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...

:)