Universal Studios Singapore – Update 04/2012

Let’s see some updates from Universal Studios Singapore:

Highlights:

Universal’s Hollywood Dreams Parade update
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure update
Park crowd/wait-times during this period
Some updates on Park Merchandise

Universal’s Hollywood Dreams Parade update

Here are some new photos of the parade. The main differences (from my last published update in January) are addition of characters for Far Far Away segment, as well as removal of two acrobatic performers on the first Madagascar float. Other than that, there are some minor costume changes.

Take note that the parade now starts at 6:30pm from The Lost World zone. Try watching from the Lost World zone if you have plans for the evening, as the performance might experience slowdowns towards Ancient Egypt and Sci-Fi city zones. Also, with this new timing, try not to save any rides for the “last thing”, because they might be closed when the parade ends.

Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure update

Here’s some changes to the ride:

– All dinosaur animatronics in the outdoor section are functioning. The third Velociraptor is back.

– A new projection effect has been added in the indoor section, before the first T-Rex. However, it is quite small and the rafts move too fast for it to show.

– Some new lights have been added at the switch, before the elevators to “reveal” the small inanimate dinosaurs.

– At the right side of the switch area (from the perspective of riders), there are two Compsognathuses tearing apart a Shirt that says “MBS” (i.e. Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa’s rival) on it. Hmm. It’s similar to the American versions of the Jurassic park ride with two of them fighting over a Popcorn box, except the Compsognathuses are brown here, and sadly, they are inanimate.

– The water curtain at the switch has been turned off. Not sure if this is a permanent change – A real shame if it is.

– The final splashdown is as powerful as before in 2010, as the water level in the river is back to original levels. So expect to get soaked if you happen to be in a heavy raft, or your side hit the water first.

Splash!

The two water cannons that have been installed last month were out of service in a matter of weeks. Not sure what’s happened but the payment modules have been taken out, possibly for maintenance or something.
UPDATE 17/04/2012: The water cannons are working again!

These water cannons allow guests to spray water at riders, for $0.50. Accepts 50-cent coins only.

Park crowd/wait-times during this period

The hype for Transformers: The Ride has cooled down, so there is no need to rush because the lines are often short (below 30-45 minutes). Lines for Battlestar Galactica and Revenge of the Mummy are also short.

Long lines still persist at Jurassic Park’s two hit attractions – Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and Canopy Flyer. Expect to wait anytime between 30~90 minutes for either attraction during peak hours.

Therefore, I do not recommend purchasing Universal Express Passes, unless you are visiting the park on a Saturday. It is possible to hit all the attractions a few times (except for Canopy Flyer) with short waiting times.

Some updates on Park Merchandise

The park has made Universal Express available at more places in the park (such as retail stores and some push-carts). Guests are now able to buy express passes at almost every zone in the park. Also, since a few weeks ago, guests with Express passes can use the left-most gantry at the park entrance. So if you’re at the park entrance and there are long lines everywhere, remember this tip!

For those who are interested in face painting, here are the prices and a selection of designs available:

The popular Bumblebee tumbler featured last month is having a promotion. You can now bring it home for $25.90 ($2.90 discount) with a free fill of soda.

This is not a surprise at all, but the “limited edition” Park exclusive Optimus Prime appears to be not-so-limited after all. Many sets are available at the Transformers Supply Vault (Sci-Fi City), Universal Studios Store (Hollywood) and even ‘That’s a Wrap’ store (Outside the park, at Park Entrance). Park admission is not required to purchase at ‘That’s a Wrap’ store. The hefty $179.90 price-tag and no refunds/returns policy makes it difficult to justify, even on impulse. This really needs to go on a 30-40% (or even… 50%) discount.