Universal Studios Singapore Opens in Grand Fashion

Ethan’s certainly enjoyed his first visit to Universal Studios Singapore

Lights… Cameras… and so much action! That sums up the grand opening of Universal Studios Singapore this morning.

After allowing members of the public to visit parts of the park in stages, Universal Studios Singapore finally had its grand opening party. Thanks to the kind folks of Resorts World Sentosa, I was able to bring Ethan along to soak in the hot and festive fun. Participating in the extravaganza were big names like American Idol and pop personality Paula Abdul, Chinese martial arts superstar Jet Li, screen goddess Maggie Cheung, doe-eyed Chinese actress Vicki Zhao (of “Huang Zhu Ge Ge fame”) and Kimberly Caldwell, a finalist from American Idol.
Gracing the occasion was Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang, Genting Group Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay as well as Universal Parks and Resorts Chairman and CEO Tom Williams. The three gentlemen gave their speeches and launched the morning’s celebrations with much aplomb, ushering in an elaborate procession of the real (and reel) stars of the theme park. Lovable characters from Shrek, Kungfu Panda, The Mummy, Madagascar, Woody Woodpecker, the Scorpion King and more also made their appearance, welcomed by the loud cheers of park visitors.

Join me now for a pictorial tour of this morning’s event, in the eyes of a 7-year-old boy. 🙂

These fans are useful on a hot and humid day.

Members of the cast/staff all dressed up for their roles.

Genting Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Universal Parks Chairman Tom Williams and Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang flanked by two beauties – “Marilyn Monroe” and MTV babe Denise Keller.

Hmmm… looks like a ninja has decided to drop into the party.  Not that the VIPs mind anyway…

“Ready…. and ACTION!” goes Minister Lim, launching the event.

No prizes for guessing who these men in black are. 

Fortunately, this muscular blonde made short work of the assassins with her lethal kicks and punches. Ouch!

A marching band ushered in the parade…

…complete with cavalry riders on their fine brown steeds.

Woody woodpecker and friends joined us next.  Notice the guy on the right doing an aerial somersault?

Walk like an Egyptian together with the Scorpion King.

The cast of Madagascar were warmly cheered by the crowd.  Four legs good, two legs bad?

This fearsome looking machinery probably hailed from Battlestar Galactica.  Anybody knows what this is?

Kung Fu Panda, looking fat and friendly on his golden sedan.

The cast from Waterworld, one of the more popular shows at Universal Studios, making their appearance on dry land.

Is that a zebra?  Nope, its Beetlejuice!

Everybody knows who the friendly green ogre Shrek is, as he ventures from his carriage to Far Far Away.

This lady in the orange/golden dress befuddled me.  Do you know who she is?

Ushering out the two VIPs in style was “Marilyn Monroe” yet again.  Now we do know that these gentlemen prefer blondes!

And following closely thereafter, we have the famous Paula Abdul!!… Err… sorry ah, this is as good a picture that I can get of the mega star who was mobbed by the paparazzi and fans.

Of course Ethan had a different idea with his own fans, preferring to sweep the confetti off the street!

After the parade was over, we managed to hop onto “Madagascar A Crate Adventure” for some wet and wild river cruising fun…

Spun around on a Merry Go Round…

Endured some eye-popping 4D “torture” in “Shrek 4D”…

And had a prehistorically good time walking with dinosaurs at the Jurassic Park.

Here are the rest of our photos for your vicarous viewing pleasure.

Go ahead and bring your family to Universal Studios Singapore this June school holidays and have a movie-rrific time!