Panoramic view of Resorts World Sentosa from Sentosa Island's Sky Tower

Well, the dinosaurs have arrived, and so has Alex the lion. They are still being kept under wraps though – can’t have them getting dirty before they are even allowed out to play.

Yes, things are taking shape at Resorts World at Sentosa. In fact, I am surprised by how quickly – and quietly – the Malaysian owners are finishing off this project that will completely change Singapore’s positioning as a family and leisure destination when it opens first quarter next year.

I also find it amazing how they’ve managed to pack in so much into what does not seem to be a lot of space when you compare it with Universal Studios in Los Angeles. But then Singapore is so small and so, you have to be really creative at how you maximise the space.

They’ve got 49 hectares in all (121 acres), and in that plot they will squeeze in a Universal Studios, the world’s largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park, six hotels with a total of 1,800 hotel rooms, conference and meeting facilities, both indoor and outdoor, which can take up to 35,000 delegates, a Festive Walk of restaurants, shops and stores, a Maritime museum and a theatre for a resident show, Le Vie.

I am excited by Universal Studios – imagine having that in my own backyard.

A Spinosaurus (left) and a Tyrannosaurus Rex duel over eggs at Jurassic Park, Universal Studios

The dueling rollercoaster is finished – this is the world’s tallest pair in the world. One kilometer in 90 seconds and you can choose either to sit back or dangle with your legs in the air. I saw the video and it looks like it could make your stomach really churn and, at one point, the two tracks look like they meet and you could, if you are still conscious, reach out and touch somebody’s hand.

Eighteen of the 24 themed rides are new or have been adapted to Singapore and there are a couple of world firsts here.

I definitely want to experience the special effects section, “Lights, Camera, Action” with host Steven Spielberg where, according to him, I will be the superstar in “incredible, timeless stories”.

Then there are the six hotels. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to visit Maxims Residences because that’s by invitation only (high rollers are welcome, paupers are not). The casino is situated right below it.

It’s quite clever the way the casino is hidden from sight and yet all roads lead to it.

A stunt performer practices his routine at WaterWorld at Universal Studios

But Hotel Michael looks like it could be a treat to stay in with its individualised suites. Then there’s Hard Rock Hotel and I am told that this Singapore property will bring back the glam to rock.

The resident show, Le Vie, is designed by Mark Fisher, the man behind the theatre and stage design for KA in Las Vegas and the scenery the Queen musical, We Will Rock You.

Despite its French name, the show will have distinctly local elements, I am told.

Having now been given a feel of the project, I have no doubt Resorts World at Sentosa is going to transform Singapore’s tourism landscape, not only physically but structurally. Think of the venue possibilities for events within Universal Studios alone ...

Testing and commissioning of the rides will start in November. They are expecting five million visitors a year to Universal Studios – who knows if they will achieve that but one thing’s for sure, the thing that’s going to keep the place running is the one thing that’s out of sight.

Mission Invisible indeed.

• Photos courtesy of Resorts World at Sentosa

If the name of the show is really French, I believe it should be La Vie for "Life" as in the song "C'est La Vie", said the old folks. It goes to show you never can tell.