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 -
    12 April
    Universal Orlando Resort guests driving into the parking garage for a day in the theme parks, where the Hogwarts Express is located.

    After Years of Silence, a Universal Monster Awakens — But Not Without Warning

    For over two years, one of Universal Orlando’s most cinematic attractions sat quietly behind closed gates—literally. While the screams of Jurassic Park River Adventure echoed nearby and Hagrid’s motorbike roared through the Forbidden Forest, Skull Island: Reign of Kong had fallen eerily silent in one crucial aspect. Gone was the signature moment when guests burst through colossal temple doors into

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  • 11 April
    Christopher Lloyd and Michael J Fox in Back to the Future Part III

    Universal Teases Major ‘Back to the Future’ Project — Fans Are Losing It!

    In the world of theme parks, some announcements are big enough to make waves across the globe. Universal Studios, a company that has thrilled audiences for decades with its immersive experiences, has done it again with a new project that's setting the fandom ablaze. Fans who have longed for a revival of their favorite franchise, Back to the Future, are now on the edge of their seats after hearing

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  • 10 April
    The 'Lord of Rings' logo overhead in the front ground of a Universal concept artwork for a new theme park coming to the United Kingdom in 2031.

    Major Source Confirms Universal Studios’s New Park Will Feature Bond, LOTR, and Back to the Future

    A quiet town just a couple hours from London was thrust into the spotlight this week—but not because of politics, weather, or a royal sighting. No, it was because of a sudden announcement that has theme park fans and entertainment junkies buzzing from Bedford to Burbank. The reveal came fast, and the internet reacted even faster. In a digital age where leaks and speculation can ruin a surprise bef

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  • 10 April
    Aerial view of an illuminated theme park at night, showcasing various attractions such as a Ferris wheel, water rides, and whimsical buildings. The park is surrounded by a dense forest, enhancing its vibrant and colorful appearance at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort.

    Universal Just Reopened Dining at Its Brand-New Hotel

    As anticipation continues to build for the launch of Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, two of the resort’s most highly anticipated dining locations have officially reopened their reservation systems. Flora Taverna and Bar Helios, both located within the sleek and modern Helios Grand Hotel, are now accepting dining reservations ahead of the hotel’s early preview period in April 2025. These rest

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  • 10 April
    Guests scared by a monster at Halloween Horror Nights

    New Update Hints Universal Is Taking Aim at Disney’s Weak Spot in Europe

    Universal’s recent announcement of its first theme park in Europe marked a major shift in the global theme park landscape. But fans parsing through the fine print may have uncovered an even more intriguing development. A recently registered trademark in the UK points to the company’s possible expansion of one of its most successful annual events—Halloween Horror Nights. The trademark, which was fi

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  • 10 April
    High in the Sky trolley at Islands of Adventure at Universal.

    Cracks Appear in Beloved Universal Orlando Resort Land Despite Recent Updates

    Seuss Landing, one of the original areas at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, is beginning to show its age. Despite recent maintenance and refurbishments, several visible issues remain—raising questions about the future of the land as Universal continues to invest heavily in newer projects. The land, which opened in 1999, is based on the colorful world of Dr. Seuss and features attractions

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  • 9 April
    Entrance of Epic Universe

    This Surprising Ride Hack at Epic Universe Might Not Be Worth It

    Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, is opening to the public on May 22, 2025. This highly anticipated expansion brings five immersive lands to life and is expected to draw major crowds from day one. For guests who want to navigate the park efficiently, understanding how Single Rider lines work is essential. Epic Universe will offer Single Rider access on several major a

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  • 9 April
    Hogwarts Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando at Islands of Adventure

    No Hogwarts: Fans React to Universal’s UK Theme Park Plans

    After years of rumors and months of speculation, Universal has finally confirmed that it will open its first theme park in the United Kingdom. The announcement came on the heels of official government approval and was accompanied by a broad, stylized piece of concept art. But as fans squinted through the image in search of familiar attractions, a different sort of speculation began—this time about

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

    Unwarranted Frenzy Leaves Universal Orlando Guests No One To Blame But Themselves

    Let’s talk about what went down Tuesday—because honestly, it was kind of a mess. Not because Universal dropped something bad, but because everyone (and I mean everyone) reacted like it was the end of the world. Just a little before noon, Universal Orlando quietly made a major announcement: preview tickets for Epic Universe were now live for Passholders. That’s right—fans could finally snag a chanc

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

    Epic Universe Launch in 44 Days Could Trigger the Biggest Theme Park Shift in Decades

    When was the last time a brand-new major theme park opened in the United States? Not a land, not a re-theme—but an entirely new park? It’s been over 25 years, and that quiet stretch is about to explode with a roar loud enough to echo down Main Street, U.S.A. Come May 22, 2025, the doors to Universal’s Epic Universe will swing open in Orlando—and if the numbers are any indication, it's not just a t

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