Outside the Disney Bubble
Disney Fanatic shares news and experiences that unfold outside of the Disney bubble, including news of Disney’s competitors and beyond.
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Apr- 2025 -25 April
SeaWorld Backtracks on Orlando Plans, Delays Opening
At a time when theme park giants are racing to unveil the next big thing, SeaWorld Orlando has quietly put the brakes on its upcoming attraction—again. The company confirmed this week that its next addition will not open on its previously announced date, joining a string of postponed projects as SeaWorld continues to recalibrate its future. The ride in question, Expedition Odyssey, was due to debu
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25 April
Universal Sets Eyes for Europe, Marking Historical Journey
Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially confirmed plans to build a major new theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, marking the company’s first venture into the UK and its only theme park destination in Europe. In a public statement released this week, Page Thompson, President of New Ventures at Universal, said the project represents a long-term investment aimed at establishing a “real
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25 April
Scandal at Universal Studios: Guest Slaps Goblin Animatronic—Should They Be Banned?
A recent TikTok video has ignited a storm of controversy after a Universal Studios Orlando guest posted footage of themselves crossing the ride queue partition to slap a goblin animatronic inside Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The video, which quickly went viral, was captioned: “I was escorted out shortly after,” and has drawn significant criticism from Universal fans. Guest Removed A
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24 April
Buckle Up, Epic Universe Guests: We’ve Got Some Bad News
Epic Universe: A theme park built for the stars—shimmering lights, glowing gardens, and celestial splendor—could be closing its gates before the sun even sets. Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe is just weeks away from its grand debut. The energy is electric. Theme park lovers, industry experts, and Orlando locals are all counting down to what many believe could be Univers
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24 April
SeaWorld Announces Free Admission for Theme Parks Until July (But Only for Some Guests)
In the years since Blackfish upended public perception of SeaWorld, the marine park chain has worked to reshape its identity—from controversial animal shows to adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. Yet despite ongoing criticism, SeaWorld remains a popular destination, especially among families and theme park fans. Now, just ahead of its busy summer season, SeaWorld is quietly expanding a long-running i
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24 April
Universal Studios Quietly Adds Yet Another New Ride Ahead of Summer Rush
Even as it prepares to open its most ambitious park to date in Florida, Universal is continuing to expand overseas—this time without much fanfare. While Epic Universe is nearing completion in Orlando and new developments are underway in the U.K. and Texas, Universal has also been working behind the scenes on a smaller-scale project in Japan. This week, the company officially confirmed that a new i
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24 April
Less People Are Visiting Universal Studios, but Comcast’s President Isn’t Worried
Guests didn't show up at Universal Studios the same way they did last year. Will this change with Epic Universe on the rise? Related: This Classic Disney World Restaurant Is Shutting Its Doors Forever in Just a Few Weeks During the first quarter of 2025, Universal Studios theme parks reported a noteworthy decline in both attendance and revenue, as highlighted in Comcast's latest quarterly report.
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24 April
Disney and Universal Collaborate: The Impact of a $2 Transportation Link
For decades, visiting both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort in one trip often meant making some tough choices—or shelling out serious cash. Rental cars, rideshare fees, and complicated transfers made it difficult for many travelers to afford the full Orlando experience. Until now. Disney and Universal: What Is LYNX and Why Should You Care? In a quiet but monumental shift, LYNX, Centr
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23 April
Preview Day Surprise: Donkey Kong Ride Comes to an Unexpected Halt
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a theme park preview, a viral moment from Universal’s Epic Universe just gave us all a pretty good idea. One guest ended up stuck mid-ride on Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness—and instead of freaking out, she turned it into an internet-worthy moment. The video, shared by user @jujiroloff, was recorded during Passholder Previews for Epic Universe, Un
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23 April
Universal’s New ‘Harry Potter’ Ride Completely Evacuated Before Opening Day
Guests had to evacuate one of Universal Orlando's newest attractions. Related: Disneyland Paris Hits It Big With Announcement of All-New Annual Passes The recent addition of Epic Universe to Orlando's theme park landscape marks a significant milestone in the realm of entertainment. This theme park aims to create an immersive experience that transports visitors into various beloved universes, inclu
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