Universal Studios Singapore Opens in Grand Fashion

May 28, 2011 Blog 4 comments

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
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. 🙂

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
These fans are useful on a hot and humid day.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011

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

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
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.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Hmmm… looks like a ninja has decided to drop into the party.  Not that the VIPs mind anyway…

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
“Ready…. and ACTION!” goes Minister Lim, launching the event.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
No prizes for guessing who these men in black are. 

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Fortunately, this muscular blonde made short work of the assassins with her lethal kicks and punches. Ouch!

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
A marching band ushered in the parade…

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
…complete with cavalry riders on their fine brown steeds.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Woody woodpecker and friends joined us next.  Notice the guy on the right doing an aerial somersault?

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Walk like an Egyptian together with the Scorpion King.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
The cast of Madagascar were warmly cheered by the crowd.  Four legs good, two legs bad?

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
This fearsome looking machinery probably hailed from Battlestar Galactica.  Anybody knows what this is?

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Kung Fu Panda, looking fat and friendly on his golden sedan.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
The cast from Waterworld, one of the more popular shows at Universal Studios, making their appearance on dry land.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Is that a zebra?  Nope, its Beetlejuice!

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Everybody knows who the friendly green ogre Shrek is, as he ventures from his carriage to Far Far Away.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
This lady in the orange/golden dress befuddled me.  Do you know who she is?

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Ushering out the two VIPs in style was “Marilyn Monroe” yet again.  Now we do know that these gentlemen prefer blondes!

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
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.

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Of course Ethan had a different idea with his own fans, preferring to sweep the confetti off the street!

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
After the parade was over, we managed to hop onto “Madagascar A Crate Adventure” for some wet and wild river cruising fun…

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Spun around on a Merry Go Round…

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
Endured some eye-popping 4D “torture” in “Shrek 4D”…

Universal Studios Grand Opening - 28 May 2011
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!

By Walter
Founder of Cooler Insights, I am a geek marketer with almost 24 years of senior management experience in marketing, public relations and strategic planning. Since becoming an entrepreneur 5 years ago, my team and I have helped 58 companies and over 2,200 trainees in digital marketing, focusing on content, social media and brand storytelling.

4 Comments

  1. Hello Walter,

    I have been following your blog with interest and particularly like your recent coverage on the opening of Universal Studios.

    I am currently representing some Travel clients which I think might be of interest to you and I’d love to send across some information your way if you’re keen. Feel free to contact me at
    [email protected] if you’re interested.

    Have a great day and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

    Cheers,
    Rachel

  2. May I know where I can find the PESTLE analysis of Universal Studios Singapore? I cannot find it everywhere in Internet. Appreciate it if you reply as soon as possible. Contact me at [email protected] if possible. Thanks.

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