8 ways to save money at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is expensive. Enough said. With admission ticket prices of  HKD589 (SGD 105), it is almost 50% more expensive than Hong Kong Ocean Park and Universal Studios Singapore. Unlike the other 2 attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland ticket prices are quite sticky and it is hard to find a substantial discount. That is why you have to save money through other ways.

Hong Kong Disneyland vs Hong Kong Ocean Park

A lot of my friends tell me that Hong Kong Ocean Park is better than Disneyland in every way. Is that really true? Having visited both parks before, albeit a few years ago, I think that the difference is not as great as people think. After all, both Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park are able to attract over 6 million people each year. In this post, I am comparing between these 2 world class parks, so you may decide which one to visit if you only have time for one park.

Singapore NDP 2015 Fireworks: Viewing from the Bay

In every national parade, the fireworks display is no doubt one of the highlights. Being the largest NDP celebrations ever, Singapore's 2015 NDP is so large that there is no way you can watch everything. Yes - even the privileged few who got tickets into Padang are actually missing a lot. As a fireworks fan, I am of course here to share with you my experience at NDP 2015 Fireworks, as an external spectator. Let's celebrate SG50!

6 Unsurprising Tips about Taking Coaches to Malaysia

For most Singaporeans, taking a tour bus or coach to Malaysia is the cheapest and most basic form of holiday. For the price of a SEA Aquarium Ticket or a mid-priced restaurant meal, you can escape to pretty much every tourist hotspot in Malaysia within hours. For the seasoned traveler, these tips will be nothing more than a little recap.

Top 10 Not-So-Scary Roller Coasters in the World 2015!

When it comes to top Roller Coasters, most people think of huge, towering rides like Fujiyama and Fury 325. However, nearly 2000 out of 3000 roller coasters worldwide, including some of the best, are actually the less scary junior/family coasters. These rides come in all shapes and sizes, from wild mouse through motorbikes and even spinning coasters. These family roller coasters can entertain almost any age group, and are the true backbone of the roller coaster world!

All video POVs shown in this article belong to the respective parks, Theme Park Review or Coaster Force. This list is compiled in May 2015 so newer coasters will not be included!

5 Common Mistakes of First Time Roller Coaster Riders

Hi everyone, it's been 10 months since I last shared about my first roller coaster ride. From May 2014 till today, I have witnessed people of all ages and backgrounds taking their first roller coaster. Sometimes, they enjoy it. In other cases, people were so traumatised that they will never ride a coaster again. In this blog guide, I will share with you the most common mistakes people make when riding their first roller coaster. Hope this helps you to avoid them!

How to enjoy USS when it is raining?

When it comes to rain, all that I hear are complaints. From TripAdvisor to Theme Park Review and every blog in between, rain seems like the ultimate nemesis that devours all enjoyment you can find at Universal Studios Singapore. However, is that really true?

In my over 20 trips to USS, I encountered rain of all manners and intensities, thunder and lightning and scorching sun. I can assure you that there are ways to enjoy USS even while it is raining. In this blog post, as inspired from a friend, I will show you how in this rather long post. Let me get this straight, this blog post is to guide you what to do to make the most of a rainy day. I am not trying to tell you to search for a rainy day to go USS.

Dark Clouds loom over the new Puss in Boots Roller Coaster at USS. Its time to take shelter!

Cheapest Holiday in Sentosa: SGD20 for 1 entlre day!

Sentosa is an expensive destination. With typical meals starting at $8 and whole day attraction passes at $69.90, a 1 day family vacation to Sentosa can easily cost $300. However, here is a little secret: There are actually many value attractions in Sentosa that can easily last you a full day. In this article, I shall show you the little secrets to visit Sentosa for just $20. And yes, that includes food.

Analysis of RWS Invites Attraction Pass

Since September, Resorts World Sentosa replaced its annual pass with a new RWS Invites Attractions pass to its 3 main attractions - SEA Aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark. RWS Invites Attractions basically seeks to combine the existing annual passes and RWS Invites into a single package. Because of this change, RWS no longer offers standard annual passes to all 3 attractions, though standard 6 month Season Passes are still offered.

7 Simple Rules for taking Water Rides

Ideal Group Size when Visiting a Theme Park

I have seen people visit theme parks alone, but I also seen people in groups of over 20. For better or worse, I realised that the level of fun you experience in a theme park is largely determined by the number of people that goes with you. In fact, I myself has visited theme parks with all kinds of groups, from 13 Grassroots Volunteers through a family of 4 and even going solo. I visited with friends, fellow bloggers and even special needs individuals.

How to save 2 HOURS of queue time in USS

Queuing is an integral part of the theme park experience. On average, a typical visitor spends about 4 hours of each visit waiting in line, and this number quickly grows on peak days. Universal Studios Singapore (USS) attracts about 10,000 visitors a day, which places it as one of the top 20 theme parks in Asia. This, unfortunately, also means long lines.

Update September 2015: Even more tips for Battlestar Galactica

8 Rides in USS where you can get wet!

Most people remember to wear their ponchos in Jurassic Park, but is that the only ride in USS where you will get wet? You will be absolutely surprised.

Although USS is not a water park, it probably breaks the record for the largest proportion of rides where a person will get wet. In fact, 8 out of 18 attractions (~45%) comes with a splash or two. In this post, I will explain all the rides where you will get a big splash, and any techniques you can use to avoid it (apply the opposite if you crave for it).

1) Sesame Street and Spaghetti Space Chase

Brief description: This family attraction simulates a flight through space to bring spaghetti back to Earth. It is a short little ride but the space scene is very well done as the stars look quite 3D.

How you will get wet: At the scene where super grover is held by 4 ropes in the arms and legs on the right side, the water will spray from the left side.

Avoid splashes: Sit on the right side

2) Lights Camera Action

Brief Description: This special effects attraction simulates a hurricane about to hit New York City. The actual show is very short but there are quite a lot of surprises.

How you will get wet: Some props like a support column and a ship anchor will fall into the water in front of the guests, creating huge splashes

Avoid Splashes: You will not be wet as long you stand on the second or third row

3) Transformers: The Ride

Brief Description: Autobot Evac has been tasked to bring the All-Spark safely out of the city. The Decepticons will to everything to get it back

How you will get wet: In the 4th screen, Megatron grabs Evac and says "You can escape Megatron". As Evac attempts to shake free, water sprays onto the riders

Avoid splashes: Unfortunately, there is no way for this ride

4) Revenge of the Mummy

Brief Description: This indoor roller coaster pits riders against the evil power of Imhotep, with with backwards and forwards launches, a dose of airtime and overbanked turns.

How will you get wet: As Imhotep says "Serve me and savour eternal riches..." in the second scene. As the warrior mummies jump up out from the side, some cheeky warriors also squirt some water.

Avoid Splashes: You will get most wet on the second row and least wet on the fourth row

5) Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure

Brief Description: This rapids ride places riders in rough waters as they escape from a massive flood about to hit Jurassic Park

How you will get wet: Well...lets just say... many ways

Avoid Splashes: If you don't want to get wet, don't take this ride. Alright, honestly, I think the priority is that you are not wearing shoes with socks. The water will seep into your socks and you will be uncomfortable for the rest of the day. Also, DO NOT put your stuff on the raft floor. You will soak all your belongings during the drop.

6) WaterWorld

Brief Description: This live show simulates a battle between good and evil over dry land. Attraction includes loud noises, gunfire and a lot of splashes

How you will get wet: Via waterguns and buckets in the pre-show, jet skis during the actual show

Avoid Splashes: Look at the diagram on the left. Sit in the middle areas of the green zone (away from the aisle) or on the red zone.

7) Shrek 4D

Brief Description: Join Shrek and Donkey to rescue princess Fiona from the grasp of the both dead and alive Lord Farquar

How you will get wet: Every time donkey sneezes, when Dragon saves the pack from the waterfall and when Shrek pops champagne at the end

Avoid Splashes: Due to the seat design, every seat has its own set of sprinklers so there is no way

8) Madagascar: A crate Adventure

Brief Description: This scenic boat ride is like a brief summary of the first Madagascar movie.

How you will get wet: A monkey will fling water onto guests just after the crocodile scene. Also, in the final scene, some water from the final waterfall bounces over the boat's edge and into the passenger cabin.

Avoid Splashes: If there is no big crowd, ask to have at most 3 people sit in 1 row and squeeze towards the center near the ending. Also, the splash from the monkey is biggest for people in 2nd and 3rd row.

Finally, a scorpion and the naughty penguins of Madagascar will also spray water during the Hollywood Dreams Parade. So now you know how and when you will get wet in USS. Please comment on whether you like these water effects, and perhaps share your own techniques of avoiding them.

Photos courtesy of Resorts World Sentosa and Dreamworks Animation

8 ways to save money at Universal Studios Singapore

With a flat rate admission of $74 $76 (2017), Universal Studios Singapore is easily one of the most expensive tourist attractions in already expensive Singapore. By following these few simply tips, find out how to save money at USS.

1) Visit Tour Agency Ticketing Sites or RWS Promotions Page

Since the tickets are the most expensive part, it is only fitting that I start by showing you how to get cheaper tickets. Generally, the best online deals are offered by tour agencies. For example, Voyagin offers 20% off USS tickets. Plus they are the only online travel agency the offers Universal Express Passes at the moment. Also, Klook Travel gives you access year round discounted tickets for USS tickets - including seasonal offers that comes with meal or shopping vouchers! The best part of buying tickets online? You don't need to queue 30 minutes at the park entrance to buy tickets!

There are also seasonal deals on the Promotions Page of RWS Website! However, from my own experience the deals by the tour agencies are better!

2) Purchase the tickets with an RWS Invites Members Card

RWS Invites  has a 20% rebate for Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium and Adventure Cove. If you know any friend/relatives who is a member, you can purchase a 1 day pass at just $59.20. However, please note that this is limited to 6 tickets per card per day.

You will also gain access to special discounts exclusive to RWS Invites Members! However, please take note that the discounts are actually Invite$ Rebates, so the rebate amount is actually credited into your RWS invites card to offset your future purchase/parking.

Caution: RWS Invites is for Singaporeans ONLY.

3) Eat at Harbourfront Food Centre before going into USS

A typical set meal at USS will cost about $12 per pax, ala carte about $10. This adds up to almost $50 for a family of 4. So, instead of having a late lunch inside the park, why not eat an early lunch before going into the park? Surprisingly, just across the road from Vivocity, there is a cheap hawker center that sells food at heartland prices. For example, Hokkien Prawn noodles is $3/$3.50 and a small serving fried carrot cake is only $2.50. Of course, do not expect the same good quality that some USS food outlets has to offer.

Caution: Food at Vivocity itself is NOT cheaper than USS. Meal will cost $5, Side $2.50 and Drink $2.50, whereas USS typical set meal is $12 with Drink and Side, and better quality.

4) Walk into Sentosa

Taking the Sentosa express will cost you $4, so why not take a leisurely stroll down the beautifully landscaped Sentosa Broadwalk instead? It is only $1, and you avoid all the crowding on the trains!

UPDATE 2017: Up till 31 December 2018, there will be FREE ADMISSION for walk ins via Sentosa Boardwalk EVERYDAY!

5) Bring the necessary items

A 500ml bottle of coca cola in USS costs $2.50. Since there are so many water coolers at every toilet entrance and in the queue of every ride, why not just use the free service? Singapore public water supply is potable. (ie. drinkable) You can also borrow a USS water bottle from your friends, so you can top up soft drinks in the park for just $2. Most USS bottles are larger than 500ml FYI.

Also, bring along a plastic bag to keep all your stuff when taking Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Trust me, the $4 "life saving" ponchos do not really work in this ride. You will still get soaked!

6) Buy a 6 month season pass

1 ticket to USS costs $74. However, for an extra $24, you get to have unlimited access to USS for 6 whole months. This means even if you visit only twice, you would have made back your investment. If you plan to visit once a month, you would have saved a whopping $74 x 6 - $98 = $346. You will most likely want to go with a different group of friends each time.

Not to mention, a Season pass gives you 10% discount on F&B and Souvenirs. University and polytechnic students will love the season pass as it is the same price as the children's ticket, even if you are over 12 years old!

UPDATE OCT 2014: RWS now offers an RWS Invites Attractions Pass that combines the rebates of RWS Invites and privileges of an Annual Pass

7) Buy Sentosa Islander Membership (for Season/Annual Passholders only)

This $25 membership allows you to have unlimited access into Sentosa for 1 year. If you are a passholder and is lazy of walking, if saves you a big deal as entry by Sentosa Express costs you $4, so you just need 7 admissions to break even. (I have entered USS more than 11 times within 4 months of my season pass)

The price is cheaper if you purchase as a family since the price is $50 for up to 4 people, regardless of children or adult! That's a full 50% discount if you have 4 family members!

If you want to enter Sentosa in style, you can even opt for the $39 Faber License, which is essential Sentosa Islander plus unlimited Cable Car rides. Though I don't think I want to call that saving money.

Note: Sentosa Islander and Faber License is for Sentosa Admission only and does not include USS ticket!

8) Ask your company/interest group to buy tickets together

Finally, USS bulk discount tickets are available if there are just 40 tickets in 1 order, and the tickets are open dated (you can go any day you want). The last time I checked, the bulk discount tickets are about $50 each, less if in a very large group. If you can get, say 7-8 colleagues to bring their families or friends to USS (at any date of their choice), you have access to this ticket.

Fixed date tickets are available at a slightly lower price ($5 cheaper), though it means all of you have to decide and agree on when you want to go.

Useful Links

I know 8 ways is quite a mouthful, so here are some quick links that you may find useful in your quest to save money at USS:

• Voyagin Travel (USS Day pass)
• Voyagin Travel (USS Express Pass)
• Klook Travel (USS Day Pass/Seasonal offer)
• RWS promotions
• USS Annual/Season Pass

Know of more ways to save money at USS? Please post them in the comments. Also, don't forget to like our facebook page to receive new and better theme park guides! You may also like How to Save 2 Hours of Queue Time at USS or 8 ways to save money at Hong Kong Disneyland.