Universal Studios Singapore: Best Rides, Tickets & Tips for an Epic Day

Welcome to the magical world of Universal Studios Singapore, where thrill-seekers and fans of blockbuster movies can find adventure at every corner.

Opened in 2011, this is the first Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia, and if you’re wondering, yes, it’s as exciting as it sounds, with rides, food, and photogenic spots to make your Instagram pop. But how do you get there, what zones will you explore, and most importantly—what are the must-ride attractions? Let’s dive into the best experiences at Universal Studios Singapore, from the jaw-dropping rides to the hidden gems for family fun. So, grab your tickets (we’ll let you know where to find those) and start planning your ultimate day at this cinematic wonderland.

What is Universal Studios?

Universal Studios is a globally recognized theme park brand, known for bringing the magic of movies to life with thrilling rides, shows, and immersive experiences. Located in various cities around the world, Universal Studios offers visitors the chance to step into iconic films and TV shows, featuring attractions based on blockbuster franchises like Jurassic Park, Transformers, and Minions. Universal Studios theme parks are designed for all ages, making them perfect for family vacations, adrenaline junkies, and film buffs alike. With its unique combination of cutting-edge technology and beloved movie magic, Universal Studios stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking excitement and fun. Whether you’re in Universal Studios Singapore, Hollywood, or Orlando, you can expect the same high-energy experience and unforgettable moments.

Number of Universal Studios around the world

• Universal Studios Hollywood (USA) – The original park, located in California.
• Universal Studios Florida (USA) – Located in Orlando, Florida, it opened in 1990.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure (USA) – Also in Orlando, this park features more thrill rides and is part of the larger Universal Orlando Resort.
• Universal Studios Singapore (Singapore) – Located on Sentosa Island, it opened in 2011 and is the first in Southeast Asia.
• Universal Studios Japan (Japan) – Located in Osaka, it opened in 2001 and is one of the most popular in Asia.
• Universal Studios Beijing (China) – The newest addition, opening in 2021, offering a mix of familiar and new attractions tailored for the Chinese market.

When did Universal Studios Singapore come about?

Universal Studios Singapore officially opened its doors on March 18, 2011, making it the first Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia. Located on the popular Sentosa Island, this theme park quickly became one of the top tourist attractions in Singapore, offering a blend of thrilling rides, immersive movie experiences, and family-friendly fun. With its world-class attractions based on famous Universal films like Transformers, Shrek, and Jurassic Park, Universal Studios Singapore has since solidified its place as a must-visit destination for both locals and international visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, photo ops, or a day of entertainment, Universal Studios Singapore delivers on all fronts.

How do you get to Universal Studios Singapore?

To get to Universal Studios Singapore, you have a few convenient options:

• By MRT: Take the North East Line (NEL) to HarbourFront MRT Station, then transfer to the Sentosa Express at the VivoCity shopping mall (Level 3).
• By Bus: Public buses such as RWS8 run directly to Sentosa, where Universal Studios Singapore is located.
• By Taxi/Private Car: Simply tell the driver “Universal Studios Singapore” or “Resorts World Sentosa” for a direct drop-off.
• By Walking: If you’re nearby, you can walk via the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity, a scenic 10-minute stroll.

Where can you buy tickets to Universal Studios Singapore?

Finding the best USS ticket price? You can buy tickets to Universal Studios Singapore through several convenient options:

• Official Universal Studios Singapore Website: Purchase directly from their site for the latest offers and discounts.
• Resorts World Sentosa Website: Tickets are available here, often with bundled packages for other attractions.
• Authorized Resellers: Popular platforms like Klook, Trip.com, and KKday often offer discounted tickets.
• On-Site: You can also buy tickets at the park entrance, but expect longer queues, especially during peak periods.
• Hotels in Sentosa: Some Sentosa hotels offer ticket sales or exclusive packages for guests.
• Booking online in advance is often the best way to save time and money! Always check the authorized resellers for the best Universal Studios Singapore deals.

What are the opening hours for Universal Studios Singapore?

Universal Studios Singapore typically operates with the following hours:

• Opening Time: 10:00 AM
• Closing Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (varies depending on the day or special events)

However, these hours can change depending on the time of year, public holidays, or special events like Halloween Horror Nights. It’s always a good idea to check the official Universal Studios Singapore website or Resorts World Sentosa for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit!

What are the current zones in Universal Studios Singapore?

Universal Studios Singapore is divided into several exciting themed zones, each offering unique attractions, dining, and experiences. The current zones in the park include:

• Hollywood – The iconic entrance, featuring a replica of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Universal Globe.
• New York – Step into the bustling streets of New York with attractions like Revenge of the Mummy and Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase.
• Sci-Fi City – Home to the thrilling Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle and Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON roller coasters.
• Ancient Egypt – Journey through ancient times with the Mummy Returns ride and explore Egyptian-themed shopping and dining.
• The Lost World – Featuring Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and WaterWorld, where you can immerse yourself in prehistoric adventure.
• Far Far Away – Enter the fairy tale kingdom of Shrek, with rides like Shrek 4-D Adventure and Kingdom of Far Far Away.
• Minion Land – The latest addition to the park, where you can meet the mischievous Minions in Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and enjoy other Minion-themed attractions and food.

Note: Madagascar is closed in place for Minion Land. These zones create a world of adventure that brings your favorite movies to life, with new updates like Minion Land continuing to keep the experience fresh and exciting!

What are the best rides at Universal Studios Singapore?

Universal Studios Singapore offers a thrilling lineup of rides for all types of adventure seekers. Here are some of the best ones you shouldn’t miss:

• Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle – A heart-pounding 3D ride that throws you into an epic battle between Autobots and Decepticons. This is one of the park’s most popular attractions.
• Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON – An adrenaline-packed, dueling roller coaster with two distinct ride experiences, the HUMAN (seated) and the CYLON (inverted). Spoiler - this one loops
• Revenge of the Mummy – A high-speed indoor roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling journey through ancient Egypt, complete with twists, turns, and surprises. Spoiler - this one goes backwards
• Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure – A water-based ride that immerses you in the world of Jurassic Park, featuring thrilling rapids and a dramatic T. rex finale.
• Shrek 4-D Adventure – A fun and family-friendly 4D movie experience with Shrek and friends, combining thrilling visuals with motion seats.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – A hilarious, family-friendly 3D simulator ride where you become a Minion for an unforgettable adventure.

Is Universal Studios Singapore kid friendly?

Universal Studios Singapore is definitely kid-friendly, offering a wide range of attractions suitable for children of all ages. While there are thrilling rides for adrenaline junkies, many attractions cater specifically to younger audiences. Here are some kid-friendly options, along with their height requirements:

• Shrek 4-D Adventure – A family-friendly 4D movie experience. (No height requirement).
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – A fun 3D simulator ride, perfect for kids. Minimum height: 102 cm.
• Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase – A gentle ride with fun, themed around Sesame Street. Minimum height: 92 cm.
• Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure – While thrilling, it’s family-friendly, though it might be a little intense for very young kids. Minimum height: 107 cm.

While the park offers a lot for younger visitors, there are also plenty of rides and experiences designed for older kids and adults. Plus, with its colorful zones and character meet-and-greets, there’s never a dull moment!

Where can you get the best photos in Universal Studios Singapore?

Here are some of the top spots to capture memorable moments:

• Universal Globe – The iconic spinning globe right at the entrance is a must for any visitor. Get a shot with the globe in the background, but don’t forget to wear a fun headband for extra flair!
• Hollywood Boulevard – The famous Walk of Fame with its star-studded sidewalks provides the perfect backdrop for a glamorous photo op.
• Minion Land – With its vibrant yellow theme and mischievous Minions, this zone is a fun spot for lively and playful photos. Grab a Minion-themed headband to match!
• New York Street – Snap a picture in front of the Sesame Street or Revenge of the Mummy settings. The New York streetscapes are perfect for that city vibe.
• Jurassic Park – The towering gates of Jurassic Park and the life-sized dinosaurs make for thrilling photo moments. Maybe wear a dinosaur-themed headband to go with it!
• Far Far Away Castle – With the fairy-tale castle as the backdrop, you can channel your inner princess (or ogre) for a photo. A whimsical headband would complete the look!
• Transformer’s Headquarters – Strike a powerful pose in front of Optimus Prime or the Decepticons. A cool headband or even a Transformer-themed one adds to the fun.

Don’t forget to pick up one of those fun headbands from the gift shops around the park! They’ll not only add to your look but make your photos extra memorable. They’re not cheap though ($7 to $15).

What is there to eat in Universal Studios Singapore?

Universal Studios Singapore offers a wide variety of dining options to suit all tastes, from quick bites to themed restaurants. Here are some of the highlights:

• Mel’s Drive-In (Hollywood) – Enjoy classic American diner fare like burgers, fries, and milkshakes in a 50s-themed setting.
• Loui’s Pizza (New York) – If you’re craving Italian, this spot serves up delicious pizzas and pastas.
• KT’s Grill (New York) – Savor hearty meals such as steaks, grilled fish, and BBQ dishes in a cozy, rustic setting.
• Jurassic Park Food Court (The Lost World) – For some prehistoric bites, try local favorites like chicken rice, satay, and laksa in a jungle-themed food court.
• Gloria’s Snack Shack (Sci-Fi City) – Grab a quick snack like fried chicken or hot dogs while enjoying the futuristic ambiance.
• Fried Chicken & Co. (Sci-Fi City) – Perfect for fried chicken lovers, this spot offers crispy, golden chicken served with sides.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (Minion Land) – A family-friendly spot serving kid-approved meals like chicken nuggets, fries, and pizzas.

For snacks and sweet treats, don’t miss the ice cream stalls scattered throughout the park. I’d remember to pack water and some snacks though! Things are expensive within the grounds ($5 a bottle of water??)

How long should you spend at Universal Studios Singapore?

The ideal time to spend at Universal Studios Singapore depends on your interests, but generally, a full day (6-8 hours) is recommended to make the most of the park.

Whether it’s worth getting a Fast Pass (or Express Pass) at Universal Studios Singapore depends on a few factors, but generally, it can be a great investment for a more stress-free experience:

• Long Lines for Popular Rides: Rides like Transformers, Battlestar Galactica, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure can have long wait times, especially during peak hours or weekends. The Fast Pass allows you to skip these lines, saving you up to 1-2 hours in some cases.
• Limited Time: If you’re on a time crunch or visiting during busy seasons (public holidays, weekends), a Fast Pass can ensure you get to enjoy more of the park without spending too much time in queues.
• Peak Seasons: During holidays like Chinese New Year, school vacations, or weekends, the park tends to get crowded. In these times, a Fast Pass is well worth it, especially if you want to experience the best rides.
• Budget Considerations: While the Fast Pass does cost extra, it’s worth it if you’re planning to maximize your day and minimize time spent waiting in lines. It’s a good option for families or groups with young kids, or those who want to fit more into their day.

Alternatives of Universal Studios Singapore for those in Singapore

• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea (Japan) – Experience classic Disney magic and exclusive attractions.
• Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) – Enjoy exciting rides, including Harry Potter World and Jurassic Park.
• Legoland Malaysia Resort (Johor Bahru) – Ideal for families with younger kids, featuring Lego-themed fun and a water park.
• Genting SkyWorlds (Malaysia) – A theme park with a mix of thrilling rides and immersive experiences in the cool hilltop setting of Genting Highlands.
• Everland (South Korea) – A large theme park offering a variety of rides, shows, and a safari experience for all ages.

I personally think USS is worth visiting once during the day and once at night during Halloween Horrors night.