Universal Studios Singapore – Park Update 12/2014

HOT: The Battlestar Galactica dueling roller coasters attraction is confirmed to reopen in early 2015 – and we’ve got new photos and videos of the new ride trains in action! Also, see the park’s gradual transformation into this year’s festive wonderland – Santa’s Land!

Battlestar Galactica (BSG) roller coaster update

This place is becoming quite noisy… and happenin’

After a few weeks of exclusive flight time, the new Viper (red) will share airspace with the Cylon Raider (blue). Currently, both roller coasters are still undergoing test cycles. Sometimes alternating, sometimes together.

Redesigned to be lighter for a smoother ride experience, the 2014 Viper has the similar 2×8 seating configuration. It still keeps its “wings” at every row (a practical choice, because of the ride’s loading platform..)

Now, Watch this video, because… the Viper is not working its rounds in the skies alone.

Note: Both rollercoasters are undergoing test cycles and this video is not representative of the final speed and dueling synchronization.

From my observation, both trains are still synchronized the same way as before, with this section (the vertical loop) as a particular benchmark. This means that the sections where both trains “cross” and “chase” still happen as originally designed.

The new ride vehicles are noticeably quieter, particularly for these high g-force sections of BSG:HUMAN. The older trains used to shake, rattle and roll at these tight curves.

So rejoice – the revamped ride experience will be less bumpy and rickety!

Just like its blue brother, the updated ride vehicle is built like a tank. So many reinforced parts!

The new seating arrangement gives BSG:HUMAN a rather unique look. Each row now has “wings”, with two turbines too.

If only we could get back the original lap-bar restraints back…

Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey – construction update

While there’s so much buzz over Battlestar Galactica‘s long-awaited reopening, the new ride over at Far Far Away is pulling all stops. A complete ride vehicle has already been installed on the tracks, while more decorative elements, such as these golden eggs here, were also spotted.

The giant goose is here too.

She’ll reappear a few times throughout the ride – one with the yellow gosling.

Yep, that’s right.

Photos around the park

Quite a number of people sent this in: Revenge of the Mummy was unexpectedly closed for a few days last week. Please do not be alarmed. It wasn’t a major (BSG-level) sort of problem. The ride has reopened from 29 November 2014 onwards and is all good and steady now. Unfortunately this attraction is still experiencing technical difficulties. The ride is currently unavailable.

In an effort to recycle or cut costs, the park has these trimed Times Guide. It’s still functional, but is an odd touch for a world-class theme park. Which days were these all taken from and reused? I wonder.

USS Christmas 2014 – Snowy Christmas at Santa’s Land

Snowy Christmas at Santa’s Land is the park’s big event for the season, which starts from now till 4 January 2015. I might be covering the event in its entirety. It’s now up to the park to make it worthwhile!

The park entrance now leads to Santa’s Land, graced by the Woodpeckers.

Windows at each side, filled with Sesame Street goods. It’s interesting to see merchandise being used as park decorations – that sparks speculation on how, and why that decision was made. hmm.

This year’s decorations look much better than 2013’s “hanging printouts with lights”. Although the “trains” are flat, at least this year there are garlands and wreaths that are lit at night.

The little display the end of Hollywood is now complete with presents and toy soldiers.

Santa’s Kitchen, a seasonal dining experience, will be housed in Stage 28.

Giant wreaths can be found all over the park (Crazy storm incoming! when this photo was taken.)

Shrek’s stump had some sprucing up this holiday season.

The most unique wreath at the park can be found at Sci-Fi City.

New York is the key zone for Santa’s Land. Most of the shows take place here.

The stage will be home to three performances – two multimedia shows and the Santa’s Toy Soldiers.

It’ll be magical at night, with snowfall – sometimes blizzard – happening every hour or so.

Madagascar and Far Far Away also received some festive decorations, in the form of smaller wreaths and lights scattered everywhere. It looks nicer in person, really.

The extra lights make these zones more welcoming than usual.

Far Far Away – colourful lights on trees. It’ll be nice when they finish putting them up everywhere.

I’ll probably post some updates and short features on the Snowy Christmas at Santa’s Land event throughout December. Remember to bookmark and revisit Dejiki.com throughout the festive season! 🙂