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 -
    10 June
    A portal entrance at Universal Epic Universe

    Epic Universe Expanding Already, 2026 Opening for New Location Confirmed

    Even with its grand debut just behind it, Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort isn’t slowing down. Since opening to the public on May 22, 2025, the new theme park has drawn crowds to its five expansive lands: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, and How to Train Your Dragon—Isle of Berk. Now, all eyes are on what’s next.

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  • 9 June
    Jaws at the entrance to the ride at Universal Studios Japan

    What Jaws: The Ride at Universal Studios Great Britain Could Look Like

    Steven Spielberg's iconic shark thriller Jaws (1975) is celebrating its 50th anniversary—that's half a century of terrifying cinemagoers and beachgoers alike. Not only did Jaws pave the way for the modern blockbuster as we know it (“it was the first”), but it also made others with state-of-the-art animatronic creatures like the ground-breaking Jurassic Park (1993)—also directed by Spie

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  • 8 June
    Jared Leto in Tron: Ares

    Hollywood’s Dark Secret: Nine Women Speak Out Against Disney Star

    Jared Leto, a figure known for both his intense method acting and his music career as the frontman of Thirty Seconds to Mars, has been a fixture in Hollywood for decades. His roles in iconic films such as Suicide Squad (2016), Dallas Buyers Club (2013), and Requiem for a Dream (2000) have cemented his status as a versatile actor. Leto’s most recent involvement with Disney includes portraying the H

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  • 7 June
    Guests walking through a portal at Epic Universe

    Epic Universe Is Gearing up for More Expansions, New IPs and More Rides

    Imagine the excitement of millions streaming into a brand-new theme park, worlds away from anything before—only to learn the story doesn’t end there. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe welcomed its first guests on May 22, 2025, turning heads across the entertainment world. But the shocker? The company isn’t waiting years to build on this success. In fact, just two weeks after opening, Universal is

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  • 7 June
    Dolly Parton in front of the Dollywood sign

    Dolly Parton “Blessed” as Dollywood Officially Takes Down Disney

    It's official: Dolly Parton's Dollywood is better than both Disney World and Disneyland. Founded in 1986, Dollywood has spent decades entertaining guests in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Co-founded by country music icon Dolly Parton – who partnered with Herschend Family Entertainment to transform a regional attraction into one of America’s most beloved them

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  • 7 June
    Jaws leaps out of the water on the Universal Studios Japan ride

    Beloved Jaws Ride Could Resurface at Universal Studios Great Britain

    Jaws could be heading to Universal Studios in the UK, ready for its grand opening in 2031. Universal Studios Great Britain is still years away from opening, but anticipation is building fast. Set to be Universal’s flagship park in Europe, it’s already prompted plenty of speculation about what properties might be featured. Among the usual suspects are Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic World, but

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  • 7 June
    Sign reading "Epic Universe" at the entrance of Universal's Epic Universe theme park. Epic Universe annual passes

    Just Opened—and Already Gone? Universal Makes a Quiet Move That Has Fans Talking

    It’s the kind of change you might walk past without even realizing something’s missing—until the space that once sparked excitement feels oddly quiet at Universal. Guests visiting Universal CityWalk in Hollywood this week noticed a puzzling absence. The Epic Universe preview center—once a vibrant hub showcasing Universal Orlando’s biggest upcoming project—has closed its doors. No warning. No forma

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  • 6 June
    Jurassic Park: The Ride at Universal Studios Japan

    Finally: Jurassic Park Ride Getting a Spine-Tingling Halloween Makeover

    The thrills of Universal’s Jurassic Park – The Ride are about to take on a whole new level of terror this Halloween season. For the first time ever, the beloved ride will be transformed into a spine-chilling experience that turns the dinosaurs' thrilling escapes into something far more menacing. What was once an adventure through Jurassic Park is now a terrifying descent into darkness, chaos, and

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  • 5 June
    guests scream and run from scare actor in Universal's HHN haunted house

    Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights Just Unleashed a Frightening Update—But Something Feels Off This Year

    Imagine this—you log onto Universal Orlando’s website first thing in the morning, excited to score Halloween Horror Nights tickets. Instead of a smooth purchase, you're met with a 15-minute virtual wait… and you're not alone. This wasn’t a major IP reveal or a dramatic press event. There was no livestream. No countdown. Just a quiet ticket drop for Halloween Horror Nights 34, and suddenly thousand

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  • 5 June
    Aerial view of Carowinds.

    Shutting Down: Carowinds Closing Its Doors on June 5, 2025

    Carowinds theme park has confirmed that it will close its doors on June 5, 2025, in preparation for inclement weather. The notice was posted on Thursday, June 5, 2025, giving guests only hours to adjust their plans. The closure comes ahead of forecasted heavy rainfall and a flood advisory in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Carowinds, a popular theme park that straddles the state line between N

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