Resorts World Sentosa, the integrated resort that's home to Universal Studios Singapore, today announced a major expansion of the resort — one that will bring two of Universal's biggest theme park franchises to what has been Universal's smallest park.
The US$3.3 billion project will expand the 120-acre resort by more than 40 acres, including new lands in Universal Studios Singapore: Minion Park and Super Nintendo World.
Super Nintendo World is now under construction for a debut by next summer at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, and construction also has begun at Universal Studios Hollywood, though that park has yet to announce an opening date. Universal also plans to bring the video game-themed land to Universal Orlando, most likely in the new and still-officially-unannounced "Fantastic Worlds" theme park slated for construction near the Orange County Convention Center.
Minion Park is the expanded Despicable Me land at Universal Studios Japan, featuring Universal's top kids' franchise — the Minions. Minion Park will replace the current Madagascar land within the Singapore park. There was no mention in Resort World's announcement that Super Nintendo World would be replacing any current attractions in Universal Studios Singapore.
Even with the two new lands, Universal Studios Singapore will remain the only Universal-branded resort without a Wizarding World of Harry Potter. USS's major franchises include Shrek, Transformers, Sesame Street, Battlestar Galactica, and (IMHO) Universal's best version of The Mummy.
Elsewhere in the resort, the expansion will triple the size of the resort's S.E.A. Aquarium, which will be rebranded as Singapore Oceanarium. It also will add two hotels, with an additional 1,100 rooms for resort visitors. Resorts World Sentosa also will debut a "Driverless Transport System" along the Sentosa Boardwalk that connects Sentosa Island with the Singapore mainland.
That system will have a capacity of 1,800 guests per hour, with a station next to the VivoCity mall connecting with a new Sentosa "Waterfront Lifestyle Complex," where the two new hotels will be located.
Resorts World Sentosa announced that the project will be completed in phases, with new attractions opening each year starting in 2020, with project completion by 2025.
Universal Studios Singapore opened in 2010 and today welcomes more than four million visitors a year, making it one of the top 25 theme parks in the world by attendance, though the 49-acre park is the least visited of Universal's five theme parks around the world.
Other attractions in Resorts World Sentosa include the Maritime Experiential Museum, Dolphin Island, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the Resorts World casino. The resort is about a 20-minute drive from Singapore's Changi Airport, which once again was named the world's best in the 2019 World Airport Awards.
TweetI hate losing the Madagascar land simply because it included Universal's most ambitious attempt at a water-based dark ride. This one had a rocky development path, but it resulted in a fun ride that I will hate to see close. Here's my video of it:
You'd think that Shrek 4D would be easier for Minion Mayhem to replace. It's already got the giant screen. Just add in the moving seats, unless the new Minion section will feature an entirely different ride.
Great news about the new lands. I wonder if their adding land by making the island bigger? I didn't think they had any room for expansion. I'm shocked that their not adding the Harry Potter land instead but I guess people will have the Osaka and Beijing parks for that.
I can't wait for Universal Studios Beijing though that park is gonna be huge. Below is a great link with construction pictures. The park is moving along! If you guys have more info on it I would love an article about it.
http://www.themeparx.com/universal-studios-beijing/
All part of the S$9 billion expansion for their two integrated resort complexes, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, which maintains their exclusive casino gaming licenses through 2030. And no, Sentosa Island itself is not growing, most of the projects involve repurposing existing properties so Universal Studios Singapore will remain the smallest of that chain worldwide. Also note that last month's Chinese media report conspicuously didn't include a Super Nintendo World thened area in their list of seven themed areas for Universal Beijing...
Shame about the Madagascar boat ride. I wonder if there is a way the ride may be re-purposed for the new theme? As discussed before, Universal is sadly lacking in non-splashing water dark rides. It would be a shame to not make this work for the new theme. Fingers crossed.
Is the Lower Lot construction of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood the worst kept secret in the theme park business?
With three big projects under construction around the park and only the Jurassic World refurbishment officially announced, why doesn't Universal announce its projects and (for Jurassic World) anticipated opening dates instead of waiting until the last minute?
Went to this park for the first time last year and thought the Madagascar ride was really tacky and lazy, a bunch of black curtains with half a**ed animitronic figures. It doesn't surprise me they're getting rid of it.
This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
Neat. I guess Nintendo is more promising there. Personally, I'm kinda excited about Resorts World Singapore. It's safe, inclusive, modern, clean, and friendly. Singapore also has amazing foods I'd love to try.