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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Aug- 2026 -25 August
Universal Unleashes Massive ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ Comeback for Dark Universe
Universal Orlando fans have another mystery to follow at Epic Universe, and this one reaches back years into the resort's past. Attention has already begun to turn toward an area beyond the current boundaries of the Dark Universe. With activity happening around the site, questions continue to grow about what Universal could eventually add to its monster-filled world. Now, an unexpected discovery h
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25 August
Universal Announces Hogwarts Castle Takeover, Effective in 11 Days
Hogwarts Castle is about to fall into the hands of some of the darkest characters in the Wizarding World. Universal Orlando Resort has officially announced the return of Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle, bringing Lord Voldemort, Dementors, Death Eaters, and dark magic back to Universal Islands of Adventure. The nighttime experience begins September 5, meaning guests are now just 11 days away from seei
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24 August
Confirmed: Universal Orlando Slashes Theme Park Hours, Will Close as Early as 6:00 P.M.
Imagine spending the afternoon at Universal Studios Florida, watching the clock approach 5:00 p.m., and realizing your theme park day is about to get significantly more complicated. That's the reality during Halloween Horror Nights season. Universal Studios Florida routinely closes at 5:00 p.m. on Halloween Horror Nights dates so the park can prepare for its separately ticketed nighttime event. Re
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24 August
Universal Studios Florida’s Archways Disappear Behind Scrim
Something is happening at the front of Universal Studios Florida, and guests can't exactly miss it. Large sections of the park's famous entrance archways have disappeared behind scrim, temporarily changing one of Universal Orlando's most recognizable views. Universal hasn't revealed exactly what crews are preparing behind the coverings. But there's one major reason the timing makes sense: Hallowee
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23 August
Universal Orlando Restricts New Halloween Horror Nights Experience to Select Guests
There's going to be a lot competing for guests' attention when Halloween Horror Nights 35 takes over Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Orlando just added another experience to the list. This one comes with a restriction. Universal Orlando Annual and Seasonal Passholders will have access to The Keyholder Bar, an exclusive location operating during Halloween Horror Nights event nights. Unlike
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23 August
Authorities Find “No Criminal Wrongdoing” in 55 Animal Deaths at Planned Orlando Attraction
Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world, drawing millions to the magical experiences of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. Beyond the major parks, the International Drive corridor is constantly expanding with unique interactive entertainment. One highly anticipated project was Sloth World, an interactive facility where guests could meet and hold sloths. Credit: Trey
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22 August
Popeye’s Final Splash? ‘SpongeBob’ and ‘Scooby-Doo’ Could Reshape Universal Orlando
Walk through Islands of Adventure today, and one section still looks back to a much earlier generation of cartoons. That's part of Toon Lagoon's charm. It's also what makes the land such an interesting candidate for a future overhaul. Universal Orlando Resort hasn't announced plans to close Toon Lagoon, and there is no confirmed project to replace Popeye, Dudley Do-Right, or the other characters f
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22 August
‘Harry Potter’ Star Publicly Calls Out JK Rowling: “Embarrassing”
The divide surrounding the Harry Potter franchise is showing no signs of disappearing. JK Rowling has spent years at the center of an increasingly public dispute over her views on sex and gender identity. The author has repeatedly denied accusations that she is transphobic, while continuing to make outspoken statements on social media. Her position has also created distance between Rowling and sev
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22 August
Universal Reveals New HHN 35 Process Just One Week Before Event Start
Universal Orlando Resort has put its 2026 Halloween Horror Nights Stay & Scream process into sharper focus with a new explainer video ahead of HHN 35 at Universal Studios Florida. The biggest change is already reshaping how guests plan the event: eligible visitors can begin entering three haunted houses at 2 p.m., four and a half hours before Halloween Horror Nights officially starts at 6:30 p.m.
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21 August
Dollywood Makes Historic Change After 35 Years
One of Dollywood’s longest-running traditions has quietly reached its final chapter. The Tennessee theme park has changed significantly since Dolly Parton became involved in 1986. Modern roller coasters and multimillion-dollar expansions now sit alongside attractions, entertainment, and experiences designed to reflect the culture and natural environment of the Great Smoky Mountains. That evolution
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