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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Jun- 2025 -25 June
You’ll Regret Trusting These Lockers at Epic Universe—Unless You Do This First
Epic Universe is blowing people away with its incredible rides, immersive lands, and smart use of technology. One of the coolest upgrades? The facial recognition lockers that promise to simplify your day. But don’t get too comfortable. Because if you’re not careful, these next-gen lockers could bring your day to a frustrating standstill. Here’s What Makes the Lockers Seem Awesome Say goodbye to lo
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24 June
After Nearly 40 Years, Dolly Parton Leaves Dollywood Behind
This winter, Dolly Parton will be stepping away from the theme park she’s helped shape for nearly four decades. The country music legend is leaving behind Dollywood and her beloved Smoky Mountains, at least for a while. Parton purchased Dollywood in 1986, taking over the former Rebel Railroad theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She had always promised herself that if she ever made it big, she w
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21 June
Why Is Walt Disney World Seeing Slower Summer Crowds? Epic Universe May Be to Blame
As the summer season kicks off, Walt Disney World Resort is seeing fewer visitors than usual, leading to speculation about the causes behind the unexpected drop in attendance. Traditionally, one of the busiest seasons for the resort, the crowds are noticeably lighter this year. While some point to the opening of Universal Orlando Resort's new park, Epic Universe, as a possible factor, others are c
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21 June
Epic Universe Enhances Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry with New Effect
Epic Universe continues to impress with its commitment to innovation, as the theme park introduces a thrilling new addition to its popular Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry attraction. A significant new effect has been added to the ride, increasing both the drama and excitement of one of the most intense scenes in the attraction. In the Ministry Archives during the battle scene, a large
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21 June
Universal Quietly Confirms Another Big Opening This Summer Amid Epic Universe Hype
Universal’s global footprint is getting bigger—and not just in the ways fans expected. Fresh off the launch of Epic Universe in Orlando, a multi-billion-dollar venture years in the making, the company is once again making headlines. This time, however, it’s not a new theme park drawing attention, but a smaller, more calculated move in Osaka. Universal Studios Japan has confirmed it will open a maj
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21 June
Guests Turned Away After Sudden Closure of Kings Dominion, Update Given
From California wildfires to Arctic freezes in Tennessee, America’s theme parks have increasingly contended with sudden closures in recent years. Once largely associated with hurricanes or technical breakdowns, these disruptions now include another unexpected culprit: infrastructure failure. The latest example comes from Virginia, where Kings Dominion—one of the state’s most visited attractions—ab
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21 June
Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe Faces Guest Backlash After Wait Time Deception Exposed
A Universal Orlando guest thought they had found a clever way to beat the crowds at Epic Universe: hop into the single rider line after a weather delay. But instead of zipping through the queue, they found themselves waiting longer than before—alone, frustrated, and regretting every second. “This was my biggest mistake,” they shared in a viral Reddit post. Why are so many guests falling for the sa
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21 June
Universal Orlando’s Scariest Haunted House Yet Confirmed for HHN 2025
As horror fans packed into Spooky Empire this week, expecting updates on well-known franchises, Universal blindsided the crowd with something much darker—and far more original. The cheers quickly turned into chills as the next Halloween Horror Nights 2025 haunted house was revealed: El Artista: A Spanish Haunting. But this isn’t just another scare maze. It’s a descent into madness, and it might be
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20 June
Universal Unveils First Original Haunted House for HHN34
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled El Artista – A Spanish Haunting, the first original haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights 34. This chilling new experience will transport guests to 19th-century Spain, where a tortured artist moves into an isolated manor and discovers that his artwork begins to possess him. As the artist's creations take on a life of their own, reality and horror blur, lea
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20 June
Busch Gardens Shutdown May Be on the Horizon as Takeover Threatened
In recent summers, a growing number of unsanctioned social media–driven gatherings have drawn increased attention at major theme parks across the country. Often planned by teenagers and shared widely online, these events can lead to overcrowding, strained security, and in some cases, early closures. Now, with peak season underway, concerns are surfacing around one Florida park in particular. This
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