tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63359838742691434042024-03-17T02:52:11.650+08:00Universal Studios SingaporeUnofficial Fan BlogYilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-57163929982142165022014-05-24T09:55:00.003+08:002014-05-24T09:58:31.197+08:00Halloween Horror Nights 4 DatesResorts World Sentosa has released the event dates for Halloween Horror Nights 4. The event will run from 3 Oct to 1 Nov, and is significantly extended from 8 nights last year to 13 nights this year. Halloween Horror Nights will also coincide with 2 public holidays: Deepavali and Hari Raya Haji, so expect huge turnouts on and before these public holidays.<br />
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Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-61660242113559576552013-11-14T22:19:00.001+08:002013-11-15T22:30:27.379+08:00Halloween Horror Nights III reviewThis year, Universal Singapore really stepped up its game with the third
installment of Halloween Horror Nights. With the competition just down the
street boasting a tie in with Thai horror studio, universal had to up the ante
in order to remain the leader of halloween events in singapore.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzwaon7QKzUocZICc2Vh_m8QrFEQSGHoSgCeTi7tDNA05_HBH0OLui95xqNy6r1N6dKjW-W7jBvOjaRJqqEM2OlB33jEf6fxKcshAWNfc9LZYsFdyS7KYZJdDsET74PHmk3cBpQ025_c/s1600/Downloads36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzwaon7QKzUocZICc2Vh_m8QrFEQSGHoSgCeTi7tDNA05_HBH0OLui95xqNy6r1N6dKjW-W7jBvOjaRJqqEM2OlB33jEf6fxKcshAWNfc9LZYsFdyS7KYZJdDsET74PHmk3cBpQ025_c/s320/Downloads36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I personally felt that this year’s event is a drastic improvement from last
year’s. HHN 2 was rather disappointing, and paled in comparison with HHN 1.
During the first year, although only half of the park was open, the event felt
much more intense and fresh. There were plenty of things to look at, and the
theatrical sets in the scare zones were stunning. The crowds were also
manageable, and the entire event felt rather exclusive. We also saw many
classic scare techniques deployed in the maze, and they were highly effective.
These simple but elegant scares really established a high benchmark that HHN 2
did not reach. For HHN 2, the event was much more crowded, and yet there were
less scare zones than the first year. Furthermore, the scare zones felt rather
scarce, and there weren’t as many scare actors roaming the area as I would like
to have seen. The sets were also rather unimpressive, and the fog was so thin
that the scare actors had a hard time scaring anyone. The mazes were also
rather standard, and lacked the diversity of scares found in the first year. I
felt that the creative team found a formula for developing the scares and stuck
to it, thus resulting in a repetitive experience in the mazes of 2012. A
typical scare worked like this 1. Place a prop/scare actor to act as a
distraction 2. Have another scare actor pop out from a hidden spot while the
guests are looking at the distraction. 3. Add in loud noises and screams.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The motifs for HHN 2 were also highly similar to that of HHN 1. The House of
Dolls felt like a remix of Carnevil scare zone of 2011, while Total Lockdown felt
exactly like the Post Apocalyptic Rage scare zone of 2011. Thus, I was really
excited when the motifs for 2013 were announced. Gone with zombies and dolls,
and in with vampires and Asian ghosts.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The entire marketing campaign this year was extremely well done, with the
advertisements for the event going up on billboards as early as July. Resorts
World Sentosa also filmed many movie quality trailers, and they even created a
mini site for the event. The HHN web advertisements were literally spammed all over
the Internet. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
There was also a greater engagement with the fan community, from the
periodic updates on Facebook, to the behind the scenes videos on Youtube
(hosted by the beret wearing Jason Ramsburg). Prominent fan websites like
Dejiki and Super Adrian Me were also invited to the special press preview of
the event. I feel that this increase in fan engagement is a step in the right
direction, as it creates a loyal local fan community that is evangelical about
the event. Knott’s Scary Farm in SoCal is an excellent example of a haunt event
with a significant fan community. Knott’s Haunt had already spawned a book,
many websites, podcasts and forums dedicated to discussing the event. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvvp2Gq6HoLb3FdhTv_CCs4OyUvZApaxJo7UGucCujukIjjudVMM1lwvAV7wbM0eFQ3j35jpSyrSMncFLfWa8f3Co5OQ6ymQ9c4w5ZMOdGwORnj501QqcdkjMA3L8mLtPyXmk50sRZ04/s1600/HH-BookCoveri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvvp2Gq6HoLb3FdhTv_CCs4OyUvZApaxJo7UGucCujukIjjudVMM1lwvAV7wbM0eFQ3j35jpSyrSMncFLfWa8f3Co5OQ6ymQ9c4w5ZMOdGwORnj501QqcdkjMA3L8mLtPyXmk50sRZ04/s320/HH-BookCoveri.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<i>Halloween Haunt - a completely fan written publication on the history of Halloween at Knott's Berry Farm. Will Universal Studios Singapore also cultivate such a loyal fan base?</i></div>
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Perhaps a future direction the marking team can take is to reveal more of
the behind the scenes process of making the event, as well as introducing the
public to more of the personalities behind the show (Jason Ramsburg, we still
love you, but we love to see new faces too!). Another addition can be the
production of shorts or special features with the terrestrial TV channels and
terrestrial newspapers so that the general public will be introduced to the
event (HHN is still very much a niche event that is limited to the teenage
crowd). <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZhRVlGnvKw8-OYFJJnBX9f34tW7vBYNcKrx3FxuNUdpy_FNtCIf6KJcK4cb20YiZkdXWojzF_RA8zUzAwEgFhg4gc8oZJ1MdiYVttaHImuneXAg0dQcMfbuhBgqxx46ynTMAu9HpLck/s1600/8cfb1ba486ec2ceda112bcaa9610501b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZhRVlGnvKw8-OYFJJnBX9f34tW7vBYNcKrx3FxuNUdpy_FNtCIf6KJcK4cb20YiZkdXWojzF_RA8zUzAwEgFhg4gc8oZJ1MdiYVttaHImuneXAg0dQcMfbuhBgqxx46ynTMAu9HpLck/s320/8cfb1ba486ec2ceda112bcaa9610501b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Jason Ramsburg - face of Halloween Horror Nights Singapore</i></div>
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I would like to applaud Universal Singapore for creating original icons for
the event for the past two years. These icons are plastered all over the
promotional materials as well as within the park, thus serving as prominent and
instantly recognizable characters for the visitors. I was also very delighted
to see the park integrating Asian elements into the characters. The Crone of
the Forest is an excellent reinterpretation of the South East Asian ghost of
the jungle, while the Opera singer is an amazing homage to the Chinese Opera
art form. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I visited the
event on Halloween night (31 Oct), which was a Thursday, the crowds were
significantly lighter, and so my experience may not be representative of all
the nights of the event. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This year, they had
extended their opening hours from 8pm-12am to 7pm-1am. This change was
definitely for the better, as guests now had ample time to visit the entire
park and experience all the attractions. However, I am not certain if the
closing time of 1am was too late, as the park was mostly empty of visitors by
11.30pm on the day I visited. (Perhaps that was because it was a Thursday). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The park decided to
not place any scare zone in the Hollywood area, a departure from the previous
two years. I felt that this was a wise choice, and it allowed an altogether
more pleasant experience. The park was able to allow visitors to enter 15
minutes before 7pm, thus easing the congestion in the Bull Ring outside the
park entrance. Instead, visitors were ushered onto the streets of Hollywood,
where a nightly rope-drop show marked the start of the night’s event. Apart
from being a great crowd control technique, this decision also prevented the
shops along Hollywood Street from being blocked by the scare zone sets. Thus,
the operation of the shops and restaurants were not disrupted, unlike the
previous years where the sets effectively blocked all the shops from the view
of the guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The opening rope
drop ceremony was also extremely well done, and managed to generate
anticipation and excitement for the evening. The (almost) deafening music was
also well selected, and definitely helped to create the spooky-party vibe.
Although the illusion of the three sisters disappearing was frankly rather
expected and conventional, the show still managed to pack enough punch to get
the crowd all hyped-up for the night. The pyrotechnics were also amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_C1i6HOlsLtuazpoF7YI3ISgCjm-hs8lOymiXuQeV1W52l1P7WuRYF60kqzwjl0yFceKX9w-iopq6TpF2m7Sq2_fcB6ERdpxjlha4Q7CjtWUUWcrt3Fh3w6h16RgO1SMqzVge2Zes84/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_C1i6HOlsLtuazpoF7YI3ISgCjm-hs8lOymiXuQeV1W52l1P7WuRYF60kqzwjl0yFceKX9w-iopq6TpF2m7Sq2_fcB6ERdpxjlha4Q7CjtWUUWcrt3Fh3w6h16RgO1SMqzVge2Zes84/s320/IMG_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Stage for the rope drop ceremony, and the photo op afterwards. Taken from <a href="http://www.nichology.net/">www.nichology.net</a></i></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
The first maze, Possessions a.k.a House 13, was constructed in the
Waterworld queue. This location was home to The Insanitarium maze last year.
However, unlike in 2012, where the entrance to the maze was constructed at the
entrance to Waterworld, the entrance of Possessions was hidden well within the
Lost World zone. I feel that this was an ingenious move, as guests will now
have to enter the dark and foggy forest of Lost World, thus building anticipation
and hype for the maze. Furthermore, placing the entrance deep within a scare
zone also helped to spread the crowd out, thus allowing the maze to maintain a
rather stable wait time, unlike Songs of Death, which experienced wild
fluctuations in wait time since it was located right off the thoroughfare.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t547KEFXvqQVg38bsuWmoAFlUC87f1yTYA75QeD8fkw3f_2DJ2fXLG752bjbyV1lDAfNBmn_yXqkc0iotPY92eAh-4bgOKnMKrO8aDK3uE19TUIm2BBADRjmwlsamVS41wEK0dVMiWc/s1600/Possessions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2t547KEFXvqQVg38bsuWmoAFlUC87f1yTYA75QeD8fkw3f_2DJ2fXLG752bjbyV1lDAfNBmn_yXqkc0iotPY92eAh-4bgOKnMKrO8aDK3uE19TUIm2BBADRjmwlsamVS41wEK0dVMiWc/s320/Possessions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Possession's tucked away inside the Forbidden Forest scare zone</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
This maze was exceptionally claustrophobic. It contained some innovative
scare that was never seen before in the previous events, such as the camouflage
man and the newspaperman. There was also the use of scent (or odor for that
matter) in the toilet scene (though it was also used in 2012). All in all, this
maze was a decent experience, and it did manage to deliver some scares.
However, it lacked the creativity of The Insanitarium maze, such as the water tank
effect, the handstand man, the rocking tables, and the multiple exits. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDmdbWIyBsfed5lr1Gn4DYx-L1k0FYX45CI1mzVCiLijviDn2Q5atXkfcNhsiWuNsA4kNyPTU_roq305jS_ZzoAMqjsUfhZQUkvAWj8BRuLPSwDrfRZ7oksl127EVKnqAMz7Vk4WIRDg/s1600/possessions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDmdbWIyBsfed5lr1Gn4DYx-L1k0FYX45CI1mzVCiLijviDn2Q5atXkfcNhsiWuNsA4kNyPTU_roq305jS_ZzoAMqjsUfhZQUkvAWj8BRuLPSwDrfRZ7oksl127EVKnqAMz7Vk4WIRDg/s320/possessions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Interior of Possessions House 13 - Photo from RWSentosa Facebook page</i></div>
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One disappointment in Possessions was the chainsaw man. Chainsaws are
usually a huge feature in the US versions of Halloween Horror Nights.
Therefore, I was very excited when I found out that this maze was to feature a
chainsaw man. However, it turned out that the chainsaw man was very mild and
tame, and altogether unintimidating. Instead of using an authentic chainsaw
with the cutting chains removed, Universal Singapore used a dummy chainsaw and
attached a small speaker inside which played back the chainsaw noise. Perhaps
Universal Singapore may consider having a chainsaw scare zone (with authentic
chainsaws) next year?<o:p></o:p><br />
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The Forbidden Forest scare zone was located in the Lost World. This was the
first time a scare zone was constructed in this area, and I must say that it
was really well done. This zone was the scariest of all three zones, and it had
the best ambience. The thick fog was the perfect cover for the scare actors to
target their victims. The scare actors in this zone were all very quick on
their feet, and managed to deliver some of the best scares of the entire event.
It must have been really difficult and physically demanding to navigate the
thick fog and scare guests for six hours a night. Although I went on the
Thursday of the final week, I could sense that the energy level of the actors
were still exceptional.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw1jOqYyX05mvJImP6FSPv5UsL7KEeuAf245oHOW1JA_YIhOr1SdB7i6WH64ultbxwFGvOXCbFX6hEnzfm_RgyL_xLx22PaQYkgWThW6vRbFdFwFWcLhJ1GhpjVV4xt-o-eIY00eN1R4/s1600/ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiw1jOqYyX05mvJImP6FSPv5UsL7KEeuAf245oHOW1JA_YIhOr1SdB7i6WH64ultbxwFGvOXCbFX6hEnzfm_RgyL_xLx22PaQYkgWThW6vRbFdFwFWcLhJ1GhpjVV4xt-o-eIY00eN1R4/s320/ff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Forbidden Forest scare zone</i><br />
<i>Phot<span style="background-color: white;">o credit <a class="irc_hol irc_hl" data-ved="0CAcQjB0wADg3" href="http://thatsilvergirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/review-halloween-horror-nights-3-at.html" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr" style="margin-right: -2px; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 2px; text-overflow: ellipsis;">thatsilvergirl.blogspot.com</span></a></span></i></div>
<br /><o:p></o:p>
This was an excellent example of how massive sets and impressive props are
not needed to deliver effective scares. The atmosphere and the talent are the
two key ingredients of a successful scare zone, not elaborate props or dramatic
special effects (e.g. Total Lockdown – impressive sets, great pyro, but still
fell flat in terms of scares)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I am really curious to see how the creative team will reinvent themselves on
this scare zone next year, as I cannot imagine any other theme that will fit
the Lost World area. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
Moving on to the next maze, the Songs of Death. I find this the most
impressive maze of this year’s event. From the façade to the finale, this maze
was top notch, and even surpassed Adrift in terms of scare factor (perhaps it
was due to the source material? Chinese Opera is scary in and of itself). The
maze was very detailed, and it was all the more impressive as this maze was
constructed in a temporary tent squeezed between the Mummy building and the
Jurassic Park ride. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjG8CMaW-O7JpcHxdaTszPZJR6c1es-4mj_bqxGMs8SUzjgWBEtWz9SOaRko3JBN8lhI_XxDDiU_xMBJ_Cq4nEtiIMnAbxNWEYQgotaFr6xAMoXc0YG3ZNCWeWoZc1CgvVXhLwHz4wr8/s1600/SongsOfDeath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjG8CMaW-O7JpcHxdaTszPZJR6c1es-4mj_bqxGMs8SUzjgWBEtWz9SOaRko3JBN8lhI_XxDDiU_xMBJ_Cq4nEtiIMnAbxNWEYQgotaFr6xAMoXc0YG3ZNCWeWoZc1CgvVXhLwHz4wr8/s320/SongsOfDeath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Songs of Death was constructed in such a narrow space!</i></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
This maze had one of the most dramatic entrances: a fully constructed façade
of a Chinese Opera academy, along with an outdoor theater. The various scare
elements along the maze was also very impressive, especially the mirror maze
segment, which was highly disorientating and intense. The ambience within this
maze was top-notch. The use of richly detailed textiles in the maze was great,
and added to the realism and the authenticity of the experience.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPKtCfdMGbBJPLK9k54vBv0HAM-Eiim6r9C-D42cnxnDUL-HDiccbFlElSFUxCzhviFWkDksKgdQA1Ub4TSz5ybfcTa3Qfa2PCTiLH5udYBEDnruPz7X3JtLz1yVXZraJT3cri5Fn-Y/s1600/opera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPKtCfdMGbBJPLK9k54vBv0HAM-Eiim6r9C-D42cnxnDUL-HDiccbFlElSFUxCzhviFWkDksKgdQA1Ub4TSz5ybfcTa3Qfa2PCTiLH5udYBEDnruPz7X3JtLz1yVXZraJT3cri5Fn-Y/s320/opera.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Maiden of the Opera</i><br />
<i>Photo Credit <a href="http://www.thestar.com.my/">www.thestar.com.my</a></i></div>
<br />
One possible
improvement for future mazes located in this spot will be to station scare
actors after the exit of the maze, along the long corridor that leads back out
onto the main thoroughfare. This is the best time to scare guests, as they will
have their guards down since they perceive the maze to be over. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
The Songs of Death maze would empty out to the Ancient Egypt scare zone,
which was the location of the Convention of Curses scare zone. This scare zone
was an update from the Bizarre Bazaar zone of 2012. The kiosks were much more
interactive and fun to look at, and the actors (especially the Nightmare
Ripper). One of the problems with the Bizarre Bazaar zone last year was the
congestion that was caused by the crowds stopping in front of the various
kiosks along the thoroughfare. This problem was significantly improved this
year, and the movement through this scare zone was largely smooth.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSPyzzTZhA3VwBfz9lMrBGna1Dm2A6Ap1bEVn0eyMuS8-IFT0o3AsQG6NM7bYR4v7UMNxpGNsIVsqK9gYo9hkBwW_RdJ5yo4YGc-8sP1bXoryORNlLsoeYh4SPZE-MQnBIwCpEHTA_Os/s1600/curses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSPyzzTZhA3VwBfz9lMrBGna1Dm2A6Ap1bEVn0eyMuS8-IFT0o3AsQG6NM7bYR4v7UMNxpGNsIVsqK9gYo9hkBwW_RdJ5yo4YGc-8sP1bXoryORNlLsoeYh4SPZE-MQnBIwCpEHTA_Os/s320/curses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Convention of Curses</i><br />
<i>Photo Credit <a href="http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/">sg.entertainment.yahoo.com</a></i></div>
<br />
I would also like to commend the park for having the Coven Celebration show
in front of the Obelisk. I must say that this was a great improvement from the
44 Sins show that was also located on the same spot in 2011. The actors were
amazing, and this really contributed to the ambience of the zone. <o:p></o:p><br />
However, I do feel that this scare zone is a repeat of the Bizarre Bazaar
scare zone, and I am definitely very curious to see how Universal Singapore can
reinvent this scare zone for Halloween 2014. Furthermore, owning to the
straight layout of the Egypt zone, there were also limited opportunities for
the scare actors to scare the guests. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-5jUULEC-5iW5Ugqp51Tb6BK3YANAuXoE_WVa4YHirLKkdCtZTiWnGzCT_1VDraOvZ3igtrFJ6v7idZgOA6_Or_5ZfugbCaKtPlqqwWXrv3NeqtBsiGsR8ETbuBYuO2M3TjBWM-pHWM/s1600/CoC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-5jUULEC-5iW5Ugqp51Tb6BK3YANAuXoE_WVa4YHirLKkdCtZTiWnGzCT_1VDraOvZ3igtrFJ6v7idZgOA6_Or_5ZfugbCaKtPlqqwWXrv3NeqtBsiGsR8ETbuBYuO2M3TjBWM-pHWM/s320/CoC.jpg" width="304" /></a></i></div>
<i>
<br />
</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Convention of Curses is essentially located on a straight thoroughfare</i></div>
<br />
Perhaps Universal Singapore may consider using the area facing the lagoon
for their scare zone next year? That area has a lot of meandering walkways,
thus making it an excellent location for an intense scare zone. Furthermore,
that will also leave the main thoroughfare in front of the Mummy ride empty,
thus improving guest circulation by easing congestion.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7UKZgW2_a28QNh99zWD6eTxPnD7sewgKUEAD3U4k_zXRlslYWSVndHr8hGt84J4c6t0CkgO9GV-e64XoAMQJ_Ld5IKqDKzqsWeEWjxOasaygYTsCobh1aD4mDF-7TVyob07MzesCz0Y/s1600/Possible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7UKZgW2_a28QNh99zWD6eTxPnD7sewgKUEAD3U4k_zXRlslYWSVndHr8hGt84J4c6t0CkgO9GV-e64XoAMQJ_Ld5IKqDKzqsWeEWjxOasaygYTsCobh1aD4mDF-7TVyob07MzesCz0Y/s320/Possible.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Possible space for a scare zone?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
The Chill Out Zone located in Scifi City was a rather charming idea, though
it was rather lacking in execution. Despite the presence of live music and
laser beams, there wasn’t a significant enough reason for guests to pause at
this zone. The outdoor bar/ lounge area was largely empty on the night I
visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6pxd05VBRMxZilw8uyfLlHppaB3bpACJ6ZQFyqUR75DBOH7A8ekSNYMjj2Xim8L3TY6Adkvx1lnIb0T87su0jZxVYv957XSBhjexEhsqnJSc_M3OGM2FOJsx5x2NzBu28-oZBqy8Ew0/s1600/Chill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6pxd05VBRMxZilw8uyfLlHppaB3bpACJ6ZQFyqUR75DBOH7A8ekSNYMjj2Xim8L3TY6Adkvx1lnIb0T87su0jZxVYv957XSBhjexEhsqnJSc_M3OGM2FOJsx5x2NzBu28-oZBqy8Ew0/s320/Chill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A suitable model that Universal Singapore might consider is the ElecTRONica
event held at Disney’s California Adventure from 2010-2012. During ElecTRONica,
the entire area was transformed using impressive lighting effects to simulate a
Tron landscape. Furthermore, there was also an amazing Laser Man show as well
as a bar that served alcoholic beverages. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Rz6d5B9pzwvn_88AE8ehxjrzIpNYQvjF3s6miaivp7uZ1UYjQxpeKQlgLrV1VonjCMdqQ6v5ANGzgAySm-EYmEk_AVA0Er4mu3_u0Gc_6pASOmVPR9PlHqMreNkuLZMkZNAEYQWzvo/s1600/electronica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Rz6d5B9pzwvn_88AE8ehxjrzIpNYQvjF3s6miaivp7uZ1UYjQxpeKQlgLrV1VonjCMdqQ6v5ANGzgAySm-EYmEk_AVA0Er4mu3_u0Gc_6pASOmVPR9PlHqMreNkuLZMkZNAEYQWzvo/s320/electronica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>ElecTRONica at DCA California - a possible model for Chill Out Zone?</i></div>
<br />
Perhaps Universal Singapore may consider improving the lighting effects in
the Chill Out zone. Furthermore, rather than tucking the outdoor bar/ lounge
area in the passageway leading to the New York Wharf area, they could move it
onto the main thoroughfare (since Battlestar Galactica isn’t working anyway, so
congestion wouldn’t be a problem). A small show would also be appreciated, as
it will serve as an additional attraction to get guests to stop at this zone
and buy a drink (cash register goes Ka-ching!)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2hwd1NP_q7MUfRX_espXGYFUvawB9YM4tDZUsMgdFNbV_Pvq4AwCK0PxcmM8UFWfJ5EtPM0MAFexcJxeHXp1ubtVMTYKRtkCfvCINpK6I5M6vA5OPsSVXIS8SoXiPLk7Snxa1GCqtW8/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2hwd1NP_q7MUfRX_espXGYFUvawB9YM4tDZUsMgdFNbV_Pvq4AwCK0PxcmM8UFWfJ5EtPM0MAFexcJxeHXp1ubtVMTYKRtkCfvCINpK6I5M6vA5OPsSVXIS8SoXiPLk7Snxa1GCqtW8/s320/2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Possible Chill Out Zone for 2014?</i></div>
<br />
The final scare zone at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights is the Attack of
the Vampires at the New York area. This scare zone was a radical departure from
the previous scare zones in the same location. Gone were the zombies and
mutants. Instead, we welcome vampires, gargoyles and werewolves. When the zone
was announced, I was rather skeptical as to the ability of the creative team to
transform the New York zone into a gothic cemetery, but after experiencing the
zone, I must say that they did a great job.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9M6EzKU7yCpV7AIpHVvb9TaVcUodVTXaB09_DYps-j0w8apB1V7-0XGZn_ya4E_Edc2Pm3yPuSnAtvbiVo6H4wsiYsvtgLuubDZYWwh0lRV_hP3JFoUz-SfG6Unj5YOcm_AkwtMNWJg/s1600/vampire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh9M6EzKU7yCpV7AIpHVvb9TaVcUodVTXaB09_DYps-j0w8apB1V7-0XGZn_ya4E_Edc2Pm3yPuSnAtvbiVo6H4wsiYsvtgLuubDZYWwh0lRV_hP3JFoUz-SfG6Unj5YOcm_AkwtMNWJg/s320/vampire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Vampire alert!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo Credit <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/">news.xinhuanet.com</a></i></div>
<br />
The set pieces and props at this scare zone were phenomenal, and the
backdrop of the New York buildings simply fades away. Instead, you feel as
though you have been transported into a gothic village/ cemetery. This zone
also felt more cluttered with props and set pieces, thus creating many niches
and crannies that scare actors can ambush unsuspecting guests from. This was a
welcomed improvement as the previous iterations of the maze in New York zone
were too open and too direct.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
The Birth of the Vampire show was also amazing. The New York Public Library
building was utilized brilliantly as the backdrop for this 5 minute long show.
The lighting and ambience was excellent, and so were the blocking and the
choreography. The “plant” in the audience was also a welcomed surprise.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
Ultimately, I would argue that scare zones are actually more significant
than haunted houses in determining the overall guest satisfaction. Haunted
houses are relatively short (5-7 minutes) experiences, and entail a long
(30-120 minutes) wait in massive switchbacks with little to see or do. Furthermore,
the haunted house lacks the degree of social interaction, as guests form a
massive conga line and file through the maze, with little opportunity to talk
to their friends. On the other hand, the scare zones are the areas where the
guests will spend most of their time, and they are also the areas where guests
can get scared without queuing in line. Visiting a scare zone is ultimately a
social experience, as guests are able to walk through the zone with their
friends and interact with the scare actors. Therefore, I think that it was a
step in the right direction when Universal Singapore decided to include many
small shows and interactive elements in the scare zones. This brings the
quality of the scare zones to a new height by making it a theatrical
experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Finally, the gem of the night has to be Adrift. Adrift, located in Stage 28,
was the most elaborate and impressive of all three haunted houses. Universal
Singapore really outdid themselves with this maze, and I am excited to see what
sorcery they can cook up next year. As Adrift has the luxury of being located
in a soundstage, the set pieces were definitely much more impressive that that
of the other two “tent” mazes. From the flooded room to the slanted decks,
Adrift was a sight to behold. We also saw some interesting scare techniques in
this maze, such as the Pepper’s Ghost effect as well as the levitating girl. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNatm9PtndB69kfTVV2M2lDM9XomZG2jWS0fOuGZnKY8bLwt_3AmZ8B8ytZ4CxspFqDhVvOlSyBK2x5ctXCzZERIRjUNwsIynAzCEnwSqnhhzGDGHvfA61sJypnUCJpUdYs4CgbEeUKQ/s1600/adrift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNatm9PtndB69kfTVV2M2lDM9XomZG2jWS0fOuGZnKY8bLwt_3AmZ8B8ytZ4CxspFqDhVvOlSyBK2x5ctXCzZERIRjUNwsIynAzCEnwSqnhhzGDGHvfA61sJypnUCJpUdYs4CgbEeUKQ/s320/adrift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Layout of Adrift: a sight to behold</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo Credit RWSentosa</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
Nevertheless, I must say that despite the amazing set and production quality
of Adrift, it was not the scariest of the mazes. Most of the scares were rather
conventional, and the maze felt too open and too predictable (unlike
Possessions, which was extremely claustrophobic, or Songs of Death, which was unpredictable
and creepy). However, I do realize that different mazes have different
strengths, and I am grateful that the creative team decided to capitalize on
the space of this area to create a spectacular, large-scale maze (something
which Dungeon of Damnation did not do last year – it felt as though it was a
tent maze, rather than a soundstage maze)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I would definitely recommend visitors to go through the mazes multiple times
if possible, as each experience would be different. We managed to see certain effects
on our second visit to Adrift that we missed on the first, and vice versa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Overall, I felt that the event was decent, though there were still room for
improvement. The attractions felt rather lopsided, as they were all
concentrated on the southern side of the park, while Madagscar and Far Far Away
were very underutilized. Certain attractions like Jurassic Park River Rapids
should be operational, while others, like Madagascar: A Crate Adventure and
Shrek 4D should not be open, as they were completely incongruous and unsuitable
for the target audience of the event. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qtB8y0Un7WKGGrKfXelIFiar0NEvSoJp1ijmBOlwZmtHT3H2YMzFMoWUPqF8BNKsA6YZjllvBn8ixsN5eraD9AbOsv4eoovm022hHbFajekhrs7NkjRe2G86R7ovBn9_nQ3icwrbg2g/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qtB8y0Un7WKGGrKfXelIFiar0NEvSoJp1ijmBOlwZmtHT3H2YMzFMoWUPqF8BNKsA6YZjllvBn8ixsN5eraD9AbOsv4eoovm022hHbFajekhrs7NkjRe2G86R7ovBn9_nQ3icwrbg2g/s320/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bloody incongruous</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo credit <a href="http://www.motherinc.org/">www.motherinc.org</a></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Crowd control was relatively well done this year. However, one of the main
drawbacks of big events like Halloween Horror Nights (as opposed to small
haunts) is that single-file conga lines will inevitably form within mazes, thus
diminishing the scare factor. Perhaps Universal Singapore may consider widening
the passageways in the mazes, or creating multiple pathways through the same
room?<br />
<br /><o:p></o:p>
The event length of 10 nights also felt a little too long, as the hype for
the event generally died down on the last weekend. The crowds for the Hollywood
and Orlando Horror Nights get heavier towards October 31<sup>st</sup>. However,
the concept of Halloween as a holiday on October 31<sup>st</sup> does not
really exist in Singapore, thus we do not experience heavy crowds towards
Halloween. Instead, the attendance figures appear more like a bell curve, with
lighter crowds during the opening and closing weekends, and heavier crowds in
the middle of the run. This is because the crowds will come mostly during the
second and third weekend after hearing the word of mouth from their friends who
have visited on the first weekend. Thus, I propose that Halloween Horror Nights
2014 be held on 27, 28 Sep and 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 Oct. By placing
opening weekend on the last week of September, Universal Singapore will be able
to capitalize on the Hari Raya weekend on the first week of October.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
I would definitely like to see Universal Singapore expand their scare zones,
especially if they decide to utilize either Madagascar or Far Far Away as that
half of the park has been underutilized. A possible Halloween overlay of Donkey
Live will also be awesome. Given that it is a highly customizable show, this
Halloween overlay should not be difficult. Furthermore, given the more adult
demographic of the event, Donkey would also be able to make more adult oriented
humor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65gMzZeDCfhYz9pXfgJAKzI650NlUsRPHq005kvuq_GvYwlarkWegPSj-dnqCc_KJM6rI30J2bt5OxNGTWPo97HEHoeTe6-TWLnAtBvyeb0izZgVd1rwRosISo-ilUgB3HdJBoBRQ9RE/s1600/donkey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65gMzZeDCfhYz9pXfgJAKzI650NlUsRPHq005kvuq_GvYwlarkWegPSj-dnqCc_KJM6rI30J2bt5OxNGTWPo97HEHoeTe6-TWLnAtBvyeb0izZgVd1rwRosISo-ilUgB3HdJBoBRQ9RE/s320/donkey.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Donkey Live Halloween edition?</i></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Other possible live entertainment options would include: a pop culture
satire, a night lagoon show, or even a parade. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Pop-culture satire shows are a staple in the American Halloween Horror
Nights (see <em><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bill
and Ted's</span></em><span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
Excellent Halloween Adventure). Given the popularity of local satire website
MrBrownShow.com, as well as the Noose, it is therefore highly appropriate if
Universal Singapore capitalize on this trend. Perhaps Jason Ramsburg can
produce satire show for 2014 given his experience in Bill and Ted's Excellent
Halloween Adventure?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNSkrtrzGOnleR6y3UsQidD5XRo-q6GFXLeSzrf3OvdCS9FPGa70cZhkhxJdzcg-laaThyulgLcIJs-iypiBLPTMcVOlVT7eJ-t2tb6Jfm77nR5uy2BoauYPOJ7XXdDp6iBWHplqswEw/s1600/hhn22art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNSkrtrzGOnleR6y3UsQidD5XRo-q6GFXLeSzrf3OvdCS9FPGa70cZhkhxJdzcg-laaThyulgLcIJs-iypiBLPTMcVOlVT7eJ-t2tb6Jfm77nR5uy2BoauYPOJ7XXdDp6iBWHplqswEw/s320/hhn22art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Pop culture satire: a staple at US Halloween events</i></div>
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
night lagoon show would also raise the bar for the event. This can be a simple
fireworks show with Halloween related soundtrack. This will cap of the night
and help it end with a bang. Currently, the event starts with a bang (the
rope-drop ceremony), but ends on a whimper. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOjJinSChYdn0MMtn1FIqa9lkJYuY2gTpPC28MeN31GVgcnqzzE-k8eAT5-vah3pH4FwqIeKUHeVnbD43VvBKT8f14V7CGUFyYHQOqcisw6g2AQ1oZZbSpQen74DqtFXJV84Mf_XZVSs/s1600/lake-hollywood-spectacular.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOjJinSChYdn0MMtn1FIqa9lkJYuY2gTpPC28MeN31GVgcnqzzE-k8eAT5-vah3pH4FwqIeKUHeVnbD43VvBKT8f14V7CGUFyYHQOqcisw6g2AQ1oZZbSpQen74DqtFXJV84Mf_XZVSs/s320/lake-hollywood-spectacular.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Fireworks to end the night with a bang?</i></span></span></div>
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
parade would also be a novel idea, as it will provide street entertainment for
guests. A possible example to consider would be the Roaming Legions seen in
Halloween Horror Nights 22 in Orlando. This parade does not have to entail
large floats or elaborate sets, but instead can rely on the talent of the actors
and their ability to scare the guests. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFs9by5-QWGkWWa4HkWSeQnGGQsu_1gdN97zpqKRxQ7ziOpg3MsEx9F3dEeM3Q1i4JSigHcNYKyKmN9c1dZeYsb_Qwyhfwwh1GvNun-OTfFrVRS67RUtVe6H-OLunqdStvhGWN_xums/s1600/ghoulish-band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdFs9by5-QWGkWWa4HkWSeQnGGQsu_1gdN97zpqKRxQ7ziOpg3MsEx9F3dEeM3Q1i4JSigHcNYKyKmN9c1dZeYsb_Qwyhfwwh1GvNun-OTfFrVRS67RUtVe6H-OLunqdStvhGWN_xums/s320/ghoulish-band.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>A Halloween parade will definitely add variety to the lineup</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Photo Credit: </i></span></span><i><a href="http://nyulocal.com/">nyulocal.com</a></i></div>
<br />
A 4 scare zone + 4 mazes + 2 show lineup would be perfect for Universal
Singapore, given its limited size and limited audience. I am not opposed to
Universal Singapore recycling old mazes as long as they keep adding 2-3 new
mazes each year. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Although the event icons (The Director, The Puppet Master, The Sisters of
Evil) were highly creative and impressive, they lacked the instant
recognizability that characters from well-established Intellectual Properties
have. Sentosa Spooktacular, the event just across the road, tapped onto the
Thai horror movie icons that the local audiences were familiar with, such as <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shomba from Coming Soon
(2008) and the eponymous Pee Mak (2013). Sentosa Spooktacular, despite
operating on a smaller budget than Halloween Horror Nights, received an amazing
reception, and had 4 sold-out nights (out of seven). Therefore, it might be
wise for Halloween Horror Nights to also introduce Intellectual Property themed
mazes and scare zones from next year onwards. I am sure that this will do
wonders for the attendance (just imagine a Conjuring themed haunted maze!). In
fact, Universal Studios is known for being the place where you can “Ride the
Movies”, so it is only natural that Halloween Horror Nights feature movie
characters. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://comicbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/the-conjuring-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://comicbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/the-conjuring-poster.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Anyone up for a Conjuring maze?</i></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
I look forward to HHN 2014.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-88824190967762701802013-08-07T20:55:00.002+08:002013-08-07T20:55:29.697+08:00Halloween Horror Nights 3 Details<i>The details for Halloween Horror Nights 2013 has been posted to the HHN microsite at: <a href="http://www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg/">www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg</a></i><br />
<br />
The highly popular Halloween Horror Nights in Universal Studios Singapore is back for the 3rd year running. Started in 2011 with only 1 haunted house and 5 scare zones. Last year, we saw record attendance, with tickets selling out on 4 of the 7 days. <br />
<br />
This year, HHN is back with for 10 days, and features 3 haunted houses and 3 scare zones, as well as a special show produced for Halloween.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<br />
Details:
The theme for this year's HHN 3 is the Evil Sisters, where 3 evil sisters unite to wreck havoc. The evil sisters are The Crone of the Forest, the Maiden of the Opera, and the Daughter of the Undead.<br />
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The 3 haunted houses this year are: Adrift(A), Songs of Dead(B), and Possessions(C). The scare zones this year are: Forbidden Forest(F), Convention of Curses(E), and Attack of the Vampires(D). </div>
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<br />
<b>My thoughts on HHN</b><br />
<br />
<i>Overall design</i><br />
<br />
Resorts World Sentosa has really stepped up this year, and the design of HHN 3 is absolutely impressive. The icons for this year, the 3 evil sisters, are visually stunning, and have detailed, compelling backstories.<br />
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Furthermore, we see a further integration of local elements into HHN, with the Maiden of the Opera. The presence of local horror was minimal for the past 2 years. The Vengeance of the Matriarch maze in 2011, although themed as a visit through a Peranakan mansion, was actually very generic, and did not highlight the local Asian elements. Last year, we had the Chinatown maze in the New York area. Again, it did not play up the Asian horror mythology. Therefore, I am very excited to see USS adopting the Chinese Opera singer as one of the event icons for this year, and I am looking forward to an emphasis on Asian horror.<br />
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<i>Mazes/ Haunted Houses</i><br />
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We see a increase in the number of mazes from 2 last year to 3 this year. I personally find it a very interesting choice to not theme all 3 haunted houses to the event icons. Instead, only the Maiden of the Opera has her own haunted house, while the rest of the icons are to be found in the scare zones. The other two haunted houses are themed to a ghost ship, and a possessed house.<br />
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I think that there is great potential for Adrift to be a spectacular maze as it is housed in the soundstage. Furthermore, the theme of a ghost ship is also very interesting. I look forward to innovative special effects to simulate the motions of a ship, or the rain and lightning of a sea storm.<br />
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The possessed house maze also sounds intriguing, as there is great potential to improve on the traditional haunted house experience.<br />
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<i>Scare Zones</i><br />
We see a reduction in the number of scare zones this year, from 5 in 2011, to 4 last year, and down to 3 this year.<br />
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We also notice a rather curious decision by USS to not place any scare zone in the Hollywood section, which is the first land visitors enter upon entry, perhaps due to congestion issues? For the past two years, the Hollywood zone was home to Carn Evil, and House of Dolls, both of which were rather spectacular and well-done. The canopy above the Hollywood zone helped to contain the fog, hence making the area much more scary. The canopy overhead also also served as a rig for USS to hang theatrical lighting, as well as massive props above the guests.<br />
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This year, we will see the New York zone of USS transform into a graveyard and a small town. It will be interesting to see how they pull this off.<br />
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We also see the first time that the Lost World is used for a scare zone. The Lost World seems to be the perfect location for the Crone of the Forest scare zone, due to the dense foliage and meandering paths of the zone. However, the Lost World zone seems to be the location where all the action will take place this year, as there is the concentration of 2 haunted houses and a scare zone, as well as a ride. This small, cramped zone might not be able to handle to crowds.<br />
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The scare zones located in the Ancient Egypt zone for the past 2 years were both major disappointments. In 2011, it was themed as the Edge of Darkness, though it rather seemed as the edge where the budget ended. In 2012, there wasn't a significant improvement with Bizarre Bazaar. The problem seemed to be with the physical setup of the Ancient Egypt zone. The zone is designed as a straight thoroughfare, dominated on one side by the Revenge of the Mummy facade, and on the other by the Treasures Hunters queue. The thoroughfare is very wide and hence is not a very ideal location for a scare zone. Therefore, it is very interesting to see how USS pulls this year's Convention of Curses off in the Ancient Egypt zone.<br />
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I would also like to see USS utilizing Far Far Away and Madagascar for their scare zones, as these 2 lands have not yet been utilized.<br />
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<br />Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-70753860795322087302013-01-09T11:36:00.003+08:002013-01-09T11:36:58.836+08:00What we got VS what we could have gotten (revisited)Three years back, I wrote an article regarding the attractions that we could have gotten vs the attractions that we actually got. With the 3rd year anniversary of USS, it's definitely time to see if we have any updated to the list.<br />
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Below is the rumored list published in 2007/2008 regarding the attractions planned for USS:</div>
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* A yet to be named Dueling roller coaster, featuring an Inverted Track and a Sit Down Track<br />
* Journey to Madagascar<br />
* Dreamworks Digital Animation Studios<br />
* Shrek 4-D<br />
* Back To The Future: The Ride<br />
* King Kong<br />
* Revenge of the Mummy<br />
* Incredible Hulk Coaster<br />
* The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man<br />
* Jurassic Park River Adventure<br />
* Twister...Ride it Out<br />
* Waterworld<br />
* The Fast and Furious-Tokyo Drift<br />
* Wicked<br />
* Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time<br />
* Sesame Street 4-D<br />
* E.T. Adventure<br />
* Backdraft<br />
* The Simpsons Ride<br />
*Stage 28<br />
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Below is the list of attractions we actually got:<br />
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*Pantages Hollywood Theater<br />
*Lights! Cameras! Action!<br />
*Sesame Street Spagetti Chase<br />
*Battlestar Galactica Blue line<br />
*Battlestar Galactica Red line<br />
*Transformers<br />
*Accelerator<br />
*Revenge of Mummy<br />
*Treasure Hunters<br />
*Canopy Flyer<br />
*Jurassic Park Rapids<br />
*Waterworld<br />
*Amber Rock Climb<br />
*Dino Soarin'<br />
*Shrek 4D<br />
*Donkey Live!<br />
*Enchanted Airways<br />
*Magic Portion Spin<br />
*Crate Adventure<br />
*King Julien Beach go-round<br />
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So what did not make the cut?<br />
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<b>Dreamworks Animation Studios, Stage 28</b><br />
This attraction is rumored to be a "behind the scenes" look into the Dreamworks animation studios, showing visitors the inner workings of the animation process. However, this attraction got cut, probably due to licensing issues, as well as problems with guest appeal.<br />
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A certain iteration of this studios made it into the final stages of planning, in the form of Stage 28. Stage 28 was supposed to be an attraction that allowed visitors a peek into the magic of movie making, as well as transport visitors into various memorable scenes of Universal Studios movies.<br />
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Stage 28 survived for a very long time on the "coming soon" list. However, on May 2012, it was announced that Stage 28 will be replaced with Sesame Street Spagetti Chase ride. This move was probably done to increase the marketing appeal, and to cater to the young demographics of visitors.<br />
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<b>Back to the Future Ride, Simpsons Ride</b><br />
These two rides are simulator rides, where visitors board simulation vehicles placed in front of IMAX screens. These are spectacular, big-budgeted attractions, that are huge crowd drawers. However, I suppose Back to the Future got cut as it is a 20-30 year old franchise, while the Simpsons Ride got cut due to licensing issues with FOX studios.<br />
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I am going to predict that the next attraction to be built by USS will be a simulation ride like Back to the Future or Simpsons, as the park is lacking such an attraction.<br />
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<b>Backdraft, Twister</b><br />
These two are special effects shows that give guests a peek into the special effects used in Hollywood blockbuster movies. Although these two attractions got cut, we got Lights Camera Action Hosted by Steven Spielburg. LCA by Steven Spielburg is a similar attraction that utilized physical special effects to give guest the feeling of the "Storm of the Century".<br />
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<b>ET Adventure, Sesame Street 4D</b><br />
These two attractions are targeted at the 3-10 years old age group. Although these attractions got cut, certain elements from them remained on the drawing board, and finally made their way into the Sesame Street ride.<br />
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ET Adventure utilized a hanging overhead rail system to simulate the feeling of flying on ET's enchanted bicycle. The current Sesame Street adventure also utilizes the same ride technology.<br />
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<b>Adventures of Spiderman</b><br />
This is an attraction located in Orlando and Osaka, and it is basically a 4D simulation ride through the streets of New York. Although we did not get this attraction, we got Transformers, which can be considered the 2nd Generation version of this ride. The ride technology is the same, and the storylines are also roughly similar.<br /><br />
<b>Wicked</b><br />
A condensed version of the hit Broadway musical. This attraction got cut probably because of the limited appeal as well as licensing issues with Universal Theatrical.<br />
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<b>Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift, Terminator 2 3D, King Kong</b><br />
These 3 attractions cater to an age range that Universal Studios Singapore currently misses. The teen 16-30 year old crowd will love these 3 attractions. However, currently in USS, we do not have any of these attractions that appeal to this crowd.<br />
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I am going to predict that the next attraction announced for Universal Studios Singapore will be a attraction based on a film property of the 16-30 age demographics.<br />
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So, in conclusion, I must say that although we could have gotten many other amazing attractions, the current line-up of attractions are actually very well thought-out and carefully planned to cater to most of the age demographics and bring in the "marketing muscles".Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-60559497447078038652012-12-19T14:20:00.001+08:002012-12-19T14:20:57.773+08:00Universal Studios Singapore Christmas WishlistIt's the holiday season again, and in keeping with the spirit of the holidays, I'm going to present to you my Christmas wish list for Universal Studios Singapore.<br />
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The previous time I've written a similar list was in 2009, before the park opened, and you can find the article <a href="http://ussingapore.blogspot.sg/2009/12/christmas-wish-list.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Well, I seemed that I got all my wishes from 2009. I wished for no crowds(5 minutes for the Mummy, seriously?) - checked, a Halloween event(HHN was awesome!) - checked, nightly fireworks spectacular(Lake Hollywood Spectacular) - checked, constant updates(Sesame Street ride in 2013) - checked, cheap annual passes($188, $288) - checked.<br />
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Let's see if my wish list for 2012 will be fulfilled too...<br />
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Disclaimer - the items below are in no specific order.<br />
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<b>1. Interactive Character Meet and Greet</b><br />
I'm always looking forward to ways USS can "plus" the experience. The current character meet and greets are random, and slightly unsatisfactory. There is no specific place to meet a character, and they kind of just "pop-out" for a short duration. When the characters do show up, they are also pretty inanimate and does not interact much with the guest. The meet and greet experiences in the park are actually more like photo taking sessions with the characters.<br />
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Therefore, I hope that we will have a more structured and more interactive way of meeting the park's characters. Imaging having a 20 minute Kungfu training session with Po, with Po and Shifu personally teaching the kids. Or a fairy tale telling session with Fiona in the Shrek castle, where kids can talk to Princess Fiona and act out stories under her directions. These are much more wholesome and more captivating experiences, rather than a mere photo taking session.<br />
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For those of you who still can't visualize the experience, it kind of like Donkey Live with a real life meet and greet actor.<br />
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<b>2. Streetmosphere Characters</b><br />
This is an idea blatantly lifted from Disney. In Disney parks, they have walkabout cast members that act as citizens of the land that you are in. So imagine that you're in Hollywood area. You might walk into a cast member that pretends to be a fireman from the LA fire department, or a prospective actor looking to make it big in Hollywood. They are not film character per se, but just normal "citizens" of the place. These are improvisational actors that will augment your park experience and convince you to suspend you disbelief.<br />
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<b>3. Better Food</b><br />
I really hate to say this, but the food in USS isn't all that palatable. Looking at the park map, you might be led to believe that USS offers a wide range of food items that are both nutritious and delicious. However, the reality is slightly different. The food in USS is grossly overpriced and sub-standard. The burgers and fries in Mel's Drive In are dry and bland, while the serving size of the beef ball noodles in Casa del Wild in Madagascar is pathetically small. Even the China Bistro in Hollywood area is unsatisfactory. Therefore, I really hope that USS will roll out better food choices, and not leave me feeling ripped off. Paying $12 for a subpar burger and fries set is definitely not the way to go.<br />
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The variety of dinning establishments in USS provides a great opportunity for the park to experiment with different exotic cuisines, and to provide delicious items to satisfy the palates of every guest.<br />
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<b>4. More rides</b><br />
There can never be enough rides. The success of a park depends on keeping itself relevant and exciting by building new rides, shows, and attractions. There are a few ride systems and ride genres that USS should really have.<br />
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The trend in the amusement park industry is to go for interactive rides with variable experiences that makes it re-rideable. However, USS lacks such rides. These can be a simple shoot 'em up ride, or a complex decide-your-own-ending ride. An example of such rides in Universal Parks around the world are Men In Black Alien Attack, a interactive shoot 'em up ride through the streets of New York, where guests blast lasers at aliens to score points. The accumulated points will then determine the ending of the ride, with the high scorers getting a "good job" from Will Smith, and the low scorers getting their minds erased.<br />
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Another ride that USS should have is a Kuka arm simulation ride. The mold was broken when the Harry Potter ride opened in Universal Studios Florida's Islands of Adventure park. This ride used the Kuka arm system, which is basically a mechanical arm with the ride bench mounted on it. This arm has 6 degrees of motion, and allows guests to experience sensations of flight. See image below.<br />
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Finally, another excellent ride that I wish we had is a simulation ride. The Simpsons ride in Universal Hollywood and Orlando, the Back to the Future ride in Universal Japan, the Soaring ride in Disneyland and Disney World are all examples of the amazing simulation ride. It is basically a simple system where the riders are in a motion simulation base, which is placed in front of a large IMAX 3D or IMAX dome screen. This creates the illusion of movement, and is perfect for creating sensations of flight, or of speed. Coupled with in theater effects, such as wind, scents, water etc, this is definitely set to blow people away.
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<b>5. Interactive Queue or Increase Capacity</b><br />
Canopy Flyers and Treasure Hunters are two of the most pain-in-the-rear rides in this park. They are relatively simple, and short rides, each lasting 30 seconds to a minute. However, the queues for these two rides are monstrously long, lasting anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes. Seriously, 90 minutes for a 30 seconds ride?<br />
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The problem for these two rides is that they have really low hourly capacities. They seat 2 per row, and have a limited number of vehicles running on the tracks. Furthermore, the loading and unloading process is also slow and tedious, with numerous safety checks to slow the process down. Therefore, USS can either bump up the capacity for these two rides, or to entertain the guests while they are spending 90 minutes in line.<br />
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USS could install interactive games, videos, etc into the queues of these two attractions. Imagine a treasure finding game in the Treasures Hunters queue. Or an interactive Jurassic Park Visitor Center experience while waiting for the Canopy Flyer. These interactive elements can be as simple as touch screen games, or as elaborate as interactive animatronic dinosaurs that responds to guests.<br />
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<b>6. Fix Madagascar</b><br />
Madagascar: A Crate Adventure has been plagued by problems since the get-go. There were rumors of a small fire during construction, of boats that were too big to fit into the ride path, of design flaws that forced the removal of a splashdown etc. All these incidents left us with a rather watered down, and slightly pathetic attraction. The attraction was billed as a 12 minute dark ride, with amazing special effects and a final splashdown, but we eventually got a 7 minute gentle kiddie ride. This attraction has a gigantic footprint and takes up a huge piece of real estate, hence it is really a disappointing waste of land.<br />
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USS should fix up the attraction, or bulldoze it to make way for a better, more exciting attraction.<br />
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<b>7. Fix the PR Team </b><br />
Resorts World Sentosa is notorious for their PR team. This is probably the only place where attraction openings are announced only a week in advance. RWS has not grasped that their fan base is huge, and they could achieve a lot more by reaching out to their fan base and getting the fans excited.<br />
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Just look at the publicity for the opening of New Fantasyland in Disney World Orlando. Plans for the expansion were "leaked" 4 years in advance to the fan community, allowing the media and many fan websites to generate a huge buzz about the possible expansion. Then the expansion was officially announced at a huge Disney convention 3 years prior. At every stage of the construction, media and press were invited to the site to report on the construction progress. Videos of interviews with the creators behind the expansion were also posted regularly on Youtube. The creators were also very active in attending fan conventions and seminars, seizing every opportunity to tell the public about the expansion. Finally, a few months prior to opening, a viral marketing campaign involving dragons and "found footages" was launched, and the opening date was announced months in advance.<br />
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The USS public relations team seems juvenile in contrast. For the opening of Transformers The Ride, they just had a small fan contest, some TV spots on local television, and a small opening ceremony.Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-57545987019166466182012-11-14T17:23:00.000+08:002012-11-14T17:23:22.371+08:00New York, USS vs New York, USAIn this post, I will be comparing the various buildings in New York street in Universal Studios Singapore against the real buildings found in New York, New York.<br />
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New York street is one of the most detailed themed zones in Universal Singapore, and the attention to detail in the zone is very amazing. Many of the buildings there are actually based on real buildings in New York, and this adds to the level of authenticity. The various architectural styles and references in the park is actually impressively accurate.<br />
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The view of New York street from the entrance is dominated by the the Neo-classical building that looms at the end of the street. This facade is actually modelled after the real New York public library, found on 5th Ave in Manhattan.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mvx6byhwnyAwgaaKofj5bz7dVwJwZt2md_tlmk0iImhvv44IBjgR5I7gjYVBnolzX504eBxdC0YlxKqhO30hyphenhyphenc8CPvFEPvXQBx4Sk7dM4jFIfIHwiCsWfkYOHyig6UAOeZQ3-RWqZ04/s1600/P1110270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mvx6byhwnyAwgaaKofj5bz7dVwJwZt2md_tlmk0iImhvv44IBjgR5I7gjYVBnolzX504eBxdC0YlxKqhO30hyphenhyphenc8CPvFEPvXQBx4Sk7dM4jFIfIHwiCsWfkYOHyig6UAOeZQ3-RWqZ04/s320/P1110270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Image courtesy of USSi </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj6zrR0s9zFpYLcYWjMLMWuWKLsI88MvLSHlpHFWoeTtz86baEbjOOZ6Tbk1rHy349QybcumxCUZGs0dzelY3FRd4C6u02fHikIVYknSbf78KkkDW7n5plSDBikDVyF3KODSZcfDF9CY/s1600/new_york_public_library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAj6zrR0s9zFpYLcYWjMLMWuWKLsI88MvLSHlpHFWoeTtz86baEbjOOZ6Tbk1rHy349QybcumxCUZGs0dzelY3FRd4C6u02fHikIVYknSbf78KkkDW7n5plSDBikDVyF3KODSZcfDF9CY/s320/new_york_public_library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The real deal - see the likeness?</i></div>
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The New York Public library is actually a really famous building, and it was featured in various blockbuster Hollywood films.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn78idulVTqi-nAJW2FiKiBNHH-l9Q8xNQWD5qTOxlSdxe2OOUYuMYYY0igEG18IGQiaeRuxzbEAxSV94nct-XKLsSRMGySk0UQZV5kGoQoamM4TGSZURgoVZtQ8_jcW421oQoqRXGcgs/s1600/thedayaftertomorrow07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn78idulVTqi-nAJW2FiKiBNHH-l9Q8xNQWD5qTOxlSdxe2OOUYuMYYY0igEG18IGQiaeRuxzbEAxSV94nct-XKLsSRMGySk0UQZV5kGoQoamM4TGSZURgoVZtQ8_jcW421oQoqRXGcgs/s320/thedayaftertomorrow07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Who can forget the apocalyptic scene in The Day After Tomorrow where the characters hide out from Mother Nature's fury in the New York Public Library?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqhuMkrCOhMGwS0tdu4rAlIOHJNY9fOZB4wqP6bt-Uh8MSAk-JhoaMJvw4wTudbMlAPH1jm8m72ZE17dT1mxxkp1JPKOrUqsz-DtXSBXvRF0LqoSQgcfaPLhjxbmeIPGHvR6HbFIPPI8/s1600/gb01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqhuMkrCOhMGwS0tdu4rAlIOHJNY9fOZB4wqP6bt-Uh8MSAk-JhoaMJvw4wTudbMlAPH1jm8m72ZE17dT1mxxkp1JPKOrUqsz-DtXSBXvRF0LqoSQgcfaPLhjxbmeIPGHvR6HbFIPPI8/s320/gb01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Or the goofy Ghostbusters busting ghosts in the vaults of the Library?</i></div>
The next recognizable building on New York street is the Rockefeller building right next to the Public Library.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRG51HZhIcIGlyUHOTGf4zzsgtkvCXBUoipveZDsZ3exJmGmUYjbbdfgOoi18JwM6iCj9G0r98-ZEv6MgT14A50VRPoWtxsDAmjMZQOtJDVcXE532PIHqwzZ76_qe1px8npDrHknSQdw/s1600/4371468523_edaae1d648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRG51HZhIcIGlyUHOTGf4zzsgtkvCXBUoipveZDsZ3exJmGmUYjbbdfgOoi18JwM6iCj9G0r98-ZEv6MgT14A50VRPoWtxsDAmjMZQOtJDVcXE532PIHqwzZ76_qe1px8npDrHknSQdw/s320/4371468523_edaae1d648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Remember this? - Image courtesy of SGsearchsite </i></div>
This facade is modelled after the famous Rockefeller complex located off 5th Ave. The statue of Atlas Carrying the World is modeled after the one below:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7FJCQZ9AwsI6oBMDBq2LrosHL_CxBV5iRz0dwbAzvI5r1HR8LrJlVsOra8CrVkNOm9aQJNOtV1RK5b4l9f1QxE7J8uEvlVyLMhOckBgu8KOcxJiVD7xtMU6CGsbsOfwq7IKl6zEMqj4/s1600/atlas-1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7FJCQZ9AwsI6oBMDBq2LrosHL_CxBV5iRz0dwbAzvI5r1HR8LrJlVsOra8CrVkNOm9aQJNOtV1RK5b4l9f1QxE7J8uEvlVyLMhOckBgu8KOcxJiVD7xtMU6CGsbsOfwq7IKl6zEMqj4/s320/atlas-1a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Rockefeller Center is well known for its public art program. The entire complex is literally filled with dramatic pieces of Art Deco works that celebrate the spirit and achievements of mankind.<br />
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The mural behind Atlas in Universal Studios Singapore is modeled after the mural above the main entrance to the Rockefeller building. Notice that in the photo, there is no mural behind Atlas in the original building.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcdaxqbZwik-C_Gi9adZOtY-wNnFLVcRHI4EZnhgTdd00LgmNPAgNFwKqa2W8FiBgSvSToBx_LJkZUj6aFReL5igiBx7qm-p2_-LHEHacbZx9LVu6rirTaWCIoc2nsPj7FdpekpHDLko/s1600/2752186680_da11942841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcdaxqbZwik-C_Gi9adZOtY-wNnFLVcRHI4EZnhgTdd00LgmNPAgNFwKqa2W8FiBgSvSToBx_LJkZUj6aFReL5igiBx7qm-p2_-LHEHacbZx9LVu6rirTaWCIoc2nsPj7FdpekpHDLko/s320/2752186680_da11942841.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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The shape of the facade also closely follows the original building. Forced perspective is put to great use here to give the impression of a tall building when the facade is actually only about 3 stories tall.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xMqvPBd9qGgJyN9hnFIVzFprX65eZmcQnUZY2DZ-GUt1MfDmHwFDmDf2l6UKxfIn2YVjtN7eQ9eVawdu-xW6WFobOY8G5ZStb_rakaOGsHrDQWKVfpyh30cfL1c4LntY3cf3U4tUFHc/s1600/rockefeller_center_amcrmar07_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xMqvPBd9qGgJyN9hnFIVzFprX65eZmcQnUZY2DZ-GUt1MfDmHwFDmDf2l6UKxfIn2YVjtN7eQ9eVawdu-xW6WFobOY8G5ZStb_rakaOGsHrDQWKVfpyh30cfL1c4LntY3cf3U4tUFHc/s320/rockefeller_center_amcrmar07_15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Notice the tapered design of the building</i></div>
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Who can forget the heartwarming scene in Home Alone 2 that was filmed in front of the Rockefeller center?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu_nFmu1-k9bgUMHjAsPDxlqou8UySSlQ1R1qTgeJtmVE6p2b8KQzGeKid9io5cGLeNjtC1owXTdc5hdxyiVlKY1iyh_oojY8MZPn0cs40_EQWqS_rWV6RZhTqHyMPmHywgNpRNU9qc4/s1600/homealone2_00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu_nFmu1-k9bgUMHjAsPDxlqou8UySSlQ1R1qTgeJtmVE6p2b8KQzGeKid9io5cGLeNjtC1owXTdc5hdxyiVlKY1iyh_oojY8MZPn0cs40_EQWqS_rWV6RZhTqHyMPmHywgNpRNU9qc4/s320/homealone2_00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next to the Rockefeller center is actually a small clock, above the Empire State Emporium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh-_RvoCyLUOP6Q4QmWBfflCc0_D06wdbhj2MI1Fo3IT_Bs6hPJPHNx_MJwCaUoaKpuakG_GEpWLlu1qikH7e_B8y1fbtKRGg0dRpfj5jWhowN-OaIwPq42gjHB2SPQC0Xiuy4NJmxBA/s1600/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh-_RvoCyLUOP6Q4QmWBfflCc0_D06wdbhj2MI1Fo3IT_Bs6hPJPHNx_MJwCaUoaKpuakG_GEpWLlu1qikH7e_B8y1fbtKRGg0dRpfj5jWhowN-OaIwPq42gjHB2SPQC0Xiuy4NJmxBA/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This clock is modelled after the facade of the famous Tiffany and Co on 5th Ave, as pictured below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8ME6EFf5yAFE-ndmDyWNx6qz79aYLGtigSnY2vCTpYFyt3TvKxcjsNC2z0JiZGN_Tnn867tkeXiPgl8-HmqembG7R1epzganbs6G4hcYfXHMf7K17xRpZkjhGDiIlpV3U5wBABy2WEE/s1600/Tiffany-fifth-ave-2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8ME6EFf5yAFE-ndmDyWNx6qz79aYLGtigSnY2vCTpYFyt3TvKxcjsNC2z0JiZGN_Tnn867tkeXiPgl8-HmqembG7R1epzganbs6G4hcYfXHMf7K17xRpZkjhGDiIlpV3U5wBABy2WEE/s320/Tiffany-fifth-ave-2007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Finally, the rest of the buildings on New York street is modelled after the Tenement style of architecture, found all over New York, as well as other cities along the East Coast, like Philadelphia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuIWZFmNrmL0yAE4xRL1cRrUrTppU4PHb62hCWU7KHMLA1iNCBOkDBus24SyWT4pb-wMNoAnYCx1hJnUO8GgbYsE9qQSJ9hgwNeWutEohh7wnOZ4nTjUuI1fT2tScOuYrUrVoITQfTDU/s1600/03+Universal+Studios+Singapore+USS+New+York+Zone+%2528Large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVuIWZFmNrmL0yAE4xRL1cRrUrTppU4PHb62hCWU7KHMLA1iNCBOkDBus24SyWT4pb-wMNoAnYCx1hJnUO8GgbYsE9qQSJ9hgwNeWutEohh7wnOZ4nTjUuI1fT2tScOuYrUrVoITQfTDU/s320/03+Universal+Studios+Singapore+USS+New+York+Zone+%2528Large%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Tenements of New York, USS</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Jkd9wsEF8992lI15wqZMPis083LDziOk0NrvKi_kWMiDuRfgpYN0_HirXXpQTvMvWmwxY70VckfExKwnnqd5sncG3qaqRQTEQZ4GPzsPBkxLR4i-fI3wM7X3I5HvuCYjCUlCi54GIM/s1600/img-0167-498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Jkd9wsEF8992lI15wqZMPis083LDziOk0NrvKi_kWMiDuRfgpYN0_HirXXpQTvMvWmwxY70VckfExKwnnqd5sncG3qaqRQTEQZ4GPzsPBkxLR4i-fI3wM7X3I5HvuCYjCUlCi54GIM/s320/img-0167-498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Tenements of New York, USA</i></div>
Such architecture is characteristic of New York, and was constructed in the 1800s to respond to the huge population boom due to the rise of the industrial factories in New York. You can see this style of architecture in famous movies like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUD9yjtiGz5AAv8DzYnZL7gCgKUuPOjh4LyXZNmajCCSUSs9yZtbjuO5CqPC_OF9XVDQwDvthubSp7eVJrtHsneke41YFjXfvoRsW6HV-j1CpvuBN3Lsj8hR3WnrfOyIuVnuArjnIwCY/s1600/WestSideStory-719201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUD9yjtiGz5AAv8DzYnZL7gCgKUuPOjh4LyXZNmajCCSUSs9yZtbjuO5CqPC_OF9XVDQwDvthubSp7eVJrtHsneke41YFjXfvoRsW6HV-j1CpvuBN3Lsj8hR3WnrfOyIuVnuArjnIwCY/s320/WestSideStory-719201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>West Side Story</i></div>
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That concludes our tour of New York street. Do look out for more posts in the future.Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-28889088553411742332012-10-21T14:54:00.000+08:002012-10-21T14:54:12.082+08:00HHN2 Insanitarium BlueprintBelow is the blueprint for the Insanitarium Maze in Halloween Horror Nights 2. Although this is not the actual blueprints used in the construction of the maze, it is based on an accurate source. The layout is accurate, though it is not draw to scale.
Watch out for more updates about HHN2 coming soon!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn257bkiAseqjP-FOlppPxxriRXd3Py2dFVRHuAiHIEnlKsGQUMofgKjWbfBiIZYtnlbo6pnJajIiuPJN1IS7Evlw3H8DslRyVkttzrSjeiWD8Nufby3th0JTcJ-3Qmr92q27pm67A18/s1600/HHN2InsanitariumBlueprint1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn257bkiAseqjP-FOlppPxxriRXd3Py2dFVRHuAiHIEnlKsGQUMofgKjWbfBiIZYtnlbo6pnJajIiuPJN1IS7Evlw3H8DslRyVkttzrSjeiWD8Nufby3th0JTcJ-3Qmr92q27pm67A18/s400/HHN2InsanitariumBlueprint1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-29957780483989386332012-07-21T21:38:00.001+08:002012-07-21T21:41:00.173+08:00Yilun Audio Tours Relaunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfql_QlTXo_hobvhNS0N4V1ZeY1hzw4NK5afe61xUlIO3BaepxX6dTy8HLX6YaIjpT1kUD5cAEgTPm0fFSCFLbddRQsNfekjNkzSuDt2X2xfR9cCV0BSJv-bPdeQzwUIhdRVHUr8UnP0/s1600/RelaunchPublicity1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfql_QlTXo_hobvhNS0N4V1ZeY1hzw4NK5afe61xUlIO3BaepxX6dTy8HLX6YaIjpT1kUD5cAEgTPm0fFSCFLbddRQsNfekjNkzSuDt2X2xfR9cCV0BSJv-bPdeQzwUIhdRVHUr8UnP0/s400/RelaunchPublicity1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yilun Audio Tours, the sister podcast of this blog, will be back on 1st August after a successful first season. Look out for exciting shows, reviews, interviews, walking guides, and more at <a href="http://yiluntours.wordpress.com/">yiluntours.wordpress.com</a><br />
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Subscribe to the show through RSS at <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/yilunaudiotours">http://feeds.feedburner.com/yilunaudiotours</a> to check out the show's archive, which includes exciting episodes covering USS's Halloween Horror Nights 2011, "Live" walking tour of Universal Studios Singapore, Audio Walking Tour of Singapore River, City Hall, Civic District, Fort Canning, and more!<br />
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Traveling through Singapore just got easier.Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-11615519469825410992012-07-15T01:00:00.000+08:002012-07-15T01:00:01.203+08:00Universal Studios Singapore Aeriel Map<span style="font-style:italic;">This is a consolidation of the series of articles I've posted for the past few months.<br /></span><br />I was recently on Bing maps and found a really vivid, saturated satellite photo of Resorts World Singapore. Here it is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ft7V1X2-_8Fu3I6Px4JnkIoPcUwQGokyz4TWwHQ0Qd4I0TuFQJGfjEG01Phz-hWWdr_T9ThyphenhyphendZGD7TVwOEoJVhAGDP6rQoR7slmwO-Y8PsT0KwJ3VEuDfxtSV4C9VOGrMvTmOfKERco/s1600/USS1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ft7V1X2-_8Fu3I6Px4JnkIoPcUwQGokyz4TWwHQ0Qd4I0TuFQJGfjEG01Phz-hWWdr_T9ThyphenhyphendZGD7TVwOEoJVhAGDP6rQoR7slmwO-Y8PsT0KwJ3VEuDfxtSV4C9VOGrMvTmOfKERco/s400/USS1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700721260179374082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Though this map is slightly old, and does not show the construction progress at the east zone of RWS, it is still very informative, and shows us lots of details on the layout of the resort.<br /><br />Let's start with the basic layout of the entire Resorts World Sentosa development. This integrated resort is located on the North side of Sentosa island, facing mainland Singapore. The resort is split into 3 main areas, the West zone, Central zone and the East zone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-KrR2ojUozbMytk9K9Jd0hO-TrCggboTyi9Nzp6L8eZywRnY-3LtkMKABn62jyUuYgxtgHdbiq9oqMWIv5PuKpfSv0MwzJZpGMYi7KUBBbTF7swEodIfo4ivIYc-Vq3DA68yMI49lM4/s1600/USS2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-KrR2ojUozbMytk9K9Jd0hO-TrCggboTyi9Nzp6L8eZywRnY-3LtkMKABn62jyUuYgxtgHdbiq9oqMWIv5PuKpfSv0MwzJZpGMYi7KUBBbTF7swEodIfo4ivIYc-Vq3DA68yMI49lM4/s400/USS2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700721265882751762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Let's begin with the park itself. Universal Studios Singapore is a highly compact park located at the West zone of the resort. It is surrounded by the service roads leading in and out of the Sentosa Island on three sides, and the monorail track on the fourth. The park, as you can see, is very built up, and has little empty spaces within its boundaries.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ft7V1X2-_8Fu3I6Px4JnkIoPcUwQGokyz4TWwHQ0Qd4I0TuFQJGfjEG01Phz-hWWdr_T9ThyphenhyphendZGD7TVwOEoJVhAGDP6rQoR7slmwO-Y8PsT0KwJ3VEuDfxtSV4C9VOGrMvTmOfKERco/s1600/USS1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ft7V1X2-_8Fu3I6Px4JnkIoPcUwQGokyz4TWwHQ0Qd4I0TuFQJGfjEG01Phz-hWWdr_T9ThyphenhyphendZGD7TVwOEoJVhAGDP6rQoR7slmwO-Y8PsT0KwJ3VEuDfxtSV4C9VOGrMvTmOfKERco/s400/USS1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700721260179374082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The entrance of the park. As can be seen from the image, the entire entrance plaza is highly shaded, and the Universal Studios globe is located in the center. The entrance of the park is located directly under the pair of monorail tracks that links Sentosa to mainland Singapore. The entire Hollywood area is under the shades of the canopy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzarFgNjRwtNI0mkpM0zu-FkIwbnRAbB71P2zHqz0o0EJga4ZxdC7AWNvu4_jVEWBo1Ut8d5oiVv0WjvQ7gcqCY5Wv4ysJo2NIIPOTENOhFcFPqy92U4N9-JHB-6xwtdZNbxMqCUm-mM/s1600/USS3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzarFgNjRwtNI0mkpM0zu-FkIwbnRAbB71P2zHqz0o0EJga4ZxdC7AWNvu4_jVEWBo1Ut8d5oiVv0WjvQ7gcqCY5Wv4ysJo2NIIPOTENOhFcFPqy92U4N9-JHB-6xwtdZNbxMqCUm-mM/s400/USS3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700721264372786962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To the right of the entrance plaza, you can see a really interesting channel behind the Madagascar show building. This is the maintenance boat channel of the ride. Here's a bit of speculation: there are two blue rectangular objects floating in the channel. Were the original boats to the ride blue?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0wxZnyk5Ul_Gosz4esn-aKzriDvuAY0zLvFCoH7Z5GOHH7HqhFknkBdNETxaXmjFEMXxRv04VbHpArEUi8HZuFkXxc3E2MuW82L0w4Q2NosSlK9uriEoZbyCRusVr6JzRiNu0hsVCz0/s1600/USS4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0wxZnyk5Ul_Gosz4esn-aKzriDvuAY0zLvFCoH7Z5GOHH7HqhFknkBdNETxaXmjFEMXxRv04VbHpArEUi8HZuFkXxc3E2MuW82L0w4Q2NosSlK9uriEoZbyCRusVr6JzRiNu0hsVCz0/s400/USS4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700721274706695730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Looking at the layout of the Pantages theater, you can roughly see 3 distinct sections to the building. The front facade with the spire is visible. The first section of the building, the lobby, is the narrow arched shaped portion behind the facade. The next section is the main seating area. You can see that the seating area starts with a broad back, and tapers towards the stage. Finally, the stage area is the small rectangle at the very back of the building. You can see that the stage isn't very big relative to the entire building. Behind the stage, you can see the backstage loading docks used to bring in big set pieces to the theater.<br /><br />You can of course see the Brown Derby hat store sticking out from the side of the theater.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3qRxE3GJKh4WaQ7pYJ2uJYynqNjl3Jcq8gnkH5aO3eCbHyN4XKxSonBVcE95uC2YtSFvS-FhlBoirH3IyBYd_-ZL4n4cGd1NfYt99vt2TvZnIKj8fRfJPxx3ENarVTI97WHSHJUJkr4/s1600/USS5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3qRxE3GJKh4WaQ7pYJ2uJYynqNjl3Jcq8gnkH5aO3eCbHyN4XKxSonBVcE95uC2YtSFvS-FhlBoirH3IyBYd_-ZL4n4cGd1NfYt99vt2TvZnIKj8fRfJPxx3ENarVTI97WHSHJUJkr4/s400/USS5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700721276757750770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mel's Dine In and KT's grill. You can see the distinct curve of Mel's Drive In next to the lagoon. You can also see KT's grill attached right next to Mel's, and I bet that both restaurants share the same kitchen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WSY2Fr34TxYc-NXKuu7muHXu629vUHbilCkVbWeLzOIlKQOZp2pnPRTAjpollh1q730F45FCZHuOWpUOPz4-Rzs7AuQvfIrYpuWSA7RzYpZCZbK_wf48okIDFUChbwjeu1f6skfAKrU/s1600/USS6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WSY2Fr34TxYc-NXKuu7muHXu629vUHbilCkVbWeLzOIlKQOZp2pnPRTAjpollh1q730F45FCZHuOWpUOPz4-Rzs7AuQvfIrYpuWSA7RzYpZCZbK_wf48okIDFUChbwjeu1f6skfAKrU/s400/USS6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700723020401677186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Moving on to New York zone of the park, the first major building is the Stage 28 soundstage. As you can see, the stage is actually made of 2 distinct soundstages, perhaps one for the walk-through attraction, and one as a MICE venue? Halloween Horror Night's maze was built at the rectangular soundstage next to the monorail station. Located right next to the Soundstages is the backstage area, as seen from the corrugated metal roofing.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIP5FbcuSeO8-FTGKuIoITapAtpEAvC4EmlWNLdpC8hfuDJpVxF_IB_FGezosTiFmTWXEhcJWVU0QsAGTBU4d0HuxRBkmuFUuU4coN_waURgExOI4a7RDuVEvCGg09jGfVoSn4sbLF_A/s1600/USS7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIP5FbcuSeO8-FTGKuIoITapAtpEAvC4EmlWNLdpC8hfuDJpVxF_IB_FGezosTiFmTWXEhcJWVU0QsAGTBU4d0HuxRBkmuFUuU4coN_waURgExOI4a7RDuVEvCGg09jGfVoSn4sbLF_A/s400/USS7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700723020855458850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Right next to the cast members' backstage area is a huge patch of open space currently undeveloped. This is a really nice spot for expansion, with nearly enough space to fit an attraction the size of Transformers. Given that this plot of land directly faces the New York street, it is then highly likely that a future attraction might be built here.<br /><br />Next to this patch of land is the rather uninspiring air-conditioning compressor tower.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZC3Lm-UNOsZCVVjh-BlkL9vcPKP5cz-Z_FDNHWifohzLym_-1PTGYzJVhv0vtxF8BzZZp-tjpBjBxCwEsDUd9zQeVqa1t1MEmm8TcwPkreGfkFNTLIAq4rQdfSHG5neeDPZMQiX3bE0/s1600/USS8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZC3Lm-UNOsZCVVjh-BlkL9vcPKP5cz-Z_FDNHWifohzLym_-1PTGYzJVhv0vtxF8BzZZp-tjpBjBxCwEsDUd9zQeVqa1t1MEmm8TcwPkreGfkFNTLIAq4rQdfSHG5neeDPZMQiX3bE0/s400/USS8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700723026932492818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Moving on, as you can see, the New York street is really just a thin facade constructed with no structure behind it. The Rockefeller center facade and the New York Public library facade leads to nowhere.<br /><br />Lights, Cameras, Action is housed in another rectangular soundstage, right next to the lagoon. As you can see, the queue to the show is housed under the corrugated metal roof right next to the small alleyway of New York. The building also shares the space with the Sci-Fi city restaurant, as one side of the building faces the Sci-fi city area. The still vacant Sci-Fi stage is located at the side of this showbuilding.<br /><br />Speaking of Sci-Fi city, the Transformers ride building is located behind the New York Public library facade of New York street. This show building is not very big, and wedged in this awkard location. Adjacent to the showbuilding is the queue building for the Transformers ride, with happens to house the gift shop as well as some toilets too.<br /><br />The Accelerator ride is wedged in this small plot of land between the walkways and the Battlestar Galactica ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Twe7aJP1uW4OzaWGf0NgDQa5fTkbMiRi1q9sZDddh3fHQv4h7mlTVMSNKy3g_dcnIR1fgnmNokfou6JMNOjZlfPJpUr_Y98EAPkPzbTVslCuWWCU8YqWcouoGwOOsR2-uEpWW3VEoBA/s1600/USS9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Twe7aJP1uW4OzaWGf0NgDQa5fTkbMiRi1q9sZDddh3fHQv4h7mlTVMSNKy3g_dcnIR1fgnmNokfou6JMNOjZlfPJpUr_Y98EAPkPzbTVslCuWWCU8YqWcouoGwOOsR2-uEpWW3VEoBA/s400/USS9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700723028803520898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As for Battlestar Galactica the ride, the queue for both sides starts off at the plaza, before meandering under the track paths, before finally heading into the indoor queue building. It is actually the same building for both sides of the queue, and the loading station is actually just next to each other, separated by a thin wall. You can also see the two vehicle repair stations at the extreme ends of the ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhys_9e2S4L2qN0vHAnLh2Qvg0cUKx2uc6b-iWOC1x0fZjLee_2BsVJaWQriFI1pMKpRvStZLzvWs3_ZVoDaDY1faAsRqH5uRLFySFzaGLeybVQ7TxZf_Ij2zbI1EyF3YBDtKmTETadL7g/s1600/USS10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 321px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhys_9e2S4L2qN0vHAnLh2Qvg0cUKx2uc6b-iWOC1x0fZjLee_2BsVJaWQriFI1pMKpRvStZLzvWs3_ZVoDaDY1faAsRqH5uRLFySFzaGLeybVQ7TxZf_Ij2zbI1EyF3YBDtKmTETadL7g/s400/USS10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700723032007991106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Moving on to Ancient Egypt. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FTqUYdiKfop34RDu4kC83JJpuA1ua96QLslPn8zoLQ6nWHy4inkNDt_a-tGbxlgsCHuEgMKhpjjnoiOZc_5RSXm1tC_pHFm51SIJUPVPdFNSA-aPqOMJrnGeKj-2YK60CbVGA2sus6U/s1600/USS11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 323px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FTqUYdiKfop34RDu4kC83JJpuA1ua96QLslPn8zoLQ6nWHy4inkNDt_a-tGbxlgsCHuEgMKhpjjnoiOZc_5RSXm1tC_pHFm51SIJUPVPdFNSA-aPqOMJrnGeKj-2YK60CbVGA2sus6U/s400/USS11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701042488286861810" /></a><br /><br />The monstrosity of a building in this zone is the Revenge of the Mummy ride building. As you can see, the entrance facade of the building is off-center and tilted with reference to the ride building. On the roof of the show building is also the largest Photovoltaic roof of the entire resort. The ride exits from the right of the building, and you can see the small gift shop attached to the massive show building.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ZESHrFElCQPpFwaTZEJ55icJoNHUT9VabW6G0Vy9jF_xN9gqyFjIGvLrxGf8drV3dqTMWKz80Ftf6uWfTWzAkZUceZktwyC4nTD_X8-wfJiqGzgq3hQUcIpNtERPYt9fgKS5zJpjL8/s1600/USS12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6ZESHrFElCQPpFwaTZEJ55icJoNHUT9VabW6G0Vy9jF_xN9gqyFjIGvLrxGf8drV3dqTMWKz80Ftf6uWfTWzAkZUceZktwyC4nTD_X8-wfJiqGzgq3hQUcIpNtERPYt9fgKS5zJpjL8/s400/USS12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701042492954981906" /></a><br /><br />The ancient Egypt zone also contains a restaurant and Treasure Hunters ride. The restaurant is a small building located across the pathway from Revenge of the Mummy the ride. The Treasure Hunters queue building across from the restaurant. The ride path for Treasure Hunters is essentially a 8 that spans the waterfront area of the zone.<br /><br />Next up is Jurassic Park.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12HpbEQE5hcdZgMKZ3NLFDzdIow7yU0zakiFL55AzotoCCzcsFUzaT_8WVlRYucFquV6LLRiSLf463DhadJASVqbvf3qjaPL_YyjW3NEK9wJgFnkQB5SxQsfg4cZCC92yRnCda78R7gQ/s1600/USS16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12HpbEQE5hcdZgMKZ3NLFDzdIow7yU0zakiFL55AzotoCCzcsFUzaT_8WVlRYucFquV6LLRiSLf463DhadJASVqbvf3qjaPL_YyjW3NEK9wJgFnkQB5SxQsfg4cZCC92yRnCda78R7gQ/s400/USS16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701045431083108994" /></a><br /><br />Jurassic Park food court. Nothing interesting here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-uyJ0wGdh3c7c7BE3QS_t3JggHoG65bW0-TYWHYkBH8y8kQ7-5PBmrP3lleu4NkuWssdfSE74XrW9H3dyk2bvY6DsG1iiVStVIfcaWVkYeuy4Ip1ncA7ioGdeUSg0QuETBd0Rr2t2Zo/s1600/USS15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-uyJ0wGdh3c7c7BE3QS_t3JggHoG65bW0-TYWHYkBH8y8kQ7-5PBmrP3lleu4NkuWssdfSE74XrW9H3dyk2bvY6DsG1iiVStVIfcaWVkYeuy4Ip1ncA7ioGdeUSg0QuETBd0Rr2t2Zo/s400/USS15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701045427730111506" /></a><br /><br />The Jurassic Park area is really a small tangle of paths with small carnival rides well hidden in thick vegetation. The Canopy Flyers ride is anther attraction shaped in an 8, with a tight loop over the splashdown area of Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Amber Rock climb is a pathetic slab of artificial rock bolted to the walls of the Waterworld theater.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdPXr8MtB5DwlTyID2GdUWc834oHcNo9HvBXUAehn_fg7_bAVOha_fWOQ-LqGljsuYdycoawPffymntPJP16oP6xgFwhBNRMqc58pUgKG42LNuQ-3xM33RuZZgR5ix08GN4hvG1ac9aA/s1600/USS14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdPXr8MtB5DwlTyID2GdUWc834oHcNo9HvBXUAehn_fg7_bAVOha_fWOQ-LqGljsuYdycoawPffymntPJP16oP6xgFwhBNRMqc58pUgKG42LNuQ-3xM33RuZZgR5ix08GN4hvG1ac9aA/s400/USS14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701045425313855298" /></a><br /><br />The Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure is actually compacted into a very small plot of land, with the ride path wound into many S turns. This compact layout gives rise many interesting features. The Parasaurolophus lagoon is directly back to back with the final splashdown, the rocky section of the ride is constructed to hide the boundaries of the park and the indoor show building of the ride. The indoor section of the ride is really just a boat channel with walls and a roof built over it, and the final splashdown is just two small elevator shafts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI5T_nHfQC1IpMq1CCcS5HNx2mC7skFsEvpAzXB4uST9MJAZPHVbf-k3wJYfGEtDSlI_n4FOlk1R2Cesyoi02Hk0h6yE00-WjBi7KTcEkM2fSaGm851-1UIt9ftN2pkc_SzfVv1frLkk/s1600/USS13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI5T_nHfQC1IpMq1CCcS5HNx2mC7skFsEvpAzXB4uST9MJAZPHVbf-k3wJYfGEtDSlI_n4FOlk1R2Cesyoi02Hk0h6yE00-WjBi7KTcEkM2fSaGm851-1UIt9ftN2pkc_SzfVv1frLkk/s400/USS13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701045424704989058" /></a><br /><br />The Waterworld stadium is a classic C shaped amphitheater with a lagoon in the center. There is a small backstage lagoon at the right side of the stage, where the vehicles are parked when no in show. You can also see the tracks where the water plane launches from behind the stage facade. Over here is also where the backstage perimeter road is the most obvious.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGDTfA1EbSNKwCR_6clmzwFTw5CI-wmUENu7pqm_LOCnwUTXrpYL9zobn_DeIzqzxss0uRQrSmaQDqo5GtE6igV56Vr-JaC-pjkEuD4ibCcsZHmh2xcwcaDB62jUuEmJZRKl5ZdOe-hw/s1600/USS17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGDTfA1EbSNKwCR_6clmzwFTw5CI-wmUENu7pqm_LOCnwUTXrpYL9zobn_DeIzqzxss0uRQrSmaQDqo5GtE6igV56Vr-JaC-pjkEuD4ibCcsZHmh2xcwcaDB62jUuEmJZRKl5ZdOe-hw/s400/USS17.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701045439242760706" /></a><br /><br />There is a curious plot of land beside the Waterworld queue, which also leads to the back portion of the Romeo Drive in Far Far Away. Perhaps this is also a possible spot for expansion? It is sizable enough to hold an attraction like Madagascar.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bjWbOUZZ_3TZQtQPCmn32SKVdCNAZF_EW72QG929w8K_RXiTrwI5f2WxlpynlD0W50ziRiEJbc1UlGbmaYgXZZTvDtah0nbjXBKMvIZxTsKceigUegKA9h_sRgbcLMgFmvTvyZ5W4WI/s1600/USS18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 357px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bjWbOUZZ_3TZQtQPCmn32SKVdCNAZF_EW72QG929w8K_RXiTrwI5f2WxlpynlD0W50ziRiEJbc1UlGbmaYgXZZTvDtah0nbjXBKMvIZxTsKceigUegKA9h_sRgbcLMgFmvTvyZ5W4WI/s400/USS18.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701045821203928946" /></a><br /><br />Moving on to the Shrek area. Far Far Away is an interesting land, consisting of a main thoroughfare and many side meanders, as well as Romeo Drive which dead ends at a smokers' zone. There is a small stretch of water channel that flows between FFA and Lost World. This is the docks where boats and the like can park, and easily go into the lagoon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpFKTSR8lnfVEBGjrL1uCryHroMOCkhba8pmF0XY0ddCuOFAgtuvRwwTJAdfDybDO814-_T7nrXrPKaTRjE2zNG1jciyVs7g9gqqG_h9phOZZYMh3dIoYdFk7_SjTwa5yfOfgKLrOT-g/s1600/USS20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpFKTSR8lnfVEBGjrL1uCryHroMOCkhba8pmF0XY0ddCuOFAgtuvRwwTJAdfDybDO814-_T7nrXrPKaTRjE2zNG1jciyVs7g9gqqG_h9phOZZYMh3dIoYdFk7_SjTwa5yfOfgKLrOT-g/s400/USS20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701048850105547026" /></a><br /><br />Shrek castle has a really interesting layout. On the left side of the building houses the Shrek 4D theater, and we can see from the Ariel map that the rectangle to the left is the preshow area, while the big rectangle behind the castle is the main theater. The theater empties out into a long corridor in the middle of the building, which is actually the retail shop. On the right side of the building, facing Romeo Drive, lies Donkey live. This attraction's queue is hosed under the blue roofing, while the preshow building is located next to it. The main show space is marked by the rectangular box and lots of air condition pipes above it. The main show area empties out into the same central axis which is the gift shop.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbdEtUOV3s8WiAv_RYv90J_BJ3n6EZDmZ81jQ1mJjZs2O6aNJiC0L6N1UQHEPI5Qtl5ohk5TOka1_1Se4dzDgd6CN_MjofSjmmoc9eN71OvULqiqF3y8lfWM_OzZrT6TWXvxghAL8HGY/s1600/USS19.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbdEtUOV3s8WiAv_RYv90J_BJ3n6EZDmZ81jQ1mJjZs2O6aNJiC0L6N1UQHEPI5Qtl5ohk5TOka1_1Se4dzDgd6CN_MjofSjmmoc9eN71OvULqiqF3y8lfWM_OzZrT6TWXvxghAL8HGY/s400/USS19.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701048848645026914" /></a><br /><br />The kiddie coaster at FFA is highly compact. Next to the tracks is the Shrek house where he meets the guests.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_gnhQeV3mzCI6z7iLWWp4GGdexAZTTug1xY0LCc-HEMAFhBEcKSiY80AgjEKelgT6g4X-9WEbgwRHcZFoC0W7i4Ixn2URFhcD-OrjfHy0Npjsq4VDilURt2og68pgJAeCAv15Y2GnE0/s1600/USS21.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_gnhQeV3mzCI6z7iLWWp4GGdexAZTTug1xY0LCc-HEMAFhBEcKSiY80AgjEKelgT6g4X-9WEbgwRHcZFoC0W7i4Ixn2URFhcD-OrjfHy0Npjsq4VDilURt2og68pgJAeCAv15Y2GnE0/s400/USS21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701048851173487570" /></a><br /><br />Finally, Madagascar. The restaurant in Madagascar is shown by the big building here. The slightly raised area is the kitchen, while the rest of the building is the seating area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDNTghfpC6x2E1WSY-ZGz7WnFc9_UgJftewANIfaTsiHNETFSDg8j2RSoWsacRq4uKhPZRvXtIzIbIad0Frzt1PQqN75iM7Ge1eqOQI4qMxY6ZqJjwt-RAC6JrK4Wt8OgwFcCGi45SC0/s1600/USS22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDNTghfpC6x2E1WSY-ZGz7WnFc9_UgJftewANIfaTsiHNETFSDg8j2RSoWsacRq4uKhPZRvXtIzIbIad0Frzt1PQqN75iM7Ge1eqOQI4qMxY6ZqJjwt-RAC6JrK4Wt8OgwFcCGi45SC0/s400/USS22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701049850642032082" /></a><br /><br />The Madagascar ride show building is really interesting. It consists of the queue and the main indoor show building. The queue is the bright yellow area you can see from the picture. The main show building is clad in a facade that is made to look like a big cargo ship. The slightly raised portion of the show building is where the rumored second level of the ride is (which is abandoned due to technical difficulties). The ride exits to a small green hut at the other end of the queue, which happens to be the gift shop.<br /><br />That's it. Hope you have enjoyed this article.Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-45435542963645953052012-04-03T01:00:00.000+08:002012-04-03T01:00:05.647+08:00Madagascar Ride Review Full Post<i>This is a consolidated post of the series of articles on Madagascar: A Crate Adventure</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">General Feelings</span></div>This much anticipated ride is an excellent case of anticipointment. After delayed opening for more than a year, this ride finally opens, but with a mediocre ride experience. The scenes are cute, and well constructed, albeit with rather simple animatronics and a lack of excitement. It serves well as a kiddie ride, much along the lines of Small World, and is definitely not an E-ticket.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Facade</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrU5YBl9YsVV-p0kJkq7ps15pzhCUGeufcBGNzGdZbPIOm-tlaR9KvSkIzC9c0Xz3hyphenhyphenN-G-q52_bh8hFDURKYkv36GPrcjBwF48byThw1BSpcDeeQmfW8YkjlKoqnKe6VPlZrrZ0Khk4/s1600/madfacade.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrU5YBl9YsVV-p0kJkq7ps15pzhCUGeufcBGNzGdZbPIOm-tlaR9KvSkIzC9c0Xz3hyphenhyphenN-G-q52_bh8hFDURKYkv36GPrcjBwF48byThw1BSpcDeeQmfW8YkjlKoqnKe6VPlZrrZ0Khk4/s400/madfacade.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683748906906451666" border="0" /></a><br />Entrance to the Madagascar ride is located in the Madagascar zone. The pathway leading to the ride is part of the main thoroughfare of the park, and is highly themed with lush vegetation (though fake) right out of the colorful animated forests in the movies. The ride building is covered in a giant facade of the cargo ship from the movies, and dominated the skyline along that side of the park. The entrance 0f the attraction is not directly located at the ship facade, but is instead a distance away, at a small amusement park style entryway with the four characters sculpted on the marquee. The queue is divided into two, one for those with Universal Express, and the other for regular guests.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The queue</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7HlTLYUheSBK-uRgWNaZTP-Kn-2Ysdc2nnC72lrlg9lw76MUg8g8JvunT5YDZtF5GwqqHipB5-TQ0IHUej4gwc90ddegLHb7_FUxDP6uZ9lheyrME8K_6-ZEEqhNg5dPPYuy-0iGTr4/s1600/Madque.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7HlTLYUheSBK-uRgWNaZTP-Kn-2Ysdc2nnC72lrlg9lw76MUg8g8JvunT5YDZtF5GwqqHipB5-TQ0IHUej4gwc90ddegLHb7_FUxDP6uZ9lheyrME8K_6-ZEEqhNg5dPPYuy-0iGTr4/s400/Madque.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683750716624121154" border="0" /></a><br />The queue is gigantic. It is located outdoors, covered by a vast canopy. The queue consists mainly of switchbacks, nicely themed as bamboo trunks. This area is kept windy by a crazy ventilation system that makes a heck lot of noise. There are cute light fixtures hanging from the canopy that is reminiscent of the lights that Marty had hanging on his party hut in the first movie. There are also television monitors along the queue that plays news loops reporting on the animals' departure from the New York zoo, in an attempt to fill guests who haven't watched the films on the backstroke. On top of all that, the soundtrack from two of the Madagascar films are also blaring.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Loading Dock</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5V9564SMpqbxRiffzoIAomcr7MlNlZXsPJ-4BTxAzJhbkEeLXCs2snMDAy1jW0QXOQvVSYMrRXEL-e0t7PFpIuOom-n2TATvbOqfmp5bRKFN36Q4Hc79rHs3pxHK2sFIq5dNFmLXqsJ0/s1600/P1070634.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5V9564SMpqbxRiffzoIAomcr7MlNlZXsPJ-4BTxAzJhbkEeLXCs2snMDAy1jW0QXOQvVSYMrRXEL-e0t7PFpIuOom-n2TATvbOqfmp5bRKFN36Q4Hc79rHs3pxHK2sFIq5dNFmLXqsJ0/s400/P1070634.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683752571430906114" border="0" /></a>The loading dock is manned by cast members dressed in ranger clothing. The system there consists of two loading spots back to back, with the boarding guests on the left and the exit to the right. Loading is not very efficient, and takes quite a while for the guests to get on and off. The cast is generally cheerful, and can be seen to be working their best to compensate for the inefficiency of the system.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Boat </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOtO9J0_Kn1qBQBkiyxwJRAg0eKIZHTFcGnQo7zmL7x7DEOCb8xROEm90VPI_W7JtIlJkWxGlhvTB6o0po72DoF9eV_RublR0V0F7_GBM-xGBnyYGf-BHUNzETzgoYsZbChKY6gR2xCM/s1600/Madagascar_fun_short_lived-topImage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOtO9J0_Kn1qBQBkiyxwJRAg0eKIZHTFcGnQo7zmL7x7DEOCb8xROEm90VPI_W7JtIlJkWxGlhvTB6o0po72DoF9eV_RublR0V0F7_GBM-xGBnyYGf-BHUNzETzgoYsZbChKY6gR2xCM/s400/Madagascar_fun_short_lived-topImage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683752422401743394" border="0" /></a><br />Guests will step into the boat, which is 5 rows long and sits 3 per row. The two seats at the sides doubles up as steps for the guests to step in. There is a redundant lap bar that the cast members have to lower. The boat is themed as a boxy crate, and is painted with bright colors. The boat is floating on the water, and is entirely driven by the currents, with no tracks, no motors etc. Bumpers in the form of rollers are installed at the two sides to prevent the boat from crashing into the walls of the trough.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Entry</span><br />The boat floats lazily through the trough outdoors before slowly making its way to the entry into the show building. The entry is themed as a cut out opening to the ship. A gush of cool air from the air conditioning welcomes the guest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 1: Cargo storage</span><br />The boats enters a utilitarian-like room in a ship, with bolts and nuts clearly visible on the walls, and nautical lights hanging from the ceiling. This room is reminiscent of the ships from the golden days of sea-faring, like the Unicorn in Tin Tin movie. Cargo crates are stacked along the sides. The voices of Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman emerge from the crates one by one, discussing their situation.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Hey can you hear me? Its me, its me, Alex!" - Alex</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">"Hey is that you? Talk to me buddy! We're being sent away!" - Marty</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">"What do you mean sent away?" - Gloria</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 2: The Bridge</span><br />The boats then goes past a illuminated screen with the silhouette of the captain, drinking from his mug. The 3 penguins then emerge and whack the captain unconscious, before taking control of the steering wheel.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 3: The Storm</span><br />The boat the goes into another room. A(n animated) porthole offers the guests a view of the choppy seas outside, along with a crate floating on the sea. The room is dimly lit, and to heighten the tension and make the experience more authentic, wind is blown onto the guests and sirens blare.<br /><br />The boat then floats past two tall stacks of crates. One of the crate stacks suddenly collapses, almost threatening to hit the guests. Effect is achieved by sliding individual crates away from each other. See diagram.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRagSB783uxlMzvOf3VOHTj7mwAHOFGQjFPW87IIRgd97ih85yO1X1bZxjJSzoLPtWmMi0RE_LOVOIoFSJqssljdazIEZ54ZreMvWVNTVlKezMO_WjKJTPRFrqDO6MmNQ5HfQSS258PA/s1600/FallingCratesEffect.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRagSB783uxlMzvOf3VOHTj7mwAHOFGQjFPW87IIRgd97ih85yO1X1bZxjJSzoLPtWmMi0RE_LOVOIoFSJqssljdazIEZ54ZreMvWVNTVlKezMO_WjKJTPRFrqDO6MmNQ5HfQSS258PA/s400/FallingCratesEffect.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683760788454976818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 4: The Beach-up </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 4: The Beach-up</span><br />After the storm, the boats beached up in the calm sunny beaches of Madagascar. Alex is the first character to be seen, breaking out of his crate. One interesting detail is the "days without steak" carving on his crate. Then it is Melman, with his signature complains about his sickness. Gloria then appears, with starfishes covering her essentials. Finally, Marty appears, lounging in his party hut, apparently getting very comfortable in the new environment. One fun thing to do is to look back, and you will see the other side of the cargo ship, as well as a huge anchor in the sand.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">"Alright boys, party's over" - Gloria<br />"This is frak-a-lacking" - Marty<br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 5: Penguins</span><br />In this scene, the 3 penguins are studying the map of Madagascar.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"This map's written in code"</span><br />"We are going into hostile territory"<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> - Skipper<br /><br /></span></div> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scene 6: Danger Ahead</span><br />This section takes place in a heavily themed jungle section, with low ambient lighting and fog effects. We start with seeing Melman looking at the "Turn Back!(Before it is too late)" sign. Then Marty appears, with half his butt being swallowed by a carnivorous plant. A fun thing to look out for is a hidden "Kuala Lumpur 354km" sign. Then there are more carnivorous plants along the trough, and the soundtrack here is foreboding.<br /><br />The next section starts with Alex stuck on a spider web, and Marty trying to help him out. We move on to see more spider webs, with spider animations squeaking "How'do you do?" in incrementally higher pitches. We also go past an animatronics crocodile, and see Gloria swing overhead on a snake.<br /><br />This is also where the entrance to the maintenance dock for the boats are.<br /><br />In the next scene, we see the monkeys, and they start flinging poo at you, rather unexpectedly. (The poo is actually water)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">"If you have poo, fling it!" - Monkey</div><br /><br /><b>Scene 7: Move it Move it</b><br /><br />At the entrance to this scene is a pair of giant green leaf-like gates, with projections of the silhouette of small animals dancing. The door then opens up to reveal a party in full swing. The lemurs are dancing to the beat.<br /><br /><b>Scene 8: Foosa</b><br /><br />King Julien informs the "New York Giants" about the foosa attacks, and the gang are determined to fight the foosas. As the boat turns a corner, we see the Mort (the small hamster like creature that got chased by a shark in Madagascar 2) being seasoned by the foosas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x8uKXe-l5-l2jXLRV06xJsjUdwQ_zNp2zQaqIXfScsfE3_eW5F4PGOI_4YvE592vDftAgRuwFmUSBvOLXPgJn0hSG_MuWYSyJyfruLWpTL0Nr_uXRhaB9V7F95Lz8zYCCfqrHB2wXJ8/s1600/Mad1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2x8uKXe-l5-l2jXLRV06xJsjUdwQ_zNp2zQaqIXfScsfE3_eW5F4PGOI_4YvE592vDftAgRuwFmUSBvOLXPgJn0hSG_MuWYSyJyfruLWpTL0Nr_uXRhaB9V7F95Lz8zYCCfqrHB2wXJ8/s400/Mad1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700296104238543234" /></a><br /><br /><b>Scene 9: The plan</b><br /><br />In this scene, we see King Julien planning the foosa attack in front of a giant model and map of Madagascar island.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhnXlLXgR-XhjaNHhik_QURecn-q8aOvuH3EYq73HfiO58aYRZ80cCF45mb-jv5sVpjBiVR27SJG4f3dpc-EK5WKWk4yp5ZQntDQVm6yzTt3ypCV9yB-j2PbqDCUK0R9yQCVmxE9A6pg/s1600/Mad2+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhnXlLXgR-XhjaNHhik_QURecn-q8aOvuH3EYq73HfiO58aYRZ80cCF45mb-jv5sVpjBiVR27SJG4f3dpc-EK5WKWk4yp5ZQntDQVm6yzTt3ypCV9yB-j2PbqDCUK0R9yQCVmxE9A6pg/s400/Mad2+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700296618217074194" /></a><br /><br />"I came up with it! Me! Me!" - King Julien<br /><br /><b>Scene 10: Preparation</b><br /><br />We see King Julien introducing his "Wonderfully camouflaged fighters". Marty is dressed as a trojan horse, Gloria is trying desperately to fit into her overly small outfit.<div><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_EY4xfcumYA3ecOVsL4F6xJdWnx_6aP6ytNqE4p1HbrS1JelOesOEgxnHz1Di5LKBJKF1rHej_qFFVdLkXzRLAo0BC0_SDR4rr-UuKHXaDxcGrdf5MEQPxGpnqzee1IhpcRdb0jwZxU/s1600/Mad3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 332px; height: 323px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_EY4xfcumYA3ecOVsL4F6xJdWnx_6aP6ytNqE4p1HbrS1JelOesOEgxnHz1Di5LKBJKF1rHej_qFFVdLkXzRLAo0BC0_SDR4rr-UuKHXaDxcGrdf5MEQPxGpnqzee1IhpcRdb0jwZxU/s400/Mad3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700296109756666354" /></a><br /><div>As the boat take a turn, we see the penguins having their own plan. They are preparing explosives to chase away the foosas.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIEaiAoXEuKSoJ-ACiNh_FQjkm5Nv-MCa7_oZ-p57djM7kEpGosYDghNzynSnq0yDibAiKUNEQda4vSYofQi1RQP39Ds17luezeN5EHQSp8p4a4eQZWEUQOcWRPjRs6Z4OGZecvF4rco/s1600/Mad4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIEaiAoXEuKSoJ-ACiNh_FQjkm5Nv-MCa7_oZ-p57djM7kEpGosYDghNzynSnq0yDibAiKUNEQda4vSYofQi1RQP39Ds17luezeN5EHQSp8p4a4eQZWEUQOcWRPjRs6Z4OGZecvF4rco/s400/Mad4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700295985146646562" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><b>Scene 11: The showdown</b></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GNO64TPW3DHcrq30e9-XLHAKFF7B-HyJP0MvczdUSfGGnnsW1h7uI11eewVXzS4UjOgdIbTy-PF10gj5nUFQ-OeJcQTGN9jJXde3MaWGX2WmwPVnQFIu0QajizdEp32ukxzluDOJK-Y/s1600/Mad5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GNO64TPW3DHcrq30e9-XLHAKFF7B-HyJP0MvczdUSfGGnnsW1h7uI11eewVXzS4UjOgdIbTy-PF10gj5nUFQ-OeJcQTGN9jJXde3MaWGX2WmwPVnQFIu0QajizdEp32ukxzluDOJK-Y/s400/Mad5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700295986306724498" /></a><br /></div><div>We enter the foosa's volcano through a foosa shaped cave entryway. This is a wonderfully crafted area, with smoke coming out of the mouth, fire in the eyes, and lots of foosa shadows running around the entryway.</div><div><br /></div><div>This entryway leads into the main room where the gang are fighting the foosas. This takes place in a volcano caldera. Fountains of water are lighted red to mimic boiling lava. Alex is owning the foosas, swing one by the tail, Melman is knocking the Foosas out with his head, and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we turn the corner, we see the penguins throwing King Julien a bomb. The bomb explodes, and destroys the foosas, leaving a rather smoked King Julien.</div><div><br /></div><div>At this point, the boat inches nearer to a waterfall that spans the entire boat channel. Just was the "bomb" explodes, the waterfall stops and the boat passes under it.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4NBXQEAuQFAKzmwWTs-SF4EpHNk1vp6e329AOqoK_ZQbALBjoYnSlwi7_eDQHd4LEsysliUqDHTwf9JB5Jot9_Tkdo5Mj2DgTsgYIuL_oInLuqmaIT-wKMfmqqyHUKo9y0aNqxhYeoU/s1600/Mad6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4NBXQEAuQFAKzmwWTs-SF4EpHNk1vp6e329AOqoK_ZQbALBjoYnSlwi7_eDQHd4LEsysliUqDHTwf9JB5Jot9_Tkdo5Mj2DgTsgYIuL_oInLuqmaIT-wKMfmqqyHUKo9y0aNqxhYeoU/s400/Mad6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700295989823370994" /></a><div><b>Scene 12: Celebration</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In this scene, we see the animals celebrating their victory over the Foosas. We see a giant "Thank you freaks" banner over the boat channel, we see the animals dancing to the music. There are even bubbles being blown at the boat. We see Marty lounging on his chair, sipping drink out of a coconut, and spitting the drink on the guests.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also see the plane trying to take flight(a scene from Madagascar 2), with smoke coming out of their propellers. The ride ends here, and the boats come out of the show building, back to the loading/ unloading dock.</div><div><br /></div><div>The guests are then directed into a gift shop where they can purchase their on-ride photos.</div></div></div>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-90208578284223856922012-03-15T01:00:00.002+08:002012-03-15T01:00:05.417+08:00Universal Studios Singapore ShowJump over to my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/yiluntours.blogspot.com">Yilun Audio Tours podcast</a> for a <a href="http://ia600809.us.archive.org/1/items/YYT010_UniversalStudiosSingapore/yyt010_uss.mp3">full length show</a> where I cover the entire history of USS and RWS from conception to completion, walk you live from land to land, review Mel's Dine In, and end it off with the audio of Lake Hollywood Firework Spectacular.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/yiluntours.blogspot.com">Yilun Audio Tours</a> is a bi-monthly podcast on traveling in Singapore, with in-depth tours, reviews and commentaries about Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/sg/podcast/yiluns-audio-tours-singapore/id485685804">iTunes link</a><br /><a href="itpc://itunes.apple.com/sg/podcast/yiluns-audio-tours-singapore/id485685804">Subscribe on iTunes</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds.feedburner.com/yilunaudiotours">RSS feed</a>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-84486586921226167982012-03-06T01:00:00.002+08:002012-03-06T01:00:04.014+08:00Battlestar Galactica The Coaster<div style="text-align: left; "><i>This is a consolidation of the series of articles previously posted on Battlestar Galactica The Ride</i></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Are you a Human or a Cyclone?</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BmQ5KEFiDl0pQWnDUQiPsnMSVBbv4vY0d-gHC_5BR6Lv0qmsSOKTxEhG68VenedXHNcQwEMXJXTg5zowtaWzFkz1qDJGXK4pjh8fYW8D4QWyGnRG1G2r0TJDuUIV2ilbxItlJl3EU-o/s400/Battlestar-Galactica-dueling-coaster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700075114948959154" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Well I meant to say if you like the Human side or the Cylon side of the coaster more. Battlestar Galactica, the tallest dueling coaster is a gem in the world of coasters, despite all the problems that happened in the past year. Manufactured by Vekoma, Battlestar Galactica is a cross between a sit down coaster and a suspended inverted coaster, with cars launching from zero to ninety kilometers per hour, with a top height of 42.5 meters. Based on the hit television series, Battlestar Galactica the ride follows the storyline of the battle between Humans and Cylom, with the riders being recruit fighters embarking on their aerial fighting mission.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>General and Safety Information about Battlestar Galactica Human and Cylon</b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl39rBUVl9pCka3zdccE8s81WU-mcCtZbY6zMVn6K0Gou81VdecLb-L9H2QlY8ciQro7RjXE_qQRfVEs4sSeuypxsPW2P7bIXKXYgMbBXnCVTPOl9wMh7SAcUnzw5k2lDRE4A3OGqpQmE/s1600/Picture+13.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl39rBUVl9pCka3zdccE8s81WU-mcCtZbY6zMVn6K0Gou81VdecLb-L9H2QlY8ciQro7RjXE_qQRfVEs4sSeuypxsPW2P7bIXKXYgMbBXnCVTPOl9wMh7SAcUnzw5k2lDRE4A3OGqpQmE/s400/Picture+13.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700080399666254962" /></a><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">GUEST HEIGHT REQUIREMENT<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Guests will need to be at least 125cm tall to ride. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This ride is an extreme motion ride which includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, ascends, falling and inversions(Cylon).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">While there is no age limit or requirement, each child must sit on their own seat (no sitting on parent’s lap or carried by parent) for the entire duration of the ride.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">GUESTS WITH MOTION SICKNESS</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Do note that guests prone to motion sickness, dizziness, giddiness and so forth should be aware that this is a high speed coaster ride. The movement of the coaster is dynamic, including sudden tilting, spinning and sharp movements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">SKIP THE LONG LINES<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are 2 ways to shorten your waiting time. The easy way (which requires extra payment) is to buy a Universal Express pass, the other is to use the Single Rider line.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">UNIVERSAL EXPRESS Present your Universal Express pass at the entrance, then at the loading platform. One-use at this attraction. There is usually no queue at this line, and even if there is, the crew members are supposed to serve Express Passholders first. This is practiced is most situations. Waiting time estimated to be 0 to 10 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">BRINGING ITEMS ONTO THE RIDE<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Please note that you will not be allowed to bring on any loose items onto the ride. Free locker service (for approx 30 mins - will adjust depending on queue) is available outside the attraction. Please remember to deposit you items or you will be turned down at the entrance.</p><p class="MsoNormal">OTHER POINTS<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Keep your feet and arms inside the coaster at all times when it is in motion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Do not attempt to take photos or videos during the ride.<o:p></o:p></p><div><i>Ride Experience Breakdown - Contains Spoilers</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><o:p>T</o:p>he Plaza</b></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Battlestar Galactica coaster starts off in the plaza area of Sci Fi city. The entire length of the coaster goes above the plaza, as well as the lagoon in front of the plaza. This area is a highly vibrant and lively one, where guests just gather and watch the coaster. There are two separate entrances to the two sides of the coaster, and both coaster exits to the gift shop in the center.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Battlestar Galactica: Human</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 604px; height: 453px;" src="http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs518.snc3/27182_345700017577_789057577_4900475_2727380_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The queue for this ride starts off at the right side of the plaza. The queue meanders through an outdoor section, which is located directly under the track, before going into the indoor queue section. The indoor queue section is meant to mimic the battle facility of the human, with a small hanger containing a replica of a space plane. There are also mock videos for spurring the Humans on playing on the monitors. The queue heads up a level, to the second level loading area. Along the staircase, there are wartime posters detailing how bad the Cylons are. Some interesting items include personal photos that are placed in the "soldier lockers".<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The coaster experience is as follows:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><a href="http://www.kidlander.sg/media/279822/battlestar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.kidlander.sg/media/279822/battlestar.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The trains come out of the loading bay, and head straight for the LIM launch. The coaster is launched alongside with the Cylon side, hence guests will be able to see other guests on the other car. The coaster then heads for its first drop, with is also the steepest, and this is where the train pulls the maximum G-forces. The G-forces are great enough to cause grey-outs on several riders. (*A grey-out may be experienced by pulling high positive g-forces as when pulling up into a loop or a tight turn forcing blood to the lower extremities of the body and lowering blood pressure in the brain.) The train then heads towards a huge 180 degrees banked turn before heading for a dip and a slight left banked turn. This is followed by a right banked turn over the launch tracks, and a sharp left turn, before heading over a mist pit. The coaster then enters into a upwards spiral section, before heading back to the loading station.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Riders exit and are directed down the stairs into the gift shop, where they will be able to purchase their on-ride photos.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Battlestar Galactica: Cylon</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><a href="http://www.travelingape.com/gallery/singapore/universal-studios-singapore/battlestar-galactica-cylon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.travelingape.com/gallery/singapore/universal-studios-singapore/battlestar-galactica-cylon.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is a suspended coaster, which means the tracks are above your heads, and that there is no floor beneath your feet. This coaster is much more intense, due to the presence of inversions, but it pulls less G-forces and seems to go at a slower pace between the elements. Riders enter the queue and meander through the outdoor section of the queue. The queue then heads indoors, into the Cylon nerve center. The decor here is much more on the cool palette than the Human side. The atmosphere is much more surreal here. Guests are greeted with a interesting installation where Cylon guards positioned in front of mirrors seem to stretch on for eternity. Other decor in the first level of the queue includes a circular queue chamber with blue lighting effects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The queue then moves up to the second story. The decor around the stairwell is themed to be like an organic machine, where wires and cables seem to grow and morph out of the walls. This decoration is highly surreal, and really captures the mood for this part of the ride.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The coaster starts off at the launch station and heads for the high speed LIM launch. The coaster is launched alongside with the Human side, hence guests will be able to see other guests on the other car. The coaster then heads straight for a outwards loop. The coaster then heads into a banked right turn and then cobra roll, before heading for another outward loop. This then transitions into a corkscrews roll, before the train returns to the station.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Thoughts</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is a great ride for Universal Studios Singapore; it adds to the mix of attractions. It is nice to see a ride based on an Intellectual Property as famous as Battlestar Galactica premier in Singapore. This is a great ride if considered as a coaster, though it lack theming elements and an immersive story.</p>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-21376082823384283072012-02-07T01:00:00.002+08:002012-02-07T01:00:05.082+08:00Halloween Horror Nights 2011 AudioUniversal Studios Singapore had its inaugural Halloween Horror Night last year, and featured a high quality maze - Vengeance of the Matriarch. <div><br />Jump over to my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/yiluntours.blogspot.com">Yilun Audio Tours podcast</a> for a <a href="http://ia600801.us.archive.org/20/items/YYTB03_HalloweenHorrorNightsMazeAudio/yytb03_halloweenhorrornightsaudio.mp3">full length show</a> where I present the audio walk through of the Vengeance of the Matriarch maze in binaural audio!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/yiluntours.blogspot.com">Yilun Audio Tours</a> is a bi-monthly podcast on traveling in Singapore, with in-depth tours, reviews and commentaries about Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/sg/podcast/yiluns-audio-tours-singapore/id485685804">iTunes link</a><br /><a href="itpc://itunes.apple.com/sg/podcast/yiluns-audio-tours-singapore/id485685804">Subscribe on iTunes</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds.feedburner.com/yilunaudiotours">RSS feed</a></div>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-26343664941794431762012-01-07T01:00:00.000+08:002012-01-07T01:00:02.518+08:00Thoughts on Maritime MuseumThis museum is probably as dull and as bland as the review of it, with a general lack of content, lots of cheap displays, lack of depth, and a narrow focus. <br /><br />The coverage of the galleries is limited, showcasing only Cheng Ho and the Arabian Dwoh. The collection is also small, with a few salvaged pieces of the shipwrecked Dowh, while the rest of the collection is being thrown back and forth between the Smithsonian and the academics. Perhaps it should be renamed the Cheng Ho and Jewel of Muscat museum?<br /><br />The preshow is decently uninteresting, with limited CGI, and some nice animatronics. Furthermore, the entire preshow is in Chinese. It is also just a show about Cheng Ho, and not about maritime in general. The CGI there looks uncomfortably old and stiff, with rough renderings and unnatural colors and shades.<br /><br />The Cheng Ho gallery is also small, short and uninteresting. On display for each port of call are small items found there, a small collage of pictures, and nothing else. Even the interactive stations are childish, limited and boring.<br /><br />Of course, the museum is an architectural gem, with soaring arches and high ceilings, as well as huge panels of glass walls that lets light in. It is also a welcomed escape from the heat of Singapore, and the $5 dollar basic entry fee is reasonable for the quality of the exhibits.<br /><br />This museum leaves guests wondering - Did they run out of budget, or do they only care for the casino?Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-21157150874145862702012-01-01T01:00:00.002+08:002012-01-01T01:00:04.680+08:00Maritime Museum ReviewThe Maritime museum, or Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium, MEMA, is located in Resorts World Sentosa, on the other side of the Bull Ring from Universal Studios Singapore. The museum sits on the water's edge, and is shaped like an overturned hull of a ship.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VKCS6O-pSD9KIWq2ioEWOEeHSZNL_QrVISfNOHOytAv9c6mDPVdthgJVxrxah8o9sVCG43VnxrtR-kld-8hwTrPCtc2Of6jMN9NeKKVh0GpJ6QLREn_t0XFwv69c4xcFsfmw1wm19yg/s1600/5471972615_858675f990.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VKCS6O-pSD9KIWq2ioEWOEeHSZNL_QrVISfNOHOytAv9c6mDPVdthgJVxrxah8o9sVCG43VnxrtR-kld-8hwTrPCtc2Of6jMN9NeKKVh0GpJ6QLREn_t0XFwv69c4xcFsfmw1wm19yg/s400/5471972615_858675f990.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687779492187927298" border="0" /></a><br />The museum is huge. It is basically one gigantic exhibition space, without divisions, partitions etc. The total height is also huge, about 4 to 5 stories high.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyImtvgVY31iae-GI7pqmtO8XPbcU7PpfJI45npqiJuQmmdV7KW9qyMmgihj0KAOKoskVa05ZNSDPyU1I3KyxZ1Wb9_kh1xB_fyXjPdFxSS_Snk9dg47xJIEMKetFwDinwsCfXLJ8CLc4/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyImtvgVY31iae-GI7pqmtO8XPbcU7PpfJI45npqiJuQmmdV7KW9qyMmgihj0KAOKoskVa05ZNSDPyU1I3KyxZ1Wb9_kh1xB_fyXjPdFxSS_Snk9dg47xJIEMKetFwDinwsCfXLJ8CLc4/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687780032122958866" border="0" /></a><br />Upon entering, you are greeted by Cheng Ho's Bao Chuan, a giant replica of the treasure ship that Admiral Cheng Ho sailed in back in the 14th century.<br /><br />This is the location for the preshow to the museum. The Bao Chuan's stern comes to life and an animated video appears on the ship. The creature head on the boat also comes to life, with its eyes glowing and its mouth emitting smoke. The content of the preshow is about Cheng Ho's journey, the cause and the impact of the journey that he undertook.<br /><br />The first gallery is the Cheng Ho gallery, showcasing the unique cultures and items from the different ports of call that he visited. The gallery is highly interactive, with touchscreens as well as real physical exhibits that guests are encouraged to touch and experience.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASZ4xWvSxDthVrPsnt1XDR7dc2O6OFWpJTCJqH9NwQLMyZCF1sL5MLRLBm39mWRsMmF-MreEzW4_P-Wv9rtkjctPOfW0DbxQQuOsbW8RbVImzt2OI0dz-y-SZmmUjAR7E8z7k3WNcw24/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASZ4xWvSxDthVrPsnt1XDR7dc2O6OFWpJTCJqH9NwQLMyZCF1sL5MLRLBm39mWRsMmF-MreEzW4_P-Wv9rtkjctPOfW0DbxQQuOsbW8RbVImzt2OI0dz-y-SZmmUjAR7E8z7k3WNcw24/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687782231157871090" border="0" /></a><br />The end of this gallery leads into the Jewel of Muscat, an Arabian dhow that was recreated using ancient handicraft techniques and presented to Singapore as a gift from Omen. It hangs in the gallery, and guests are able to see both the top and the bottom of the boat. The original is still lying in the ocean of Indonesia, and is named the Belitung shipwreck. Artifacts from this ship will be presented in the later galleries.<br /><br />This section leads into the theater, where a wrap-around presentation simulating the sinking of a ship in the oceans shown. The theater was not in operation at the time of my visit, hence I can only say that much.<br /><br />The theater opens up to the lower level of the museum, where guests are channeled into an aquarium setting, complete with life fishes and reefs. This section will only open in 2012.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNYZXa5tA8qJpChEDlMX1-g3Xt6Cf0xtZI7COQfN0UygcdM3aZN8y_OHAQAnWcN1O5vk0CCChFRBh8Cwx-RoMBI7DsmRSjV7ufel5VuuLPx3mGEugPS6ojDJJP6MIIUrvZs8tJb3Evpc/s1600/maritime-archaeology-gallery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNYZXa5tA8qJpChEDlMX1-g3Xt6Cf0xtZI7COQfN0UygcdM3aZN8y_OHAQAnWcN1O5vk0CCChFRBh8Cwx-RoMBI7DsmRSjV7ufel5VuuLPx3mGEugPS6ojDJJP6MIIUrvZs8tJb3Evpc/s400/maritime-archaeology-gallery.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687785678767066626" border="0" /></a><br />The aquarium leads into the maritime salvage gallery, where artifacts from the Belitung shipwreck are housed. These includes porcelain pieces, gold and silver coins and so on. The recreated Jewel of Muscat, the original which carried these artifacts, hangs above this gallery.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bhuxMygdnMozQBUbnqWXMdQA_hlfLQupXNvq_yK0z7owX06TrXkXmxS6_abW8gHQLMFEqmhfROP7SaB1pGoTL59lMG5iFcG3Lq7o8498G_9Qq0X1Z67sGsQMQmUFNV7c4IleTH1Ae0o/s1600/6308225096_a58e80ff64.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bhuxMygdnMozQBUbnqWXMdQA_hlfLQupXNvq_yK0z7owX06TrXkXmxS6_abW8gHQLMFEqmhfROP7SaB1pGoTL59lMG5iFcG3Lq7o8498G_9Qq0X1Z67sGsQMQmUFNV7c4IleTH1Ae0o/s400/6308225096_a58e80ff64.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687784549583893938" border="0" /></a><br />This section funnels into a cut through display of Cheng Ho's ship, which offers guests a glimpse into the cargo that Cheng Ho collected in his journeys, which includes giraffes from Africa, wine from many countries, spices and so on.<br /><br />The museum then ends off rather unceremoniously with a small interactive station that allows guests to deconstruct songs heard along the silk road to the basic instrumental melodies, and to play these songs with instruments from different cultures.<br /><br />The final section of the museum is of course, the gift shop, which sells lots of unrelated, unthemed merchandize, that includes soft toys, generic Singapore merchandize, as well as a popcorn stand.Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-78545096931163527722011-12-22T00:10:00.000+08:002011-12-22T00:10:00.034+08:00Universal Studios Singapore On Ride AudioMadagascar a Crate Adventure and Revenge of the Mummy are two marquee attractions in Universal Studios Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/yiluntours.blogspot.com">Jump on my Yilun Audio Tours podcast </a>and you'll be able to ride these two attractions with commentaries throughout the ride!<br /><br />It is a great way for you to experience Madagascar a Crate Adventure, a completely unique attraction, only found in Singapore, as well as check out the differences in Revenge of the Mummy from the two US versions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/yiluntours.blogspot.com">Yilun Audio Tours</a> is a bi-monthly podcast on traveling in Singapore, with in-depth tours, reviews and commentaries about Singapore.<br /><br /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/sg/podcast/yiluns-audio-tours-singapore/id485685804">iTunes link</a><br /><a href="itpc://itunes.apple.com/sg/podcast/yiluns-audio-tours-singapore/id485685804">Subscribe on iTunes</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/feeds.feedburner.com/yilunaudiotours">RSS feed</a>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-44973198865601950622011-12-06T20:38:00.002+08:002011-12-06T20:45:29.437+08:00Sister BlogIf you guys are wondering why I have been offline lately, it is because I have been working on another project, closely related to two of my loves - travel and Singapore.<div><br /></div><div>Introducing the <a href="http://yiluntours.blogspot.com">Yilun Audio Tours</a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a podcast where I bring you through some of Singapore's best sights and cultures and explore how you can make the most out of your visit to Singapore. That podcast's reviews and audio tours can make touring Singapore much easier.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are currently 3 episodes available, one is an audio tour of Singapore River, one of City Hall, and another is a review of Singapore's food, Laksa.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really think that you guys will enjoy the content. The link to the podcast blog is <a href="http://yiluntours.blogspot.com">yiluntours.blogspot.com</a>, and you can find it on iTunes too by searching Yilun tours. I hope you can subscribe to the show and leave comments.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheerios!</div>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-6643213245552095662011-11-27T20:30:00.005+08:002011-11-28T21:53:00.598+08:00Halloween Horror Nights After Event Review Pt3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmkgw0z8ZUr3ibC913uSoVyhON6y1LePBo1rsU662tV2OwloI2A7373Bx-ifP13kuaHb5xamhZsUNBB3AX0C38pc8QsC8973q7PZg34f_4ejoyYRhNg1eHSEu-im8Uk7czQIbZ4_0svI/s1600/IMG_1736-copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmkgw0z8ZUr3ibC913uSoVyhON6y1LePBo1rsU662tV2OwloI2A7373Bx-ifP13kuaHb5xamhZsUNBB3AX0C38pc8QsC8973q7PZg34f_4ejoyYRhNg1eHSEu-im8Uk7czQIbZ4_0svI/s400/IMG_1736-copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679652723424642002" border="0" /></a><br /><i>This is part three of the review of Halloween Horror Nights in Universal Studios Singapore</i>.<br /><strong>Pestilence</strong><br />Scare Factor 4.5/5<br />Production quality 3.5/5<br />Overall Show 4/5<br />Located in the streets of New York and the waterfront area, <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Pestilence</strong> packs lots of scares in this small compact area. This scare-zone is highly unique, and resembles more of an outdoor haunted maze than a scare zone per se. This follows the story of how a contagious zombie-making virus has entered the slum area of New York.<br /><br />This zone has a really compact layout, and the fact that half of the maze faces towards the harbor definitely adds a false sense of security. The ambiance is excellent, and the scares are at the very least unexpected.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJy6eJa7ZqYOGBtMWqE1ieLzxpjHjIJiNMRrKqsyS0A9T0dH_a7_g99XP08e7U1IHF2vEz_diCdAH39XjGwA8_g6pi-d0DD9l3DRtFWF_KO3ErRkFQP5c_GGbpQ-qsOUj4C-DZXCnIrk/s1600/6266835373_76ec9a100d_z.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJy6eJa7ZqYOGBtMWqE1ieLzxpjHjIJiNMRrKqsyS0A9T0dH_a7_g99XP08e7U1IHF2vEz_diCdAH39XjGwA8_g6pi-d0DD9l3DRtFWF_KO3ErRkFQP5c_GGbpQ-qsOUj4C-DZXCnIrk/s400/6266835373_76ec9a100d_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679654904885033666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The entrance is located near the still defunct Sci-fi stage area. The entrance resembles a pair of cast iron gates, with a great fog effect behind it. One of the first scares was by two scareactors on bungees. I found this scare highly effective and gives an "out of control" feeling to the maze. Another innovative scare technique is that of the electric sparks, whereby a scareactor seem to give off sparks on a metal grate while guests are walking past.<br /><br />This maze is overall pretty cool, and is rather innovative for an outdoor maze.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To be continued...</span>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-32579673127749918592011-11-18T21:06:00.003+08:002011-11-24T14:50:42.027+08:00Halloween Horror Nights After Event Review Pt2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGA_O1fGFZ8L85VIk3_3GNoYb5TT5pYdrra700BfahId6B4NS6qsOV1t_fepSgEmbxBbTrPgaVbND1m1afxgd5wR35-0QQFSfhE7SCAsneHQDdOjewEYr0DOG4UpjP8oWcPJVlhYhS1o/s1600/IMG_1382-copy1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGA_O1fGFZ8L85VIk3_3GNoYb5TT5pYdrra700BfahId6B4NS6qsOV1t_fepSgEmbxBbTrPgaVbND1m1afxgd5wR35-0QQFSfhE7SCAsneHQDdOjewEYr0DOG4UpjP8oWcPJVlhYhS1o/s400/IMG_1382-copy1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678450984474282706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><br />This is part two of the review of Halloween Horror Nights in Universal Studios Singapore</i><br /><br /></div><b>The Vengeance of the Matriarch</b><br />Scare Factor 4.5/5<br />Production quality 4/5<br />Overall Show 4.5/5<br />Arguably the most detailed and elaborate section for the entire event, VotM is a solid maze with great show sets and many innovative scare tactics. The story is loosely built around a crazy Peranakan lady inhibiting an old colonial shop house. The story is really very flimsy, but the production quailty made up for it.<br /><br />While VotM didn’t have the “Hollywood” energy of Post Apocalyptic Rage or the Void, what it did have was creepy classic Halloween cranked up to 11! While scare zones impressed me with the show production, I found the tricks and techniques used to scary me in this one impressive. This haunt was unique and deserved a scare rating of 4.5 as many of the scare techniques are totally unexpected.<br /><br />The maze entrance is located at the boundary between Hollywood and New York, and the queue winds into the backstage sections of the park, before ending up at a small door leading into a Soundstage. The queue is just some makeshift ropes and is not themed at all, but this is understandable for this temporary event.<br /><br /><i>Tip </i><br /><i>The queue is very long, and can easily bump up to 75 minutes, so it is best to visit this maze at the start of the event.</i><br /><br />The maze starts with a full scale facade of a Peranakan Shophouse, complete with balconies and tiled floors. This facade area is generally well lit but still manages to set the eerie feel for the maze. The next area is the welcome room. It is a highly detailed living room, typical of colonial shophouse buildings. The matriarch is sitted on a rocking chair in the middle of the room. The scare here is the fact that there are two mirrors at the two sides of the room, and one of the mirror is slide-able and a scareactor can pop out from behind. This room leads into a portrait room, full of details and amazing period portraits. Some of the portraits were slideable openings for scareactors to appear.<br /><br />Some other notable rooms include a dining room with a scareactor cannibalizing a human head, while other scareactors jump out from the sides, a walk through wardrobe full of hanging cloths, which gives a highly claustrophobic feel, as well as a room with hanging body bags and a butcher hiding among the bags. These rooms are the common staple of overseas Halloween events, and is great to see these scares coming to Singapore for the local audience here.<br /><br />The best room in this maze is still the courtyard scene. This scene is very empty on first sight, with minimal decor and lots of space. This really adds to the false sense of security of the place. Out of nowhere, a scareactor on bungee then appears and scares the heck out of guests. The speed and the unpredictability of scare is highly effective and very disorienting.<br /><br />Overall, this is a great house, and packs a great deal of scares. Given that Halloween is quite new in Asia, this house really pioneers lots of innovative and groundbreaking scare techniques that may be considered as staples in the West.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To be continued...</span>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-9558722327700056482011-11-11T21:34:00.001+08:002011-11-16T20:51:36.900+08:00Halloween Horror Nights After Event Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpTY1wbEM68-9w5k_Usr2CLe8-njyso07SJIMzI8P6NUdREMrn9NExbLVxg_V3PjaIzV_GZET2AzUfwQztshLgXAE-WsblM43TIIqPAfpDhoZu4EDB7svCcq3BQ_iFz5-djtJ8oeDTn4/s1600/hhn-logo-with-dates-e1319117836395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpTY1wbEM68-9w5k_Usr2CLe8-njyso07SJIMzI8P6NUdREMrn9NExbLVxg_V3PjaIzV_GZET2AzUfwQztshLgXAE-WsblM43TIIqPAfpDhoZu4EDB7svCcq3BQ_iFz5-djtJ8oeDTn4/s320/hhn-logo-with-dates-e1319117836395.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>This is a review of USS's Halloween Horror Nights, an upcharge after hours Halloween event that happens in October.</i><br />
<br />
After
a year of false promises, Resorts World at Sentosa finally introduced
Halloween Horror Nights to a eager Singaporean audience. The Halloween
market has been in rapid development in the past years, with local
events such as Sentosa Spooktacular and 13 cells.<br />
<br />
<b>General Feelings</b><br />
I
was there for the opening weekend of Halloween Horror Nights. The place
was relatively packed for a 60 dollars upcharge event. The majority of
the audience was clearly teens and young adults. This event is clearly
not suited for kids below age of 12. The atmosphere there was really
good, and the Halloween vibe was definitely there. Although it rained
during my visit, much of the scare zones are covered and hence my visit
was relatively not affected. The production quality was excellent, so
were the scare actors. This is a solid event with lots of potential. The
scarezones at this event is wicked, and they are really big budget
productions. Though the mazes may lack the details of HHN's overseas
counterparts, it is still groundbreaking in the Asia scene. However, it
is clearly evident that the scale is very small and that they will
definitely have to expand for future Halloween Horror Nights. This was a
great start, and we hope to see it flourish in the future.<br />
<br />
<b>Entrance Plaza</b><br />
Although
Universal Studios Singapore belongs to a much large propoerty, Resorts
World Sentosa, the Halloween action is very much concentrated in the
park itself. Therefore, the entrance plaza and the surrounding areas are
pretty much left untouched, with no decoration or fog. The only
apparent Halloween touch is the creepy background music played in place
of the usual welcome score.<br />
<br />
<i>Tip</i><br />
<i>The
lines can usually get very long during event opening. Be sure to look
out for turnstiles will shorter lines, especially those closer to the
VIP entrance. The lines also move relatively fast, so don't get
impatient. The event usually opens slightly earlier than the stated
timing, so be sure to get in line early.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Turnstiles</b><br />
This
is were the madness begins. In place of the usual cheerful ticket
checkers clad in vintage usher uniforms are zombie ticket checkers in
aged and worn uniforms. The make up on their faces in superb, rich with
details. Some of the ticket checkers may just have a scar make-up, while
others have entire prosthetic skull faces in rich details. They also
stay in character, and greet the guests with a silent stare instead of
the usual cheerful greeting.<br />
<br />
For the following
segments, I will rate each scare zone according to its scare factor,
production quality and overall show design.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjxMEkrdZrcocA6qZjBaA4Ozkcdwyt1wUfFldl9taPV2itDQEbZAcO0uG6hGKLYlxHWMwFVdniccgAz4jPKnjpOUohhJGOm_p7DimY-aVv9UkerQYVNfaggg4hF160jTNDyd_kGBsTTs/s1600/6266919711_7a1e1e5eaa_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjxMEkrdZrcocA6qZjBaA4Ozkcdwyt1wUfFldl9taPV2itDQEbZAcO0uG6hGKLYlxHWMwFVdniccgAz4jPKnjpOUohhJGOm_p7DimY-aVv9UkerQYVNfaggg4hF160jTNDyd_kGBsTTs/s320/6266919711_7a1e1e5eaa_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Carn-evil</b><br />
<i>Scare factor 2/5</i><br />
<i>Production quality 3/5</i><br />
<i>Overall show 3/5</i><br />
The
overall most unique and exotic scare zone is definitely Carn-evil. A
play off the recurring themes of clowns and scary sideshows, Carn-evil
creates a great ambiance and serves as a great introductory zone to the
event. It is highly visually stunning, and is heavily fogged, adding to
the overall mood. As the zone is covered, the creative team is able to
install many theatrical lights onto the covered structure, adding to the
production quality of the zone.<br />
<br />
<br />
This zone starts with the entrance area, with many sinister
clowns, some carrying animatronic jack-in-a box props. The clowns are
definitely spooky, and adds to the atmosphere. However, they are not
aggressive in their scares, and tend to keep mainly to themselves.<br />
<br />
<br />
Walking down the street, we will see the lady with her mirror,
inviting you to take a look at the reflection. This character is
definitely twisted, but there is no outright scares here too. Following
that are the two sideshow pavilions, one with a tattoo lady and one with
a fortune teller. These pavilions/ tents are great photo ops, and the
character will definitely interact with you if you are willing (though
most people just stop for a photo). There is also a fire-breather and a
stilt walking clown. Their performance is a joy to watch, and adds to
the sinister, twisted feel of Carn-evil.<br />
<br />
<br />
Overall, this is a solid scare zone, that is high on atmosphere
and mood, but lacks the scares. Great eye candy, and a great place to
sit down and people watch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>To be continued...</i>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-63059226047934183032011-10-18T05:05:00.000+08:002011-10-18T22:40:07.576+08:00USSingapore Blog 2.0This is official. After a year long hiatus, USSingapore Blog is finally back, and better than ever.
As you can see from the new look of the blog, USSingapore Blog is now in 2.0 mode!
In this 2.0 version of the blog, You can look forward to more content, weekly photo updates from the park, detailed trip reports and ride reviews. You can look forward to regular posting, as well as more interaction between you and the blog!
Thanks for all the support for version 1.0 of the blog. I really appreciate you taking time to read my articles.
To kick start this new season, we will have a 2 part long series dedicated on comparing Battlestar Galatica Human and Cyclone coasters.Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-898147721990388462010-07-12T20:49:00.003+08:002011-12-12T21:05:53.946+08:00Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTINqnguM7k5kQV7vHlYwGpcwlq-rKtiJa40q-0PJHXUXGh4O-QyCFGJOnWF5wrZMWNvvWlKOMvLmH3rSfOJaaJt25YKuKWse1a_AYG72EsVspUMoHbBcHcJ1jHC2T-E8OF120BoaBto0/s1600/Jurassic-park-logo_398x283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTINqnguM7k5kQV7vHlYwGpcwlq-rKtiJa40q-0PJHXUXGh4O-QyCFGJOnWF5wrZMWNvvWlKOMvLmH3rSfOJaaJt25YKuKWse1a_AYG72EsVspUMoHbBcHcJ1jHC2T-E8OF120BoaBto0/s320/Jurassic-park-logo_398x283.jpg" border="0" height="227" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, a major attraction located in the Lost World section</span><br /><br />Quick Facts<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Location:</span> Universal Studios Singapore<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Park Section</span>: Lost World<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Type:</span> Rapids Ride<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status:</span> Soft Opening<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opened:</span> March 18, 2010<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><b>Will you be able to handle it?</b><br />This ride, being a rapids ride, is rather gentle and slow as compared to coasters and other ride systems. However, there are some portions of the ride where it gets pretty bumpy, and of course, not to forget the drop at the end of the ride, which may be a little intense for some.<br /><br />But be ready for some portions in complete darkness, and some pretty close encounters with dinosaurs during the ride.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tips on Riding</span><br />This ride features a pretty low capacity ride system and it is also one of the most popular rides in the entire park, hence there will be long lines towards the middle of the day. Try going on the attraction right after the park opening, where the queue will be about 10-30 minutes long. As the day progresses, especially after every Waterworld show, the queue will be bumped up to 1h15mins and it will remain this way until shortly before park closing.<br /><br />You may also get very wet on this ride, depending on which direction you are facing. Given that the rafts are circular, there is literally no way to chose a dry seat or a wet seat, hence it is recommended that you wear a raincoat before getting onto the ride just in case you get soaked.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Ride Experience</span><br /><br />The Queue<br />The queue for this attraction is mostly held in a large sheltered area with switchback queue systems and it does lack the themeing that we come to expect from Universal. However, there are some small information posters about dinosaurs throughout the queue.<br /><br />Another cool detail they did to make you buy into the entire Jurassic Park mythology is to have this complicated backstory regarding this tropical rain hitting Jurassic park, and that certain sections are closed due to the probability of flooding. There are evidence of this back story throughout the queue, from overhead announcements informing the closure of certain areas, to alerts on the video screens about the rainstorm.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To be continued...</span>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-90804157357659364712010-04-03T12:39:00.002+08:002011-11-16T20:55:05.122+08:00Revenge of the Mummy Compare and Contrast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzTUOj0qSSdySmHudhN5n3ccxmsBXvn-bbhsm3SmeqNaxVosrvVnoLU8mhw2vv45muou0V5JPAQudQABHiurBPM2aINGpnuZckf3mgIwsKFnUkNrPYGpCAO_acE5DzrglIzttryNYRrw/s1600/220px-Revenge_of_the_Mummy_Universal_Studios_Singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzTUOj0qSSdySmHudhN5n3ccxmsBXvn-bbhsm3SmeqNaxVosrvVnoLU8mhw2vv45muou0V5JPAQudQABHiurBPM2aINGpnuZckf3mgIwsKFnUkNrPYGpCAO_acE5DzrglIzttryNYRrw/s1600/220px-Revenge_of_the_Mummy_Universal_Studios_Singapore.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">This post will deal with the comparison of the 3 incarnations of the Mummy ride in Singapore, Orlando and Hollywood. Check out the previous post for a detailed description of the Singapore incarnation of the ride</span>.<br />
<br />
The Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida versions of Revenge of the Mummy are essentially the same. They both incorporate dark ride and roller coaster elements to immerse riders in the sinister world of Imhotep and his mummy minions. But there are some subtle and not-so-subtle differences. <br />
Mostly, the differences have to do with real estate. In the Singapore version, the soundstage was built from scratch, while in the USH and USO version, it occupied the E.T. and Kongfrontation soundstages, respectively. The USH and USO soundstages occupy different footprints, while the USS version have an exact duplicate of the USO version. Orlando's and Singapore's larger width, depth, and height allow for a larger, longer ride. The Singapore version also have the advantage of an entire theme land dedicated to the Mummy theme, and since it was built 6 years after the original in USO was built, it also have the advantage of feedback and experience, allowing them to tweak some of the major story and queue elements.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Ride Length</b>- One of the major differences is duration. Florida and Singapore's Mummy clocks in at about three minutes, while Hollywood shaves 30 seconds off for about two-and-a-half minutes of fun. </li>
<li><b>The Queue</b>- In Florida, guests supposedly wander onto the movie set for the next 'Mummy" film sequel. Eventually, this morphs into the Mummy's tomb. In Hollywood, the line is shorter, and there's no pretense of a movie set. Guests there enter into the Mummy's tomb from the get-go. And in Singapore incarnation, guests supposedly enter a real tomb in the real Egypt, with not even a single reference to soundstages or filmaking.</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Story</span>- In the Singapore version of the ride, the guests have a "mission" to fulfill. They have to find the book of the living to destroy the curse, while in the USO and USH versions, the guests have no real mission.</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Encounter</span>- In the SIngapore version of the ride, the first encounter with the Mummy occurs with the Mummy performing a ritual on an archeologist, while in the USO verson, the Mummy jumps out of a coffin and sucks the life out of Reggie, and in the USH version, guests encounters the Mummy much later in the ride.</li>
<li><b>The Launch</b>- In Florida and Singapore, the vehicles launch 45 degrees up into the mouth of the Mummy. In Hollywood, it's a straight, zero-degree launch. Both versions reach top speeds of 45 mph, however. </li>
<li><b>Going Backwards</b>- In Florida and Singapore, the vehicles go backwards early in the ride after encountering the scarabs. The backwards part of the ride only lasts a few seconds as a transition to the next scene. In Hollywood, passengers don't encounter the scarabs until halfway through the coaster part of the attraction. They continue the second half of the coaster ride facing backwards. </li>
<li><b>The Turnaround</b>- In Florida and Singapore, the vehicles drop onto a turntable a few seconds after going backwards and immediately before they launch into the coaster part of the ride. In Hollywood, the vehicles proceed backwards for the second half of the coaster ride and the turntable faces them forwards to the exit area for unloading. </li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The interruption</span>- In the Florida version of the ride, there is a false unloading scene where the Mummy sucks life out of the ride operator and sends guests into the second porton of the ride, while in the Singapore version, the interruption comes when the guests finds the book of the living, and Imhotep pops up, cursing the guests and sending them into the second coaster portion. In the Hollywood version, the interruption is when the vehicle stops in front of the Scarab infested wall.</li>
<li><b>Fire</b>- In Florida and Singapore, the Mummy unleashes a blast of real fire. In Hollywood, the ride uses a "faux" effect to simulate fire.</li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The End</span>- In the Florida version of the ride, the ending of the ride has a video with the coffee gag, while in the Singapore version, the ending features Imhotep trapped in a coffin.</li>
</ul>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-81477998340529443552010-04-01T21:47:00.006+08:002011-11-16T21:00:46.533+08:00Revenge of the Mummy Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSW3TzYCJw9fbMq1jd-SjKv0OdCwC_ZDwULWtfReTU1K08LGXfq2t4uT6wFCDs0Jn-wM-vrKacaDsbQLjPIe9gvSmtkCmYgkzq1CZ4wdWyDkIBsbjk1fiMzb6GmZfrgC_FFxV05F_3dHM/s1600/mummy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSW3TzYCJw9fbMq1jd-SjKv0OdCwC_ZDwULWtfReTU1K08LGXfq2t4uT6wFCDs0Jn-wM-vrKacaDsbQLjPIe9gvSmtkCmYgkzq1CZ4wdWyDkIBsbjk1fiMzb6GmZfrgC_FFxV05F_3dHM/s320/mummy3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Revenge of the Mummy, one of the best attractions in the whole of Universal Studios Singapore</span><br />
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The Revenge of the Mummy, located in the spectacular tomb in Ancient Egypt, is an indoor psychological roller coaster thrill ride.<br />
<br />
Quick Facts<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Location:</span> Universal Studios Singapore<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Park Section</span>: Ancient Egypt<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Type:</span> Steel Coaster<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Status:</span> Soft Opening<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Opened:</span> March 18, 2010<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Designer:</span> Universal Creative<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Inversions, Loops, Corkscrews:</span> 0<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Duration:</span> 2+ Minutes<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Height Restriction:</span> 122cm<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Max Speed</span>: 45mph<br />
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<b>Will you be able to handle it?</b><br />
The coaster part of Revenge of the Mummy does not have any inversions, does not do to any uncomfortable speeds, and reaches a relatively tame max speed of 45 mph. RWS even considers it a "family" attraction and it's less intense than Battle Star Galactica Coasters. But it does include high-speed launches, delivers some startling drops and out-of-your-seat airtime, and feels a lot more out of control because it is in the dark. Be prepared for a more aggressive ride. There will be moments where you feel that you will drop out of your seats, and some "uncontrollable" turns in the dark. There are also steep drops, but still still can be managed. The Linear Induction launch is an aggressive part of the ride, and it launches you straight into a fog filled room, so for those sensitive to fog, you may need to consider it twice. There is a backwards section to the ride too, but it is short, and more fun than intense.<br />
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On the "psychological" side of the thrill equation, I think just about everybody, save highly impressionable young children, will find the mummy motif more engrossing than gross-out. The sound effects will be loud, and there will be strobe lights and pyrotechnic effects (real flame).<br />
If you're on the line, I'd advise you to suck it up, hold on tightly to the rider next to you and give it a try. Revenge of the Mummy is among the very attractions in USS, and you should try it at least once. Even if you find the ride a bit too unsettling, you'll be able to take comfort in its short duration; the whole experience lasts about three minutes, with the coaster portion taking less than half that time.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Note</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Follow the safety guidelines and do not bring a camera to film the ride. The camera will fly out!</span><br />
<b>Great Ideas, Great Technology</b> The attraction's high concept, melding a special-effects laden dark ride with a thrilling coaster, is a remarkable theme park achievement. While there are other examples of indoor coasters that attempt to incorporate a story, nothing comes close to Revenge of the Mummy. The introduction of magnetically launched coaster systems provided the linchpin to make the hybrid ride possible. The Mummy's conveyance system, which uses linear induction motors, or LIMs, allows the ride to blast off like a coaster. The real breakthrough is a modified, slower version of the LIMs (called SLIMs) that transport the vehicles through the dark ride parts of the attraction. The technology allows the car to vary its speed through scenes, seamlessly transition from the dark ride to the coaster, and even travel backwards at one point.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%; font-weight: bold;">Ride Experience</span><br />
The journey begins as you enter the huge Egyptian tomb located in the Egypt section of the park. The story for this portion of the park goes like this: It is in the 1930s, the golden age of Egyptian exploration. A group of archeologists are excavating this spectacular tomb when something horribly wrong happened. The mummy in the tomb has gone back to life and you are trapped in it too.<br />
While in the queue (which is positively enormous, think: marathon length, and can accommodate a slew of riders on peak attendance days), tabloids show messages like this "Find the book of the living and destroy Imhotep" . There are some pretty spectacular statues and drawings in the queue too, so you may want to take some time to check it out.<br />
The core of the queue winds around a burial chamber and an archaeological dig. In the center is an enormous Egyptian statue that sits above a freshly unearthed keystone. <br />
<div>
So the story of the entire attraction is that you need to find the book of the living to destroy Imhotep before he can destroy you.<br />
<h3>
Confronting the Mummy</h3>
The queue eventually leads guests up to the second level where they board the ride. <br />
The 16-passenger single-car vehicles look nothing like coaster trains. Made to resemble industrial carts, they are articulated in the middle to accommodate the ride's twists and turns. The loading area actually have two platforms so as to double the capacity of the attraction.<br />
In the first scene, words like "Find the book. Destroy Imhotep" are written all over the walls, and a ghostly voice beckons.<br />
In the second scene a slightly mummified archeologist tells us once again to find the book of the living in order to get out. This scene is made to resemble the altar in the Mummy movies where Imhotep sucks the life out of victims in order to grow into a more human form. An imposing and highly fluid Mummy animatronic character turns around sucks the life out of the archeologist. He turns to the riders and says, "With your souls, I will rule for all eternity." As the word eternity reverberates around the corner, the vehicle moves out of there and into the next chamber.</div>
<div>
Behind an altar, the Mummy appears as a large sand face. He makes an offer: "Join me and savor the riches of a thousand dynasties." A treasure trove of gold and jewels appears on either side of the train. "Or refuse and suffer a more bitter treasure." The room darkens, and animated warrior mummies pop out of troughs on either side of the train. Braziers on the altar burst into flames. The vehicle moves toward a huge stone wall that's descending and threatens lock the passengers in side the room for eternity. At the last moment, the vehicle makes a little coaster-like dip under the wall, and makes a turn into the next scene. <br />
<h3>
Scarab and launch</h3>
The vehicle speeds around a corner and crashes into a wall. The wall cracks and scarab beetles pour from the wall and invade the car as the lights fade to black. This effect is heightened through the use of sound effects although I think Universal could have upped the psyche-out fear quotient here if it had employed those calf-level tickling devices it uses in Shrek 4-D, which is just a simple string connected to a motor under the seat, which creates a tickling effect when spun. <br />
This is where the ride gets serious. While the invading bugs distract the passengers, the track behind the car switches. The vehicle proceeds backwards, but instead of retracing its course, it makes a straight, steep drop into a turntable.</div>
As the car turns 180 degrees, a the Mummy's voice taunts guests. "Your end will be my beginning", "with your souls I shall rule for all eternity". Visions of skeletons appear around this circular room. Facing a giant Mummy head, and launches 45 degrees uphill into the Mummy's fog filled mouth. There are some wild drops, ejector air, and moments of weightlessness that make for a giddy and nerve-wracking out of your seat turns. Fly-by apparitions help create the illusion of even greater speed, although they are too quick to be distinguished by guests. <br />
As you start to feel dizzy, the vehicle stops in front of the book of the living, the book that you have been looking for all this while. Then the Mummy pops out from behind the book and curses the guests, before flames erupt from the ceiling. These are real flames and you can basically feel the heat from them.<br />
The vehicle goes into a sharp drop and into a fog filled room, where it goes into the second coaster portion. There are a few more turns and then the vehicle goes into the last scene.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Trapped</span><br />
In this last scene, Imhotep is trapped inside a coffin and he curses and taunts the riders from inside. The vehicle then goes into the unloading station.<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Overall, the ride is an impressive one, and the psychological aspect of the ride really adds to the appeal of the ride. Ride it more than once to catch the details!</span>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335983874269143404.post-72048175948555179502010-03-19T17:08:00.002+08:002010-03-19T17:31:57.633+08:00Universal Studios Singapore opening dayUniversal Studios Singapore opened yesterday at 8.28 am with a auspicious Chinese lion dance ceremony. Guests have been arriving since 6 in the morning in a bid to be the first to enter the park.<br /><br />I wasn't there yesterday, as the opening day tickets sold out as fast as it was released. Industry insiders estimated that only approximately 3000 over tickets were sold for the opening day, therefore making it so hard to get.<br /><br />This small guest number was for a number of reasons. One of the most important reasons was to facilitate guest and crowd control on the attractions. The ride operators are new in their positions and hence it will be disastrous if a huge mob of guests turned up, leaving the new park operators with little idea of how to handle them.<br /><br />This small guest number also created some interesting situations. The queues for the attractions were incredibly short. I remember seeing one photograph which says: Revenge of the Mummy coaster wait time - 5 mins. This allowed the guests to experience all the attractions within a short 8.28am - 6pm day.<br /><br />Yesterday was full of surprises. One of them was the weather. It was sunny when the park opened, but within a few hours, it started to rain, then stop occasionally, then started raining again. This cycle continued for the entire day until the park closed. The deluge helped to lower the temperature, making theme park going in a tropical country more bearable. The rain did not cause many inconveniences as half of the attractions were indoor ones, and the streets also had shade and rain covers to protect the guests.<br /><br />Another surprise was the extended opening hours. After the park officially "closed", certain portions of Hollywood and New York were open and there was a spectacular fireworks display in the central lagoon, to cap the day off.<br /><br />Looking into the future, Genting CEO announced that there will be a major attraction rolled out every year, for the next 3 years, with the 2011 attraction being the TRANSFORMERS ride. Phrase 2 of RWS will also commence, which includes an oceanarium, a maritime museum, a water park and 2 more hotels.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Universal Studios Singapore will remain in the soft opening period until further notice. 18 of the 19 built attractions are open (Madagascar ride opens in mid 2010). Attractions may open or closed without notice in this soft opening period.</span>Yilunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13042457447147586228noreply@blogger.com1