited: Here is another video from Eluk Oab, with a better sound and with some of the scenes missing in the previous one! But the scene where Super Grover gets caught can't be seen on this one, so you have to watch both of them!

Edited: According to Dejiki the video above is almost complete and the ride length is about 2.33min.  The scenes which are missing are: During the cut:

1. Sesame Street characters teleporting into Macaroni's Lair (projection on fog).

After the video was stopped:
1. Super Grover and Elmo standing on a pile of spaghetti
2. Elmo having lunch, with Macaroni (now a waiter) serving him spaghetti with meatballs

Personally i think that the ride is a "C+" Ticket. What do you think?

Picture: copyright Universal Studios Singapore

Videos: copyright sonic byte and Eluc Oab, whom i thanks a lot

New Sesame Street Ride Will Open at Universal Studios Singapore This Fall

A brand new attraction is coming at Universal Studios Singapore, it will open in less than four months from now and it will be a "Sesame Street" attraction! Located inside the Stage 28 of the New York Street area it is rumored to be a ride with an overhead track, i.e with a vehicle suspended under the track like in Peter Pan's Flight or E.T Adventure... which, in 2007, was still envisioned to be part of USS, precisely in this location.

So, exit E.T and welcome to this brand new Sesame Street ride. It will be interesting to see how good it is as i have the feeling that Universal might bring it, after Singapore, in other Universal Studios theme parks, just like they did with the Transformers ride. As a friend of mine told me "They're really smart at Universal to create a ride on Sesame Street, Disney might have the rights on the Muppets but the Muppets are less on TV when Sesame Street - which was also created by Jim Henson - still can be watched on TV all around the world!" Personally, i won't be surprised if this Sesame Street ride will come next to Universal Studios Osaka and may be then to Universal Orlando.



But for now let's see if we can learn a bit more about the storyline itself. Two weeks ago a big construction wall - picture above - appeared, partly to hide the future entrance and the works behind but also to let USS guests know about this upcoming attraction opening this fall. But there is more hidden in this big artwork as there are plenty of clues - about the ride storyline - hidden here and there as revealed by USS marketing to Screamscape last week. So, let's have a closer look at it!









Now, let's get closer to see these clues and as you will see it's seems that the storyline will not only involved Elmo - Sesame Street famous character - but also Super Grover and some "missing spaghettis" abducted to outer space! Here is what i suggest: i let you have a look at these different fun clues and you let me know in the comments what you think the storyline of the ride might be, okay? So let's go and feel free to enlarge each picture to read well what is written.













Now, to make sure that Universal Studios Singapore guests know that this Sesame Street ride is coming they can find already Sesame Street merchandise all around the NY street area.











The Brown Derby shop, designed like a hat - and originally selling hats - has been completely re-themed and is now selling exclusive Sesame Street merchandise as you can see below.



















As you've seen, at least on a merchandise point of view, everything is ready for the opening of the attraction. The ride is expected to open before the end of the year - some are saying on October 21 as we can see this date repeated on some of the clues - and you can count on me to give you fresh news about this new attraction as soon as available! In the meantime check the new theme parks updates on Disney and more front page HERE.

Universal Studios South Korea Almost Confirmed

After one in Osaka, Japan, one in Singapore, and one eventually coming in Moscow, it seems that Universal will soon begin the works on their project of Universal Studios Korea - South Korea of course. According to the latest news a bill for government funding is going to be presented in the South Korea congress and apparently they are hopeful that it will pass.

Many different artwork was released since the announcement of the project five years ago but some elements remain the same.

On the artwork on the top and on the closer shot below we can see the entrance (top center) and that the park should have a N.Y city streets land (top center right) - you can even see a statue of liberty - a Revenge of the Mummy ride (on the left, where you can see a giant Pharaoh head), a Waterworld show (bottom left), a whole Jurassic Park land (bottom center), and a big coaster partly going over the center lagoon on which you can see 360 degrees floating projection globes. Although these are recent concept-arts, there is no doubt that the design will have some changes and improvements before the park open, an opening schedule apparently for 2016 although some are saying that Universal would be pleased to open the park before Disney open Shanghai Disneyland.



On the older artwork below, most of the elements described above are already there but with another big "dueling" coaster on the right of the Revenge of the Mummy building. Note that i wouldn't be surprised if it was not part of the final park as Universal realized in Singapore that Asian people were a bit too impressed when they see the Battlestar Galactica coaster and don't ride it that much.



About hotels, it's also interesting to notice the Venetian resort, located just outside the park as you will see on the artworks below, as well as another hotel (with a red roof) and what seems to be a City Walk dining and night entertainment area. The area on the right, behind the venetian resort, on the other side of the main road, might be a water park.





While we talk about Universal Studios some news about the Harry Potter Wizarding World coming to Universal Studios Japan. According to Screamscape HERE and quoting an article HERE "Universal Studios Japan will increase the theme park’s footprint by one fifth (to build the Potter land)" and "the new Wizarding World will feature several attractions, including a school for wizards as well as a recreation of Hogsmeade Village". If it's well done the "school for wizards" might be fun!

Artwork: copyright Universal Studios