Universal Studio – Madagascar ~ Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria up-close (Part 12)

Madagascar Zone, 

Resorts World Sentosa

Sentosa Island, Singapore 

Madagascar: A Crate Adventure

Madagascar is the last zone we’ve been to when we were in Universal Studios, Singapore. We started at 1) Hollywood, 2) New York, 3) Sci Fi City, 4) Ancient Egypt, 5) Lost World, 6) Far Far Away and finally for kids delight the 7) Madagascar. It is inspired by the hit DreamWorks Animation franchise of the same name which features the adventure of four witty, talkative, charming and adorable zoo animals: they are Alex, the leader Lion; Gloria, the curvy and vivacious Hippo: Marty, everyone’s favorite Zebra and Melman, the Giraffe. They all escape from the Central Park Zoo and unfortunately crashing into the island of Madagascar.

View of the huge cargo ship docked at Madagascar Zone.

Madagascar zone is located in between Hollywood and Far Far Away zone.  Pretty sure if we brought our kids with us this zone will come to our mind first. The place is surrounded with lush greenery as if you’re in a jungle although some trees were fake but the ambiance feels like you are really transported to a remote island. From here, you’ll see the fortress of Far Far Away Zone and the street of New York City.

The view of the huge cargo ship up-close from Hollywood Zone.

The first thing that we notice when we enter is the huge life size replica of an impressive ship at the entrance that forms much of the zone and dwarfs the surrounding buildings. I don’t know what the size of it but it’s like around 5 to 6 storey building  and I presume more than a hectare in size. It seems it is the highest structure inside the park. It is meant to replicate the ship that the zoo animals fell off at the start of their adventure. The mock-up looks like a Titanic vessel but a cargo ship (ahahaha!).

Another interesting feature is the presence of a huge Boabab Tree located just in the entrance from the Hollywood zone and a few meters walk from the manmade lake. It has a distinct feature that can be seen in most part of the park because the size comprises around 3 to 4 storey building, much smaller than the vessel. It’s just a dummy replica but looks like authentic. You can even build a huge house inside or have a tree house instead.

If you look closely there is a plane that crash at the top of the tree. If ever you’re stuck at the top then prepare yourself for a crazy fall as branches of this kind of tree is a few meters apart. You can hardly grip the bark coz it’s too big  and the least you can do is to  jump going down (ahahaha!).

The premier attraction in this zone is the Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. I am the only one in here because Balong is in the clinic resting. He was confined because of the dizziness he felt when we ride the Battlestar Galactica ‘Cyclon’. I left him for a while in order to get some photos that surrounds the zone. Actually, after few hours of resting he joined me and Lemwuel and we revisit the place.

Balong at the entrance of the Madagascar: Crate Adventure.

The arch of four loved zoo characters of Alex,  Gloria, Marty and Zebra greeted you once you enter the attraction. The pathway leading to ride is part of the main thoroughfare of the park engulfed with lush vegetation. They used faked bamboo to have that tropical feel. There are so many palm trees too and lots of crate scattered around.

Warning signs to be aware of.

The entrance of the attraction is not directly located at the ship facade, but more than 100 meters away. The queue is huge, it is located outside and covered with bamboo trunks. You’ll not feel the humidity outside because the area is air controlled just enough to fight the staggering hot weather of Singapore. Getting bored is the least of your worries too because the place is nicely themed like you were in the shoreline of a beach and this huge tent serves as the cottage.

Large systematic queuing area for visitors to get in.

TV monitors like this can be found everywhere.

If you watched the 1^st installment of Madagascar where Marty celebrated his birthday, then, the place is bounded with light fixtures like there is a birthday party going on. They are so cute to look at and pleasing to the eyes especially if you brought your kids along. Pretty sure they will enjoy the whole ‘en queue’ thing waiting for the ride. Ceiling fan can be found lining up in each corner of the shelter too. They have available TV monitors in each corner that plays news loops reporting on the animals’ departure from the Central Park Zoo, in an attempt to fill guests who haven’t watched the films on the backstroke.

Beware of FOOSA!!!

After few minutes at last we arrived at the loading dock. It is manned by the cast member dressed in ranger clothing. They are too friendly, cheerful, and accommodating, while helping guest all the way. The guest enter the ride on large wooden boats,  which is 5 rows long and 3 to 4 sits per row depending how big or small you are. Usually, one boat can accommodate up to twenty-four (24) passengers to begin the journey. The two seats at the sides double up as steps for the guest to step in. There is a redundant lap bar that the cast member have to lower like a seat belt.

Staff signalling that the adventure is about to start!

The system is consist of two loading spots back to back. With the boarding guest on the left and the exit to the right.  I don’t know how many boats were in there but I’ve seen 7 in total. Loading of guest maybe not that efficient because it usually takes quite a while for the guest to get on and off the boat but patience is what you need in here. Besides you’re here to have fun, thus having a friendly gesture is a must, just chill and relax! (hehehe!).

Hmmmmmmm that's the entry to the ship..

Madagascar: A Crate Adventure is an indoor animatronics boat ride for kids delight. Actually, it’s not just for kids as most of the riders I’ve seen is much more older than I am (ahahaha!). The boat is themed as a boxy crate, and is painted with bright colors. As a traveler, we find ourselves with a dozen or so fellow travelers inside a small boat that glides into the side of the huge ship and we transported into the movie. The boat is entirely driven by the river currents with no tracks no motors and no drivers. Bumpers in the forms of rollers are installed at the two sides to prevent the boat from crashing into the walls of the through.

Oh! captain, my captain!!!!! (ahahaha!)

At first, the boat floats lazily through the outdoors before slowly making its way to the cargo storage. The  place is surrounded with cargo crates along the sides and the voice of the four emerge from one of the crates discussing their situations. One distinct scene I can’t forget is when I saw the silhouette of the captain sipping a coffee or tea in one of the room, unfortunately one of the wicked penguins showed up and whack the captain unconscious and they took control of the steering wheel.

It's quite hard to get pictures because am using a digital cam (ammmmp!)

Marty caught by by flesh eating plants. (I  forgot the name, ahahaha!)

Next is when the boat goes into another room and that’s the time that the storm arrives. It’s kinda scary because it seems authentic as  enormous windblown to us and many crates were floating on the sea. There is even one scene when we passed through a pile of crates  about to collapse one by one almost threatening to hit the boat we ride in and that scares me bigtime (ahahaha!).

Foosa  trying to catch the baby lemur.

And of course..... Gloria to the rescue!!!!

The storm ends and everybody seems fine as they start breaking the crate and who could forget the ‘move it move it’ theme song huh!. I can still remember lots of lemurs dancing to that beat (ahahaha!). There are so many dangers going on like herds of spiders coming in, the crocodiles, and the snake but they all get through it safely (hehehe!). We saw some naughty monkeys too spraying their ‘poo’ to us (ewwwwwwwwww well, its water actually) their arrrkkk arkkkk arkkk sound is so irritating yet amusing at the same time! (ahahaha!).

Alex caught by the huge spider web...

Lot's of planning to destroy the foosas!

Their main enemy is the foosa actually, and the gang would like to help out and King Julien serves as the boss (ahahaha!). I love watching the group camouflaged themselves as fighters. I can’t forget Gloria trying desperately to fit into her body her overly small outfit (ahahaha!). After several preparation, our boat lead us to a cave where the foosa lives. There are so many foosa shadows running around the entryway. As our boat glides along, we’ve seen the gang fighting with the foosas, there are so many jumping, leaping, shouting, and much more going around and the last but not the least to forget is when the penguins throw the bomb to King Julian. The bomb explodes and destroys the foosas but leaving a rather smoked King Julien (ahahaha!).

Found at the entrance of the Foosas Cave

The fighting is over and the gang celebrates their victory and as any other Hollywood movies, the hero always win! (ahahaha!). There is a waterfall that we are about to pass on and that worries me because I have no extra shirts with me but it stops when we are about few inches away (hehehe!). We’ve seen plenty of animals celebrating and a huge banner ‘Thank you freaks’ comes up over the boat channel coming out from the cave. 

The fight is over and Marty enjoying his coco-juice.. (hehehe!)

We’ve seen bubbles too being blown at the boat and one last look as we’ve seen Marty lounging on his chair, sipping drinks out of a coconut and sipping drinks on the guest. The rides ends here and everything comes to light plus we’ve seen pieces of an airplane propeller just on our way out. After the ride, we are then directed into a souvenir shops where guest can purchase their on-ride photos.

It was one filled adventure. May not be complicated like the Transformer ride but it was the BEST!

It was just less than 10 minutes ride but we had a lot of fun along with Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Smith. They maybe just a voice over but it was a plain ride to enjoy.

The cast having a small intimate show outside. We were trying to have a solo snap with the characters but they all left after the show.

We stayed for a few minutes in Madagascar and we’ve seen our fave characters in costume having show outside. We wanted to have some shots with them but there are so many guest lining up just to have a snap. I asked Balong to run to have a snaps with one of the penguins and thanks God we have one. I loved Gloria, she is awesome (ahahahaha!).

Balong at the entrance of King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round.

If you didn’t get enough of the ‘crate adventure’, bring your kids to King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round ride, it is an elaborate-themed carousel featuring Alex, Gloria, Melman, and Marty as well as other crazy lemurs, pesky foosas and many of the other Madagascar characters. Pretty sure your kids will love such as they be able to ride on the backs of all their favorite characters from the movies. It’s a more tamer ride but this is no ordinary merry go round with pulsing polka music because the characters rise and fall to the beat of the disco music that makes any lemur, or human tap their feet (ahahaha!).

Casa del Wild Food Court that offers South Asian specialties.

The zone includes the usual fantastically themed souvenir and food venues. When you’re ready for something to eat because of one filled afternoon/morning, there are two restaurant to choose from. First is the Casa Del Wild, a café inspired by the first movie and is hosted by Marty that serves lip-smacking South Asian specialty like Pad Thai, Nasi Padang, Chicken Satay, Roasted Chicken, Tom Yum Soup, Beef Rendang and a lot more. 

Gloria's Snack Shack located just besides the boabab tree.

In addition, there is a food store outlet that is hosted by Gloria and it named after her 'gloria Snack Shack' that offers Japanese-inspired quick bites such as bento boxes, yakitore, rice bowls, chicken yakitori, grilled prawns, and vegetable tempura. They also serves many invigorating thirst-quenchers. 

I don't know how it happen but pretty sure i was waiting for BFF and Balong (ahahaha!)

Souvenir shops like this can be found everywhere.

Should you like to buy some gifts as souvenirs or some silly keepsakes there is a ‘Penguin Mercantile’ that is located in the exit of Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. Most of the items they have in here is of course inspired by the many lovable characters of the franchise movie. They usually sell key holders/fobs, t’shirts, caps, stuff toys and lots more.

View of the whole Madagascar Zone from Ancient Egypt.

This is also the place where you can take photos like what we have below, we paid SG 40 for two shots of pics. 

So there you go, if ever you bring your kids along, a visit to Madagascar zone is a MUST!. They'll love the place i assure you that. We even enjoyed it ourselves even we are already 'so so' age (ahahaha!). The visit to Universal Studios Singapore is incomplete with out passing in here.

Have a great day/night everyone.

Cheerrrrrrrrrriioosssssssss

Enan signing off...

SMILE.

:)

Universal Studio - Far Far Away ~ when fairytales comes alive (Part 11)

Far Far Away Zone

Resorts Word Sentosa

Sentosa Island, Singapore 

The stunning beauty of the castle in Far Far Away where Shrek and Fiona live.

Universal Studio in Resorts World Sentosa is a must visit place to enjoy once in Singapore. We spent  one whole day in here and it was a BLAST! Because of excitement that day, we arrived early and were already at the gate before the entire park open. For me, half day is not enough to consider if you really wanted to have some fun in here. You need to devote one whole day to fully maximize all the attractions including the rides.

If you come from Madagascar zone, this signage will welcome you in.

Being here is way more than words can say. It feels like Balong, Lemwuel, and I were kids again especially seeing some of the famous characters like Po of Kung Fu Panda, Frankenstein, Betty Boop, and lot more that makes you grin and say “WOW!” (ahahaha!). It is a day filled with lots of fun, we were exhausted and stress out but we were ecstatic every single minute of our tour.

Flock of people to and fro the Far Far away zone.

One of the attractions that we fond the most is when we visit ‘Far Far Away’ zone. This is the 6^th zone in the park that kids and adult alike will truly love as it transport you straight to your early childhood as princess and prince comes alive. The zone is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s hit Shrek franchise which depicted how the fairy-tale characters lived in daily life. 

Since we came from the Lost World zone, this elaborate archway greeted us. On your left, is the wet moats that surrounds the area.

There is no denying that Shrek movies drastically change the way we view our well-loved fairy tales. Quite refreshing really as I was sorely getting tired of watching damsels-in-distress who always seem to be gorgeous nymphs with a great bodies (ahahaha!). 

I’ve got sun burnt all over my body but everything is worth it!

Personally, this is the most popular zone amongst the crowd as it offers a beautiful and very unique setting which brings you to the world of fairy tales. Most of the attractions and activities in this zone are interesting and spectacular in a sense that it’s really magical.

F an B is the least of your worries as you can find them mostly everywhere. It’s a bit expensive but it’s ok.

The vicinity is surrounded with wet moats. I was searching if there is any crocodile or piranhas swimming around but unfortunately haven’t seen any (maybe they were just a bit shy because plenty of tourist were in there ~ ahahaha). There is a huge gate on our way in,  no gatekeeper and  no official guard either (Hmmmmm they’re having their afternoon siesta I guess ~ ahahaha!). There is a ‘Far Far Away’ signage engraved at the upper part of the archway and from here you will see the towering beauty of the fortress.

The facade of the fortress. I was trying to get the whole area shot but only limited space were in there.

This picture is taken in between Goldilocks and the Friar’s restaurant.

The main highlight of the zone is the presence of the 40-meter tall replica of a castle that can be found in the center which is considered as the world’s first castle in all Universal Studios franchise. Prepare yourself to be amazed and fill your eyes with elaborate detailing of the edifice which is very astounding. It is amazing to see firsthand what you just imagine in books and in movies.

The golden crown fountain in front of the castle.

Before getting inside the castle, there is a huge ‘golden crown’ fountain and beautiful landscape of santan flowers. Going further is a huge tent that shade all the guest on line. Good for them to install such because the humidity here is really unforgiving sometimes.

The golden crown fountain in front of the castle.

Ay, ganda ng pose, ikaw na talaga BFF (ahahaha!)

The castle hosts Shrek 4-D show. It was one funny action scene that features the adventure of Shrek along with Princess Fiona in 4D which is considered as the main attractions of ‘Far Far Away’ zone.

The entrance of the castle. Look how elaborate and intricate the details is.

On our way in, lots of viewers were already en-queue, but the wait only last for 10 minutes. By the way, have you seen the facebook logo in on the wall??? Hmmmmm that means Shrek and Fiona has FB account too? Waaaaaaa that is way too cool.

The whole story begins in the dungeon where the ghost of the vertically challenged Lord Farqaad has captures the Three Little Pigs and Pinocchio. It also explains briefly how the love story of Fiona and Shrek evolve.

Pinocchio, hang upside down inside the dungeon…..

Pinocchio, hang upside down inside the dungeon…..

After the love story introduction, we were ushered into the movie theater complete with our 3D glasses on. It’s interesting to see as everything felt so real! Things were popping out at us, and almost like we could reach out and touch them (ahahaha!). Everything is moving, even the chair. It feels like we are part of the show as we move along to save Princess Fiona, Pinocchio, and the Three Little Pigs, since they were kidnapped by Lord Farqaad. 

And who would forget Lord Farqaad who has hidden desire for Princess Fiona?

The mask in the mirror slash the narrator (ahahaha!)

I still remember in one scene that the horse were galloping and we were like in a race too (ahahaha!). You can fell the bumpy road and we even felt the droplets as Donkey sneezed on us (ahahaha! hmmmmm ewwwwwww!). 

The mask in the mirror slash the narrator (ahahaha!)

Our legs felt the waves of grass too as the characters runs through the field (ahahaha!).  It has that strange feeling but it was a wonderful experience I may say. The vibrations gives viewers that excellent and interesting 4D effect! It’s not just for kids, it’s for everybody to enjoy. Try to devote few minutes in here and I assure you it’s worth it.

The huge billboard of the wicked Fairy God Mother’s famous potions.

Potion Factory inside potion house.

We watched the show in just 10 minutes and we exited to a secret door of Fairy Godmother’s Potion Shop which is located just besides the castle. There is a Magic Potion Spin in the corner that provide a mini ferris wheel for children. And once your done riding and wanted to have a few drinks, there is a Juice Bar near the entrance wherein you can mix your own colorful elixirs.

The ambiance really makes you feel that you’re in an enchanted kingdom surrounded with so many structure that reminds you’re in a fairy land with a modern twists. I love the structures around especially the cart used by Cinderella in the movie. I even try riding the cart while Balong is inside and it feels like I am the ‘kuchero’ of the day that bring Cinderella to the castle (ahahaha!). We did capture each corner of the zone, thanks because we brought an extra battery with us.

I don’t know what’s the size of the themed park  but it was one filled zone that you will truly enjoy. There are two rows of colorful buildings on both side of the pathway with palm trees lined up that serves as shades for passersby. The contoured lane was even decorated with designs that feels like you’re in a red carpet. The building façade seems real as most of it allot to either restaurant, retails shops or shows that caters all the visitors. I am very much impressed as they give attention to elaborate detailing of the structure and the intricate designs. 

We witness lots of statues too that beautifies the place. Who can forget ‘Donkey’, huh? Well, since he is married to a dragon, seeing his replica along with his kids with petite dragon wings is so cute and so adorable. It only mean one thing, seems that size doesn’t matter really, huh? (ahahaha!). 

The Frog Prince, waiting for your kiss (ahahaha!)

The statue of the frog prince with fountain is one place not to miss too. This is the area perfect to have the full shot of the whole castle. I guess the frog prince is waiting for his princess, unfortunately she didn’t arrived yet. If you’re a lady, why not try to give him a kiss then (ahahaha!).

The Goldilocks restaurant just in the entrance.

Goldilocks and the Friar’s are two restaurants that can be found in the zone. They both located in the corner just opposite to each other. They serves sandwiches, fish and chips and many more. I love the ‘Friars’ replica stature outside of the restaurant that holds a bundle of leafy vegetables; and as a norm we  took lot of pics just to have a souvenir (ahahaha!)

The Friar’s restaurant located just opposite of the Goldilocks.

After roaming around and to fight the humidity outside, we decided to watch the ‘Donkey Live Show’ nearby which is just next to ‘Fairy Godmother’s Famous Potion House’. We thought we were the only one on queue because no one is around; but, when we were at the main entrance we saw around 100 plus guest waiting for the show to start.

The ‘Donkey Live Show’, look how cool he is in the billing on the wall!!!! There were hundreds of guest waiting for the show to start.

The hostess assist Donkey from start to finish. She encourages audiences to participate in the show.

If Shrek and Fiona has millions of fans, Donkey has its own set of audiences too. Who wouldn’t love a witty, friendly and talkative donkey who married to a dragon huh? Hmmmmm can’t imagine how it happened but nothing is impossible if you have courage to try you know (ahahaha!). If you’re one of the many donkey fans out there like we are, then a visit to this ‘original’ attraction is a must.

Before the show starts, there is a few briefing info…. She’s good! Really good!

It’s an animated show that features Donkey in a one-man concert assisted with the host on the side. The job of the man is to lure the audience to participate. I greatly impress her ability to liven up the atmosphere that seems natural. 

And here’s Donkey, the man of the SHOW!

It’s an interactive show watching Donkey for real in an intimate theater setting. What you have to do is sit and watched him sing, dance and crack jokes like in a live concert. If you know the song then sing along with him which most viewers did. I love how he delivers funniest jokes especially mentioning most of the nationalities that visit the show. Of course, ‘The Philippines’ is always in the picture.

Once you’re inside you can’t stop laughing (ahahaha!)

This is not just some ordinary hyped up movie because you can simply interact with Donkey, I was amazed because he can even asked questions to couple of audiences and answers guest questions as well (AWESOME!).  

After the show, Balong took the chance and grab the life size replica of Donkey just near the exit door (ahahaha!)

This is the closest you can get into to bond up-close and personal with Shrek’s trusted compaignon. If you’re afraid with his wife (the dragon) don’t worry she is not on the set, she is busy taking care of their kids at home (hehehehe!). Personally, this is truly one show not to miss because it is really amusing and fun, however, you should have an English background to fully understand the jokes.

There are so many souvenir items to choose from, Gingerbread round throw pillows!

The show only lasted for less than 15 minutes but we enjoyed it so much. There are some jokes that is quite hard to comprehend but in totality great show to watch!

Ooooooooooooppssss I didn’t do anything, ok! (ahahaha!)

After Donkey Live, we passed through ‘Enchanted Airways’, the only outdoor rides they have in here. It is a junior roller coaster, a simulated flight for you to have a look over the whole zone. We didn’t do this ride because there was a long queue and we had a lot of rides already. This is a kids size rollercoaster which has some great twists and turns that provide a great thrill for young and old. It looks like the ride resemble to the wife of donkey coz it figures like a dragon (hehehe!). This is a kids size rollercoaster which has some great twists and turns that provide a great thrill for young and old.

Entrance to the Enchanted Airways roller coaster.

Before we left to Madagascar, we happen to see ‘Puss in boots’ ready for photo opportunity. We’ve seen only few crowds en-queue, so we fall in line. We had lots of fun playing while having snapshots with him. He seems real, you know! (ahahaha!). 

.And the man who steal the show! Puss in Boots!

After a few minutes, we saw Fiona and Shrek too on their way to the castle. We supposed to have a shots with them but they’re in a hurry, thus we content ourselves with the background shots.

And the couple we love the most, Princess Fiona and Shrek…….

In between Madagascar and Far Far Away zone we saw the old swamp house of Shrek. The surroundings is open for all, it just that the main door is locked maybe because Shrek already left and live in the castle (hehehe!). 

Beware, or else…….

I even tried knocking the door hoping that ‘he’ will let us in (ahahaha!). The house is huge under the tree and surrounded with large boulders of rocks. The replica of his house is complete with toilet at the back. Balong wanted to pee but it was locked too! (ahahaha!).

Look how small I am at the door of Shrek’s swamps house (ahahaha!)

It was one beautiful tour in Far Far Away zone. It’s interesting, it’s magical and we can’t set aside the smile we have in our faces. I’ll be back that is for sure. J. If you ask me when, hmmmmmmm soon! (ahahahaha!)

Balong careful please maybe Shrek is inside (ahahaha!)

So there you go, have a great day/night everyone…

Enan signing off…

Cheerrrrrrrrrrrrriioooooooossssss!!!

SMILE...

:)