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.

  • Jun- 2025 -
    20 June
    Universal Orlando Resort guests in front of the globe near Universal Islands of Adventure, where Jurassic Park lives on.

    Universal Resurrects Defunct Day-One Experience After 26 Years in the Vault

    There’s a buzz in the air at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure—but it’s not coming from a ride launch or character parade. Instead, it's coming from something far subtler… something hidden just behind a set of themed construction walls. Right now, tucked away between The Lost Continent and the whimsical heart of Seuss Landing, a long-dormant storefront has been sealed off from

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  • 19 June
    An orca leaps out of a large pool, splashing water, during a performance at SeaWorld. A large audience watches from stadium-style seating, eagerly observing the show.

    Report: Death of Young Orca at SeaWorld Reopens Long-Running Debate

    SeaWorld is once again under the spotlight. The marine park brand—once synonymous with awe-inspiring orca performances—now finds itself walking a fragile line between tradition and controversy. While roller coasters have begun to eclipse tanks in marketing materials, the orcas remain, quiet and ever-watched. With parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, SeaWorld has leaned on its orcas for de

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  • 19 June
    A vibrant building with colorful square panels and round windows, featuring the word "UNIVERSAL" on top. People gather at the entrance, and birds fly in the blue sky above. Trees surround the lively scene.

    Universal Picks Texas for Major New Theme Park

    The grins of animated legends like Shrek and SpongeBob will soon tower over the Frisco skyline from Universal Kids Resort—but not everyone is smiling. This week, Frisco’s City Council signed off on an eye-catching set of murals that will transform the upcoming Universal Kids Resort hotel into a towering canvas of color and characters. But behind the playful images of beloved animated stars lies a

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

    Only Universal Passholders Can Access This Secret ‘Jaws’ Experience

    For fans of Spielberg’s classic thriller Jaws (1975), June 20 isn’t just another summer day—it’s the birthday of a movie that changed cinema forever. And now, 50 years later, Universal Orlando is honoring that milestone with a mysterious Annual Passholder experience that has fans on edge—in a good way. On Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Universal Annual Passholders can head over to the UOAP Lounge

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  • 18 June
    Grand Helios at Universal Orlando Epic Universe

    Universal Fans Stumble Into Hidden Park Perk—But the Company Isn’t Talking

    Imagine leaving a brand-new Universal theme park at closing time, only to find out others got to stay behind in its most beautiful area—without paying extra or signing up for a VIP event. That’s exactly what’s happening at Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s long-anticipated fourth gate. And it’s creating a mix of delight and frustration among theme park fans, with Universal offering no official ex

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  • 18 June
    The Universal Orlando Resort globe spinning around. closure Universal Studios Florida

    Could This Be the End of Chaos at Halloween Horror Nights?

    Early morning guests at Universal Studios Florida may have noticed something curious forming along the water’s edge. Under the hush of construction tarps and steel, a skeleton of metal trusses is taking shape—right at the newly-refreshed lagoon. While casual parkgoers might chalk it up to another maintenance project, Halloween Horror Nights superfans are buzzing with speculation. This isn’t just a

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  • 17 June
    A large amusement park roller coaster with multiple loops and twists set against a clear blue sky. Lush green trees surround the coaster, and a colorful entrance is visible at the bottom of the image.

    76 Mph Impact on Roller Coaster Raises Urgent Questions About Ride Safety Culture

    One moment, the roller coaster thundered forward with heart-pounding intensity. The next—gasps, chaos, and an alarming strike to the face. A new video has surfaced from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, captured on June 16, showing what may be one of the most disturbing rider-recorded moments in recent memory. As Iron Gwazi launches through its course, a guest in the back row, equipped with a GoPro-style c

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  • 17 June
    the arched entrance to Universal Orlando's Epic Universe theme park

    Controversial Rule Now in Effect for ALL Guests at Epic Universe

    Epic Universe is finally open to the public, and Universal Orlando fans are pouring into the brand-new theme park to experience its cutting-edge rides and beautifully themed lands. With areas dedicated to Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, the Dark Universe, and more, it’s everything fans hoped for—and then some. But amidst all the excitement, there’s one oddly specific change that’s catching

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  • 17 June
    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.

    Is Marvel’s Time Running Out at Universal Orlando Resort?

    With a massive new Universal Orlando Resort theme park built and open, and Disney tightening its grip on the Marvel universe, Universal may be preparing to say goodbye to one of its most iconic lands. On a typical day, the rumble of The Incredible Hulk Coaster and the booming countdown of Dr. Doom’s Fearfall echo across Marvel Super Hero Island in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. But now, somethi

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  • 17 June
    diagon alley dragon breathing fire, universal studios orlando

    Fan-Favorite ‘Harry Potter’ Ride Will Temporarily Close—Here’s When and Why

    Universal Orlando has announced that Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, one of the resort’s most celebrated attractions, will temporarily close this fall for a scheduled refurbishment. The ride will be unavailable to guests from November 3 through November 16, 2025, at Islands of Adventure. Located inside the towering recreation of Hogwarts Castle, Forbidden Journey debuted in 2010 as the cen

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