Back to being kids.....Universal Studios in Singapore, absolute blast!!!

We all woke early very keen to start the day as we were off to Universal Studios on Sentosa Island for the day.  We weren't totally refreshed, still being a bit tired from our mammoth sight seeing tour of Singapore yesterday, be nothing was going to get in the way of our last day.  After again stuffing ourselves at the buffet, overindulging to the point of being fully stuffed, we waddled out to catch the bus.  We had a few more hours to go before our City Sightseeing bus tickets expired so Marty and l thought it would be a great way of getting there with seeing the sights one last time.  Wrong, what a total balls up.  Due to the Gran Prix, the bus route had changed which took us to the other side of the city, not really working out how we had planned.  An hour later, on the other side of the city, Marty and l were getting heated with one another, so we decided to catch a taxi.  Lesson learnt was not to be a tight ass as now we had to pay more money due to being on the other side of town!!!  So for the rest of this trip we are going to try and do what is the easiest, rather than trying to save a few pennies, because now we have lost time that we could have been having fun.

Singapore "divvy van".....

So with a few course words to one another in the taxi, Marty and l finally cooled off by the time we arrived at Sentosa Island.  As luck had it, we didn't end up missing out on too much time as Universal Studios opens at 10am, we arrived just after 11am, so that was an upside.  Marty was still fuming a little over the wasted time though, but as we walked up to the entrance, the girls took our attention off the past and what was going to be a fun filled day.  The excited looks on their faces made it all worth while.  We were all happy again when we saw what fun we would all have together.  The big world globe that had misted fog around it like clouds, with the Universal Studios sign encasing it was just a taste of what was ahead for the day.  We took a few happy snaps then made our way to purchase our tickets.  So far, the place reminds me of Movie World on the Gold Coast in Oz, price of family admission was similar at $238 for the lot and that was with a saving bonus included!

Let the fun begin!

As we walked in, we were blown away with the enormity of the place.  We walked thru the alley of Hollywood, past the Madagascar set and made a bee line for Far Far Away, the Shrek inspired palace. It was all so huge and grand, music was playing in the background and everyone walking around looked happy and excited.  We did a lap of the place passing the Lost City (Jurassic Park theme), Ancient Egypt which we were excited to see what lay in store on the 'Revenge of the Mummy' ride, the Sci Fi City which Marty was keen to check out the Transformers and lately the New York set which was the small kids zone with Elmo. 

Already got a thumbs up from the girls!

See the skeleton up the tree.....

Puss in Boots street show...

Shreks house....

"Far Far Away"....

Once we knew the place and got a taste, we studied the map and headed over to the Lost World to check out the Jurrasic Park ride.  We were all excited and the troubles of the morning were soon lost and filled with giggles and excitement.  After we boarded the circled raft for the white water rapid ride, we headed off with the warning that we may return slightly wet, if not drenched.  Meg freaked out as soon as the rapids got bigger and sprays of water squirted us from dinosaurs mouths.  We spun and water splashed about, by the end of the ride, not only Meg was frightened but l had the Asian chick next to me hugging on for dear life.  So funny!!!  After we got off, we were glad to not be too soaked as this place had heat, but also humidity, so the chance of our clothes drying quickly were pretty slim.  Even though Meg had screamed with fear, after she was back on safe ground she exclaimed that that ride was so cool!!! Can you believe it!?!?!?

Meg not so happy about being on this ride...

Next stop was to check out the 3D Shrek show at Far Far Away.  It was a similar 3D movie theme to the one at Movie World with water spraying and chairs moving and having spiders coming towards us. The girls loved it, and even l squealed a little!!!

After the subdued movie, it was time to chase the thrill again, so we headed over to the Sci Fi City to  board the Transformers ride.  We were all excited and keen for some action.  It was totally amazing and thrilling.  It was a simulated ride with 3D movie effects.  Really cool!  Marty and l agreed it was our favourite ride of the day.

Tough girls....

Megs favourite ride was the Madagascar one by far!! We road on the river boat ride thru a cave which had all the characters; Marty, Alex, Melman and Gloria putting on a show for us.  There was no fear to this ride, just amusement for the girls with a funny story line.

One of the highlights of the day was at Far Far Away when we went to see the Donkey Concert.  The show was classic and so well staged.  There was a girl who was the presenter and prompting the story, the Donkey was live, but as a cartoon on the big screen, but was interactive with the crowd.  Have no idea how they did it, he would have a conversation live with a member of the audience as if he was there.  Technology is so amazing!!! Anyway, as part of the skit Marty ended up being picked as the Ogar by Donkey.  Was totally hilarious as Marty tried to play the part of an angry Ogar in front of everyone.  Out of the corner of my eye l watched the girls with delighted and proud looks on their faces watching their dad perform....

Hilarious Donkey Show...

We were in great need of topping ourselves up with food and drink so we headed over to New York to Mel's Drive in which is a 60's themed American Diner.  We paid the profound cost for burgers, fries and soda and were in for a treat as just outside we could see the street show being performed.  The played a 60's medley of all the favourites songs live with blokes dressed up in denim with their big greasy pulled back hair.  Great way to get refreshed for our last part of the day....

Throughout the course of the day they had characters out to meet and greet their fans and get some pics.  Girls loved meeting the Minions from Despicable Me.  When we saw Shrek and Fiona, poor Meg nearly got bowled over as they walked past us.  Meg was so upset, she couldn't work out why they would do that to her, she couldn't understand how Shrek couldn't see her.  After consoling her and making her understand that it wasn't actually Shrek, but someone in the costume, she forgave him for crashing into her!!! Lol 

The best pic for Marty that day was his time with an Egyptian Princess.  When he first saw her l nearly had to shut his mouth and wipe the drool off him!!! Standing next to her he was like a little boy with a crush on a girl, totally hilarious!  He loved every moment!

Love the Minions!!!

Family Pic!

Love this pic....

Seeing we were all so hot, we made our way into the outside pavilion to watch the Waterworld Show in the Lost City.  It was awesome!  Full of comedy, action, jet skis, boats and pyrotechnics.  We all had a ball and cooled off in the process due to being sprayed with water so much.  Such a great action show for all ages, inspired by the famous movie Waterworld, classic!

Yet another family selfie...

The warm up show!

Game of golf???

After the show we all took one more ride on everyone's favourite for the day.  Then we made our way to the gift shop to purchase some keepsakes and gifts for everyone.  The crowds had disappeared and the sun was setting, cant believe it was 7pm already.  We sadly farewelled Universal Studios, gladly leaving as a happier family than when we arrived.  Everyone, although exhausted, was high on happiness from such a fun filled day as a family.  

Had to go check the Elmo show out for Meg after terrifying her all day with our rides!

Another view of Universal....

Time to go......such a great day :(

We headed back by taxi, went and dumped our things in our room and freshened up.  Headed out to Clarke Quay deciding to stop in at Brewszers for dinner.  Brewszers is the first micro brewery in Singapore, a fact l learned after entering.  It was a cool place, and totally booked, so l convinced Marty for us to put our names down for a table and we headed over to the bar to hang out over a few coldies while we waited.  Some people ended up leaving the bar, so we all got a seat and ended up having our meal at the bar instead.  We sat next to these cool sounding American blokes, who were in their mid 50's and after chatting we found out their were pilots, just hanging out in between a stop over.  They were really cool guys and educated us well on the brewery, seeing they were fascinated with beer.  They were equally fascinated in our travelling story, stating they wished they could do the same.  It amazes me at peoples reactions and wishes, doesn't matter how much money people have, they all seem to fathom that travelling in an unreachable goal that they could never do.  Anyway, the girls enjoyed their fizzy drinks and food, even having a laugh at my expense on the trick door to the toilets.  Yes, l know, dumb blonde!!! Lol

Time for refreshments....

Dig in Boo!!!!

After dinner, we took a boat ride on the Marina Bay and got to catch the end of the laser show.  The city looks so cool at night whilst viewing from the water, all the lights from the skyscrapers, the magic of the Helix Bridge coming to life and the water spilling out from the huge Lion statue at Merlin Park.  The Esplanade Theatres were lit up brightly and we could even see the Singapore Flyer in the distance. By the time we got back after the 45 minute cruise, the girls were exhausted, Meg actually falling asleep on the bench seat on boat.

All a bit Loony after such a big day!!!

Me and my girls.....

Here's our boat....

Time to enjoy the views on the water....

Laser light show!!!

So love the color of Singapore, both in the day and night!!

Merlin Park lion fountain...

Singapore Flyer, Arts Centre and Sands Resort...

Helix Bridge...

Boo's had enough.....

It was yet another fantastic and big day, our three days in Singapore coming to an end.  What an amazing and jam packed start it has been for our 18 day trip.  We have had a ball in Singapore and have fallen in love with it.  Now that the adventure is coming to a close, we are all ready for a relaxing escape to our resort in Phuket, Thailand.  Back in bed, we crash quickly.......can't wait for our next leg to begin tomorrow!

Bell Xxx