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.

  • Apr- 2025 -
    15 April
    Universal Studios

    Guest Concerns Grow Over 2028 Universal Vacations—Here’s What’s Behind the Shift

    In the sweltering heat of a Los Angeles summer, thousands of fans will pour into the city, tickets in hand, hearts pounding, as a historic moment unfolds—not at a massive stadium or sprawling sports complex—but on the very set where Hollywood magic is made. It’s not a movie this time. It’s real. The Olympic Invasion of Universal Studios Hollywood The 2028 Summer Olympics are coming to LA County, a

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  • 15 April
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Heads Up, Passholders: Universal’s New Freebie Has Arrived

    Universal Orlando is kicking off the excitement around Epic Universe with something every Annual Passholder can appreciate—a free gift. Beginning April 17, Passholders who have valid admission to Epic Universe can stop by the Sensorium Emporium inside Celestial Park and pick up an exclusive Epic Universe poster. It’s available from park open to close, while supplies last. If you’ve been following

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  • 15 April
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of the globe near Universal Islands of Adventure, where Jurassic Park lives on.

    Universal Pulls Free Perk One Month Before the Opening of Epic Universe

    With just weeks to go before the debut of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort has made a key revision to its Annual Passholder offerings, confirming that a previously advertised Express Pass perk will not apply at the new park. The reversal concerns the popular “Express After 4PM” benefit offered to Premier Annual Passholders, which has long provided complimentary Express access to most attrac

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  • 14 April
    Concept art for Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe

    Universal Pulls Popular Merchandise from Epic Universe Amid Surging Demand

    As the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe draws closer, anticipation continues to build. It’s been a few years since Universal first announced the creation of this new theme park, and now the countdown has begun. Fans can hardly wait to explore what promises to be one of the most immersive and thrilling experiences at Universal Orlando Resort. Related: Epic Universe’s Opening Magic Hit With Firs

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  • 13 April
    One the left: Mickey Mouse inside of Disney World. On the right: The Universal Orlando Resort globe as Epic Universe dominates amid the government shutdown.

    Big Changes Are Coming to Universal, and They Look a Lot Like Disney’s Playbook

    It’s happening. Universal Orlando has officially entered its “glow-up” phase—and some longtime fans are calling it a Disney-fication. That term can mean a lot of things, but in this case, we’re talking about immersive experiences, heavily planned ride access, and next-level nighttime offerings. Let’s break it down. Virtual Queues: Blessing or Burden? The minute we found out Harry Potter and the Ba

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  • 13 April
    Michael Keaton suiting up in 'Batman Returns' (1992)

    Batman Will Officially Be “Immortalized” This Summer

    Prepare for a bold new chapter in Batman’s storied history as the iconic superhero takes on a fresh, exciting adventure set to arrive later this year. At C2E2 2025, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, writer Kyle Higgins dropped an exhilarating surprise during the “Kyle Higgins Presents: Radiant Black, The Massive-Verse and More!” panel: a brand-new Batman series is coming, and it’s unlike any

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  • 13 April
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Guests Shocked as Toad Topples Over at New Universal Park

    If you were lucky enough to score an early preview to Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe, you probably walked in expecting thrills, elaborate theming, and cutting-edge attractions. But what you might not have expected was one of the Super Mario characters becoming the unexpected star of the day—for taking a tumble. That’s exactly what happened when Toad made his appearance inside SUPER NINTENDO WO

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  • 13 April
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Massive Express Pass Announcement: Universal’s Exciting New Move for Epic Universe!

    The countdown has officially begun for one of Universal’s most highly anticipated theme park openings to date — Epic Universe. As the new park gets ready to welcome guests next month, fans are buzzing with excitement over the park’s innovative new lands and attractions. From How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, the upcoming park promises to be an immersive experience unl

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  • 12 April
    The Universal Orlando Resort globe spinning around. closure Universal Studios Florida

    Universal Continues Summer of Disney Domination, Brings Back Multiple IPs

    Universal has brought back one of its most beloved features for the summer, featuring multiple popular IPs. In the modern-day theme park wars, IP is everything. While Disney has gone all-in on the likes of Frozen, Pixar, and Star Wars in recent years, Universal's projects have spanned the likes of Jurassic World, Minions, Universal Classic Monsters, and more. Universal Mega Movie Parade Returns As

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  • 12 April
    The entrances to the different lands at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando

    Epic Universe’s Opening Magic Hit With First Major Reality Check

    The atmosphere was electric inside of the Epic Universe previews. Excitement buzzed through the air as lucky guests strolled through the gates of Epic Universe — Universal Orlando Resort’s most ambitious theme park to date — for early previews. Universal Epic Universe: A Viral Moment No One Expected Everything seemed perfect: groundbreaking lands, immersive storytelling, and jaw-dropping attractio

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