From a land far, far away

Shrek, King Julien, mummies and a host of other animated characters take you on a wild joy ride at Universal Studios, Singapore

July 11, 2014 05:52 pm | Updated 05:52 pm IST - chennai:

Based on the popular Shrek franchise, Far, Far Away is perhaps the largest of all zones at the park.

Based on the popular Shrek franchise, Far, Far Away is perhaps the largest of all zones at the park.

‘Far, far away,’ read the signboard outside the castle. We had indeed travelled far, far away to reach there. It took us more than two hours and all possible modes of transport – the metro, a taxi, a bus and the ropeway – to get to Universal Studios from the residential district of Punggol Central, where we were staying with our friends. We reached the place huffing and puffing, completely drained by the heat and humidity of Singapore, but the sight of the giant Universal Studios globe rotating gently amidst refreshing fountains infused us with a fresh dose of energy. We were soon running around the place like over -enthusiastic children let loose in wonderland. But then, the theme park is nothing short of wonderland.

Spread over 20 hectares, the Universal Studios theme park in the Sentosa Island Resort, Singapore happens to be the only second such park in Asia, the first being in Japan. It has several zones made to look, and feel, like some of the Studios’ most celebrated franchise, each having its unique attractions: movies, musicals, street entertainment, rides and, of course, the characters. ‘Far, far away’ is one such zone, based on Shrek , the animated movie. Being great fans of the movie, we wanted to be there as soon as possible. But before that, we had a thousand things to see – and do – the Hollywood Street being the first.

The street, lined with souvenir shops, whose facades look strikingly similar to the classic American high street stores (huge show windows, striped awnings and wrought iron lampposts), reminds me of the famous shopping scene from Pretty Woman . I can almost see Richard Gere and Julia Roberts walking in and out of the stores (she in a flowing dress and a huge hat and he in a crisp business suit) when the comforting smell of melted butter brings me back to reality. The smell is emanating from a shiny red popcorn van parked by the street overflowing with giant lacquered pop corns from its roof and soft buttery ones from its vending windows. Alongside the van some excited tourists pose for pictures with the popular characters from the studio, while many more patiently await their turn. We resist the temptation of the souvenirs, the pop corn and the characters and walk ahead.

The scene changes swiftly at the next intersection and we find ourselves in Madagascar. It’s hard to resist the colourful carousal with Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and other cheerful animals vying for our attention. My daughter and I settle for a seat with the four of them – some peeping from the back, others hanging from the armrest – while my husband meanwhile hops on to King Julien’s back. The crate adventure follows and we float inside the hull of a wrecked ship on a damaged crate; the boisterous penguins, the talking monkeys and the dancing lemurs soon join us inside the ship. Outside, we pose with the colourful lot, grab an ice cream each and rush for the next adventure.

The gigantic statues of Sphinx and Pharaohs welcome us to Egypt. Modelled on The Mummy movie, the pavilion looks intimidating with imposing structures and towering statues. But for the tourists – most of them of Chinese origin and a handful of Indians – and the tiled floor, the place can easily pass off as ancient Egypt. The blood curdling screams of tourists on the roller coaster inside ensure that I give the ride a miss and wait outside for husband (who is brave enough to face the mummies inside), only to be startled by the army of Anubis, which appears out of nowhere.

While I have had my fill of adventure and history at Egypt, husband heads to Battlestar Galactica in the Sci-Fi City. At 139 feet, it is one of the highest roller coasters in the world (the ride has been shut down recently). I try not to look when he spins and drops from dizzying heights. In any case at that height and speed all faces look the same: some shouting their lungs out, others too shocked to react.

The Lost World is next in line but we ignore the dinosaurs and fossils for we have a talking donkey, a princess and an ogre to meet.

Based on the popular Shrek franchise, Far, Far Away is perhaps the largest of all zones at the park. Its soaring castle – with multiple spires, tiny balconies and refreshing fountains – soon transports us to the fairyland; Gingy’s House Of Sweets (made with chocolate bars, marbles and Oreos). Shrek’s Swamp (with his pool and loo) and a memorial for the Frog king (Fiona’s father, who was turned into a frog by the Fairy Godmother) complete the picture.

At the castle, we are ushered into a dungeon where Pinocchio and the Three Pigs hang from the ceiling in one corner and Gingy squeals and shouts from a giant screen. The magic mirror soon comes to life and introduces us to the characters and recaps the story before we enter the theatre for the 4D adventure. Inside our seats shake and sway; water sprays and spiders dangle on our noses as we join Shrek, Donkey and the Dragon to rescue Fiona from the clutches of Farquaard’s ghost. We whistle and clap when the newly-wedded ogres are safely deposited at their honeymoon suite. Once outside, we meet the talking donkey, visit the Fairy Godmother’s potion factory, pose with Shrek and Puss, ride the Dragon’s back, walk through the marketplace and feast on Goldilocks’ fried chicken. The day has almost ended when we walk out of the fairyland, tired but happy. We have just one wish remaining to be fulfilled now: to live happily ever after, in a land far, far away.

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