Universal studios all you can eat pass

One of the best things to do in Singapore with kids is to visit Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island. The seven movie-themed lands with 24 rides, shows and attractions are easy to navigate, even in Singaporean weather.

We’ll share how to buy tickets, what our experience was like, where to eat, and more below.

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First things, first. Your main decision is whether to buy a one-day ticket or a one-day ticket AND a Universal Express pass or a Universal Express Unlimited pass. Express passes provide priority line access (not front-of-line access) to select rides.

Universal Studios Singapore also offers two-day tickets and annual passes for those planning on more than one visit.

Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited

The only way to buy a Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited ticket is to add it on to the purchase of an admission ticket via Resorts World Sentosa.

The Express passes start at $30 and $50, but prices for them can increase based on demand, so it’s wise to purchase them early. Universal Express allows one-time access per eligible ride’s priority queue whereas pass holders can enter as many times as they like with the Universal Express Unlimited pass. Eligible rides include:

• Pantages Hollywood Theater
• Lights, Camera, Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg
• Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase
• TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle
• Accelerator
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN
• Battlestar Galactica: CYCLON
• Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure
• Dino-Soarin
• WaterWorld
• Shrek 4-D Adventure
• Donkey LIVE
• Enchanted Airways
• King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round
• Madagascar: A Crate Adventure
• Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey

That’s most of the rides and attractions in the park.

We opted for the Universal Express Unlimited pass which I would highly recommend. Our visit to the park landed on a weekday during spring break, and I would say that after about an hour in the park (no waits in the beginning) the Universal Express Unlimited (available only through RW Sentosa) pass became incredibly valuable. Waiting in line in the heat isn’t my thing. Save a little bit of money on tickets below.

Go Singapore

Save on Universal Studios Singapore entrance by using this sightseeing pass that bundles over 30 of the best Singapore attractions together for one low price. Select the type of pass you’d like first which can be the all-inclusive pass or the Explorer Pass which includes entrance to 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 Singapore attractions visited across 30 days.

Now that you have your tickets sorted, he’s what you’ll see.

Universal Studios Singapore Themed Zones

Hollywood

Enter through Hollywood and the Walk of Fame. This area is mostly about retail (including an entire store dedicated to Minion and another to Hello Kitty) s0 so avert your eyes until it’s time to leave. If temptation is too strong, they will hold your purchases.

Mel’s Diner and Starbucks are located here. It’s also a popular character meet-and-greet area. Expect to see Minions, Marilyn Monroe and other characters and some queues for photo opportunities with them.

New York

The Sesame Street crew hangs out in New York. The top ride (or only ride) is fantastic for toddlers and young kids, Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase where Elmo is basically on a hunt for a spaghetti dinner. The line just after opening was quite short so we rode it several times in a row.

Big Bird’s Emporium is the main shopping spot here, but you’ll also have character meet-and-greets, things to do like caricature drawings.

Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg is a show attraction here about a major hurricane about to hit New York City.

Sci Fi City

Older kids will likely want to blast straight through Hollywood and New York to Sci Fi City. Here, you’ll find Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cyclone which is the tallest set of dueling roller coasters in the world.

The Cyclone is the most thrilling of the two involving five inversions, a corkscrew, a zero-g roll and a plunge into a deep pit filled with artificial fog. Human functions more like a traditionally seated rollercoaster without inversions but it does reach speeds of up to 56 mph. That’s fast. The roller coasters run at the same time, so riders also are thrilled by “near misses” as the other roller coaster speeds by.

Spin around (sort of like the Mad Hatter Tea Cups at Disneyland) the Accelerator below Battlestar Galactica but don’t miss the Transformers 3D thrill ride here, too. The latter might be a bit scary for young kids as it’s loud and hyper-realistic, so that’s where there’s a height restriction for it.

Look out also for Transformers meet-and-greets.

Ancient Egypt

Keep walking toward Ancient Egypt where our favorite ride in the entire park, Revenge of the Mummy, is located. This ride alone is worth getting an Express pass for. We rode it three times in a row. If you like roller coasters but not necessarily ones that are long or inverted, this is for you. There’s one surprise in it that I won’t ruin. Just try it!

Across from Revenge of the Mummy is the Treasure Hunters ride. Unless you’re looking to please younger kids with a mellow ride, skip it. The line, even though it doesn’t seem long, takes forever. You’re riding in a short, slow lap.

Meet-and-greets here include Egyptian Royalty.

The Lost World

Hunger kicked in as it was midday by the time we reached The Lost World.

The WaterWorld show featuring water, fire, stunts and more is just as popular here as it is at Universal Studios Hollywood so plan to see it.

The Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure water ride will cool you down on a hot Singapore day. Expect to wait even in the Universal Express line and to show your pass several times, including right before boarding the raft. Rafts pass by favorite Jurassic Park dinosaurs, and there’s a cool part where the raft launches up an elevator before its ending drop.

The favorite Canopy Flyer does not have a Universal Express line. If it is on your to-do list, I would recommend getting there right at 11 am when The Lost World opens. It was closed for maintenance, so we didn’t try it. It’s a reasonably tame family roller coaster.

The Dino-Soarin ride here is where children pilot their flying dinosaur (sort of like Dumbo at Disneyland).

Far Far Away

Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey suits younger kids though does have a few fun dips in it. This mild roller coaster is probably our second favorite ride in the park.

Enchanted Airways is another mild, yet fun roller coaster suitable for young kids.

The Shrek 4D show provides a nice, refreshing break. It’s an air-conditioned theater, and you’re seated for most of it. Once inside the caste, the line-waiting section is air-conditioned, too.

Madagascar

Two rides and a Madagascar Boogie show happen in this area. An adorable carousel called King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round was fun for all ages (I rode it, too).

Madagascar: A Crate Adventure is a boat ride that felt a little like “it’s a small world” and follows Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman’s unexpected journey to Madagascar. It’s adorable.

What to Eat at Universal Studios Singapore

Plenty of options exist throughout the park. The sit-down restaurant is in New York, an Irish-American joint called KT’s Grill (New York) with 1940s New York decor and a menu with steak, fish and chips, cocktails and some Asian-inspired dishes. They have their twist on the Singapore Sling, a blue Universal Sling.

If craving pizza, head to Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor (New York). It’s pretty good, plus there’s rainbow cake.

Snack carts are sprinkled throughout the park. I’ve learned that in hot climates to have at least one coconut water. It’s nature’s Gatorade, full of electrolytes. Plus, it’s tasty and a good excuse to pick up a churro at the same time.

Find local eats at the cafeteria-style Discovery Food Court (The Lost World). The food in here is just okay but hits the spot if in search of some chicken rendang or Hainanese chicken rice. Note that some dishes aren’t available until after 12 pm if you happen to arrive before that.

And who can resist a Shrek waffle? Try it at Goldilocks (Far Far Away). The other dish Goldilocks is famous for is the seven spice fried chicken.

Very popular is the turkey leg at Marilyn’s (Hollywood) a little Airstream-looking cart that plays on the fact that Marilyn Monroe was famous for her legs.

A ton of restaurants await just steps from the park including Din Tai Fung and Malaysian Food Street. Some people exit the park to eat and re-enter to continue their day (get a hand stamp for re-entry).

Universal Studios Singapore Special Experiences

Skip the lines with a Universal Studios Singapore VIP Experience. You’ll have a personal guide tailor an experience just for you throughout five hours. The VIP Experience includes an admission ticket, a  Universal Express Unlimited Pass (for use before and after the tour), opportunities for private meet-and-greets with favorite characters, complimentary refreshments, VIP access to at least eight attractions, a special VIP lanyard and an SGD 25 meal voucher.

Purchase on Klook for an exclusive discount.

Sesame Street Character Breakfasts happen on Saturdays and allow guests with admission to the breakfast and the park to enter the park an hour before it opens. The highlight of the breakfast is the character meet-and-greets.

Tips for a Universal Studios Singapore Day Out

Arrive before opening. I’ve seen some sites recommend even an hour early. We were about 20 minutes early, but they did start letting people in shortly after we arrived. Have your ticket handy to self-scan it at the entrance.

It will be hot. Bring sunscreen and a hat. A portable misting fan is also a good idea.

Rain and thunderstorms are common in Singapore. The park continues to operate in inclement weather and doesn’t give ticket refunds if rides need to close. The good news is that a decent amount of rides are indoors and some themed zones are covered (but it is still hot).

You will need to put personal items in a locker before riding Battlestar Galactica and Revenge of the Mummy, so it helps to pack lightly if you don’t have someone to hold your bags.

Getting wet on a handful of rides will be a welcome respite from the heat. However, many guests pack or buy ponchos to avoid getting wet. You might want to bring a change of clothes for the kids.

Bring Dramamine or motion sickness aids if you tend to get motion sickness on 3D rides.

One day is usually enough as there are so many other fantastic things to do on Sentosa Island and in Singapore.